King James Version

What Does Numbers 20:11 Mean?

Numbers 20:11 in the King James Version says “And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congr... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

Numbers 20:11 · KJV


Context

9

And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.

10

And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

11

And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

12

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.

13

This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them. Meribah: that is, Strife


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses 'smote the rock twice' with his rod, and 'water came out abundantly.' God graciously provided despite Moses' disobedience—He struck instead of speaking as commanded (v.8). The double striking suggests either frustrated emphasis or lack of faith in God's method. Yet abundance of water demonstrated God's mercy to undeserving people through imperfect leaders.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul identifies this rock as Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4), making Moses' striking a typological picture of Christ's suffering. The second striking violated God's instruction but powerfully illustrates Christ being 'once offered' (Hebrews 9:28)—additional striking unnecessary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God show grace by accomplishing His purposes despite our disobedience?
  2. What does the rock struck twice teach about Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיָּ֨רֶם1 of 15

lifted up

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

מֹשֶׁ֜ה2 of 15

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 15
H853

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

יָד֗וֹ4 of 15

his hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיַּ֧ךְ5 of 15

he smote

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת6 of 15
H853

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

הַסֶּ֛לַע7 of 15

the rock

H5553

a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)

בְּמַטֵּ֖הוּ8 of 15

and with his rod

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

פַּֽעֲמָ֑יִם9 of 15

twice

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

וַיֵּֽצְאוּ֙10 of 15

came out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מַ֣יִם11 of 15

and the water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

רַבִּ֔ים12 of 15

abundantly

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וַתֵּ֥שְׁתְּ13 of 15

drank

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

הָֽעֵדָ֖ה14 of 15

and the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

וּבְעִירָֽם׃15 of 15

and their beasts

H1165

cattle


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 20:11 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 20:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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