Numbers 32:16
Numbers 32:16 in Multiple Translations
Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones.
¶ And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:
And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:
Then they came to him, and said, We will make safe places for our cattle here, and towns for our little ones;
Then the tribes of Gad and Reuben came to Moses and told him, “We would plan to build stone walls to keep our livestock safe and towns for our children.
And they went neere to him, and said, We will builde sheepe foldes here for our sheepe, and for our cattell, and cities for our children.
And they come nigh unto him, and say, 'Folds for the flock we build for our cattle here, and cities for our infants;
They came near to him, and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones;
And they came near to him, and said, We will build sheep-folds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:
But they coming near, said: We will make sheepfolds, and stalls for our cattle, and strong cities for our children:
Then the leaders of the tribes of Reuben and Gad said to Moses/me, “First we will build pens for our animals and build cities for our families here.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 32:16
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 32:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּגְּשׁ֤וּ
אֵלָי/ו֙
וַ֣/יֹּאמְר֔וּ
גִּדְרֹ֥ת
צֹ֛אן
נִבְנֶ֥ה
לְ/מִקְנֵ֖/נוּ
פֹּ֑ה
וְ/עָרִ֖ים
לְ/טַפֵּֽ/נוּ
וַ/יִּגְּשׁ֤וּ
nâgash
H5066
to approach
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וַ֣/יֹּאמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
גִּדְרֹ֥ת
gᵉdêrâh
H1448
wall
N-fp
צֹ֛אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
N-cs
נִבְנֶ֥ה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
לְ/מִקְנֵ֖/נוּ
miqneh
H4735
livestock
Prep | N-ms | Suff
פֹּ֑ה
pôh
H6311
here
Adv
וְ/עָרִ֖ים
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Conj | N-fp
לְ/טַפֵּֽ/נוּ
ṭaph
H2945
child
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 32:16
וַ/יִּגְּשׁ֤וּ
nâgash
H5066
"to approach"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To approach or draw near, like Moses to the burning bush, and can also mean to worship or present an argument, as in Genesis 18:23.
Definition: : approach 1) to draw near, approach 1a) (Qal) to draw or come near 1a1) of humans 1a1a) of sexual intercourse 1a2) of inanimate subject 1a2a) to approach one another 1b) (Niphal) to draw near 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to approach, bring near, bring 1d) (Hophal) to be brought near 1e) (Hithpael) to draw near Also means: na.gash (נָגַשׁ ": bring" H5066H)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near), (cause to) come (hither, near, nigh), give place, go hard (up), (be, draw, go) near (nigh), offer, overtake, present, put, stand. See also: Genesis 18:23; 1 Samuel 28:25; Psalms 91:7.
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
וַ֣/יֹּאמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
גִּדְרֹ֥ת
gᵉdêrâh
H1448
"wall"
N-fp
This word means a wall or enclosure, especially for flocks, and is translated as sheepfold or hedge in the Bible, often referring to a place where sheep are kept.
Definition: 1) wall, hedge 2) sheepfold (construct with 'sheep')
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (sheep-) cote (fold) hedge, wall. See also: Numbers 32:16; Psalms 89:41; Jeremiah 49:3.
צֹ֛אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
נִבְנֶ֥ה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
לְ/מִקְנֵ֖/נוּ
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
פֹּ֑ה
pôh
H6311
"here"
Adv
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Definition: 1) here, from here, hither 1a) here 1b) hither
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: here, hither, the one (other, this, that) side. See also: Genesis 19:12; 2 Kings 3:11; Psalms 132:14.
וְ/עָרִ֖ים
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Conj | N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
לְ/טַפֵּֽ/נוּ
ṭaph
H2945
"child"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a child or a group of children, often used to describe little ones or families. It appears in passages like Matthew 18:10 and Mark 10:13-16, where Jesus teaches about children. Jesus loves them.
Definition: children, little children, little ones
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (little) children (ones), families. See also: Genesis 34:29; Deuteronomy 1:39; Jeremiah 40:7.
Study Notes — Numbers 32:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 32:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 32:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 32:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 32:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 32:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 32:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 32:16
- Sermons on Numbers 32:16
Context — The Tribes East of the Jordan
14Now behold, you, a brood of sinners, have risen up in place of your fathers to further stoke the burning anger of the LORD against Israel.
15For if you turn away from following Him, He will once again leave this people in the wilderness, and you will be the cause of their destruction.”
16Then the Gadites and Reubenites approached Moses and said, “We want to build sheepfolds here for our livestock and cities for our little ones.
17But we will arm ourselves and be ready to go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them into their place. Meanwhile, our little ones will remain in the fortified cities for protection from the inhabitants of the land. 18We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has taken possession of his inheritance.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 33:17 | but Jacob went on to Succoth, where he built a house for himself and shelters for his livestock; that is why the place was called Succoth. |
| 2 | Numbers 34:22 | Bukki son of Jogli, a leader from the tribe of Dan; |
Numbers 32:16 Summary
[The Gadites and Reubenites wanted to build homes and protection for their families and animals, which is a natural desire, but they also needed to consider their responsibilities to the rest of the Israelites and their faith in God's promises, as seen in Numbers 32:16 and Deuteronomy 1:8. This request shows that they were thinking about their practical needs, but also needed to balance these with their spiritual commitments, as seen in Matthew 6:33. By looking at their example, we can reflect on our own priorities and how we balance our desires with our faith, and consider the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28. As we consider our own plans and priorities, we can ask for God's guidance and wisdom, as seen in James 1:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated the Gadites and Reubenites to ask Moses about building sheepfolds and cities?
The Gadites and Reubenites were motivated by a desire to provide for their livestock and protect their families, as seen in Numbers 32:16, and this request was likely influenced by their recent experiences and the promises of God in Deuteronomy 1:8.
Did the Gadites and Reubenites plan to abandon the rest of the Israelites?
No, as stated in Numbers 32:17, the Gadites and Reubenites promised to arm themselves and help the other Israelites conquer the land before returning to their homes, demonstrating their commitment to the community and the promises of God in Joshua 1:14.
What can we learn from the Gadites and Reubenites' request about prioritizing family and possessions?
The Gadites and Reubenites' request teaches us that it is important to provide for our families and possessions, but not at the expense of our relationship with God or our responsibilities to the community, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and 1 Timothy 5:8.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Numbers 32?
This verse is part of a larger discussion about the allocation of land and the responsibilities of the tribes, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's promises, as seen in Numbers 32:23 and Deuteronomy 30:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I prioritize my own needs and desires, and how might this impact my relationships with others and my walk with God?
- How can I balance my responsibility to provide for my family with my commitment to serving and following God, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:8 and Matthew 6:33?
- In what ways do I seek to build 'sheepfolds' and 'cities' for myself and my loved ones, and are these efforts aligned with God's plans and purposes for my life, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11?
- What role do faith and trust play in my decisions and plans, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 32:16
And they came near unto him,.... The heads of the tribes of Gad and Reuben came a little nearer to Moses, having something more to say unto him, in order to explain their meaning, and in doing which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 32:16
And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones: They came near. The narrative gives a picturesque description of this scene.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 32:16
Numbers 32:16 And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:Ver. 16. We will build sheep folds.] This was their intent at first, though Moses mistook them. There may be gross mistakes, and thereupon grievous unkindnesses, betwixt dearest friends. Cyril, and John, bishop of Antioch, objected heresy one to another, and proceeded as far as excommunication; postea comperti idem sentire: so did Cyril and Theodoret.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 32:16
(16) We will build sheepfolds . . . —The sheepfolds were commonly constructed of loose stones piled up on one another. And cities for our little ones.—The word which is rendered “build” often means to “build up” or “repair,” and it probably has that meaning in this place, as applied to the cities. (See Numbers 32:26.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 32:16
Verse 16. We will build - cities for our little ones] It was impossible for these, numerous as they might be, to build cities and fortify them for the defence of their families in their absence. Calmet supposes they meant no more than repairing the cities of the Amorites which they had lately taken; which work might have been very easily accomplished in the time which they spent on this side of Jordan, before they went over with their brethren, to put them in possession of the land.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 32:16
THE OF REUBEN AND GAD, Numbers 32:16-32. 16. They came near — Evidently after retiring from the first audience with Moses and consulting with the people of their tribes.
Sermons on Numbers 32:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 33:13-17 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon on Genesis 33:13, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jacob and his brother Esau. Jacob expresses concern about the safety of his family and livestock, as t |
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(Genesis) Genesis 32:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with his brother Esau. Jacob, who had previously been deceitful, is now fearful and distressed upon heari |
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Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 5 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being willing to be overcome and conquered by God in order to receive His grace. He refers to a hymn by George Matheson th |