BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Numbers 11  › Numbers 11:14

Numbers 11:14

← Numbers 11:13 Numbers 11:15 →

Numbers 11:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me.

King James Version KJV

I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.

American Standard Version ASV

I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.

Bible in Basic English BBE

I am not able by myself to take the weight of all this people, for it is more than my strength.

Free Bible Version FBV

I can't go on carrying all these people by myself—it's just too much.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I am not able to beare al this people alone, for it is too heauie for me.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

I am not able — I alone — to bear all this people, for [it is] too heavy for me;

World English Bible WEB

I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I am not able alone to bear all this people, because it is too heavy for me.

Translation for Translators T4T

I cannot carry all these people’s burdens by myself! They are like a heavy load [MET], and I cannot carry this very heavy load any more.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 11:14

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 11:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לֹֽא אוּכַ֤ל אָנֹכִי֙ לְ/בַדִּ֔/י לָ/שֵׂ֖את אֶת כָּל הָ/עָ֣ם הַ/זֶּ֑ה כִּ֥י כָבֵ֖ד מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part
אוּכַ֤ל yâkôl H3201 be able V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אָנֹכִי֙ ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron
לְ/בַדִּ֔/י bad H905 alone Prep | N-ms | Suff
לָ/שֵׂ֖את nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הָ/עָ֣ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj
כָבֵ֖ד kâbêd H3515 heavy Adj
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי min H4480 from Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 11:14

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אוּכַ֤ל yâkôl H3201 "be able" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
אָנֹכִי֙ ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
לְ/בַדִּ֔/י bad H905 "alone" Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
לָ/שֵׂ֖את nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
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.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֣ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הַ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
כִּ֥י 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.
כָבֵ֖ד kâbêd H3515 "heavy" Adj
Something or someone that is heavy or severe is what this word describes, like a heavy heart in Proverbs 12 or a difficult task, as in Matthew 23.
Definition: 1) heavy, great 1a) heavy 1b) massive, abundant, numerous 1c) heavy, dull 1d) hard, difficult, burdensome 1e) very oppressive, numerous, rich
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (so) great, grievous, hard(-ened), (too) heavy(-ier), laden, much, slow, sore, thick. See also: Genesis 12:10; Numbers 11:14; Psalms 38:5.
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

Study Notes — Numbers 11:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 18:18 Surely you and these people with you will wear yourselves out, because the task is too heavy for you. You cannot handle it alone.
2 Deuteronomy 1:9–12 At that time I said to you, “I cannot carry the burden for you alone. The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky. May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times over and bless you as He has promised. But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes all by myself?
3 2 Corinthians 2:16 To the one, we are an odor of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task?
4 Zechariah 6:13 Yes, He will build the temple of the LORD; He will be clothed in splendor and will sit on His throne and rule. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two.’
5 Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
6 Psalms 89:19 You once spoke in a vision; to Your godly ones You said, “I have bestowed help on a warrior; I have exalted one chosen from the people.

Numbers 11:14 Summary

[Moses is saying that he cannot handle the responsibility of leading the Israelites by himself, it's too much for him to bear. This is a honest admission of his limitations, and it's something we can all relate to, as seen in Psalm 38:4, where David describes his troubles as a burden too heavy to bear. Moses needs help, and he's asking God to provide it, which is a great lesson for us to learn, that we don't have to do everything on our own, but can trust God to provide what we need, as promised in Matthew 11:28-30.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Moses mean when he says he cannot carry all these people by himself?

Moses is expressing his feelings of overwhelm and inadequacy in leading the Israelites, similar to how the apostle Paul felt in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, where he described his troubles as beyond his ability to endure.

Is Moses being disobedient or unfaithful by saying he cannot carry the burden of the people?

No, Moses is being honest about his limitations, as seen in Exodus 18:18, where his father-in-law Jethro advised him to delegate responsibilities to other leaders, and in Numbers 11:14, Moses is recognizing his need for help and support from God and others.

How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of recognizing one's limitations and seeking help, as seen in Moses' request for assistance, which is later answered by God in Numbers 11:16-17, where God appoints seventy elders to help Moses lead the people, illustrating the principle of shared leadership found in Romans 12:3-8.

What can we learn from Moses' honesty about his struggles?

We can learn the value of humility and transparency, as seen in Psalm 55:22, where it says to cast our cares on God, and in 1 Peter 5:7, where it encourages us to cast our anxieties on Him, demonstrating that it is okay to acknowledge our weaknesses and limitations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the burdens in my life that I am trying to carry on my own, and how can I surrender them to God?
  2. How can I, like Moses, recognize my limitations and seek help from God and others when I am feeling overwhelmed?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principle of shared leadership and responsibility in my own life, whether in my family, church, or community?
  4. What are some ways that I can practice humility and transparency, like Moses, and be honest about my struggles and weaknesses?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 11:14

I am not able to bear all this people alone,.... The burden of government of them, to take care of them and provide sustenance for them; but he was not alone, for, not to take notice of the rulers

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 11:14

Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 11:14

All this people, i.e. the burden of providing for and satisfying of them. Object. How was he alone, when there were others added to help him, ,24? Answ. Those were only assistant to him in civil causes and smaller matters, but the harder and greater affairs, such as this unquestionably was, were brought to Moses and determined by him alone, .

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 11:14

Numbers 11:14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because [it is] too heavy for me.Ver. 14. It is too heavy for me.] Crowns have their cares; high seats are uneasy, many a cumber attends honour. Beatus ille qui procul negotiis. Horat.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 11:14

(14) To bear all this people alone.—In accordance with the advice of Jethro, able men had been chosen out of all Israel who heard and determined the small matters which arose among them (Exodus 18:25-26), but they were of no avail on occasions such as the present. My wretchedness.—Or, my evil. This is one of the eighteen places in which the scribes are said to have altered the text, and to have substituted my for Thy.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 11:14

4–34. (I) The Manna and Quails. J . (II) The burden of the people too heavy for Moses. J . (III) The Spirit of ecstasy upon the elders. E . These verses should be studied in the following order: (I) Numbers 11:4-10; Numbers 11:13; Numbers 11:18-24 a (to ‘the words of the Lord’), 31–34. (II) Numbers 11:11-12; Numbers 11:14-15. (III) Numbers 11:16-17 a, 24b–30. It will be seen that the narratives (II) and (III) have no real connexion with (I). In the process of compilation two sentences were lost. The words ‘And Moses said unto Jehovah’ in Numbers 11:11 a are required for both narratives, and must be added for (I) at the beginning of Num 11:13. Similarly Numbers 11:18 (as Numbers 11:16) must begin ‘And Jehovah said unto Moses, say thou &c.’ If this is done, two distinct narratives emerge, and a fragment of a third: (I) The people being weary of manna murmured for flesh. Jehovah was angry and warned them that they would loathe the flesh when it came. Moses was incredulous that such a miracle could be performed. But a wind brought a mass of quails, and a plague was the result. (II) Moses found the care and guidance of the people a burden too heavy to bear, and prayed that he might die. (III) Jehovah took some of Moses’ spirit and put it upon seventy elders, so that they were filled with prophetic frenzy, including two who were not with the others in front of the Tent. Joshua wished Moses to forbid them, but he refused. (I) Numbers 11:4-10; Numbers 11:13; Numbers 11:18-24 a, 31–34. Manna and Quails. In Exodus 16 there is a more complete narrative of the manna, from P , where Numbers 11:35 (‘they did eat the manna … until they came into the borders of the land of Canaan’) shews that manna was not sent on two distinct occasions, but that the two narratives are parallel accounts. In the present chapter the sending of the manna is not related (see on Numbers 11:6). But it must not be concluded from this that our narrative is the sequel to that in Exodus 16; for (I) a description of the manna is given, as though it were a new phenomenon, in Numbers 11:7-9 as well as in Exodus 16:14; Exodus 16:31, and there are considerable differences in the two accounts; and (2) the laying of the pot of manna ‘before the Testimony’ (Exodus 16:34) shews that that narrative belongs to a time after the Testimony (i.e. the Decalogue) was given at Sinai. Thus both in P and J it is related that manna was sent after the departure from the mountain. Moreover, while P has this very full parallel account of the manna, it also has fragmentary references to the quails embedded in it. See Exodus 16:8 a (‘in the evening flesh to eat’), 12 (‘at even ye shall eat flesh’), 13a (‘at even the quails came up and covered the camp’). (II) Numbers 11:11-12; Numbers 11:14-15.

Sermons on Numbers 11:14

SermonDescription
Dick Woodward Old Testament Survey - Part 20 by Dick Woodward This sermon delves into the book of Numbers, focusing on the greatness, meekness, and intimate relationship of Moses with God. It explores the concept of meekness, Moses' sin that
T. Austin-Sparks The Making of a Prophet by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that prophetic ministry is an eternal function rooted in God's divine counsel, not merely a role one can adopt. He illustrates this through the symbolis
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Exodus 16-18 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine fear of God and the accountability that comes with being a teacher of the Word. He shares his personal str
T. Austin-Sparks Power With God Exemplified in Moses by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound relationship between God and Moses, illustrating how Moses' deep commitment to God's purpose exemplifies true power with God. He argues tha
Bob Hoekstra Growing in the Grace of God #14 - Characters of New Covenant Life & Service Part 2 by Bob Hoekstra In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the New Covenant ministry in transforming people into living messages of Christ. He uses the example of Stephen in Acts 7, who b
Tim Conway Homiletics: The Preacher's Prayer Life - Part 4 by Tim Conway This sermon emphasizes the vital importance of prayer in the life of a preacher, highlighting the need for deep communion with God, dependence on Him, and the cultivation of a stro
J. Stuart Holden Accept the Mind of Christ by J. Stuart Holden J. Stuart Holden emphasizes the profound claim that believers have the mind of Christ, highlighting how this is justified when one responds to Jesus Christ, unites with Him in fait
← Numbers 11:13 Numbers 11:15 →

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate