King James Version
Numbers 20:3 in the King James Version says “And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!”
Numbers 20:3 · KJV
Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.
And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.
And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!
And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?
And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“chode”
H7378properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
“And the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
“Would God that”
H3863a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!
“when our brethren”
H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
“before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
“the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
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.
Numbers 20:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Numbers 20:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge