King James Version

What Does Numbers 33:4 Mean?

Numbers 33:4 in the King James Version says “For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD execu...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments.”

Numbers 33:4 · KJV

Context

2

And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of the LORD: and these are their journeys according to their goings out.

3

And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.

4

For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments.

5

And the children of Israel removed from Rameses, and pitched in Succoth.

6

And they departed from Succoth, and pitched in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness.

Read Numbers 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Egyptians burying their firstborn 'whom the LORD had smitten' while Israel departed demonstrates that God's judgment and redemption occur simultaneously. While Egypt mourned, Israel celebrated. The additional note that God 'executed judgments also upon their gods' teaches that the plagues were not just natural disasters but theological judgments against Egypt's false deities. The Reformed understanding that God's salvation inherently involves judgment on sin and falsehood is powerfully illustrated here.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Each plague had targeted specific Egyptian deities—the Nile (Hapi), the sun (Ra), etc. The death of the firstborn struck at Pharaoh himself, considered a god. The plagues demonstrated that Egypt's gods were powerless before Israel's God. While Egyptians buried their sons and mourned their gods' impotence, Israel marched free, vindicated by the true God's power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment on false gods demonstrate His exclusive claim to worship?
  2. What does simultaneous judgment and redemption teach about God's holiness?
  3. In what ways does the gospel include both deliverance for believers and judgment for unbelief?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּמִצְרַ֣יִם1 of 13

“For the Egyptians”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

מְקַבְּרִ֗ים2 of 13

“buried”

H6912

to inter

אֵת֩3 of 13
H853

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר4 of 13
H834

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

הִכָּ֧ה5 of 13

“had smitten”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 13

“also the LORD”

H3068

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

בָּהֶ֖ם7 of 13
H0
כָּל8 of 13
H3605

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

בְּכ֑וֹר9 of 13

“all their firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

וּבֵאלֹ֣הֵיהֶ֔ם10 of 13

“among them upon their gods”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עָשָׂ֥ה11 of 13

“executed”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 13

“also the LORD”

H3068

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

שְׁפָטִֽים׃13 of 13

“judgments”

H8201

a sentence, i.e., infliction

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 33:4 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 33:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 12:12Isaiah 19:1Revelation 12:7-9Zephaniah 2:11Exodus 18:11Exodus 12:29-30

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Numbers 33 →

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 33 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 33 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes