King James Version
What Does Numbers 32:5 Mean?
“Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.”
Numbers 32:5 · KJV
Context
3
Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,
4
Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:
5
Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.
6
And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?
7
And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them? discourage: Heb. break
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThey requested, 'let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.' This seemingly reasonable request actually proposed abandoning the main mission at the crucial moment. Seeking personal advantage when the community faces its greatest challenge constitutes betrayal. Moses' angry response (verses 6-15) showed he understood the request's serious implications.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Their request echoed the previous generation's refusal to enter Canaan (chapter 13-14). Moses explicitly made this connection (verses 7-13), recognizing that settling for less than God's promise, however practical it seemed, repeated the sin that cost that generation the Promised Land.
Reflection Questions
- How do seemingly practical decisions actually constitute lack of faith in God's promises?
- What community missions are you tempted to abandon for personal advantage?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsאִם2 of 15
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
מָצָ֤אנוּ3 of 15
“they if we have found”
H4672properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ5 of 15
“in thy sight”
H5869an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
אֶת7 of 15
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַל12 of 15
H408not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תַּֽעֲבִרֵ֖נוּ13 of 15
“and bring us not over”
H5674to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֶת14 of 15
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
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 32:5 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 32:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge