King James Version
What Does Numbers 14:40 Mean?
“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.”
Context
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.
42
Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(40) **Into the top of the mountain.—**Or, *towards the top of the mountain. *This appears to have been the same route as that by which the spies had gone into the south country of Judæa. (See Numbers 13:17.) It seems to be implied in w. 44, 45 that the people did not actually ascend the top of the adjoining mountain.
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 14:40 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 14:40
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge