Numbers 21:16
Numbers 21:16 in Multiple Translations
From there they went on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people so that I may give them water.”
And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.
And from thence they journeyed to Beer: that is the well whereof Jehovah said unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.
From there they went on to Beer, the water-spring of which the Lord said to Moses, Make the people come together and I will give them water.
From there they moved on to Beer, the well where the Lord told Moses, “Have the people gather together so I can give them water.”
And from thence they turned to Beer: the same is the well where the Lord said vnto Moses, Assemble the people, and I wil giue them water.
And from thence [they journeyed] to Beer; it [is] the well [concerning] which Jehovah said to Moses, 'Gather the people, and I give to them — water.'
From there they traveled to Beer; that is the well of which the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people together, and I will give them water.”
And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well of which the LORD spoke to Moses, Assemble the people, and I will give them water.
When they went from that place, the well appeared whereof the Lord said to Moses: Gather the people together, and I will give them water.
From there, the Israelis traveled to Beer. There was a well there, where Yahweh previously had said to Moses/me, “Gather the people together, and I will give them water.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 21:16
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 21:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
בְּאֵ֑רָ/ה
הִ֣וא
הַ/בְּאֵ֗ר
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
אָמַ֤ר
יְהוָה֙
לְ/מֹשֶׁ֔ה
אֱסֹף֙
אֶת
הָ/עָ֔ם
וְ/אֶתְּנָ֥ה
לָ/הֶ֖ם
מָֽיִם
וּ/מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Conj | Prep | Adv
בְּאֵ֑רָ/ה
Bᵉʼêr
H876
Beer
N-proper | Suff
הִ֣וא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
הַ/בְּאֵ֗ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
well
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אָמַ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לְ/מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
Prep | N-proper
אֱסֹף֙
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶתְּנָ֥ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 21:16
וּ/מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Conj | Prep | 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.
בְּאֵ֑רָ/ה
Bᵉʼêr
H876
"Beer"
N-proper | Suff
Beer means well, referring to a city near Hebron or a place in the Desert. It appears in the Bible as a location.
Definition: Beer = "well" a city west of Hebron Another name of be.e.rot (בְּאֵרוֹת "Beeroth" H0881G)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Beer. See also: Numbers 21:16; Judges 9:21.
הִ֣וא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
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.
הַ/בְּאֵ֗ר
bᵉʼêr
H875
"well"
Art | N-fs
A well or pit, like a water source, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a spring, and is often translated as a well or pit in the Bible.
Definition: well, pit, spring
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: pit, well. See also: Genesis 14:10; Genesis 29:3; Psalms 55:24.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָמַ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
יְהוָה֙
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.
לְ/מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
Prep | 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.
אֱסֹף֙
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
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.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/אֶתְּנָ֥ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
מָֽיִם
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 21:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 21:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:16
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:16
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 21:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:16
- Sermons on Numbers 21:16
Context — The Journey to Moab
14Therefore it is stated in the Book of the Wars of the LORD: “Waheb in Suphah and the wadis of the Arnon,
15even the slopes of the wadis that extend to the site of Ar and lie along the border of Moab.”
16From there they went on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people so that I may give them water.”
17Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well, all of you sing to it! 18The princes dug the well; the nobles of the people hollowed it out with their scepters and with their staffs.” From the wilderness the Israelites went on to Mattanah,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 20:8 | “Take the staff and assemble the congregation. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will pour out its water. You will bring out water from the rock and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock.” |
| 2 | Isaiah 12:3 | With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation, |
| 3 | Isaiah 41:17–18 | The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs. |
| 4 | Revelation 22:1 | Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb |
| 5 | Revelation 21:6 | And He told me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life. |
| 6 | Revelation 22:17 | The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely. |
| 7 | Judges 9:21 | Then Jotham ran away, escaping to Beer, and he lived there for fear of his brother Abimelech. |
| 8 | Exodus 17:6 | Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. |
| 9 | Isaiah 43:20 | The beasts of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I provide water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My chosen people. |
| 10 | John 7:37–39 | On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. |
Numbers 21:16 Summary
In Numbers 21:16, the Israelites arrived at a well where God had promised to give them water, showing His care and provision for them. This reminds us that God is always with us, providing for our needs (as seen in Matthew 6:31-33), and that we can trust in His goodness and love. Just like the Israelites, we can gather together with other believers to receive spiritual nourishment and encouragement (as seen in Acts 2:42-47), and trust that God will provide for us in times of need (as seen in Psalms 23:2). By looking to God as our Shepherd and guide, we can find refreshment and guidance in the 'dry' places of our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the well in Numbers 21:16?
The well represents God's provision and care for His people, as seen in Numbers 21:16 where the LORD says to Moses, 'Gather the people so that I may give them water.' This is similar to other instances in the Bible where God provides water for His people, such as in Exodus 17:6 and Isaiah 49:10.
Why did the Israelites need to gather at the well?
The Israelites needed to gather at the well so that God could give them water, as stated in Numbers 21:16, demonstrating their dependence on Him for their daily needs, much like in Matthew 6:31-33 where Jesus teaches us to trust in God's provision.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
Numbers 21:16 is part of the larger narrative of God's redemption and care for His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:15 and Psalms 23:2, where God is described as their Shepherd and guide.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience at the well?
We can learn to trust in God's provision and care, just like the Israelites did, and to gather together as a community to receive His blessings, as seen in Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 10:24-25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has provided for me in my life, and how can I be more thankful for His care?
- How can I gather with other believers to receive spiritual nourishment and encouragement, just like the Israelites gathered at the well?
- What are some 'dry' places in my life where I need God to provide refreshment and guidance, and how can I trust in His provision?
- How can I use my experiences of God's provision to encourage and support others, just like the Israelites sang a song about the well in Numbers 21:17-18?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:16
And from thence they went to Beer,.... A place so called from a well which sprung up here, of which the following account is given: that is, the well whereof the Lord spake unto Moses; promising him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:16
And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water. From thence they went to Beer - i:e., a well.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:16
Beer, and Mattanah, Nahaliel, and Bamoth named here, , are not mentioned among those places where they pitched or encamped, Numbers 33. Either therefore they did not pitch or encamp in these places, but only pass by or through them, nor indeed is it here said they pitched or encamped in these places, which is said of those places, Numbers 33, but only that they went to them, ; or, these are stations omitted there, and to be supplied from hence; for though it be there said they went from such a place, and pitched in such a place, yet it is not said they went immediately from the one place to the other, and therefore they might take these places in their way. Will give them water, to wit, in a miraculous manner.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:16
Numbers 21:16 And from thence [they went] to Beer: that [is] the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.Ver. 16. And I will give them water.] Now that they murmured not, they might have anything. Only we must be content to wait God’ s time (is it fit to send for the prince by a post?), or to want that particular mercy, if God see it meet, being content that God be glorified, though we be not gratified. Surely if God saw us thus studying his share more than our own, we might have what we would, and God even think himself beholden to us, as one phraseth it.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:16
16. The journey in a westerly, or north-westerly, direction is here begun. Beer] The name means a ‘well’ (R.V. marg.). It is probably an abbreviation of a compound name; cf. Beer-sheba. A place called Beer-elim in Moab is mentioned in Isaiah 15:8, but whether Beer is to be identified with that is not known.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 21:16
Beer is probably the “Well,” afterward known as Beer-elim, the “well of heroes” Isaiah 15:8.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:16
16. Beer, so called because of the well which was there dug by the princes, is possibly the modern Beer-elim, or “well of heroes.” Isaiah 15:8.
Sermons on Numbers 21:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Water of Life by J. Sidlow Baxter | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of the well in the Book of Numbers. The well was the subject of a divine promise from God, who said He would provide water. The peo |
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Isaac, a Man of the Wells by Don Courville | This sermon delves into the story of Isaac and the wells, highlighting the importance of living under the authority of God's presence, the consequences of compromise and strife, an |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 475 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of wells in the Bible. He starts by referencing the story of Abraham's servant finding Isaac a wife at a well. The preacher |
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Becoming a Well of Living Water by Allan Halton | Allan Halton preaches about the significance of wells in the Bible, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and life-giving water in times of drought and barrenness. From Abraham to Mose |
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(Exodus) Exodus 17:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the smitten rock and its significance in relation to spiritual blessings. He emphasizes that although God has blessed us abund |
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Is the Lord Among Us, or Not by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the advancements of technology, particularly the TV camera, and how it has brought both incredible discoveries and disturbing events into ou |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 16-18 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine fear of God and the accountability that comes with being a teacher of the Word. He shares his personal str |