Numbers 17:7
Numbers 17:7 in Multiple Translations
Then Moses placed the staffs before the LORD in the Tent of the Testimony.
And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness.
And Moses laid up the rods before Jehovah in the tent of the testimony.
And Moses put the rods before the Lord in the Tent of witness.
Moses placed the walking sticks before the Lord in the Tent of the Testimony.
And Moses layde the rods before the Lord in the Tabernacle of the Testimonie.
and Moses placeth the rods before Jehovah, in the tent of the testimony.
Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the Tent of the Testimony.
And Moses laid the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness.
And when Moses had laid them up before the Lord in the tabernacle of the testimony:
Moses/I placed the sticks inside the Sacred Tent in front of the sacred chest.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 17:7
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 17:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֗י
בְּ/הִקָּהֵ֤ל
הָֽ/עֵדָה֙
עַל
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
וְ/עַֽל
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
וַ/יִּפְנוּ֙
אֶל
אֹ֣הֶל
מוֹעֵ֔ד
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
כִסָּ֖ה/וּ
הֶ/עָנָ֑ן
וַ/יֵּרָ֖א
כְּב֥וֹד
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/הִקָּהֵ֤ל
qâhal
H6950
to gather
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
הָֽ/עֵדָה֙
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
Art | N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וְ/עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
וַ/יִּפְנוּ֙
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms
מוֹעֵ֔ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
כִסָּ֖ה/וּ
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
הֶ/עָנָ֑ן
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
Art | N-ms
וַ/יֵּרָ֖א
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּב֥וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 17:7
וַ/יְהִ֗י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
בְּ/הִקָּהֵ֤ל
qâhal
H6950
"to gather"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
To gather people together, often for a special purpose like worship or war, as seen in Exodus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) to assemble, gather 1a) (Niphal) to assemble 1a1) for religious reasons 1a2) for political reasons 1b) (Hiphil) to summon an assembly 1b1) for war, judgment 1b2) for religious purposes Also means: qa.lah (קָלַהּ "to gather" H7035)
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves) (together), gather (selves) (together). See also: Exodus 32:1; 2 Samuel 20:14; Jeremiah 26:9.
הָֽ/עֵדָה֙
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
Art | 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.
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.
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
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/עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | 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.
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
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.
וַ/יִּפְנוּ֙
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
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.
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
מוֹעֵ֔ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
וְ/הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
כִסָּ֖ה/וּ
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
הֶ/עָנָ֑ן
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.
Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.
וַ/יֵּרָ֖א
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
כְּב֥וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 17:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Aaron’s Staff Buds
5The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid Myself of the constant grumbling of the Israelites against you.”
6So Moses spoke to the Israelites, and each of their leaders gave him a staff—one for each of the leaders of their tribes, twelve staffs in all. And Aaron’s staff was among them.
7Then Moses placed the staffs before the LORD in the Tent of the Testimony.
8The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron’s staff, representing the house of Levi, had sprouted, put forth buds, blossomed, and produced almonds. 9Then Moses brought out all the staffs from the LORD’s presence to all the Israelites. They saw them, and each man took his own staff.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 7:44 | Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. |
| 2 | Exodus 38:21 | This is the inventory for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the Testimony, as recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. |
| 3 | Numbers 18:2 | But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. |
Numbers 17:7 Summary
In Numbers 17:7, Moses placed the staffs of the Israelite leaders before the Lord in the Tent of the Testimony, trusting that God would reveal His chosen leader. This event shows us that God is sovereign and in control, and that He desires our trust and obedience, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11. By placing the staffs before the Lord, Moses demonstrated his faith in God's plan and provision, and we can learn from his example by trusting God in our own lives, even when the outcome is uncertain, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-7 and Isaiah 40:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of placing the staffs before the Lord in the Tent of the Testimony?
The purpose was to determine God's chosen leader among the Israelites, as stated in Numbers 17:5, and to put an end to their grumblings against Moses, as seen in Numbers 17:5 and Exodus 16:2.
Why was the Tent of the Testimony significant in this context?
The Tent of the Testimony was significant because it was the dwelling place of God among the Israelites, as described in Exodus 25:8 and Numbers 9:15, where God would meet with Moses and the people, as seen in Exodus 29:42-43 and Numbers 17:4.
What can we learn from Moses' obedience in placing the staffs before the Lord?
We can learn about the importance of trusting and obeying God's instructions, even when the outcome is uncertain, as seen in Moses' actions in Numbers 17:7 and the promise of Deuteronomy 31:8.
How does this event relate to the broader story of the Israelites' journey?
This event relates to the Israelites' journey as it demonstrates God's sovereignty and provision for His people, as seen in Numbers 17:8-9 and the promise of Exodus 19:4-6, and it also highlights the importance of leadership and authority in the community of believers, as discussed in 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Hebrews 13:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty and provision, just like the Israelites did in the wilderness?
- How can I apply the principle of obedience to God's instructions, even when the outcome is uncertain, in my own life and decisions?
- What does this event reveal about God's character and His relationship with His people, and how can I deepen my understanding of God's love and care for me?
- In what ways can I demonstrate faith and trust in God's plan, just like Moses did when he placed the staffs before the Lord, and what are the potential consequences of disobedience or unbelief?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 17:7
And Moses laid up the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 17:7
And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 17:7
7. Witness — The Hebrew is the same as that for testimony in Numbers 17:4.
Sermons on Numbers 17:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Becoming a House for God by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the difficulty of forgiving someone who has done something unjust or perverse. He compares this challenge to learning a new concept in school |
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Religious People, Stiff Necked and Angry by Shane Idleman | This sermon addresses the issue of religious people being stiff-necked and angry, emphasizing the difference between religion and relationship with God. It highlights the need to s |
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Religious People - Stiff-Necked & Angry by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the dangers of being religious without a true relationship with Christ, emphasizing that many religious individuals are often stiff-necked and angry. He dra |
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The Testimony of Jesus Christ (Pt. 2) by Allan Halton | Allan Halton delves into the captivating phrase 'the testimony of Jesus Christ,' exploring its significance in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Covenant, the testimony w |
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Leviticus and Hebrews by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the nearness and response to God as seen in the book of Leviticus, where the Levites were joined to Aaron, representing the Children of Israel, and kept charg |