Numbers 14:16
Numbers 14:16 in Multiple Translations
‘Because the LORD was unable to bring this people into the land He swore to give them, He has slaughtered them in the wilderness.’
Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.
Because Jehovah was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.
Because the Lord was not able to take this people into the land which he made an oath to give them, he sent destruction on them in the waste land.
‘The Lord killed these people in the desert because he wasn't able to take them to the country he promised to give them. He's killed them all in desert!’
Because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the lande, which he sware vnto them, therefore hath he slaine them in the wildernesse.
From Jehovah's want of ability to bring in this people unto the land which He hath sworn to them — He doth slaughter them in the wilderness.
‘Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he swore to them, therefore he has slain them in the wilderness.’
Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he swore to them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.
He could not bring the people into the land for which he had sworn, therefore did he kill them in the wilderness.
‘Yahweh was not able to bring them into the land that he promised to give to them, so he killed them in the desert.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 14:16
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 14:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/בִּלְתִּ֞י
יְכֹ֣לֶת
יְהוָ֗ה
לְ/הָבִיא֙
אֶת
הָ/עָ֣ם
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
אֶל
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
אֲשֶׁר
נִשְׁבַּ֣ע
לָ/הֶ֑ם
וַ/יִּשְׁחָטֵ֖/ם
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
מִ/בִּלְתִּ֞י
biltîy
H1115
lest
Prep | Part
יְכֹ֣לֶת
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Inf-a
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לְ/הָבִיא֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֔ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נִשְׁבַּ֣ע
shâbaʻ
H7650
to swear
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֑ם
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁחָטֵ֖/ם
shâchaṭ
H7819
to slaughter
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 14:16
מִ/בִּלְתִּ֞י
biltîy
H1115
"lest"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means not or except, and is often used with a prepositional prefix. It appears in various forms, such as not, except, or unless, and is used in many biblical passages.
Definition: subst 1) not, except adv 2) not 3) except (after preceding negation) conj 4) except (after an implied or expressed negation) with prep 5) so as not, in order not 6) an account of not, because...not 7) until not
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: because un(satiable), beside, but, [phrase] continual, except, from, lest, neither, no more, none, not, nothing, save, that no, without. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Kings 12:9; Isaiah 10:4.
יְכֹ֣לֶת
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לְ/הָבִיא֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
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/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/זֶּ֔ה
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
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.
נִשְׁבַּ֣ע
shâbaʻ
H7650
"to swear"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to swear an oath, like making a promise or vow. In the Bible, it is used when someone is making a serious promise, often with God as a witness. The KJV translates it as adjure or take an oath.
Definition: 1) to swear, adjure 1a) (Qal) sworn (participle) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to swear, take an oath 1b2) to swear (of Jehovah by Himself) 1b3) to curse 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to take an oath 1c2) to adjure
Usage: Occurs in 175 OT verses. KJV: adjure, charge (by an oath, with an oath), feed to the full (by mistake for H7646 (שָׂבַע)), take an oath, [idiom] straitly, (cause to, make to) swear. See also: Genesis 21:23; Judges 21:18; Psalms 15:4.
לָ/הֶ֑ם
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁחָטֵ֖/ם
shâchaṭ
H7819
"to slaughter"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to slaughter, often used in the context of sacrifice or massacre, as seen in the KJV translations of kill, offer, or slay.
Definition: v 1) to kill, slaughter, beat 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter 1a1a) beast for food 1a1b) sacrifice 1a1c) person in human sacrifice 1a1d) beaten, hammered (of shekels) 1b) (Niphal) to be slaughtered, be slain (of food or sacrifice) Also means: sha.chat (שָׁחוּט "beaten" H7820)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, shoot out, slay, slaughter. See also: Genesis 22:10; Leviticus 16:15; Isaiah 22:13.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 14:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 14:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:16
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:16
- Sermons on Numbers 14:16
Context — Moses Intercedes for Israel
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: 18‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion, forgiving iniquity and transgression. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon their children to the third and fourth generation.’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 9:28 | Otherwise, those in the land from which You brought us out will say, ‘Because the LORD was not able to bring them into the land He had promised them, and because He hated them, He has brought them out to kill them in the wilderness.’ |
| 2 | Joshua 7:9 | When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?” |
| 3 | Joshua 7:7 | “O, Lord GOD,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be destroyed? If only we had been content to stay on the other side of the Jordan! |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 32:26–27 | I would have said that I would cut them to pieces and blot out their memory from mankind, if I had not dreaded the taunt of the enemy, lest their adversaries misunderstand and say: ‘Our own hand has prevailed; it was not the LORD who did all this.’” |
Numbers 14:16 Summary
This verse, Numbers 14:16, shows that the Israelites thought God was unable to fulfill His promises because of their own unbelief and disobedience. However, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, God is a loving and faithful God who desires to bless and care for His people. We can trust in God's power and faithfulness, even when we face challenges or doubts, because He is a God who keeps His promises, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9 and 1 Kings 8:56. By trusting and obeying God, we can experience His love and faithfulness in our own lives, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God was 'unable' to bring the people into the land He swore to give them?
This phrase does not imply a lack of power on God's part, but rather it reflects the people's misunderstanding of God's character and intentions, as seen in Numbers 14:16, which contrasts with God's promises in Deuteronomy 1:8 and Joshua 21:43.
Why would the nations think God slaughtered the Israelites in the wilderness?
The surrounding nations would think God was unable to fulfill His promises, and thus, they would view God as weak, as mentioned in Numbers 14:16, which highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience, as taught in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Joshua 22:5.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's power and faithfulness?
This verse, Numbers 14:16, shows that God's power and faithfulness are not limited by human unbelief or disobedience, but rather, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, God's character is marked by loving devotion, forgiveness, and justice, which is further emphasized in Psalm 86:15 and Isaiah 46:10.
What can we learn from the Israelites' mistakes in this passage?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's promises and obeying His commands, as seen in Numbers 14:16, and throughout the Bible, such as in Hebrews 3:7-19 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, which serve as warnings against unbelief and disobedience.
Reflection Questions
- How does my own lack of faith or disobedience reflect on God's character, and what can I do to trust and obey Him more fully?
- In what ways do I doubt God's power or faithfulness in my own life, and how can I apply the truths of Numbers 14:16 to those areas?
- What are some promises God has made to me, and how can I trust and obey Him in those areas, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28?
- How can I balance the truth of God's judgment with the truth of His loving devotion and forgiveness, as seen in Numbers 14:16 and Exodus 34:6-7?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:16
Because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them,.... That though he brought them out of Egypt, he was not able to bring them through the wilderness into
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:16
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 14:16
His power was quite spent in bringing them out of Egypt, and could not finish the work he had begun and had sworn to do.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:16
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 14:16
16. Because the Lord was not able — The unbelieving world can appreciate only omnipotent power. When this is withdrawn, God fails.
Sermons on Numbers 14:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Greatness and Glory of God's Name by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of God's Name, which encapsulates His character, works, and eternal purpose. He explains that the Name of the Lord is not mere |
|
Fellowship With God by James Smith | James Smith preaches on the importance of fellowship with God, emphasizing the need for a deep knowledge of God through the gospel and the Holy Spirit's teaching. This knowledge le |