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Numbers 10:31

Numbers 10:31 in Multiple Translations

“Please do not leave us,” Moses said, “since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes.

And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.

And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou shalt be to us instead of eyes.

And he said, Do not go from us; for you will be eyes for us, guiding us to the right places in the waste land to put up our tents.

“Please don't abandon us now,” Moses said, “because you're the one who knows where we should camp in the desert and you can guide us.

Then he sayd, I pray thee, leaue vs not: for thou knowest our camping places in the wildernesse: therefore thou mayest be our guide.

And he saith, 'I pray thee, forsake us not, because thou hast known our encamping in the wilderness, and thou hast been to us for eyes;

Moses said, “Don’t leave us, please; because you know how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes.

And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.

And he said: Do not leave us: for thou knowest in what places we should encamp in the wilderness, and thou shalt be our guide.

But Moses/I said, “Please do not leave us. You know the places where we can set up our tents in this desert, and you can guide us.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 10:31

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Word Study

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Numbers 10:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר אַל נָ֖א תַּעֲזֹ֣ב אֹתָ֑/נוּ כִּ֣י עַל כֵּ֣ן יָדַ֗עְתָּ חֲנֹתֵ֨/נוּ֙ בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֔ר וְ/הָיִ֥יתָ לָּ֖/נוּ לְ/עֵינָֽיִם
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַל ʼal H408 not Part
נָ֖א nâʼ H4994 please Part
תַּעֲזֹ֣ב ʻâzab H5800 Forsaken V-Qal-Juss-2ms
אֹתָ֑/נוּ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
כֵּ֣ן kên H3651 right Part
יָדַ֗עְתָּ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-2ms
חֲנֹתֵ֨/נוּ֙ chânâh H2583 to camp V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֔ר midbâr H4057 mouth Prep | N-ms
וְ/הָיִ֥יתָ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-2ms
לָּ֖/נוּ Prep | Suff
לְ/עֵינָֽיִם ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 10:31

וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַל ʼal H408 "not" Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
נָ֖א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
תַּעֲזֹ֣ב ʻâzab H5800 "Forsaken" V-Qal-Juss-2ms
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
אֹתָ֑/נוּ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֣ן kên H3651 "right" Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יָדַ֗עְתָּ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
חֲנֹתֵ֨/נוּ֙ chânâh H2583 "to camp" V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֔ר midbâr H4057 "mouth" Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
וְ/הָיִ֥יתָ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָּ֖/נוּ "" Prep | Suff
לְ/עֵינָֽיִם ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

Study Notes — Numbers 10:31

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 29:15 I served as eyes to the blind and as feet to the lame.
2 Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
3 1 Corinthians 12:14–21 For the body does not consist of one part, but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.”
4 Psalms 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.

Numbers 10:31 Summary

In this verse, Moses is asking Hobab to stay with them on their journey because he knows the wilderness and can help guide them. Moses wants Hobab to be their 'eyes' and help them find the best places to camp. This shows that even though the Lord was guiding them, they still needed human help and guidance along the way, just like we do today (as seen in Proverbs 11:14). By seeking Hobab's help, Moses was showing that he valued the importance of community and guidance, and we can learn from his example.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Moses' concern when Hobab decided to leave?

Moses was concerned because Hobab knew where they should camp in the wilderness and could serve as their guide, as seen in Numbers 10:31, similar to how the Lord guided them in Exodus 13:21-22.

Why did Moses want Hobab to stay with them?

Moses wanted Hobab to stay because of his knowledge of the wilderness and his ability to serve as their eyes, as stated in Numbers 10:31, which would be a great help to the Israelites as they journeyed to the Promised Land, just as the Lord promised to guide them in Deuteronomy 1:33.

What did Moses offer Hobab in exchange for his guidance?

Moses offered to share with Hobab the good things the Lord would give them, as stated in Numbers 10:32, which is a testament to the generosity and kindness of the Israelites, as seen in other verses like Leviticus 19:9-10.

How does this verse relate to the overall journey of the Israelites?

This verse highlights the importance of guidance and leadership in the journey of the Israelites, as they relied on the Lord's guidance and the help of others, like Hobab, to navigate the wilderness, just as they did when they followed the cloud in Numbers 9:15-23.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can seek guidance and leadership in my own life, just as Moses sought Hobab's help?
  2. How can I be a 'guide' or a source of help for others, just as Hobab was asked to be for the Israelites?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in the Lord's guidance, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness?
  4. How can I show kindness and generosity to others, just as Moses offered to share with Hobab the good things the Lord would give them?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 10:31

And he said,.... That is, Moses, he replied to Hobab, unwilling to take him at his word and go without him: leave us not, I pray thee; or "not now"; as the Targums of Onkelos and Jonathan; at this

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 10:31

And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes. Leave us not, I pray thee.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 10:31

To direct and guide us; for though the cloud determined them to a general place, yet many particulars might be uncertain and unknown to Moses, wherein Hobab, having long lived in those parts, might be able to advise him, as concerning the conveniences of water for their cattle, concerning the safety or danger of the several parts by reason of serpents or wild beasts, or enemies, in the parts adjoining to them, that so they might guard themselves better against them. Or this to be understood of his directing them not so much in their way, as about great and difficult matters, wherein the counsel he had from God did not exclude the advice of men, as we see in Hobab’ s father Jethro, Exodus 18. And it is probable this was the wise son of a wise father.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 10:31

Numbers 10:31 And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.Ver. 31. Instead of eyes.] To descry unto us the commodities and discommodities of the country, which is well known to thee. Herein thou mayest be of singular use unto us, though we have God going visibly before us. The Jews had a kind of officers at their feasts, called οφθαλμοι, the eyes of the feast, et praefecti morum. Gaudentius. Casaubon.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 10:31

(31) How we are to encamp . . . —It is clear from these words, as well as from many indications of the same nature, that notwithstanding the direct guidance which was vouchsafed from heaven, and the miraculous interpositions of Providence which the Israelites experienced throughout their journeys, Moses did not neglect to take advantage of all the ordinary precautions of which it was incumbent upon him as the leader of his people to avail himself. The line of march and the places of encampment were clearly marked out by the cloud, but many difficulties would arise in the course of the journeys, and at the places of encampment, which Hobab’s familiarity with the desert would enable him to meet.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 10:31

Verse 31. Thou mayest be to us instead of eyes.] But what need had they of Hobab, when they had the pillar and fire continually to point out their way? Answer: The cloud directed their general journeys, but not their particular excursions. Parties took several journeys while the grand army lay still. (See chap. xiii., xx., xxxi., xxxii., c.) They therefore needed such a person as Hobab, who was well acquainted with the desert, to direct these particular excursions to point them out watering places, and places where they might meet with fuel, c., c. What man cannot, under the direction of God's providence, do for himself, God will do in the way of especial mercy. He could have directed them to the fountains and to the places of fuel, but Hobab can do this, therefore let Hobab be employed and let Hobab know for his encouragement that, while he is serving others in the way of God's providence, he is securing his own best interests. On these grounds Hobab should be invited, and for this reason Hobab should go. Man cannot do God's work and God will not do the work which he has qualified and commanded man to perform. Thus then the Lord is ever seen, even while he is helping man by man. See some valuable observations on this subject in Harmer, vol. ii., 286. Instead of, And thou mayest be to us instead of eyes, the Septuagint translate the passage thus: Καιεσῃενἡμινπρεσβυτης, And thou shalt be an elder among us. But Moses probably refers to Hobab's accurate knowledge of the wilderness, and to the assistance he could give them as a guide.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 10:31

31. instead of eyes] his presence would obviate the necessity of searching for halting places.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 10:31

Thou mayest be to us instead of eyes - A proverbial expression still in use in the East.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 10:31

31. Leave us not — Even a decided refusal may be overcome by earnest persuasion.

Sermons on Numbers 10:31

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Finishing the Course - 08 Being a Nobody by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Job and how God allowed him to go through trials and humiliations because there was one fundamental thing wrong with him. Despite
Zac Poonen Winning God's Approval - Part 2 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher discusses two types of preachers: those who focus on visions and dreams, and those who cling to traditions. He emphasizes the importance of not changin
William Booth Don't Forget by William Booth In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of actively helping those in need, rather than simply offering prayers or advice. The speaker encourages the audience to take
David Wilkerson (Israel) the Ministry of Refreshing Others by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the pastor shares about the burdens and challenges faced by individuals and families. He mentions a man who lost his wife in a car accident and had sons who ended u
Jackie Pullinger Testimony - Part 7 by Jackie Pullinger Jackie Pullinger shares her testimony of faith and sacrifice, illustrating the profound impact of unconditional love and service to others, particularly the needy. She recounts her
Compilations A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson by Compilations This sermon emphasizes the importance of anguish in the church and in individual believers' lives, highlighting the need for deep sorrow and distress over the spiritual condition o
William Booth William Booth Preaching - Actual Voice by William Booth This sermon emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord with gladness and reaching out to those in need, highlighting the call to help the poor, the wretched, the innocent childr

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