Numbers 20:2
Numbers 20:2 in Multiple Translations
Now there was no water for the congregation, so they gathered against Moses and Aaron.
And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.
And there was no water for the congregation: and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.
And there was no water for the people: and they came together against Moses and against Aaron.
However, there was no water there for anyone to drink, so the people gathered to confront Moses and Aaron.
But there was no water for the Congregation, and they assembled them selues against Moses and against Aaron.
And there hath been no water for the company, and they are assembled against Moses, and against Aaron,
There was no water for the congregation; and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.
And there was no water for the congregation: and they assembled themselves against Moses and against Aaron.
And the people wanting water, came together against Moses and Aaron:
There was no water for the people to drink there, so they came to Aaron and Moses/me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 20:2
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 20:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹא
הָ֥יָה
מַ֖יִם
לָ/עֵדָ֑ה
וַ/יִּקָּ֣הֲל֔וּ
עַל
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
וְ/עַֽל
אַהֲרֹֽן
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הָ֥יָה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מַ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
לָ/עֵדָ֑ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
Prep | N-fs
וַ/יִּקָּ֣הֲל֔וּ
qâhal
H6950
to gather
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וְ/עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
אַהֲרֹֽן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 20:2
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
הָ֥יָה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
מַ֖יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
לָ/עֵדָ֑ה
ʻêdâh
H5712
"congregation"
Prep | 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.
וַ/יִּקָּ֣הֲל֔וּ
qâhal
H6950
"to gather"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
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.
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
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.
אַהֲרֹֽן
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 20:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 20:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 20:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 20:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 20:2
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:2
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 20:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:2
- Sermons on Numbers 20:2
Context — Water from the Rock
1In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel entered the Wilderness of Zin and stayed in Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried.
2Now there was no water for the congregation, so they gathered against Moses and Aaron.
3The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD! 4Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 16:19 | When Korah had gathered his whole assembly against them at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the glory of the LORD appeared to the whole congregation. |
| 2 | Numbers 16:42 | But when the congregation gathered against them, Moses and Aaron turned toward the Tent of Meeting, and suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared. |
| 3 | Exodus 15:23–24 | And when they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” |
| 4 | Exodus 16:12 | “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’” |
| 5 | Exodus 16:2 | And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. |
| 6 | Numbers 16:3 | They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” |
| 7 | Numbers 11:1–6 | Soon the people began to complain about their hardship in the hearing of the LORD, and when He heard them, His anger was kindled, and fire from the LORD blazed among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp. And the people cried out to Moses, and he prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. So that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD had burned among them. Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!” |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 10:10–11 | And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. |
| 9 | Exodus 17:1–4 | Then the whole congregation of Israel left the Desert of Sin, moving from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?” But the people thirsted for water there, and they grumbled against Moses: “Why have you brought us out of Egypt—to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?” Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What should I do with these people? A little more and they will stone me!” |
| 10 | Exodus 16:7 | and in the morning you will see the LORD’s glory, because He has heard your grumbling against Him. For who are we that you should grumble against us?” |
Numbers 20:2 Summary
This verse tells us that the people of Israel were very thirsty and had no water to drink, so they gathered against Moses and Aaron, who were their leaders. This shows that when we are not getting what we want or need, we can quickly become angry and frustrated, like the Israelites in the wilderness. But as Christians, we are called to trust in God's goodness and provision, even when things seem difficult or uncertain, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God, we can find peace and contentment, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the people gathering against Moses and Aaron in Numbers 20:2?
The people were gathering against Moses and Aaron because there was no water for the congregation, and they were frustrated and thirsty, as seen in Numbers 20:2, which is reminiscent of the Israelites' previous experience of thirst in Exodus 17:1-7.
What was the root cause of the people's complaint in this verse?
The root cause of the people's complaint was their lack of trust in God's provision, similar to the Israelites' lack of faith in Numbers 14:1-4, which led to their disobedience and rebellion against Moses and Aaron.
How does this verse relate to the death of Miriam in the previous verse?
The death of Miriam in Numbers 20:1 may have contributed to the sense of desperation and hopelessness among the people, making them more prone to rebellion against Moses and Aaron, as they felt they were without a strong leader and without the blessing of God, as seen in Numbers 26:59 and Numbers 12:2.
What can we learn from the people's behavior in this verse?
We can learn that when we focus on our circumstances and our own needs, rather than trusting in God's goodness and provision, we can quickly become discontent and rebellious, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:10, which warns against grumbling and complaining like the Israelites did in the wilderness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am prone to complain or rebel against God's plan, and how can I shift my focus to trusting in His goodness and provision?
- How do I respond when I feel like God is not providing for my needs, and what can I learn from the Israelites' experience in the wilderness?
- In what ways can I cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment, even in difficult circumstances, like the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-13?
- What role does faith and trust play in my relationship with God, and how can I deepen my faith in times of uncertainty or doubt, as seen in Hebrews 11:6?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:2
And there was no water for the congregation,.... Which was so ordered, for the trial of this new generation, to see whether they would behave any better than their fathers had done in a like
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:2
And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. There was no water for the congregation.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 20:2
The water having followed them through all their former journeys, began now to fail them here, because they were now come near Canaan and other countries, where waters might be had by ordinary means, and therefore God would not use extraordinary, lest he should seem to prostitute the honour of miracles. This story, though like that Exodus 17, is different from it, as appears by divers circumstances.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 20:2
(2) And there was no water . . . —Kadesh may have comprised a considerable portion of the wilderness of Zin, and there may have been a supply of water in some parts of the district and a scarcity in others; or the supply may have proved insufficient for the wants of so great a multitude; or the miraculous supply which was given at Rephidim may have continued, with more or less frequent intermissions, up to the time to which this statement refers, and may have been suddenly withdrawn at this time in order to try the faith of the Israelites.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 20:2
Verse 2. And there was no water for the congregation] The same occurrence took place to the children of Israel at Kadesh, as did formerly to their fathers at Rephidim, see Exodus 17:1; and as the fathers murmured, so also did the children.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:2
2–13. The striking of the rock at Meribah. Many characteristics of language indicate that this is mainly the work of P . In Exodus 17:1-7 there is another account of the striking of the rock, the place being similarly named Meribah. It is probable that these are two traditions of the same event. In E it is placed at Horeb, early in the journeyings; here it is placed at their close. This two-fold striking of the rock appears to have influenced S. Paul’s language in 1 Corinthians 10:4. See on Numbers 21:18.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 20:2
The language of the murmurers is noteworthy. It has the air of a traditional remonstrance handed down from the last generation. Compare marginal references.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:2
CLAMOUR FOR WATER — THE ROCK SMITTEN, Numbers 20:2-13. 2. No water — Twice before had the cry for water come up into the ears of Moses. On the first occasion the bitter waters were miraculously sweetened. Exodus 15:25.
Sermons on Numbers 20:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Enduring the Test by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites as they were led by God out of Egypt towards the land of Canaan. The speaker emphasizes the importance of trusti |
|
The Vessels That God Uses by James A. Stewart | In this sermon, the preacher shares a dream he had about attending two different church services. One church advertised that the archangel Gabriel would be preaching, while the oth |
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(Forging the Vessel of Recovery) 1- the Success of the First Century Church by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal witness for Christ. They highlight that while television, radio, and printed materials are valuable tools for spre |
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Cranbrook 1993 10-4-93 Am by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the direction and orders of the captain of the hosts of the Lord. He uses the example of Joshua receiving the blu |
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When Things Don't Make Sense by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the invisible, rather than relying on physical signs and experiences. He warns against seeking tangible |
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Elijah and Elisha 10 ~ Keswick Conference 1970 by Harold Wildish | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experiences as a missionary in South America and expresses gratitude to the Lord. He discusses twelve subjects that he wishes he had lea |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the book of Exodus, highlighting the journey of the Israelites from slavery to freedom, emphasizing the importance of faith, obedience, and God's provision. |