King James Version

What Does Numbers 27:14 Mean?

Numbers 27:14 in the King James Version says “For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the wa... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

Numbers 27:14 · KJV


Context

12

And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.

13

And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.

14

For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

15

And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying,

16

Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God reminded Moses why he couldn't enter: 'ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin... to sanctify me at the water before their eyes.' Moses' striking the rock (20:7-12) instead of speaking to it failed to honor God properly before Israel. Leaders' public failures matter more because they teach wrong lessons about God. Representation of God's character is weighty responsibility.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This explanation appears multiple times (20:12, Deuteronomy 3:23-27, 32:51, Psalm 106:32-33), demonstrating its importance as lesson for all leaders. Moses' moment of anger cost him personal fulfillment of lifelong mission. One failure, even by a great saint, can have lasting consequences.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your conduct as a Christian affect others' understanding of God's character?
  2. What responsibility do spiritual leaders bear for accurately representing God in word and deed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֩1 of 16
H834

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

מְרִיתֶ֨ם2 of 16

For ye rebelled

H4784

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

פִּ֜י3 of 16

against my commandment

H6310

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

מִדְבַּר4 of 16

in the desert

H4057

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

צִֽן׃5 of 16

of Zin

H6790

tsin, a part of the desert

בִּמְרִיבַת֙6 of 16

in the strife

H4808

quarrel

הָֽעֵדָ֔ה7 of 16

of the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

לְהַקְדִּישֵׁ֥נִי8 of 16

to sanctify

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

מֵֽי9 of 16

me at the water

H4325

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

לְעֵֽינֵיהֶ֑ם10 of 16

before their eyes

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הֵ֛ם11 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מֵֽי12 of 16

me at the water

H4325

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

מְרִיבַ֥ת13 of 16

of Meribah

H4809

meribah, the name of two places in the desert

קָדֵ֖שׁ14 of 16

in Kadesh

H6946

kadesh, a place in the desert

מִדְבַּר15 of 16

in the desert

H4057

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

צִֽן׃16 of 16

of Zin

H6790

tsin, a part of 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 27:14 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 27:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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