King James Version

What Does Numbers 21:18 Mean?

Numbers 21:18 in the King James Version says “The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. An...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah:”

Numbers 21:18 · KJV

Context

16

And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.

17

Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it: Spring: Heb. Ascend sing: or, answer

18

The princes digged the well, the nobles of the people digged it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah:

19

And from Mattanah to Nahaliel: and from Nahaliel to Bamoth:

20

And from Bamoth in the valley, that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looketh toward Jeshimon. country: Heb. field Pisgah: or, the hill Jeshimon: or, the wilderness

Read Numbers 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The song celebrating the well 'which the princes digged, which the nobles of the people digged, with the scepter, and with their staves' shows joyful cooperation in obtaining God's provision. The imagery of leaders digging with their official staffs (normally not used for manual labor) suggests that even those in authority humble themselves for the community's benefit. The well represents God's provision through human instrumentality—God provides water, but people must dig to access it. This balances divine sovereignty with human responsibility.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This incident at Beer ('well') provides positive contrast to earlier water complaints. The well's location 'in the wilderness' where no natural water existed emphasizes God's miraculous provision. The 'scepter' and 'staves' were symbols of authority, making their use for digging significant—leaders served rather than merely commanded. This prefigures Christ who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God combine sovereign provision with calling His people to active participation in obtaining His blessings?
  2. What does leaders using their authority symbols for servant-work teach about Christian leadership?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
בְּאֵ֞ר1 of 10

“the well”

H875

a pit; especially a well

חֲפָר֣וּהָ2 of 10

“digged”

H2658

properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore

שָׂרִ֗ים3 of 10

“The princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

כָּר֙וּהָ֙4 of 10

“digged”

H3738

properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open

נְדִיבֵ֣י5 of 10

“the nobles”

H5081

properly, voluntary, i.e., generous; hence, magnanimous; as noun, a grandee (sometimes a tyrant)

הָעָ֔ם6 of 10

“of the people”

H5971

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

בִּמְחֹקֵ֖ק7 of 10

“it by the direction of the lawgiver”

H2710

properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive

בְּמִשְׁעֲנֹתָ֑ם8 of 10

“with their staves”

H4938

support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick

וּמִמִּדְבָּ֖ר9 of 10

“And from the wilderness”

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

מַתָּנָֽה׃10 of 10

“they went to Mattanah”

H4980

mattanah, a place 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 21:18 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 21:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 33:222 Chronicles 17:7-9Deuteronomy 33:4John 1:171 Timothy 6:17-18Deuteronomy 5:31

Places in This Verse

MattanahSettlement · Modern: Khirbet el Medeiyineh · 31.59°N, 35.91°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in Numbers 21 →

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 21 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes