King James Version

What Does Numbers 27:21 Mean?

Numbers 27:21 in the King James Version says “And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.”

Numbers 27:21 · KJV

Context

19

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

20

And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.

21

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

22

And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:

23

And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

Read Numbers 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command 'he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD' establishes that Joshua's leadership operated under priestly mediation for divine guidance. The Urim and Thummim were objects used by the high priest to discern God's will in binary decisions (Exodus 28:30). Joshua, unlike Moses, could not speak with God directly but required priestly mediation. This demonstrates that even the highest civil authority operates under spiritual authority. The principle continues: civil magistrates should heed spiritual counsel derived from Scripture.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Urim and Thummim (Hebrew: lights and perfections) were mysterious objects in the high priest's breastplate that provided yes/no answers to inquiries. Their precise nature is debated—perhaps sacred lots, stones, or other divinely appointed means. They functioned during the period of judges and early monarchy (1 Samuel 28:6) but apparently ceased before the exile. They pictured divine guidance, fully realized in the Spirit's internal witness to believers (Romans 8:14).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the relationship between Joshua and Eleazar model proper separation yet cooperation of civil and spiritual authority?
  2. What replaced the Urim and Thummim for discerning God's will—Scripture and the Spirit?
  3. How should civil leaders today seek spiritual wisdom for governance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
לִפְנֵ֣י1 of 23

“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

אֶלְעָזָ֤ר2 of 23

“Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

הַכֹּהֵן֙3 of 23

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

יַֽעֲמֹ֔ד4 of 23

“And he shall stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

וְשָׁ֥אַל5 of 23

“who shall ask”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

ל֛וֹ6 of 23
H0
בְּמִשְׁפַּ֥ט7 of 23

“counsel for him after the judgment”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

הָֽאוּרִ֖ים8 of 23

“of Urim”

H224

urim, the oracular brilliancy of the figures in the high-priest's breastplate

לִפְנֵ֣י9 of 23

“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

יְהוָ֑ה10 of 23

“the LORD”

H3068

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

עַל11 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּ֣יו12 of 23

“and at his word”

H6310

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

יֵֽצְא֜וּ13 of 23

“shall they go out”

H3318

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

וְעַל14 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּ֣יו15 of 23

“and at his word”

H6310

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

יָבֹ֗אוּ16 of 23

“they shall come in”

H935

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

ה֛וּא17 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְכָל18 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֵֽי19 of 23

“both he and all the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל20 of 23

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אִתּ֖וֹ21 of 23
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

וְכָל22 of 23
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽעֵדָֽה׃23 of 23

“with him even all the congregation”

H5712

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

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 27:21 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 27:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 9:14Exodus 28:301 Samuel 28:6Ezra 2:63Judges 1:11 Samuel 22:10-15

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