King James Version

What Does Numbers 20:16 Mean?

Numbers 20:16 in the King James Version says “And when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt: and, beh...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 20:16 · KJV

Context

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:

17

Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed thy borders.

18

And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.

Read Numbers 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses described God's deliverance: 'when we cried unto the LORD, he heard our voice, and sent an angel, and hath brought us forth out of Egypt.' This testimony to God's intervention explained Israel's journey and implied divine authority for their request. Acknowledging God's past faithfulness in our requests demonstrates that we seek His continued guidance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'angel' references the Angel of the LORD who led Israel (Exodus 14:19, 23:20-23). This designation emphasized that their journey had divine approval and protection. Moses' appeal suggested that opposing Israel meant opposing the God who delivered and guided them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recounting God's past faithfulness strengthen present petitions?
  2. What past deliverances should inform your current requests?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַנִּצְעַ֤ק1 of 15

“And when we cried”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

אֶל2 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָה֙3 of 15

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע4 of 15

“he heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

קֹלֵ֔נוּ5 of 15

“our voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח6 of 15

“and sent”

H7971

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

מַלְאָ֔ךְ7 of 15

“an angel”

H4397

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

וַיֹּֽצִאֵ֖נוּ8 of 15

“and hath brought us forth”

H3318

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

מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם9 of 15

“out of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

וְהִנֵּה֙10 of 15
H2009

lo!

אֲנַ֣חְנוּ11 of 15
H587

we

בְקָדֵ֔שׁ12 of 15

“and behold we are in Kadesh”

H6946

kadesh, a place in the desert

עִ֖יר13 of 15

“a city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

קְצֵ֥ה14 of 15

“in the uttermost”

H7097

an extremity

גְבוּלֶֽךָ׃15 of 15

“of thy border”

H1366

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

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 20:16 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 20:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 14:19Exodus 23:20Exodus 33:2Exodus 3:2-9Exodus 2:23-24Exodus 14:10

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
Kadesh-barneaSettlement · Modern: Ain el Qudeirat · 30.65°N, 34.42°E24 verses across 5 books
View all places in Numbers 20 →

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