King James Version

What Does Numbers 14:9 Mean?

Numbers 14:9 in the King James Version says “Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not. defence: Heb. shadow”

Numbers 14:9 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

7

And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.

8

If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.

9

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not. defence: Heb. shadow

10

But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

11

And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?

Read Numbers 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.' Joshua and Caleb urge Israel not to rebel against God's command to enter Canaan. The phrase 'rebel not ye against the LORD' identifies refusing God's command as rebellion. Their military assessment 'they are bread for us' uses a metaphor suggesting the Canaanites will be easily consumed. The statement 'their defence is departed from them' indicates God had removed His protection from Canaan's inhabitants—their time of judgment had come (Genesis 15:16). The assurance 'the LORD is with us' makes victory certain regardless of enemy strength. This demonstrates that faith considers God's presence more significant than circumstances. The contrast between 'fear ye the people' and 'the LORD is with us' shows faith and fear are incompatible. Caleb and Joshua's minority report illustrates that truth and faith don't depend on majority opinion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This plea came after the ten spies' fearful report about Canaanite giants and fortified cities (Numbers 13:28-29, 32-33). Joshua and Caleb gave the minority faithful report. The phrase 'their defence is departed from them' (literally 'their shadow,' tsel, צֵל) suggests protective covering or military strength. God had indeed determined Canaan's judgment—'the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full' (Genesis 15:16) referred to waiting until their sin warranted destruction. Archaeological evidence confirms Canaan's Late Bronze Age cities were fortified, making the spies' report factually accurate but faithlessly fearful. The people's response was to threaten stoning Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:10), showing how unpopular faith can be. God's judgment meant the entire unbelieving generation died in the wilderness except Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:29-30). Their faith was vindicated forty years later when they entered Canaan. Hebrews 3:18-19 uses this incident to warn against unbelief.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joshua and Caleb's confidence in God's presence despite obvious obstacles illustrate genuine faith?
  2. What does the people's desire to stone the faithful minority teach about the cost of standing for truth?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
אַ֣ךְ1 of 20
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

וַֽיהוָ֥ה2 of 20

“from them and the LORD”

H3068

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

אַל3 of 20
H408

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

תִּמְרֹדוּ֒4 of 20

“Only rebel”

H4775

to rebel

וְאַתֶּ֗ם5 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אַל6 of 20
H408

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

תִּֽירָאֻֽם׃7 of 20

“is with us fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אֶת8 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַ֣ם9 of 20

“ye the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָ֔רֶץ10 of 20

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

כִּ֥י11 of 20
H3588

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

לַחְמֵ֖נוּ12 of 20

“for they are bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

הֵ֑ם13 of 20
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

סָ֣ר14 of 20

“is departed”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

צִלָּ֧ם15 of 20

“for us their defence”

H6738

shade, whether literal or figurative

מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֛ם16 of 20
H5921

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

וַֽיהוָ֥ה17 of 20

“from them and the LORD”

H3068

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

אִתָּ֖נוּ18 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אַל19 of 20
H408

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

תִּֽירָאֻֽם׃20 of 20

“is with us fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

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 14:9 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 14:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 7:18Romans 8:31Deuteronomy 31:6Psalms 74:142 Chronicles 20:172 Chronicles 32:8

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