King James Version

What Does Numbers 27:17 Mean?

Numbers 27:17 in the King James Version says “Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in;... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

Numbers 27:17 · KJV


Context

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,

17

Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

18

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;

19

And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses prays for a leader 'which may go out before them, and which may go in before them... that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.' Despite God denying Moses entry into Canaan, Moses selflessly seeks Israel's future leadership. The shepherd metaphor emphasizes protective care and guidance - a leader who shares the people's experiences ('go out... go in before them'). This concern reflects Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) who leads, feeds, and protects His flock. The phrase 'spirits of all flesh' acknowledges God alone knows hearts and can appoint the right leader. Every true shepherd serves under the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet 5:4).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prayer occurred after God announced Moses wouldn't enter Canaan (v.12-14). Rather than bitterness, Moses demonstrates selfless leadership - concerned for Israel's welfare beyond his own tenure. God appointed Joshua (v.18-23), who had proven faithful as Moses' assistant for forty years. The public commissioning before Eleazar and the congregation ensured smooth leadership transition. This contrasts with pagan monarchies' succession crises and shows God's providential preparation of leaders. Joshua's military skills would prove essential for Canaan's conquest, while his spiritual character ensured covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you pray for your church's future leadership, especially when you won't personally benefit from it?
  2. Are you preparing successors in your areas of ministry, or hoarding responsibility out of pride or fear?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
אֲשֶׁר1 of 19
H834

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

יֽוֹצִיאֵ֖ם2 of 19

Which may go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם3 of 19

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר4 of 19
H834

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

יְבִיאֵ֑ם5 of 19

and which may bring them in

H935

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

לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם6 of 19

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר7 of 19
H834

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

יֽוֹצִיאֵ֖ם8 of 19

Which may go out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 19
H834

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

יְבִיאֵ֑ם10 of 19

and which may bring them in

H935

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

וְלֹ֤א11 of 19
H3808

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

תִֽהְיֶה֙12 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֲדַ֣ת13 of 19

that the congregation

H5712

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

יְהוָ֔ה14 of 19

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כַּצֹּ֕אן15 of 19

be not as sheep

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר16 of 19
H834

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

אֵין17 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לָהֶ֖ם18 of 19
H0
רֹעֶֽה׃19 of 19

which have no shepherd

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie


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 27:17 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 27:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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