Numbers 14:5
Numbers 14:5 in Multiple Translations
Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown before the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel.
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
Then Moses and Aaron went down on their faces before the meeting of the people.
Moses and Aaron fell facedown on the ground in front of all the assembled Israelites.
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assemblie of the Congregation of the children of Israel.
And Moses falleth — Aaron also — on their faces, before all the assembly of the company of the sons of Israel.
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
And when Moses and Aaron heard this, they fell down flat upon the ground before the multitude of the children of Israel.
Then Aaron and Moses/I bowed down to pray in front of all the Israeli people who had gathered there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 14:5
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 14:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּפֹּ֥ל
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֖ן
עַל
פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
לִ/פְנֵ֕י
כָּל
קְהַ֥ל
עֲדַ֖ת
בְּנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יִּפֹּ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֖ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
Conj | N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
לִ/פְנֵ֕י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
קְהַ֥ל
qâhâl
H6951
assembly
N-ms
עֲדַ֖ת
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
N-fs
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 14:5
וַ/יִּפֹּ֥ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
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.
וְ/אַהֲרֹ֖ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
Conj | N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵי/הֶ֑ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לִ/פְנֵ֕י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
קְהַ֥ל
qâhâl
H6951
"assembly"
N-ms
A group of people gathered together, like the congregation in Solomon's temple or a crowd in the streets of Jerusalem.
Definition: 1) assembly, company, congregation, convocation 1a) assembly 1a1) for evil counsel, war or invasion, religious purposes 1b) company (of returning exiles) 1c) congregation 1c1) as organised body
Usage: Occurs in 116 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude. See also: Genesis 28:3; 2 Chronicles 28:14; Psalms 22:23.
עֲדַ֖ת
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Numbers 14:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 14:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 14:5
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:5
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 14:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:5
- Sermons on Numbers 14:5
Context — Israel’s Rebellion
3Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?”
4So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.”
5Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown before the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel.
6Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes 7and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 16:4 | When Moses heard this, he fell facedown. |
| 2 | Numbers 16:22 | But Moses and Aaron fell facedown and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the whole congregation?” |
| 3 | Numbers 16:45 | “Get away from this congregation so that I may consume them in an instant.” And Moses and Aaron fell facedown. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 21:16 | When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown. |
| 5 | Joshua 5:14 | “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” |
| 6 | Leviticus 9:24 | Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown. |
| 7 | Genesis 17:3 | Then Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, |
| 8 | Ezekiel 9:8 | While they were killing, I was left alone. And I fell facedown and cried out, “Oh, Lord GOD, when You pour out Your wrath on Jerusalem, will You destroy the entire remnant of Israel?” |
| 9 | Revelation 5:14 | And the four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 18:39 | When all the people saw this, they fell facedown and said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!” |
Numbers 14:5 Summary
In this verse, Moses and Aaron fall facedown before the people as a way of showing their humility and asking God for mercy. This act of humility is a powerful example for us today, reminding us to seek God's face and trust in His goodness, even when things seem uncertain or difficult (Psalm 46:1-3). By falling facedown, Moses and Aaron demonstrated their submission to God's will and their desire to see the people repent and turn back to Him. This verse encourages us to prioritize seeking God's will and to trust in His goodness, rather than relying on our own strength or understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Moses and Aaron fall facedown before the congregation of Israel?
Moses and Aaron fell facedown as an act of humility and intercession before God, seeking to appease His wrath and turn the hearts of the people back to Him, as seen in similar instances like Numbers 16:22 and Exodus 32:31-32.
What was the significance of Moses and Aaron's actions in this context?
By falling facedown, Moses and Aaron demonstrated their submission to God's will and their desire to see the people repent and turn back to Him, rather than continuing in rebellion, which is a theme also found in Deuteronomy 9:25.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Israelites in the wilderness?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as it shows the contrast between the faithless murmuring of the people and the faithful leadership of Moses and Aaron, highlighting the importance of trust and obedience, as emphasized in Hebrews 3:16-19 and Numbers 13:30-31.
What can we learn from Moses and Aaron's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of humility, prayer, and seeking God's face in times of crisis, as well as the value of leaders who will stand in the gap and intercede for their people, as seen in Ezekiel 22:30 and Acts 7:60.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate humility and submission to God in my own life, especially in difficult or trying circumstances?
- How can I, like Moses and Aaron, stand in the gap and intercede for others who may be struggling with doubt or unbelief?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God more and rebel less, and how can I practically apply the lessons of this verse to those areas?
- In what ways can I prioritize seeking God's face and will, rather than my own desires or the opinions of others, and what difference might that make in my relationships and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:5
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces,.... Through shame and confusion of face for them, at hearing so shocking a proposal made, and such wretched ingratitude expressed; they blushed at it, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:5
Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:5
As humble and earnest suppliants, either to the people, to entreat them to desist from their wicked and pernicious enterprise; or rather, to God, by comparing this with 20:6, the only refuge to which Moses resorted in all such straits, and who alone was able to still and govern this tumultuous and stiff-necked people. Before all the assembly, that they might be awaked to apprehend their sin and danger, when they saw Moses at his prayers, whom God never used to deny, and never failed to defend, even with the destruction of his enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 14:5
Numbers 14:5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.Ver. 5. Before all the assembly.] What they said unto them see Deuteronomy 1:29-30. See also on Numbers 16:15.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:5
Numbers 14:1-10. The people mutinied in spite of the protest of Joshua and Caleb.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 14:5
Already Caleb had endeavored to still the people before Moses Numbers 13:30; already Moses himself (Deuteronomy 1:29 ff) had endeavored to recall the people to obedience.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:5
5. Fell on their faces — This attitude was expressive of the deepest sorrow, and at the same time it was a mute but eloquent appeal to the mutinous multitude to desist from their insane purpose.
Sermons on Numbers 14:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Eating the Bread of Opposition by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the concept of 'eating the bread of opposition,' highlighting how challenges and enemies can actually nurture and strengthen us in our faith journey. It enco |
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Epistle 153 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the universal nature of God's love and the importance of righteousness, stating that God gives life to all and is no respecter of persons. He highlights that |
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The Nature and Universality of Spiritual Death by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the nature and universality of spiritual death, emphasizing the dreadful state of the soul separated from God, dead in transgressions and sins. He vivi |
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Angel Workers by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar shares a profound allegory of a gathering of angels who discuss their divine missions and the importance of their service to God and humanity. Each angel recounts thei |
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Then Thou Shalt Go Out to Battle; for God Is by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the battles we face are not ours alone, but God's, as He goes before us to fight our enemies. He illustrates this through biblical examples of divine int |
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(The Power of the Holy Spirit - 3) the Fire of God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a witness for Christ in our daily lives. He compares the church to a small sample of God's kingdom and encourages bel |
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The Baptism of Fire by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and preparing our hearts to receive Christ, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's ministry of preparing the way for Jesus. It |