King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:43 Mean?

Numbers 14:43 in the King James Version says “For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword: because ye are turned away f... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 14:43 · KJV


Context

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.

45

Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote them, and discomfited them, even unto Hormah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you—Moses identifies specific enemies (עֲמָלֵקִי וְהַכְּנַעֲנִי Amaleqi vehakena'ani) occupying the terrain, emphasizing concrete military realities Israel would face without divine intervention. Amalek symbolized perpetual opposition to God's people (Exodus 17:8-16; Deuteronomy 25:17-19), while Canaanites represented entrenched wickedness Israel was commissioned to judge.

Because ye are turned away from the LORD, therefore the LORD will not be with you—The causal connection (כִּי... עַל־כֵּן ki... al-ken, because... therefore) establishes covenant principle: turning from God (שׁוּב מֵאַחֲרֵי יְהוָה shuv me'acharei YHWH, returning from following the LORD) results in divine withdrawal. God's presence depends on covenant faithfulness, not presumptuous demands. Jesus warned that branches severed from the vine wither and bear no fruit (John 15:4-6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Amalekites had attacked Israel at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16), earning divine judgment. Canaanites controlled the hill country north of Kadesh-barnea. Both groups would have observed Israel's 40-day spy mission and prepared defenses against invasion, making Israel's unsanctioned attack doubly foolish.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does 'turning away from the LORD' manifest in presumptuous religious activity rather than humble obedience?
  2. What 'spiritual enemies' seem insurmountable without God's presence and power in your battles?
  3. How can churches discern when they're 'following the LORD' versus pursuing self-directed agendas?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּי֩1 of 17
H3588

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

הָעֲמָֽלֵקִ֨י2 of 17

For the Amalekites

H6003

an amalekite (or collectively the amalekites) or descendants of amalek

וְהַכְּנַֽעֲנִ֥י3 of 17

and the Canaanites

H3669

a kenaanite or inhabitant of kenaan; by implication, a pedlar (the canaanites standing for their neighbors the ishmaelites, who conducted mercantile c

שָׁם֙4 of 17
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם5 of 17

are there 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

וּנְפַלְתֶּ֖ם6 of 17

you and ye shall fall

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בֶּחָ֑רֶב7 of 17

by the sword

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

כִּֽי8 of 17
H3588

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

עַל9 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֤ן10 of 17
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

שַׁבְתֶּם֙11 of 17

because ye are turned

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מֵאַֽחֲרֵ֣י12 of 17

away

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

יְהוָ֖ה13 of 17

from the LORD

H3068

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

וְלֹֽא14 of 17
H3808

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

יִהְיֶ֥ה15 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

יְהוָ֖ה16 of 17

from the LORD

H3068

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

עִמָּכֶֽם׃17 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then


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 14:43 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 14:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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