Numbers 14:41
Numbers 14:41 in Multiple Translations
But Moses said, “Why are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD? This will not succeed!
And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper.
And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of Jehovah, seeing it shall not prosper?
And Moses said, Why are you now acting against the Lord's order, seeing that no good will come of it?
But Moses objected. “Why are you disobeying the Lord's command? You won't succeed in your plan!
But Moses said, Wherefore transgresse yee thus the commandement of the Lord? it will not so come well to passe.
And Moses saith, 'Why [is] this? — ye are transgressing the command of Jehovah, and it doth not prosper;
Moses said, “Why now do you disobey the commandment of the LORD, since it shall not prosper?
And Moses said, Why now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper.
And Moses said to them: Why transgress you the word of the Lord, which shall not succeed prosperously with you?
But Moses/I said, “Yahweh commanded you to return to the desert, so why are you now disobeying him [RHQ]? It will not ◄succeed/be possible►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 14:41
BAB
Word Study
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Numbers 14:41 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
לָ֥/מָּה
זֶּ֛ה
אַתֶּ֥ם
עֹבְרִ֖ים
אֶת
פִּ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
וְ/הִ֖וא
לֹ֥א
תִצְלָֽח
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
זֶּ֛ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
אַתֶּ֥ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
עֹבְרִ֖ים
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פִּ֣י
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/הִ֖וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִצְלָֽח
tsâlach
H6743
to rush
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 14:41
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
לָ֥/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
זֶּ֛ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
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.
אַתֶּ֥ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
עֹבְרִ֖ים
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
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.
פִּ֣י
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
יְהוָ֑ה
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.
וְ/הִ֖וא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
לֹ֥א
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.
תִצְלָֽח
tsâlach
H6743
"to rush"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
Study Notes — Numbers 14:41
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Defeat at Hormah
39And when Moses relayed these words to all the Israelites, the people mourned bitterly.
40Early the next morning they got up and went up toward the ridge of the hill country. “We have indeed sinned,” they said, “but we will go to the place the LORD has promised.”
41But Moses said, “Why are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD? This will not succeed!
42Do not go up, lest you be struck down by your enemies, because the LORD is not among you. 43For there the Amalekites and Canaanites will face you, and you will fall by the sword. Because you have turned away from the LORD, He will not be with you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 24:20 | Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood up before the people and said to them, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you.’” |
| 2 | Job 4:9 | By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of His anger they are consumed. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 2:37 | Moreover, you will leave that place with your hands on your head, for the LORD has rejected those you trust; you will not prosper by their help.” |
| 4 | Numbers 14:25 | Now since the Amalekites and Canaanites are living in the valleys, turn back tomorrow and head for the wilderness along the route to the Red Sea. ” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 32:5 | He will take Zedekiah to Babylon, where he will stay until I attend to him, declares the LORD. If you fight against the Chaldeans, you will not succeed.’” |
Numbers 14:41 Summary
In Numbers 14:41, Moses warns the Israelites that their decision to go against God's command will not succeed. This is because they are disobeying God's will and going into battle without His presence and blessing (Numbers 14:42-43). We can learn from this verse that obedience to God is essential for success and blessing, and that we should trust in His plan and timing (Psalm 37:3-7). By following God's commands and waiting on His guidance, we can experience His goodness and sovereignty in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What commandment of the Lord were the Israelites transgressing in Numbers 14:41?
The Israelites were disobeying the Lord's command to not go up to the hill country, as given through Moses, because the Lord was not with them (Numbers 14:42-43).
Why did Moses say their actions would not succeed?
Moses said their actions would not succeed because they were going against the will of God, and without His presence and blessing, they would face defeat and disaster (Numbers 14:43, Deuteronomy 1:42).
What can we learn from Moses' response to the Israelites' disobedience?
We learn that obedience to God's commands is essential for success and blessing, and that disobedience can lead to failure and hardship (Joshua 1:7-8, Proverbs 28:13).
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan and timing, rather than taking matters into our own hands, as the Israelites did, and instead, waiting on God's guidance and direction (Psalm 37:3-7, Isaiah 40:31).
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be transgressing God's commands, and what steps can I take to obey Him?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's plan and timing, especially when faced with uncertainty or adversity?
- What are some ways I can apply the lesson of Numbers 14:41 to my daily life, and what blessings can I expect to receive when I obey God's commands?
- In what ways can I, like Moses, encourage others to obey God's commands and trust in His goodness and sovereignty?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:41
And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the Lord?.... Which was to turn back into the wilderness, and go the way that leads to the Red sea, Numbers 14:25; instead of which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:41
And Moses said, Wherefore now do ye transgress the commandment of the LORD? but it shall not prosper. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:41
The commandment of the Lord; either that command, Go not up, &c., which, though in this place mentioned after, yet may seem to have gone before their transgression, by comparing this place with ,43; or that command above, , Turn ye, and get ye into the wilderness, &c., which was a course directly contrary to that which they took.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:41
41. It shall not prosper — R.V., “seeing it shall not prosper.” Before sin can ultimately prosper, the holy God must abdicate the throne of the universe.
Sermons on Numbers 14:41
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What Does It Take to See God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else. He reminds the congregation that Jesus promises to provide |
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The Spirit of God Clothed Itself With Zechariah by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound relationship between the Holy Spirit and those who surrender to Him, likening it to clothing that the Spirit wears. He challenges listeners to co |
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Truth & Error by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the dangers of evil and error, both originating from Satan and leading to destruction. While evil acts are more visibly condemned, error on fundamental |