Numbers 14:15
Numbers 14:15 in Multiple Translations
If You kill this people as one man, the nations who have heard of Your fame will say,
¶ Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,
Now if thou shalt kill this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,
Now if you put to death all this people as one man, then the nations who have had word of your glory will say,
If you kill all these people in one go, the nations who have heard about you will say,
That thou wilt kill this people as one man: so the heathen which haue heard the fame of thee, shall thus say,
'And Thou hast put to death this people as one man, and the nations who have heard Thy fame have spoken, saying,
Now if you killed this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of you will speak, saying,
Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,
May hear that thou hast killed so great a multitude as it were one man and may say:
If you kill these people all at one time, the people-groups who have heard about your power will say,
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 14:15
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 14:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הֵמַתָּ֛ה
אֶת
הָ/עָ֥ם
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
כְּ/אִ֣ישׁ
אֶחָ֑ד
וְ/אָֽמְרוּ֙
הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם
אֲשֶׁר
שָׁמְע֥וּ
אֶֽת
שִׁמְעֲ/ךָ֖
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וְ/הֵמַתָּ֛ה
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
כְּ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
אֶחָ֑ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
וְ/אָֽמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שָׁמְע֥וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שִׁמְעֲ/ךָ֖
shêmaʻ
H8088
sound
N-ms | Suff
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 14:15
וְ/הֵמַתָּ֛ה
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
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.
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.
הָ/עָ֥ם
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/זֶּ֖ה
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.
כְּ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶחָ֑ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
וְ/אָֽמְרוּ֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
הַ/גּוֹיִ֔ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
שָׁמְע֥וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֶֽת
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.
שִׁמְעֲ/ךָ֖
shêmaʻ
H8088
"sound"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a report, rumor, or announcement, something that is heard or spoken. In the Bible, it is used to describe news, fame, or a loud noise, often in books like Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: sound
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bruit, fame, hear(-ing), loud, report, speech, tidings. See also: Genesis 29:13; Psalms 18:45; Psalms 150:5.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 14:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 14:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 14:15
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:15
- Sermons on Numbers 14:15
Context — Moses Intercedes for Israel
13But Moses said to the LORD, “The Egyptians will hear of it, for by Your strength You brought this people from among them.
14And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have already heard that You, O LORD, are in the midst of this people, that You, O LORD, have been seen face to face, that Your cloud stands over them, and that You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
15If You kill this people as one man, the nations who have heard of Your fame will say,
16‘Because the LORD was unable to bring this people into the land He swore to give them, He has slaughtered them in the wilderness.’ 17So now I pray, may the power of my Lord be magnified, just as You have declared:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 6:16 | “Surely I will be with you,” the LORD replied, “and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man.” |
Numbers 14:15 Summary
[Numbers 14:15 means that if God were to destroy the Israelites, it would damage His reputation among the nations, who have already heard about His great power and miracles (as seen in Exodus 15:14 and Deuteronomy 2:25). Moses is saying that God's actions have consequences, not just for the Israelites, but for how God is perceived by others (Psalm 106:8). This verse reminds us that our actions, as followers of God, can either bring glory or shame to God's name, and we should strive to live in a way that honors Him (Matthew 5:16).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the nations hearing about God's fame in Numbers 14:15?
The nations hearing about God's fame refers to the reputation and glory of God that has spread among the nations, as seen in Exodus 15:14 and Deuteronomy 2:25, where God's power and miracles have become known to all.
Why does Moses plead with God not to kill the Israelites in Numbers 14:15?
Moses pleads with God not to kill the Israelites because he is concerned about the impact it would have on God's reputation among the nations, as stated in Numbers 14:16, and he trusts in God's power and character, as expressed in Numbers 14:17 and Psalm 106:8.
How does Numbers 14:15 relate to God's covenant with the Israelites?
Numbers 14:15 is connected to God's covenant with the Israelites, as God had sworn to bring them into the Promised Land, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Exodus 6:4, and Moses is appealing to God to fulfill this promise.
What can we learn from Moses' intercession in Numbers 14:15?
Moses' intercession in Numbers 14:15 teaches us about the importance of prayer and intercession, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, and the value of trusting in God's character and power, as expressed in Psalm 25:4-5 and Romans 11:33-36.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God's fame and reputation are at stake in my own life and witness?
- How can I, like Moses, trust in God's power and character when faced with difficult circumstances?
- What are some promises that God has made to me, and how can I, like Moses, appeal to God to fulfill them?
- In what ways can I be an instrument of God's glory and fame in my community and among the nations?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:15
Now [if] thou shall kill [all] this people, as one man,.... Suddenly, and at once, as might be done by a pestilence; and as 185,000 were smitten at once, and as thought by the same disease, by the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:15
And Moses said unto the LORD, Then the Egyptians shall hear it, (for thou broughtest up this people in thy might from among them;) No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:15
As one man, i.e. altogether, or to a man; and suddenly as it were by one blow, as if all had but one neck.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 14:15
Numbers 14:15 Now [if] thou shalt kill [all] this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,Ver. 15. Kill all this people as one man.] As he can quickly do, with a turn of his hand, with a nod of his head, with a breath of his nostrils. He can as soon do it, as bid it be done, "whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only."
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:15
11–24. Jehovah threatened to destroy Israel; Moses by his intercession obtained their pardon, but the present generation, with the exception of Caleb, were not allowed to enter Canaan.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:15
15. Kill all this people — This explains the pestilence in Numbers 14:12. See note. The fame of thee — Moses is actuated by the true spirit of prayer — a supreme desire for the glory of God.
Sermons on Numbers 14:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Judges 1-7 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Judges in the Bible. He highlights the recurring pattern of the Israelites turning away from God and falling into oppression, onl |
|
A Sure Thing by Walter Wilson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses a book called "Yes, It's Then Forever" by Henry Bicker Stepp, which is an allegory about the author's death and his encounter with Jesus. The |
|
Learn to Stand Up and Fight on Your Own by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of learning to fight our own battles, rather than relying solely on others for deliverance. He draws parallels with Gideon, who, despite Go |