King James Version
What Does Numbers 14:39 Mean?
“And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly.”
Context
37
Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.
38
But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.
39
And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly.
40
And they rose up early in the morning, and gat them up into the top of the mountain, saying, Lo, we be here, and will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned.
41
And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(39) **And the people mourned greatly.—**It appears from what follows that the sorrow which the Israelites felt was sorrow for the punishment which their sin had entailed, not godly sorrow for the sin itself.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Numbers 14:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Numbers 14:39
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge