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Numbers 27:16

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Numbers 27:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation

King James Version KJV

Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,

American Standard Version ASV

Let Jehovah, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, put a man at the head of this people,

Free Bible Version FBV

“May the Lord, the God who gives life to all living beings, choose a man to lead the Israelites

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Let the Lord God of the spirits of all flesh appoint a man ouer the Congregation,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Jehovah — God of the spirits of all flesh — appoint a man over the company,

World English Bible WEB

“Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

May the Lord the God of the spirits of all flesh provide a man, that may be over this multitude:

Translation for Translators T4T

“Yahweh, you are the God who directs the spirits of all people. So please appoint a new leader for the Israeli people.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 27:16

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 27:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB יִפְקֹ֣ד יְהוָ֔ה אֱלֹהֵ֥י הָ/רוּחֹ֖ת לְ/כָל בָּשָׂ֑ר אִ֖ישׁ עַל הָ/עֵדָֽה
יִפְקֹ֣ד pâqad H6485 to reckon V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֱלֹהֵ֥י ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
הָ/רוּחֹ֖ת rûwach H7307 spirit Art | N-cp
לְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
בָּשָׂ֑ר bâsâr H1320 flesh N-ms
אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
הָ/עֵדָֽה ʻêdâh H5712 congregation Art | N-fs
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 27:16

יִפְקֹ֣ד pâqad H6485 "to reckon" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
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.
אֱלֹהֵ֥י ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הָ/רוּחֹ֖ת rûwach H7307 "spirit" Art | N-cp
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
לְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | 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.
בָּשָׂ֑ר bâsâr H1320 "flesh" N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
אִ֖ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
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.
הָ/עֵדָֽה 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.

Study Notes — Numbers 27:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 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?”
2 Jeremiah 3:15 Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
3 Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?
4 Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
5 Ezekiel 37:24 My servant David will be king over them, and there will be one shepherd for all of them. They will follow My ordinances and keep and observe My statutes.
6 Ezekiel 34:23 I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.
7 1 Peter 5:2–4 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
8 Matthew 9:38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.”
9 John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
10 1 Samuel 12:13 Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you.

Numbers 27:16 Summary

[This verse shows that Moses is asking God to choose a new leader for the people of Israel, because he knows he won't be able to lead them into the Promised Land. God is the one who gives life and breath to all people, and He is the one who appoints leaders, as seen in Psalm 75:6-7. Moses is trusting God to choose the right person for the job, and this is a great example of humility and faith. By looking at this verse, we can learn to trust God's sovereignty in our own lives, just like Moses did, and remember that He is always in control, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:1-4.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God is the God of the spirits of all flesh?

This phrase highlights God's sovereignty over all living things, as seen in Numbers 27:16, and is reminiscent of His creative power in Genesis 1:1 and Psalm 104:30, where He gives life and breath to all creatures.

Why does Moses appeal to God to appoint a leader over the congregation?

Moses recognizes his own mortality and the need for a successor to lead the people of Israel, as seen in Numbers 27:15-16, and this is in line with God's earlier instructions to Moses in Deuteronomy 31:7-8, where He commands Moses to commission Joshua as his successor.

What qualities should a leader have according to this verse?

Although not explicitly stated in Numbers 27:16, the following verse, Numbers 27:17, implies that a leader should be able to guide and care for the people, much like a shepherd, as also seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and John 10:11-14, where Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd.

How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership in the Bible?

This verse is part of a larger narrative about leadership transition in the Bible, as seen in Numbers 27:12-23, and is similar to other instances where God appoints leaders, such as in Exodus 18:13-27 and 1 Samuel 16:1-13, where He chooses leaders to guide His people.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to you that God is the God of the spirits of all flesh, and how does this impact your understanding of His role in your life?
  2. How do you think Moses felt when he realized he would not be able to lead the people into the Promised Land, and what can we learn from his example of humility and obedience?
  3. What qualities do you think are essential for a leader, and how can you develop those qualities in your own life, whether in a formal leadership role or in your personal relationships?
  4. How does the concept of God appointing leaders relate to your own life and circumstances, and what can you learn from the examples of leadership in the Bible?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 27:16

Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh,.... The Maker of the souls of men, called the spirits of all flesh, or of corporeal beings, to distinguish them from the angels, who, though

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 27:16

Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, God of the spirits of all flesh.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 27:16

All flesh, i.e. of all men; the Searcher of spirits, that knowest who is fit for this great employment; the Father, and Giver, and Governor of spirits, who canst raise and suit the spirits of men to the highest and hardest works, as thou didst those ,17. See .

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 27:16

Numbers 27:16 Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,Ver. 16. The God of the spirits of all flesh.] "Thou, Lord, that knowest the hearts of all men." Artificers know well the nature and properties of their own work. Deus intimior nobis intimo nostro.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 27:16

(16) Let the Lord . . . —We have a remarkable instance here of the true greatness of Moses, as a type of Him whose words were, “Weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children” (Luke 23:28). Instead of indulging in excessive grief, or in unavailing remorse, the mind of Moses was intently fixed upon the welfare of those for whose sake he had been willing that his own name should be blotted out of the Book (Exodus 32:32); and instead of appointing one of his own family, or the man of his own choice, as his successor, he commits the matter to God, and prays that He will appoint one who would be a true shepherd to the flock.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 27:16

Verse 16. The Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh] See Clarke on Numbers 16:22.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 27:16

16. the God of the spirits of all flesh] See on Numbers 16:22.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 27:16

The God of the spirits of all flesh - An acknowledgment that man, who is but flesh (compare Genesis 6:3), is of himself helpless; and “lives and moves and has his being” in God Acts 17:28.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 27:16

JOSHUA AS THE OF MOSES, Numbers 27:15-23. 16. The spirits of all flesh — The distinction between mind and matter is here clearly taught by Moses.

Sermons on Numbers 27:16

SermonDescription
George Fox 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
Samuel Davies 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
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 1 Chronicles 1-11 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of farsightedness and not being deceived by immediate fulfillment offered by Satan. He warns against turning aside from God's
David Wilkerson Praying in the Closet by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the importance of praying in the secret place, highlighting the need for individual, intimate prayer with God. It addresses the current darkness and uncertai
Zac Poonen A Church That Gets God's Approval by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life, comparing it to the stages of childhood, youth, and fatherhood. It highlights the need
Zac Poonen Four Types of Backsliders by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen discusses the four types of backsliders as illustrated in Luke 15: the lost sheep, lost coin, lost younger son, and lost elder son. He emphasizes that backsliding often
Zac Poonen (The Full Gospel) 11. Two Types of Backsliders and Two Types of Leaders by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen preaches about the two types of backsliders as described by Jesus in Luke 15 - the lost sheep and the lost son. He emphasizes the importance of shepherds after God's own
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