King James Version

What Does Numbers 32:6 Mean?

Numbers 32:6 in the King James Version says “And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit h...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

Numbers 32:6 · KJV

Context

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

8

Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadeshbarnea to see the land.

Read Numbers 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses rebukes Reuben and Gad: 'Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?' This rhetorical question challenges them about solidarity with the covenant community. The Hebrew 'yashab' (sit/dwell) suggests comfortable settlement while brothers face danger. Moses saw this as potential repetition of the spies' discouragement (v.7-15). The rebuke teaches corporate responsibility - belonging to God's people means sharing burdens, not pursuing personal comfort while others fight. Paul applies this: 'Bear ye one another's burdens' (Gal 6:2). The church is a body; when one part suffers, all should share the load (1 Cor 12:26).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh requested territory east of Jordan for their large herds (v.1-5). Moses feared this repeated the ten spies' sin - discouraging others from entering Canaan. However, these tribes committed to fight alongside their brothers until Canaan was conquered, leaving families and flocks east of Jordan (v.16-27). Joshua 22:1-9 records their dismissal after faithful service. This arrangement demonstrated that enjoying God's blessings brings responsibility to help others receive theirs. The tribes' willingness to fight before settling showed proper priorities and brotherly commitment.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you enjoying spiritual blessings while neglecting to help others in their spiritual battles and growth?
  2. How are you bearing burdens with fellow believers rather than pursuing comfortable isolation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מֹשֶׁ֔ה2 of 12

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְלִבְנֵ֣י3 of 12

“and to 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

גָ֖ד4 of 12

“of Gad”

H1410

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

וְלִבְנֵ֣י5 of 12

“and to 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

רְאוּבֵ֑ן6 of 12

“of Reuben”

H7205

reuben, a son of jacob

הַאַֽחֵיכֶ֗ם7 of 12

“Shall your brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

יָבֹ֙אוּ֙8 of 12

“go”

H935

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

לַמִּלְחָמָ֔ה9 of 12

“to war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

וְאַתֶּ֖ם10 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תֵּ֥שְׁבוּ11 of 12

“and shall ye sit”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

פֹֽה׃12 of 12
H6311

this place (french ici), i.e., here or hence

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 32:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 32:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 13:5Philippians 2:42 Samuel 11:11

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