Menu

Numbers 10:30

Numbers 10:30 in Multiple Translations

“I will not go,” Hobab replied. “Instead, I am going back to my own land and my own people.”

And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred.

And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred.

But he said, I will not go with you, I will go back to the land of my birth and to my relations.

“No, I won't go—I'll return to my own country and my own people,” Hobab replied.

And he answered him, I will not goe: but I will depart to mine owne countrey, and to my kindred.

And he saith unto him, 'I do not go; but unto my land and unto my kindred do I go.'

He said to him, “I will not go; but I will depart to my own land, and to my relatives.”

And he said to him, I will not go; but I will depart to my own land, and to my kindred.

But he answered him: I will not go with thee, but I will return to my country, wherein I was born.

But Hobab replied, “No, I will not go with you. I want to return to my own land and to my own family.”

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.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 10:30

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 10:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖י/ו לֹ֣א אֵלֵ֑ךְ כִּ֧י אִם אֶל אַרְצִ֛/י וְ/אֶל מוֹלַדְתִּ֖/י אֵלֵֽךְ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָ֖י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
אֵלֵ֑ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
כִּ֧י kîy H3588 for Conj
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
אַרְצִ֛/י ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff
וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep
מוֹלַדְתִּ֖/י môwledeth H4138 relatives N-fs | Suff
אֵלֵֽךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 10:30

וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
אֵלָ֖י/ו 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.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֵלֵ֑ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
כִּ֧י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
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.
אַרְצִ֛/י ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep
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.
מוֹלַדְתִּ֖/י môwledeth H4138 "relatives" N-fs | Suff
Relatives or birthplace is the meaning of this word. It refers to family, native country, or circumstances of birth, and is used to describe heritage. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) kindred, birth, offspring, relatives 1a) kindred 1b) birth, circumstances of birth 1c) one born, begotten, issue, offspring, female offspring
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begotten, born, issue, kindred, native(-ity). See also: Genesis 11:28; Leviticus 18:11; Jeremiah 22:10.
אֵלֵֽךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

Study Notes — Numbers 10:30

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ruth 1:15–17 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow her back home.” But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”
2 Psalms 45:10 Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house,
3 Matthew 21:29 ‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went.
4 Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going.
5 2 Corinthians 5:16 So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.
6 Genesis 12:1 Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you.
7 Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.
8 Genesis 31:30 Now you have gone off because you long for your father’s house. But why have you stolen my gods?”
9 Hebrews 11:13 All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

Numbers 10:30 Summary

In Numbers 10:30, Hobab tells Moses that he will not go with the Israelites, but instead will return to his own land and people. This shows that Hobab has made a choice to prioritize his own desires and family over the opportunity to be part of something new and exciting with the Israelites. We can learn from this that our choices have consequences, and it's essential to consider what God wants for us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. By seeking God's will and prioritizing our relationship with Him, we can make decisions that align with His plans and purposes, just like Moses did when he followed God's instructions in Exodus 40:16.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Hobab decline Moses' invitation to join the Israelites on their journey?

Hobab declined Moses' invitation because he wanted to return to his own land and people, as stated in Numbers 10:30, which may indicate he was not willing to leave his family and familiar surroundings behind, similar to the concerns of Lot in Genesis 13:5-12.

What was Moses' motivation for inviting Hobab to join the Israelites?

Moses invited Hobab to join the Israelites because he recognized the value of Hobab's knowledge and experience, particularly in navigating the wilderness, as seen in Numbers 10:31, which is similar to the way God provided Moses with Aaron as a helper in Exodus 4:14-16.

Is Hobab's decision to leave the Israelites seen as a positive or negative example in the Bible?

Hobab's decision to leave the Israelites is not necessarily portrayed as a positive or negative example in Numbers 10:30, but Moses' persistence in inviting him to stay, as seen in Numbers 10:31-32, suggests that Moses valued Hobab's presence and the potential blessings he could bring, much like the way God desires people to be part of a community, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25.

What can we learn from Hobab's response to Moses' invitation?

From Hobab's response, we can learn the importance of being mindful of our priorities and motivations, as Hobab prioritized his own land and people over the potential blessings and opportunities with the Israelites, which is a reminder to seek God's will and priorities, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 6:33.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some things in my life that I prioritize over following God's will, and how can I re-evaluate my priorities?
  2. How can I, like Moses, recognize and appreciate the value of others' knowledge and experience in my life and community?
  3. What are some ways I can be a blessing to others, as Moses promised to be a blessing to Hobab if he joined them, and how can I share the good things God has given me with others?
  4. In what ways can I be more persistent in inviting others to join me in following God, as Moses was with Hobab, and how can I demonstrate the love and value of God's community to them?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 10:30

And he said unto him, I will not go,.... Which was a very peremptory answer, he seemed determined, and at a point about it for the present, though it is, probable he afterwards changed his mind, like

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 10:30

And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 10:30

So he might truly and sincerely say, though after this speech he was overcome by the entreaties and persuasions of Moses. Or he did go and settle his affairs, and afterwards return; for we find his posterity settled among the Israelites. See 4:11,18, &c.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 10:30

Numbers 10:30 And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred.Ver. 30. To mine own land.] Patriam quisque amat, non quia pulchram sed quia suam. “ Nescio qua natale solum dulcedine cunctos Ducit, et immemores non sinit esse sui. ” - Ovid. Seneca.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 10:30

(30) And he said unto him, I will not go . . . —It is not expressly stated in the narrative whether Hobab did or did not ultimately accompany the Israelites on their march. It appears most probable, however, that the renewed solicitation of Moses proved effectual. In any case, it is certain from Judges 1:16 that the Kenites, as a body, “went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah,” and that “they went and dwelt among the people.” (See Judges 1:16; Judges 4:11; 1 Samuel 15:6; 2 Kings 10:15; compared with 1 Chronicles 2:55.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 10:30

Verse 30. I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred.] From the strong expostulations in verses 31 and 32, and from Judges 1:16; Judges 4:11, and 1 Samuel 15:6, it is likely that Hobab changed his mind; or that, if he did go back to Midian, he returned again to Israel, as the above scriptures show that his posterity dwelt among the Israelites in Canaan. Reader, after having been almost persuaded to become a Christian, to take Christ, his cross, his reproach, and his crown, for thy portion, art thou again purposing to go back to thy own land, and to thy kindred? Knowest thou not that this land is the place of destruction-that the children of this world, who are not taking God for their portion, are going to perdition? Up, get thee hence, for the Lord will destroy this place by fire; and all who are not of the kindred and family of Christ shall perish at the brightness of his appearing!

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 10:30

30. Ḥ ?obab’s words shew that the route from Sinai to his home in Midian (which was on the east of the Golf of Akaba) was in a different direction from the route to Canaan. This is one of the many indications that Sinai did not lie in the position traditionally assigned to it, and found in modern maps, at the south of the peninsula; otherwise the route of the Israelites would have coincided with that of Ḥ ?obab for a large part of the distance. The site of Sinai seems to have been further north, in the region of Ḳ ?adesh. See the writer’s Exodus, pp. xcviii–cvi1 [Note: Driver (Exodus in this series, pp. 177–191) inclines to the traditional site.] .

Sermons on Numbers 10:30

SermonDescription
Shane Idleman A Pain Free Life by Shane Idleman This sermon acknowledges the pain many mothers face and encourages them to find hope and strength in God. It emphasizes that a life without pain is not possible, but through pain,
Mary Peckham Lewis 1949 Revival Testimony by Mary Peckham This sermon shares a personal testimony of a profound spiritual awakening during a time of revival in the Hebrides Islands. It describes the deep impact of the preaching, prayers,
Zac Poonen (The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) Godly Husbands and Wives by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wisdom in relationships, particularly in the context of marriage. He shares a story about the sun and the wind competing to
Zac Poonen Idolatry Is to Love the World by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being free from the pressure to please others and conform to worldly patterns. They highlight how the world dictates certai
Zac Poonen A Christlike Home (1) Christlike Husbands and Wives by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a Christ-like home, focusing on the roles of a Christ-like husband, wife, father, and mother to raise Christ-like children. It hig
Zac Poonen Unity Between Husband and Wife by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a Christian home based on the New Covenant standards, highlighting the need for peace, unity, and spiritual foundation in marriage
Hans R. Waldvogel Worship Thou Him… So Shall the King Greatly Desire Thy Beauty by Hans R. Waldvogel In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of seeking guidance from Jesus. He describes how he asked Jesus for help and received an answer in less than three minutes.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate