Numbers 9:16
Numbers 9:16 in Multiple Translations
It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire.
So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
So it was alway: the cloud covered it, and the appearance of fire by night.
And so it was at all times: it was covered by the cloud, and by a light as of fire by night.
It was always like this. The cloud covered the Tabernacle during the day and at night it looked like fire.
So it was alway: the cloude couered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
so it is continually; the cloud covereth it, also the appearance of fire by night.
So it was continually. The cloud covered it, and the appearance of fire by night.
So it was always; the cloud covered it by day , and the appearance of fire by night.
So it was always: by day the cloud covered it, and by night as it were the appearance of fire.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 9:16
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 9:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֵּ֚ן
יִהְיֶ֣ה
תָמִ֔יד
הֶ/עָנָ֖ן
יְכַסֶּ֑/נּוּ
וּ/מַרְאֵה
אֵ֖שׁ
לָֽיְלָה
כֵּ֚ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
יִהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
תָמִ֔יד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
N-ms
הֶ/עָנָ֖ן
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
Art | N-ms
יְכַסֶּ֑/נּוּ
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
וּ/מַרְאֵה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
Conj | N-ms
אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
לָֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
night
N-ms
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 9:16
כֵּ֚ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יִהְיֶ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
תָמִ֔יד
tâmîyd
H8548
"continually"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
הֶ/עָנָ֖ן
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
Art | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a cloud or cloudy, and is used to describe the cloud that God uses to appear to his people. It appears in the Bible to describe God's presence, and is translated as cloud in the KJV.
Definition: 1) cloud, cloudy, cloud-mass 1a) cloud-mass (of theophanic cloud) 1b) cloud Aramaic equivalent: a.nan (עֲנָן "cloud" H6050)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: cloud(-y). See also: Genesis 9:13; Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalms 78:14.
יְכַסֶּ֑/נּוּ
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
וּ/מַרְאֵה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
לָֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — Numbers 9:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Cloud above the Tabernacle
14If a foreigner dwelling among you wants to observe the Passover to the LORD, he is to do so according to the Passover statute and its ordinances. You are to apply the same statute to both the foreigner and the native of the land.’”
15On the day that the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it and appeared like fire above the tabernacle from evening until morning.
16It remained that way continually; the cloud would cover the tabernacle by day, and at night it would appear like fire.
17Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites would set out, and wherever the cloud settled, there the Israelites would camp. 18At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at the LORD’s command they camped. As long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle, they remained encamped.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 9:12 | You led them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they should travel. |
| 2 | Exodus 40:38 | For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 10:1 | I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 9:19 | You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go. |
| 5 | Psalms 78:14 | He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night. |
| 6 | Exodus 13:21–22 | And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people. |
| 7 | Isaiah 4:5–6 | Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy, a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 5:19 | that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. |
| 9 | Psalms 105:39 | He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night. |
| 10 | Numbers 9:18–22 | At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at the LORD’s command they camped. As long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle, they remained encamped. Even when the cloud lingered over the tabernacle for many days, the Israelites kept the LORD’s charge and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days, and they would camp at the LORD’s command and set out at the LORD’s command. Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they would set out. Whether it was by day or by night, when the cloud was taken up, they would set out. Whether the cloud lingered for two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle; but when it was lifted, they would set out. |
Numbers 9:16 Summary
[The cloud covering the tabernacle was a special sign of God's presence with the Israelites, and it reminded them that He was always with them, guiding and directing them, as seen in Numbers 9:16. This is similar to how God is always with us today, as mentioned in Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5. The cloud's presence also taught the Israelites to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalm 23:4, and to be dependent on Him for everything. By reflecting on the cloud's presence, we can learn to trust in God's guidance and direction in our own lives, just as the Israelites did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the cloud covering the tabernacle?
The cloud covering the tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence and guidance for the Israelites, as seen in Numbers 9:16, and it was also a reminder of His covenant with them, as mentioned in Exodus 24:15-17.
Why did the cloud appear like fire at night?
The cloud appearing like fire at night was a manifestation of God's glory and power, as described in Numbers 9:16, and it was also a reminder of the fire that God used to guide the Israelites in the wilderness, as seen in Exodus 13:21-22.
How did the cloud affect the daily life of the Israelites?
The cloud had a significant impact on the daily life of the Israelites, as it determined when they would set out and when they would camp, as mentioned in Numbers 9:17-18, and it also served as a reminder of their dependence on God for guidance and direction, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What can we learn from the cloud's presence in the tabernacle?
We can learn that God is always present with us, guiding and directing us, just as He was with the Israelites, as seen in Numbers 9:16, and that we should trust in His sovereignty and provision, as mentioned in Psalm 23:4 and Matthew 6:33-34.
Reflection Questions
- What does the cloud covering the tabernacle represent in my own life, and how can I apply this symbol of God's presence to my daily experiences?
- How can I, like the Israelites, learn to trust in God's guidance and direction, even when the path ahead is uncertain?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper sense of awareness of God's presence in my life, just as the Israelites were aware of the cloud's presence in the tabernacle?
- How can I balance the need for structure and routine in my life with the need to be flexible and responsive to God's leading, as the Israelites were with the cloud's movements?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 9:16
So it was alway,.... Night and day, as long as the people of Israel were in the wilderness, see Exodus 13:21; the cloud covered it [by day]: the phrase, "by day", is not in the text, but is easily
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 9:16
So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 9:16
(16) The cloud covered it by day.—There is no need for the insertion of the words in italics. It was the same cloud which was “alway” over the Tabernacle during the continuance of the journeyings through the wilderness. And the appearance of fire by night.—Better, and there was the appearance of fire by night. (Comp. Exodus 13:21-22.)
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 9:16
16. So it was alway — “The covering of the dwelling with the cloud which shone by night with a fiery aspect was constant, and not merely a phenomenon which appeared when the tabernacle was first
Sermons on Numbers 9:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Our Daily Homily - Nehemiah by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer, illustrating how God can use humble individuals for great purposes. Nehemiah's heartfelt prayers and tears |
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True Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a recent earthquake in Houston and connects it to the idea of the whole creation groaning, expressing dissatisfaction and a limit to materia |
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(Exodus) Exodus 40:34-38 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Exodus and how it opens in gloom in the brickyards of Egypt but closes in glory. The presence of the Lord is seen in the tabernac |
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Principles of Divine Sovereign by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing God's purpose in our lives. He highlights the need to prioritize God's will over personal inter |
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Immersed in the Holy Spirit - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness and how they serve as examples for believers today. The presence of God was symbolized by |
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(1 Corinthians) ch.9:24-10:13 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not allowing anyone to silence us because of a salary or any other reason. He encourages believers to adapt themselves to o |
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Cheating by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being faithful to the Lord and not turning to other loves in life. He references Hosea 2:4, which speaks about God's peopl |