Numbers 20:4
Numbers 20:4 in Multiple Translations
Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here?
And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?
And why have ye brought the assembly of Jehovah into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our beasts?
Why have you taken the Lord's people into this waste, for death to come to us and to our cattle there?
Why have you brought the Lord's people into this desert just so we and our livestock can die here?
Why haue ye thus brought the Congregation of the Lord vnto his wildernesse, that both we, and our cattell should die there?
and why have ye brought in the assembly of Jehovah unto this wilderness to die there, we and our beasts?
Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals?
And why have ye brought the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?
Why have you brought out the church of the Lord into the wilderness, that both we and our cattle should die?
◄Did you bring us, who are Yahweh’s people, into this desert to die along with our livestock?/You brought us, who are Yahweh’s people, into this desert to die along with our livestock!► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 20:4
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 20:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לָ/מָ֤ה
הֲבֵאתֶם֙
אֶת
קְהַ֣ל
יְהוָ֔ה
אֶל
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
לָ/מ֣וּת
שָׁ֔ם
אֲנַ֖חְנוּ
וּ/בְעִירֵֽ/נוּ
וְ/לָ/מָ֤ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Prep | Part
הֲבֵאתֶם֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Perf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
קְהַ֣ל
qâhâl
H6951
assembly
N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
לָ/מ֣וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
שָׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
אֲנַ֖חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
וּ/בְעִירֵֽ/נוּ
bᵉʻîyr
H1165
cattle
Conj | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 20:4
וְ/לָ/מָ֤ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | 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.
הֲבֵאתֶם֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
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.
קְהַ֣ל
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.
יְהוָ֔ה
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.
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.
הַ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Art | 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.
הַ/זֶּ֑ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | 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.
לָ/מ֣וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
שָׁ֔ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אֲנַ֖חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
וּ/בְעִירֵֽ/נוּ
bᵉʻîyr
H1165
"cattle"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to cattle or beasts, often used in the Bible to describe livestock or animals. It is used in various contexts, including sacrifices and everyday life.
Definition: beasts, cattle
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 45:17; Numbers 20:8; Psalms 78:48.
Study Notes — Numbers 20:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Water from the Rock
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?
5Why have you led us up out of Egypt to bring us to this wretched place? It is not a place of grain, figs, vines, or pomegranates—and there is no water to drink!” 6Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. They fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 17:3 | 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?” |
| 2 | Psalms 106:21 | They forgot God their Savior, who did great things in Egypt, |
| 3 | Numbers 16:13–14 | Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Must you also appoint yourself as ruler over us? Moreover, you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you gouge out the eyes of these men? No, we will not come!” |
| 4 | Acts 7:35 | This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. |
| 5 | Exodus 16:3 | “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!” |
| 6 | Exodus 14:11–12 | They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us into the wilderness to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Did we not say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” |
| 7 | Numbers 16:41 | The next day the whole congregation of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the LORD’s people!” |
| 8 | Acts 7:39–40 | But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. They said to Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us! As for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.’ |
| 9 | Numbers 11:5 | We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. |
| 10 | Exodus 5:21 | “May the LORD look upon you and judge you,” the foremen said, “for you have made us a stench before Pharaoh and his officials; you have placed in their hand a sword to kill us!” |
Numbers 20:4 Summary
In Numbers 20:4, the Israelites are complaining against Moses and God because they are thirsty and don't have enough water. They are worried that they and their animals will die in the wilderness. This shows that they are not trusting in God's promise to take care of them, as seen in Exodus 15:24-25. We can learn from their mistake by trusting in God's provision and promise, even when things seem difficult or uncertain, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By trusting in God, we can have peace and contentment, even in hard times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the people's complaint in Numbers 20:4?
The people were complaining because they had no water, and they were worried that they and their livestock would die in the wilderness, as seen in Numbers 20:2 and Numbers 20:5, which is similar to their previous complaints in Exodus 15:24 and Exodus 17:1-3.
Why were the Israelites so quick to turn against Moses and Aaron?
The Israelites were quick to turn against Moses and Aaron because they were focused on their immediate needs and circumstances, rather than trusting in God's provision and promise, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2-3 and Psalm 78:40-42.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Israelites in the wilderness?
This verse is part of a larger pattern of the Israelites' rebellion and lack of trust in God, which is a major theme in the book of Numbers, as seen in Numbers 14:1-4 and Hebrews 3:7-11.
What can we learn from the Israelites' mistake in Numbers 20:4?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's provision and promise, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28, and to not focus solely on our immediate needs and desires.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I complain or grumble against God's provision in my life, and how can I learn to trust Him more?
- How do I respond when faced with difficult circumstances, and what can I learn from the Israelites' example in Numbers 20:4?
- What are some promises or provisions that God has given me, and how can I trust in them more fully, as seen in Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:19?
- In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of trust and dependence on God, rather than relying on my own strength or resources, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:4
And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness,.... The wilderness of Zin, whither by various marches and journeys, and through different stations, they were at length
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:4
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 20:4
Numbers 20:4 And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?Ver. 4. And why have ye brought up.] See how this new generation doth patrissare This is but the old coccysmus of those ancient malcontents; so much the worse in these, because they made no better use of God’ s dealing with their fathers.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:4
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.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:4
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 20:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Response to Israel by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the response of God to the grumblings of the children of Israel after their deliverance from Egypt. He emphasizes the importance of hav |
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Doubt, the Sin God Hates the Most by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a doctor receiving good news about a patient's health. The speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in God's word an |
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The Bride of Christ by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the deep emotional pain Jesus experiences when His followers neglect Him despite professing love. He compares this neglect to a bride-to-be who praises h |
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The Forgotten Savior by Ed Wrather | Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of remembering God's deliverance and faithfulness, drawing parallels between the Hebrews' forgetfulness of God's miracles and our tendency to f |
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Apostolic Commission by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not panicking or feeling overwhelmed when trying to understand the message of God. He encourages the audience to take what |
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God's Man by Francois Carr | This sermon focuses on the transformation and journey of Moses, drawing parallels to personal experiences and the need for surrender, faith, and trust in God. It emphasizes the imp |
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Homily 17 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the life of Moses, highlighting how God raised him up as a ruler and deliverer despite the rejection and disobedience of the Israelites. He emphasize |