King James Version

What Does Numbers 20:17 Mean?

Numbers 20:17 in the King James Version says “Let us pass, I pray thee, through thy country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither wi... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 20:17 · KJV


Context

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.

19

And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses promised, 'we will go by the king's high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left.' This specific, limited request minimized inconvenience to Edom while meeting Israel's need. Reasonable, modest requests demonstrate respect for others' concerns. Yet even such careful restraint doesn't guarantee acceptance when hearts are unwilling.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'king's highway' was a major trade route running north-south through Transjordan, later mentioned in connection with Israel's conflicts with Sihon (21:22). This well-maintained road served international commerce; Israel's use would have been temporary and minimally disruptive.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance asserting legitimate needs with respect for others' concerns?
  2. When have reasonable requests been rejected despite your careful restraint?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
נַעֲבֹ֖ר1 of 22

Let us pass

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

נָּ֣א2 of 22
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

בְאַרְצֶ֗ךָ3 of 22

I pray thee through thy country

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

לֹ֤א4 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נַעֲבֹ֖ר5 of 22

Let us pass

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

בְּשָׂדֶ֣ה6 of 22

through the fields

H7704

a field (as flat)

וּבְכֶ֔רֶם7 of 22

or through the vineyards

H3754

a garden or vineyard

וְלֹ֥א8 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִשְׁתֶּ֖ה9 of 22

neither will we drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

מֵ֣י10 of 22

of the water

H4325

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

בְאֵ֑ר11 of 22

of the wells

H875

a pit; especially a well

דֶּ֧רֶךְ12 of 22

high way

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ13 of 22

by the king's

H4428

a king

נֵלֵ֗ךְ14 of 22
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לֹ֤א15 of 22
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִטֶּה֙16 of 22

we will not turn

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

יָמִ֣ין17 of 22

to the right hand

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וּשְׂמֹ֔אול18 of 22

nor to the left

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

עַ֥ד19 of 22
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲשֶֽׁר20 of 22
H834

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

נַעֲבֹ֖ר21 of 22

Let us pass

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

גְּבֻלֶֽךָ׃22 of 22

thy borders

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 20:17 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 20:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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