King James Version

What Does Numbers 20:24 Mean?

Numbers 20:24 in the King James Version says “Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Is... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah. word: Heb. mouth

Numbers 20:24 · KJV


Context

22

And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.

23

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying,

24

Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah. word: Heb. mouth

25

Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:

26

And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands Moses and Aaron to 'speak ye unto the rock before their eyes,' promising water will flow. This method differed from the earlier rock-striking (Exodus 17:6), requiring simple obedience to God's word rather than dramatic action. Speaking to rock demonstrates faith in God's word alone to accomplish miracles—no additional human action needed beyond obedience.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The change from striking to speaking tests whether Moses would obey God's specific method or rely on previously successful patterns. This highlights the necessity of present obedience over past precedent in following God's instructions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can past success in ministry become hindrance to present obedience if methods change?
  2. What does God requiring only spoken word teach about faith in His power versus human effort?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
יֵֽאָסֵ֤ף1 of 20

shall be gathered

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

אַֽהֲרֹן֙2 of 20

Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַמָּ֔יו4 of 20

unto his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כִּ֣י5 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֤א6 of 20
H3808

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

יָבֹא֙7 of 20

for he shall not enter

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל8 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֔רֶץ9 of 20

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר10 of 20
H834

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

נָתַ֖תִּי11 of 20

which I have given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִבְנֵ֣י12 of 20

unto the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל13 of 20

of Israel

H3478

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

עַ֛ל14 of 20
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲשֶׁר15 of 20
H834

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

מְרִיתֶ֥ם16 of 20

because ye rebelled against

H4784

to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)

אֶת17 of 20
H853

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

פִּ֖י18 of 20

my word

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

לְמֵ֥י19 of 20

at the water

H4325

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

מְרִיבָֽה׃20 of 20

of Meribah

H4809

meribah, the name of two places in the desert


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 20:24 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 20:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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