King James Version
Numbers 21:6 in the King James Version says “And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.”
Numbers 21:6 · KJV
And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. discouraged: or, grieved: Heb. shortened
And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.
And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
“among the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“fiery”
H8314burning, i.e., (figuratively) poisonous (serpent); specifically, a saraph or symbolical creature (from their copper color)
“and they bit”
H5391to strike with a sting (as a serpent); figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“among the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
“among the people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
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 21:6 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 21:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge