King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:40 Mean?

Numbers 14:40 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 14:40 · KJV


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

KJV Study Commentary
After God's judgment, Israel presumed: 'we will go up unto the place which the LORD hath promised: for we have sinned.' This sounds repentant but was actually presumption - trying to obey yesterday's command after God withdrew it. Moses warned them (v.41-42), but they went anyway and suffered defeat (v.44-45). The Hebrew timing is crucial - they rose 'early in the morning' suggesting hasty, self-directed action without seeking God's current will. This teaches that obedience requires timing as well as action. Repentance isn't doing what we should have done earlier, but submitting to God's present word. The incident warns against presumptuous zeal replacing humble submission.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This attempted invasion came immediately after God pronounced judgment - the unbelieving generation would die in wilderness over forty years. Their presumptuous attack violated both God's explicit prohibition and Moses' warning. Without the ark (v.44) or God's presence, they faced Amalekites and Canaanites who 'smote them, even unto Hormah.' The defeat demonstrated that human effort without divine blessing ensures failure. The name 'Hormah' (destruction) memorialized this disaster. The incident illustrates that we cannot manipulate God through belated obedience - He requires present submission, not attempts to correct past disobedience through self-willed action.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you trying to obey God's past directions when He's given new guidance for your current situation?
  2. How do you discern between faithful persistence and presumptuous self-will when facing closed doors after past disobedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיַּשְׁכִּ֣מוּ1 of 16

And they rose up early

H7925

literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e., to start early in the morning

בַבֹּ֔קֶר2 of 16

in the morning

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְעָלִ֛ינוּ3 of 16

and gat them up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶל4 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רֹאשׁ5 of 16

into the top

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָהָ֖ר6 of 16

of the mountain

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

אָמַ֥ר7 of 16

hath promised

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֶּ֗נּוּ8 of 16
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

וְעָלִ֛ינוּ9 of 16

and gat them up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶל10 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֛וֹם11 of 16

unto the place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁר12 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אָמַ֥ר13 of 16

hath promised

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֖ה14 of 16

which the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּ֥י15 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָטָֽאנוּ׃16 of 16

for we have sinned

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn


Study Guide

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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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