King James Version

What Does Numbers 20:14 Mean?

Numbers 20:14 in the King James Version says “And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us: befallen: Heb. found us

Numbers 20:14 · KJV


Context

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

14

And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us: befallen: Heb. found us

15

How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers:

16

And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses sent messengers to Edom's king calling Israel 'thy brother'—referencing Esau's descent from Esau, Jacob's twin. This appeal to kinship sought peaceful passage, demonstrating that God's people should pursue peace with neighbors when possible. Yet Edom's refusal (verse 18) shows that familial connection doesn't guarantee cooperation, especially when old animosities persist.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The enmity between Israel and Edom originated with Jacob and Esau's conflict (Genesis 25-27), persisting for generations. This request for passage mirrored the later command not to abhor Edomites (Deuteronomy 23:7). God expected His people to overcome ancient grudges and extend peace even where it might be rejected.

Reflection Questions

  1. What family or historical conflicts need you to take initiative in pursuing peace?
  2. How do you respond when peaceful overtures are rejected by those who should welcome them?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח1 of 18

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מֹשֶׁ֧ה2 of 18

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

מַלְאָכִ֛ים3 of 18

messengers

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

מִקָּדֵ֖שׁ4 of 18

from Kadesh

H6946

kadesh, a place in the desert

אֶל5 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֶ֣לֶךְ6 of 18

unto the king

H4428

a king

אֱד֑וֹם7 of 18

of Edom

H123

edom, the elder twin-brother of jacob; hence the region (idumaea) occupied by him

כֹּ֤ה8 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙9 of 18

Thus saith

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָחִ֣יךָ10 of 18

thy brother

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל11 of 18

Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אַתָּ֣ה12 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יָדַ֔עְתָּ13 of 18

Thou knowest

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֵ֥ת14 of 18
H853

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

כָּל15 of 18
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַתְּלָאָ֖ה16 of 18

all the travail

H8513

distress

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

מְצָאָֽתְנוּ׃18 of 18

that hath befallen

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present


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 20:14 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 20:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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