Numbers 14:33
Numbers 14:33 in Multiple Translations
Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness.
And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness.
And your children shall be wanderers in the wilderness forty years, and shall bear your whoredoms, until your dead bodies be consumed in the wilderness.
And your children will be wanderers in the waste land for forty years, undergoing punishment for your false ways, till your bodies become dust in the waste land.
Your children will wander in the desert for forty years, suffering because of your lack of trust until all your bodies lie buried in the desert.
And your children shall wander in the wildernesse, fourtie yeeres, and shall beare your whoredomes, vntill your carkeises be wasted in the wildernesse.
and your sons are evil in the wilderness forty years, and have borne your whoredoms till your carcases are consumed in the wilderness;
Your children shall be wanderers in the wilderness forty years, and shall bear your prostitution, until your dead bodies are consumed in the wilderness.
And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your lewd deeds, until your carcasses shall be wasted in the wilderness.
Your children shall wander in the desert forty years, and shall bear your fornication, until the carcasses of their fathers be consumed ill the desert,
And like shepherds wander around in the desert as they take care of their sheep, your children will wander around in this desert for 40 years. Because you adults were not loyal/faithful to me, your children will suffer until you all die in the desert.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 14:33
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 14:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ֠/בְנֵי/כֶם
יִהְי֨וּ
רֹעִ֤ים
בַּ/מִּדְבָּר֙
אַרְבָּעִ֣ים
שָׁנָ֔ה
וְ/נָשְׂא֖וּ
אֶת
זְנוּתֵי/כֶ֑ם
עַד
תֹּ֥ם
פִּגְרֵי/כֶ֖ם
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
וּ֠/בְנֵי/כֶם
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp | Suff
יִהְי֨וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
רֹעִ֤ים
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
בַּ/מִּדְבָּר֙
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
אַרְבָּעִ֣ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
forty
Adj
שָׁנָ֔ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
וְ/נָשְׂא֖וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
זְנוּתֵי/כֶ֑ם
zᵉnûwth
H2184
fornication
N-fp | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
תֹּ֥ם
tâmam
H8552
to finish
V-Qal-Inf-a
פִּגְרֵי/כֶ֖ם
peger
H6297
corpse
N-mp | Suff
בַּ/מִּדְבָּֽר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
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 14:33
וּ֠/בְנֵי/כֶם
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִהְי֨וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
רֹעִ֤ים
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּר֙
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.
אַרְבָּעִ֣ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
"forty"
Adj
The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.
Definition: forty
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.
שָׁנָ֔ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וְ/נָשְׂא֖וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
זְנוּתֵי/כֶ֑ם
zᵉnûwth
H2184
"fornication"
N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to unfaithfulness, whether it's cheating on a spouse or worshiping idols. It's often translated as 'adultery' or 'whoredom' in the KJV. This concept is discussed in books like Hosea and Ezekiel.
Definition: fornication, harlotry
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: whoredom. See also: Numbers 14:33; Ezekiel 23:27; Jeremiah 3:2.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
תֹּ֥ם
tâmam
H8552
"to finish"
V-Qal-Inf-a
To finish or complete something, either in a good or bad sense, like when God finished creating the world in Genesis. It can also mean to be consumed or destroyed. The KJV Bible uses words like accomplish, cease, or have done to translate it.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be finished, be at an end 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be finished, be completed 1a1a) completely, wholly, entirely (as auxiliary with verb) 1a2) to be finished, come to an end, cease 1a3) to be complete (of number) 1a4) to be consumed, be exhausted, be spent 1a5) to be finished, be consumed, be destroyed 1a6) to be complete, be sound, be unimpaired, be upright (ethically) 1a7) to complete, finish 1a8) to be completely crossed over 1b) (Niphal) to be consumed 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to finish, complete, perfect 1c2) to finish, cease doing, leave off doing 1c3) to complete, sum up, make whole 1c4) to destroy (uncleanness) 1c5) to make sound 1d) (Hithpael) to deal in integrity, act uprightly
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, be clean (pass-) ed, consume, have done, (come to an, have an, make an) end, fail, come to the full, be all gone, [idiom] be all here, be (make) perfect, be spent, sum, be (shew self) upright, be wasted, whole. See also: Genesis 47:15; 2 Kings 22:4; Psalms 9:7.
פִּגְרֵי/כֶ֖ם
peger
H6297
"corpse"
N-mp | Suff
A dead body, either human or animal, as seen in the story of the death of Saul in 1 Samuel 31:8-13. It can also refer to an idol or image that is lifeless and useless.
Definition: 1) corpse, carcass, monument, stela 1a) corpse (of man) 1b) carcass (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: carcase, corpse, dead body. See also: Genesis 15:11; Isaiah 34:3; Isaiah 14:19.
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 14:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 14:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 14:33
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:33
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 14:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:33
- Sermons on Numbers 14:33
Context — God’s Forgiveness and Judgment
31But I will bring your children, whom you said would become plunder, into the land you have rejected—and they will enjoy it.
32As for you, however, your bodies will fall in this wilderness.
33Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness.
34In keeping with the forty days you spied out the land, you shall bear your guilt forty years—a year for each day—and you will experience My alienation. 35I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this entire wicked congregation, which has conspired against Me. They will meet their end in the wilderness, and there they will die.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 23:35 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because you have forgotten Me and have cast Me behind your back, you must bear the consequences of your indecency and prostitution.’” |
| 2 | Numbers 32:13 | The anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation who had done evil in His sight was gone. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 2:14 | The time we spent traveling from Kadesh-barnea until we crossed over the Brook of Zered was thirty-eight years, until that entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them. |
| 4 | Psalms 107:40 | He pours out contempt on the nobles and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland. |
| 5 | Hosea 9:1 | Do not rejoice, O Israel, with exultation like the nations, for you have played the harlot against your God; you have made love for hire on every threshing floor. |
| 6 | Numbers 5:31 | The husband will be free from guilt, but the woman shall bear her iniquity.” |
| 7 | Ezekiel 23:45–49 | But righteous men will sentence them to the punishment of those who commit adultery and bloodshed, because they are adulteresses with blood on their hands. This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Bring a mob against them and consign them to terror and plunder. The mob will stone them and cut them down with their swords. They will kill their sons and daughters and burn down their houses. So I will put an end to indecency in the land, and all the women will be admonished not to imitate your behavior. They will repay you for your indecency, and you will bear the consequences of your sins of idolatry. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.’” |
| 8 | Psalms 107:4 | Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path to a city in which to dwell. |
| 9 | Joshua 14:10 | Now behold, as the LORD promised, He has kept me alive these forty-five years since He spoke this word to Moses, while Israel wandered in the wilderness. So here I am today, eighty-five years old, |
| 10 | Jeremiah 3:1–2 | “If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers— and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD. “Lift up your eyes to the barren heights and see. Is there any place where you have not been violated? You sat beside the highways waiting for your lovers, like a nomad in the desert. You have defiled the land with your prostitution and wickedness. |
Numbers 14:33 Summary
This verse, Numbers 14:33, tells us that because of the Israelites' disobedience, their children would have to take care of animals in the wilderness for forty years. This was a punishment for the parents' sins, and it shows how our actions can affect those around us, even our children. As seen in Deuteronomy 1:39, God had a plan to care for the children, but the parents' rebellion changed that plan. We can learn from this that our choices have consequences, not just for ourselves, but for those we love, and that God is a just and merciful God, as seen in Psalm 103:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the children to be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years?
This means that the children of the Israelites will have to wander and care for their flocks in the wilderness for forty years, suffering the consequences of their parents' unfaithfulness, as seen in Numbers 14:33 and supported by Deuteronomy 1:39.
Why did God allow the children to suffer for their parents' unfaithfulness?
This was a consequence of the parents' rebellion against God, as stated in Numbers 14:33, and is in line with the principle that the sins of the parents can affect their children, as seen in Exodus 34:7 and Deuteronomy 5:9-10.
How does this verse relate to the concept of generational sin?
This verse illustrates how the sins of one generation can impact the next, as the children of the Israelites had to suffer for their parents' unfaithfulness, a concept also seen in Leviticus 26:39 and Lamentations 5:7.
What is the significance of the forty-year period in this verse?
The forty-year period corresponds to the forty days the Israelites spent spying out the land, as mentioned in Numbers 14:34, and serves as a reminder of God's judgment on their disobedience, as also seen in Psalm 95:10.
Reflection Questions
- How have I seen the consequences of sin affect not just myself, but also those around me, including my family?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of Numbers 14:33 to my own life, considering how my actions may impact future generations?
- What does this verse teach me about God's character, particularly in regards to His justice and mercy, as seen in Psalm 103:8 and Romans 11:22?
- How can I use this verse as a reminder to seek forgiveness and repentance for my own sins, and to pray for my family and community, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9 and James 5:16?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:33
And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years,.... Or "feed" (b), as shepherds, who go from place to place, and seek fresh pasture for their sheep; it being the custom of a shepherd,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:33
But as for you, your carcases, they shall fall in this wilderness. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:33
Wander, like sheep, feeding in the deserts; or shall be shepherds, i.e. shall live like the shepherds of Arabia, in tents, and removing from place to place, having no certain dwelling. Forty years, i.e. so long as to make up the time of your dwelling in the wilderness forty years, as appears from 2:14. Compare . It is manifest that one whole year and part of another were past before this sin or judgment. Your whoredoms, i.e. the punishment of your whoredoms, to wit, of your apostacy from, and perfidiousness against, your Lord, who was your Husband, and had married you to himself. See . Whence idolatry is called whoredom.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 14:33
(33) And your children shall wander.—Better, shall be shepherds, or, shall feed their flocks.Forty years.—The forty years were reckoned from the exodus, not from the return of the spies to Kadesh. (See Numbers 14:34 and Note.) And bear your whoredoms.—The children were doomed to bear the penalty of their fathers’ apostasy. (Comp. Exodus 34:16.)
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:33
33. your children shall be shepherds] as R.V. marg. They were to continue to rove about with their flocks, instead of settling down to agricultural life in Canaan. The rendering ‘wanderers’ is due to the Vulg. vagi. and shall bear your whoredoms] Your children, though they will not die in the wilderness, must suffer for your unfaithfulness to God. The metaphor of whoredom, the action of a woman who deserts her husband for another, is frequently applied to Israel. By defiant unbelief (as here), or by the worship of foreign gods (as Hosea 2:7; Hosea 9:1), or by foreign alliances (as Ezekiel 16:26; Ezekiel 23:1-35), she proved, time after time, unfaithful to Jehovah.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 14:33
Your whoredoms - Their several rebellions had been so many acts of faithless departure from the Lord who had taken them unto Himself.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:33
33. Bear your whoredoms — Disobedience to God is in the Scriptures often expressed as infidelity to the marriage vow. The highest ideal of spiritual life is that of the bride’s heart-surrender in marriage.
Sermons on Numbers 14:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Romans 9:28 Our Present Respite by Ernest O'Neill | Ernest O'Neill preaches about the significant division of history into BC and AD, highlighting the transformation from a selfish, carnal nature to a new, unselfish, spiritual natur |
|
Don't Die in Your Wilderness by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto God's promises in times of trouble. He reminds the congregation that God has commanded them not to fear or be |
|
|
Disappointments Can Be Dangerous by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a pastor who falls asleep while traveling and has a dream about a ladder reaching into heaven. He sees angels coming and going, sy |
|
(Men God Made) Moses by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life of Moses and his journey with God. He highlights how Moses initially felt inadequate and unsure of his ability to lead God's people |
|
Every Mountain Will Be Flattened (zech.4:6,7) by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about how God allows His people to face hindrances and obstacles to exercise their faith and experience His mighty power. He emphasizes the importance of obeyin |
|
Blood Upon Dry Land by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the commission given to believers to deliver multitudes who are sorrowing and crying out in our generation. He uses the example of Moses, who |
|
|
Loving Jesus by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving Jesus wholeheartedly. He urges believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all earthly possessions |