King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:42 Mean?

Numbers 14:42 in the King James Version says “Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.”

Numbers 14:42 · KJV

Context

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.

43

For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you.

44

But they presumed to go up unto the hill top: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and Moses, departed not out of the camp.

Read Numbers 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Go not up, for the LORD is not among you—Moses' urgent warning (אַל־תַּעֲלוּ כִּי אֵין יְהוָה בְּקִרְבְּכֶם al-ta'alu ki ein YHWH bekirbekem) identifies the fatal flaw in Israel's plan: divine absence. The phrase is not among you reverses the covenant promise 'I will dwell among them' (Exodus 25:8), showing that presumptuous disobedience forfeits God's presence.

That ye be not smitten before your enemies—The verb smitten (נָגַף nagaph, routed/struck down) describes divinely-permitted military defeat. Throughout Israel's history, victories depended on covenant obedience (Joshua 6-8; Judges 7; 1 Samuel 14), while disobedience guaranteed defeat regardless of military strength (Joshua 7; 1 Samuel 4). Paul warns Christians against presuming on grace: 'Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall' (1 Corinthians 10:12).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses spoke this warning after God decreed wilderness wandering (14:26-35). The people's attempt to reverse judgment through self-initiated action demonstrates fundamental misunderstanding of covenant relationship—God determines blessing and judgment, not human religious activity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What contemporary 'ministry initiatives' proceed without confirming God's presence and blessing?
  2. How can believers discern the difference between God-directed action and self-willed religious activity?
  3. What spiritual defeats in your life might trace back to proceeding without God's clear presence and approval?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אַֽל1 of 10
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּעֲל֔וּ2 of 10

“Go not up”

H5927

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

כִּ֛י3 of 10
H3588

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

אֵ֥ין4 of 10
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

יְהוָ֖ה5 of 10

“for the LORD”

H3068

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

בְּקִרְבְּכֶ֑ם6 of 10

“is not among”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וְלֹא֙7 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִּנָּ֣גְפ֔וּ8 of 10

“you that ye be not smitten”

H5062

to push, gore, defeat, stub (the toe), inflict (a disease)

לִפְנֵ֖י9 of 10

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֹֽיְבֵיכֶֽם׃10 of 10

“your enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

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 14:42 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 14:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 1:42Joshua 7:8Joshua 7:12Psalms 44:1-11

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