King James Version

What Does Numbers 32:7 Mean?

Numbers 32:7 in the King James Version says “And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 32:7 · KJV


Context

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.

9

For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses confronted them: 'wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?' Their choice would demoralize others, just as the unfaithful spies had. Individual decisions affect the whole community; refusing God's best not only harms you but discourages others from pursuing it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Moses' immediate recognition of this request's danger demonstrated wisdom learned through painful experience. The spy narrative was deeply embedded in Israel's consciousness as the defining failure. Any action recalling that sin required strong confrontation. Leaders must identify and oppose attitudes that could spread discouragement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do your choices encourage or discourage others in pursuing God's promises?
  2. What responsibility do you bear for the effect your decisions have on community faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְלָ֣מָּה1 of 13
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תְנוא֔וּן2 of 13

And wherefore discourage ye

H5106

to refuse, forbid, dissuade, or neutralize

אֶת3 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לֵ֖ב4 of 13

the heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

בְּנֵ֣י5 of 13

of 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל6 of 13

of Israel

H3478

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

מֵֽעֲבֹר֙7 of 13

from going over

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶל8 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָאָ֔רֶץ9 of 13

into the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר10 of 13
H834

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

נָתַ֥ן11 of 13

hath given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֖ם12 of 13
H0
יְהוָֽה׃13 of 13

which the LORD

H3068

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


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 32:7 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 32:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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