King James Version
What Does Numbers 17:13 Mean?
“Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?”
Numbers 17:13 · KJV
Context
11
And Moses did so: as the LORD commanded him, so did he.
12
And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.
13
Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWhosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?—The rhetorical question (הַאִם תַּמְנוּ לִגְווֹעַ ha'im tamnu ligvo'a, 'shall we cease from dying?') expresses resignation to inevitable death. The phrase cometh any thing near (הַקָּרֵב הַקָּרֵב haqarev haqarev, double verb form) emphasizes any approach whatsoever to God's dwelling resulted in death for unauthorized persons.
This verse sets up God's answer in chapter 18—establishing priestly duties, tithes, and offerings to maintain sanctified access to divine presence. Israel's question 'shall we be consumed with dying?' receives God's response: 'No, but you must honor the priestly system I've established.' The New Testament fulfills this by Christ's once-for-all sacrifice opening the way into the Holy of Holies (Hebrews 9:11-12).
This verse sets up God's answer in chapter 18—establishing priestly duties, tithes, and offerings to maintain sanctified access to divine presence. Israel's question 'shall we be consumed with dying?' receives God's response: 'No, but you must honor the priestly system I've established.' The New Testament fulfills this by Christ's once-for-all sacrifice opening the way into the Holy of Holies (Hebrews 9:11-12).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Chapter 18 directly responds to this verse's terrified question by delineating priestly and Levitical responsibilities that would protect the congregation from divine wrath. God's solution to Israel's fear was not abolishing holiness requirements but establishing proper mediatorial systems.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse's terror of approaching God illuminate the magnitude of Christ's achievement in opening access to the throne?
- What does Israel's question 'shall we be consumed?' teach about the incompatibility of human sin and divine holiness?
- How should churches balance reverence for God's holiness with celebration of Christ-purchased access to His presence?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsכֹּ֣ל1 of 10
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִשְׁכַּ֥ן5 of 10
“unto the tabernacle”
H4908a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
יְהוָ֖ה6 of 10
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הַאִ֥ם8 of 10
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תַּ֖מְנוּ9 of 10
“shall we be consumed”
H8552to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive
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 17:13 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 17:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge