Numbers 27:23

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Numbers 27:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had instructed through Moses.

King James Version KJV

And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

American Standard Version ASV

and he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as Jehovah spake by Moses.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he put his hands on him and gave him his orders, as the Lord had said by Moses.

Free Bible Version FBV

Moses placed his hands on Joshua and dedicated him, just as the Lord had told him to do.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then he put his handes vpon him, and gaue him a charge, as the Lord had spoken by the hand of Moses.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and layeth his hands upon him, and chargeth him, as Jehovah hath spoken by the hand of Moses.

World English Bible WEB

He laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD spoke by Moses.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And laying his hands on his head, he repeated all things that the Lord had commanded.

Translation for Translators T4T

Moses/I laid his/my hands on him and commissioned/appointed him to do the work that Yahweh told Moses/me to tell him to do.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 27:23

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 27:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּסְמֹ֧ךְ אֶת יָדָ֛י/ו עָלָ֖י/ו וַ/יְצַוֵּ֑/הוּ כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה בְּ/יַד מֹשֶֽׁה

וַ/יִּסְמֹ֧ךְ çâmak H5564 to support Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יָדָ֛י/ו yâd H3027 hand N-cd | Suff

עָלָ֖י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

וַ/יְצַוֵּ֑/הוּ tsâvâh H6680 to command Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

דִּבֶּ֥ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

בְּ/יַד yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs

מֹשֶֽׁה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 27:23

וַ/יִּסְמֹ֧ךְ çâmak H5564 "to support" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To support or lean on something, like a person or object, as seen in the Bible where God upholds his people. It means to hold something up or stand firm. This concept appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to lean, lay, rest, support, put, uphold, lean upon 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lean or lay upon, rest upon, lean against 1a2) to support, uphold, sustain 1b) (Niphal) to support or brace oneself 1c) (Piel) to sustain, refresh, revive

Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: bear up, establish, (up-) hold, lay, lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay (self), sustain. See also: Genesis 27:37; Judges 16:29; Psalms 3:6.

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.

יָדָ֛י/ו yâd H3027 "hand" N-cd | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

עָלָ֖י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

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.

וַ/יְצַוֵּ֑/הוּ tsâvâh H6680 "to command" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | 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.

דִּבֶּ֥ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

יְהוָ֖ה 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.

בְּ/יַד yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs

מֹשֶֽׁה 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.

Study Notes — Numbers 27:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 27:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 27:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 27:23
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 27:23
Sermons on Numbers 27:23

Context — Joshua to Succeed Moses

21He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.” 22Moses did as the LORD had commanded him. He took Joshua, had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation,

23and laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had instructed through Moses.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 3:28	But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.”
2	Numbers 27:19	Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight.
3	Deuteronomy 31:7–8	Then Moses called for Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Numbers 27:23 Summary

In Numbers 27:23, Moses lays his hands on Joshua and commissions him as his successor, symbolizing the transfer of leadership and authority. This act shows that Joshua has been chosen and appointed by God for this role, just like Moses was chosen by God in Exodus 3:10. As we seek to follow God's plan for our lives, we can learn from Joshua's example and trust that God will equip and empower us for the tasks He has called us to, just as He did for Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:6-8). By following God's instructions and trusting in His power, we can fulfill our calling and serve Him with confidence and humility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of laying hands on someone in the Bible?

Laying hands on someone is a symbolic act of commissioning, blessing, or transferring authority, as seen in Numbers 27:23 and also in Acts 13:3 where the church laid hands on Barnabas and Saul before sending them out on their missionary journey.

Why did Moses lay his hands on Joshua?

Moses laid his hands on Joshua to commission him as his successor, as instructed by the Lord, and to symbolize the transfer of leadership and authority, as also seen in Deuteronomy 31:7-8 where Moses gives Joshua similar instructions.

What does it mean to be commissioned by God?

To be commissioned by God means to be appointed or authorized by Him for a specific task or role, as seen in Numbers 27:23 and also in Isaiah 6:8-10 where Isaiah is commissioned by God to be a prophet.

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

This verse highlights the importance of humble leadership and the transfer of authority, as seen in Numbers 27:23, and also in 1 Peter 5:2-3 where leaders are instructed to serve with humility and care for their flock.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can seek to be commissioned by God for the tasks and roles He has called me to?
How can I, like Moses, prepare and equip others for the work of ministry and leadership?
What are some challenges I may face as I seek to follow God's commission for my life, and how can I overcome them?
In what ways can I demonstrate humility and a willingness to serve, like Joshua, as I seek to fulfill my calling?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 27:23

And he laid his hands upon him,.... Jarchi observes, that he did this cheerfully, and did more than he was commanded; for the Lord said to him, "lay thine hand", but he laid both his hands: and gave

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 27:23

Verse 23. He laid his hands upon him] As a proof of his being appointed to and qualified for the work. So at the word of Joshua they were to go out, and at his word to come in, Numbers 27:21. And thus he was a type of our blessed Lord as to his mediatorial office, and Divine appointment as man to the work of our salvation; and to this circumstance of the appointment of Joshua to this work, and his receiving of Moses's honour and glory, St. Peter seems to refer in these words, 2 Peter 1:16-17: "We were eye-witnesses of his majesty; for he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; HEAR HIM." See Matthew 17:5. But one infinitely greater than either Moses or Joshua is here.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 27:23

15–23. The appointment of Joshua.

Sermons on Numbers 27:23

	Sermon	Description
	Creation-Providence-Redemption - Part 3 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience of surviving a car accident. The car was driving erratically in the rain and eventually rolled over, pinning the speaker'
	Yosemite Bible Conference 1991-16 Incidents of the Providence of God by William MacDonald	In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering demonic opposition while working on a commentary. They also recount a story of a young black man
	The Influence of One Man - Noah & Joshua by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen emphasizes the profound influence of individual faithfulness through the examples of Noah and Joshua. Noah, amidst a wicked world, remained faithful to God, ensuring the