Numbers 12:12
Numbers 12:12 in Multiple Translations
Please do not let her be like a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.”
Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb.
Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb.
Let her not be as one dead, whose flesh is half wasted when he comes out from the body of his mother.
Please don't let her become like a stillborn baby whose flesh is already decaying when they're born!”
Let her not, I pray thee, be as one dead, of whome the flesh is halfe consumed, when he commeth out of his mothers wombe.
let her not, I pray thee, be as [one] dead, when in his coming out from the womb of his mother — the half of his flesh is consumed.'
Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.”
Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed at the time of his birth.
Let her not be as one dead, and as an abortive that is cast forth from the mother’s womb. Lo, now one half of her flesh is consumed with the leprosy.
Do not allow Miriam to be like a baby that is already dead when it is born, whose flesh is already half decayed!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 12:12
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 12:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
נָ֥א
תְהִ֖י
כַּ/מֵּ֑ת
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
בְּ/צֵאת/וֹ֙
מֵ/רֶ֣חֶם
אִמּ֔/וֹ
וַ/יֵּאָכֵ֖ל
חֲצִ֥י
בְשָׂרֽ/וֹ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
תְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Juss-3fs
כַּ/מֵּ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Qal
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/צֵאת/וֹ֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
מֵ/רֶ֣חֶם
rechem
H7358
womb
Prep | N-ms
אִמּ֔/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs | Suff
וַ/יֵּאָכֵ֖ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
חֲצִ֥י
chêtsîy
H2677
half
N-ms
בְשָׂרֽ/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | 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 12:12
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.
נָ֥א
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.
תְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Juss-3fs
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.
כַּ/מֵּ֑ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/צֵאת/וֹ֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מֵ/רֶ֣חֶם
rechem
H7358
"womb"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means womb, referring to the place where a fetus grows. It is translated as matrix or womb in the KJV, symbolizing birth and new life. It is a significant concept in biblical culture.
Definition: 1) womb 1a) womb 1b) womb-man, woman-slave, woman, two women
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: matrix, womb. See also: Genesis 20:18; 1 Samuel 1:6; Psalms 22:11.
אִמּ֔/וֹ
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
וַ/יֵּאָכֵ֖ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
חֲצִ֥י
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
בְשָׂרֽ/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
Study Notes — Numbers 12:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 12:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 12:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 12:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 12:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 12:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 12:12
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 12:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 12:12
- Sermons on Numbers 12:12
Context — The Complaint of Miriam and Aaron
10As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous,
11and said to Moses, “My lord, please do not hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed.
12Please do not let her be like a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.”
13So Moses cried out to the LORD, “O God, please heal her!” 14But the LORD answered Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 88:4–5 | I am counted among those descending to the Pit. I am like a man without strength. I am forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, who are cut off from Your care. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 15:8 | And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 5:6 | But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive. |
| 4 | Ephesians 2:1–5 | And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! |
| 5 | Job 3:16 | Or why was I not hidden like a stillborn child, like an infant who never sees daylight? |
| 6 | Psalms 58:8 | Like a slug that dissolves in its slime, like a woman’s stillborn child, may they never see the sun. |
| 7 | Colossians 2:13 | When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses, |
Numbers 12:12 Summary
In Numbers 12:12, Aaron is asking God to please not let his sister Miriam be like a stillborn baby, which is a very sad and disturbing image. He is saying that he doesn't want her to suffer the full consequences of her sin, but instead to be shown mercy and healed. This verse teaches us about the importance of praying for others and trusting in God's mercy and grace (as seen in Psalm 103:8-12 and Romans 5:6-8). We can learn from Aaron's example by being compassionate and empathetic towards others, and by recognizing God's authority and power in our lives, as seen in Isaiah 40:28-31 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Aaron's plea in Numbers 12:12?
Aaron is asking God to have mercy on his sister Miriam, who has been struck with leprosy as a result of her rebellion against Moses, as seen in Numbers 12:10-11, and he is using a vivid and disturbing image to convey the severity of her condition, similar to the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:27 and 28:35.
What does the image of a stillborn infant signify in this verse?
The image of a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed is a powerful and gruesome picture of the devastating effects of God's judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of Miriam's sin and the potential consequences of disobedience, as also seen in Psalm 58:8 and Ecclesiastes 6:3.
How does Aaron's plea relate to his character and relationship with God?
Aaron's plea demonstrates his compassion and concern for his sister, as well as his recognition of God's power and authority, reflecting his growth in humility and faith, as seen in his earlier mistakes in Exodus 32:1-6 and his subsequent leadership in Exodus 40:12-16 and Leviticus 8-10.
What can we learn from Aaron's example in this verse about praying for others?
Aaron's example teaches us the importance of interceding for others in prayer, especially when they are facing the consequences of their own sin, and trusting in God's mercy and grace, as encouraged in James 5:16 and 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate compassion and empathy for others who are struggling with the consequences of their own sin?
- How can I balance my desire to see justice and righteousness with my need to show mercy and forgiveness to others, as seen in Matthew 18:21-35 and Luke 15:11-32?
- What are some areas in my own life where I need to trust in God's mercy and grace, rather than trying to rely on my own strength and efforts, as warned against in Proverbs 28:26 and Jeremiah 17:5-8?
- How can I use my prayers and intercessions to bring hope and healing to those around me, as seen in Acts 3:1-10 and Galatians 6:2?
- What can I learn from Aaron's example about the importance of humility and recognition of God's authority in my own life and relationships, as taught in 1 Peter 5:5-7 and Hebrews 13:17?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 12:12
Let her not be as one dead,.... As she was in a ceremonial sense, being to be shut up and excluded from the society of people, and as defiling by touching as a dead carcase; and, in a natural sense,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 12:12
And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 12:12
As one dead; either naturally, because part of her flesh was putrefied and dead, and not to be restored but by the mighty power of God; or morally, because she was cut off from all converse with others, . When he cometh out of his mother’ s womb; like an untimely birth, without due shape and proportion, or like a still-born child that hath been for some time dead in the womb, which when it comes forth is white and putrefied, and part of it consumed.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 12:12
Numbers 12:12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’ s womb.Ver. 12. As one dead.] As "free among the dead," free of that company.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 12:12
(12) Let her not be as one dead.—This is another of the places in which the Scribes are said to have altered the text. The original is said to have been as follows:—Let her not be as one dead, who proceeded from the womb of our mother, and half of our flesh be consumed. The leper was “as one dead” in two respects—(1) as being shut out from inter course with his brethren; and (2) as causing ceremonial defilement in the case of those who were brought into contact with him, similar to that which was caused by touching a dead body. “He was,” as Archbishop Trench has remarked, “a dreadful parable of death” (On the Miracles, p. 214). In the most severe types of leprosy there was, as the same writer has observed, “a dissolution, little by little, of the whole body, so that one limb after another actually decayed and fell away” (Ibid, p. 213).
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 12:12
12. be as one dead] i.e. become so by the terrible effects of the spreading disease.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 12:12
12. As one dead — Cut off from society and from all religious privileges, dwelling alone without the camp. Compelled to proclaim her own defilement to all comers. Leviticus 13:45-46, notes.
Sermons on Numbers 12:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Valley Exalted, and the Mountain Laid Low by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the prophecy from Isaiah 40:4-5, emphasizing the figurative language of obstacles being removed for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He delves into the |
|
Skyland Conference 1979-11 Report on the Mideast by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience of being protected from shrapnel during a bombing. Despite the danger, the speaker and their family were miraculously unh |
|
Paul on the Road to Damascus by Art Katz | Art Katz explores the transformative experience of Paul on the road to Damascus, emphasizing the divine revelation of Christ that changed Paul's life and mission. He highlights tha |
|
Matthew 4:8-11. the Third Temptation of Christ. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the persistence of Satan in tempting us, using examples from the Bible where individuals resisted one temptation but fell into another. He emphas |
|
1 Corinthians 15:11 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of luxury and the importance of self-control, highlighting how indulging in excess leads to spiritual and physical harm, causing the soul |
|
|
Homily 5 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom continues his exhortation to the people, urging them to bear with fortitude the impending wrath of the Emperor. He refers to the examples of Job and the Ninevites t |
|
Day 65, 2 Thessalonians 3 by David Servant | David Servant preaches on the power of prayer for evangelists, apostles, and missionaries, emphasizing Paul's belief in the impact of believers' prayers on his deliverance from per |