King James Version

What Does Numbers 9:1 Mean?

Numbers 9:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

Numbers 9:1 · KJV


Context

1

And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

2

Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season.

3

In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it. at even: Heb. between the two evenings


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The first month of the second year marks exactly one year since the Exodus Passover. God's command to observe Passover demonstrates His insistence on memorial worship—Israel must not forget redemption. The Hebrew pesach (Passover) commemorates the angel passing over blood-marked homes (Exodus 12). This establishes the pattern of covenant renewal through commemorative ritual. Christians continue this through the Lord's Supper—proclaiming Christ's death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26). Both Passover and communion are not mere memorials but means of grace renewing covenant identity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This Passover was the second celebration (the first was in Egypt). It occurred one month before the departure from Sinai (Numbers 10:11). The timing is significant—before the rebellion, unbelief, and judgment that would come. God renewed covenant commitment before testing their faithfulness, demonstrating that grace precedes obedience, not vice versa.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regular commemoration of redemption strengthen faith and obedience?
  2. What role does the Lord's Supper play in renewing your covenant identity?
  3. How does God's grace in renewing commitment before testing encourage you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר1 of 14

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 14

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֣ה4 of 14

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בְמִדְבַּר5 of 14

in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

סִ֠ינַי6 of 14

of Sinai

H5514

sinai, mountain of arabia

בַּשָּׁנָ֨ה7 of 14

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשֵּׁנִ֜ית8 of 14

of the second

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

לְצֵאתָ֨ם9 of 14

after they were come out

H3318

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

מֵאֶ֧רֶץ10 of 14

of the land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִצְרַ֛יִם11 of 14

of Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ12 of 14

month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הָֽרִאשׁ֖וֹן13 of 14

in the first

H7223

first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)

לֵאמֹֽר׃14 of 14

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)


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 9:1 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 9:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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