Numbers 11:28
Numbers 11:28 in Multiple Translations
Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
And Joshua the son of Nun, the minister of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
Then Joshua, the son of Nun, who had been Moses' servant from the time when he was a child, said, My lord Moses, let them be stopped.
Joshua, son of Nun, who had been Moses' assistant since he was young, reacted, saying, “Moses, my lord, you have to stop them!”
And Ioshua the sonne of Nun the seruant of Moses one of his yong men answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
And Joshua son of Nun, minister of Moses, [one] of his young men, answereth and saith, 'My lord Moses, restrain them.'
Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered, “My lord Moses, forbid them!”
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord, Moses, forbid them.
Forthwith Josue the son of Nun, the minister of Moses, and chosen out of many, said: My lord Moses forbid them.
Joshua, who had helped Moses/me since he was a young man, said, “Sir, tell them to stop doing that!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 11:28
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Numbers 11:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֜עַן
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ
בִּן
נ֗וּן
מְשָׁרֵ֥ת
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
מִ/בְּחֻרָ֖י/ו
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
אֲדֹנִ֥/י
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
כְּלָאֵֽ/ם
וַ/יַּ֜עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
Joshua
N-proper
בִּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
נ֗וּן
Nûwn
H5126
Nun
N-proper
מְשָׁרֵ֥ת
shârath
H8334
to minister
V-Piel
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
מִ/בְּחֻרָ֖י/ו
bᵉchurôwth
H979
youth
Prep | N-cp | Suff
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲדֹנִ֥/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-ms | Suff
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
כְּלָאֵֽ/ם
kâlâʼ
H3607
to restrain
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 11:28
וַ/יַּ֜עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ
Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ
H3091
"Joshua"
N-proper
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
בִּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
נ֗וּן
Nûwn
H5126
"Nun"
N-proper
Nun was the father of Joshua, a leader of the Israelites who succeeded Moses. His name means fish or posterity in Hebrew. The KJV translates his name as Non or Nun.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Ephraim living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.33.11; son of: Elishama (H0476); father of: Joshua (H3091) § Nun = "fish" or "posterity" father of Joshua the successor of Moses
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Non, Nun. See also: Exodus 33:11; Deuteronomy 34:9; Nehemiah 8:17.
מְשָׁרֵ֥ת
shârath
H8334
"to minister"
V-Piel
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
מֹשֶׁ֛ה
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.
מִ/בְּחֻרָ֖י/ו
bᵉchurôwth
H979
"youth"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
Youth or young men is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in 1 Samuel. It refers to a stage of life or a group of young people. The KJV translates it as 'young men' or 'youth'.
Definition: youth
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: young men, youth. See also: Numbers 11:28; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Ecclesiastes 12:1.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
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.
אֲדֹנִ֥/י
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
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.
כְּלָאֵֽ/ם
kâlâʼ
H3607
"to restrain"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to hold something back or restrict it, often used in the Bible to describe God's control over human actions. It appears in books like Leviticus and Psalms, where it talks about restraining evil or withholding punishment. English Bibles translate it as 'restrain' or 'withhold'.
Definition: 1) to restrict, restrain, withhold, shut up, keep back, refrain, forbid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut up 1a2) to restrain 1a3) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be restrained 1c) (Piel) to finish
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: finish, forbid, keep (back), refrain, restrain, retain, shut up, be stayed, withhold. See also: Genesis 8:2; Psalms 88:9; Psalms 40:10.
Study Notes — Numbers 11:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 11:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 11:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 11:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 11:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 11:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 11:28
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 11:28
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 11:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 11:28
- Sermons on Numbers 11:28
Context — Seventy Elders Anointed
26Two men, however, had remained in the camp—one named Eldad and the other Medad—and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those listed, but they had not gone out to the tent, and they prophesied in the camp.
27A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.”
28Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”
29But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!” 30Then Moses returned to the camp, along with the elders of Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mark 9:38–40 | John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied. “For no one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me. For whoever is not against us is for us. |
| 2 | Luke 9:49–50 | “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” |
| 3 | John 3:26 | So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.” |
| 4 | Joshua 1:1 | Now after the death of His servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, |
| 5 | Exodus 33:11 | Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent. |
| 6 | Exodus 17:9 | So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” |
Numbers 11:28 Summary
[In this verse, Joshua is trying to stop two men, Eldad and Medad, from prophesying because he thinks they are out of line, but Moses intervenes and says that he wishes all of God's people could prophesy, as seen in Numbers 11:29. This shows that Joshua was being too restrictive and didn't understand God's plan. We can learn from this that we should be open to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives and the lives of those around us, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 14:1. By being humble and submissive, like Moses, we can create an environment where the Holy Spirit can move freely and work through us, as seen in Acts 2:17-18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joshua want Moses to stop Eldad and Medad from prophesying?
Joshua likely wanted Moses to stop them because he was concerned about their authority and the potential disruption to the established order, as seen in Numbers 11:28, but Moses' response in Numbers 11:29 shows that Joshua's concern was misplaced, and that Moses desired for all of God's people to be filled with the Holy Spirit, as also expressed in Exodus 32:29.
What was Joshua's role in relation to Moses?
According to Numbers 11:28, Joshua was the attendant to Moses since his youth, indicating a close and trusted relationship between the two men, similar to the relationship between Jesus and His disciples, as seen in John 13:23.
How did Joshua's reaction reflect his character?
Joshua's reaction in Numbers 11:28 reveals a sense of loyalty and protectiveness towards Moses, but also possibly a lack of understanding about the working of the Holy Spirit, as Moses' response in Numbers 11:29 suggests, highlighting the importance of humility and seeking God's wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What can we learn from Joshua's mistake in this verse?
We can learn from Joshua's mistake the importance of not being overly protective or restrictive, but rather seeking to understand and submit to God's plan, as Moses did in Numbers 11:29, and trusting in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Psalm 103:19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to control or restrict the work of the Holy Spirit, and how can I surrender those areas to God?
- How can I cultivate a humble and submissive heart, like Moses, and be open to the moving of the Holy Spirit in my life and the lives of those around me?
- What are some ways that I can promote and support the prophetic gifts in my church or community, rather than trying to suppress them, as Joshua did in Numbers 11:28?
- How can I balance my desire for order and structure with the need for flexibility and openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Numbers 11:26-30?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 11:28
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses,.... That waited upon him, and ministered to him, and executed his orders, especially in civil things, and was to be his successor: [one] of his young
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 11:28
But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 11:28
One of his young men, or one of his choice ministers, a chosen or excellent person; which may be emphatically added, to note that even great and good men may mistake and misjudge about the works of God. Or, from his youth, as the words will bear, and the Chaldee, Syriac, &c. render it. So it may be added as a reason why Joshua above others were concerned for Moses’ s honour and authority. He feared either schism or sedition, or that by their usurpation of authority independently upon Moses, and separately from him, his power and esteem might be lessened, as the next words show.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 11:28
Numbers 11:28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, [one] of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.Ver. 28. My lord Moses, forbid.] Thus, "the spirit that is in us lusteth to envy." Nero omnium erat aemulus, qui quoquo mode animum vulgi moverint, Nero envied every man that excelled.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 11:28
(28) My lord Moses, forbid them.—The motive which prompted Joshua in making this request appears to have been similar to that which led St. John to forbid the man to cast out devils who did not follow with the Apostles (Mark 9:38-39; Luke 9:49-50). But as the man did not cast out devils in his own name, but in that of Christ, so in this case Eldad and Medad prophesied in virtue of the spirit which rested upon them from above, of which the Holy Ghost, not Moses, was the giver. The motives which deterred Eldad and Medad from going to the tent of meeting are unknown. The history teaches the freeness and the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit’s influences, as afterwards did that of Cornelius, when the Holy Ghost fell upon him and upon those who were with him, previously to the reception of baptism, and they spoke with tongues and magnified God (Acts 10:44-48).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 11:28
Verse 28. My lord Moses, forbid them.] How often have I blindly done What zealous Joshua did, Impatient to the rulers run, And cried, "My lords, forbid! Silence the schismatics, constrain Their thoughts with ours t' agree, And sacrifice the souls of men To idol UNITY!"
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 11:28
28. Joshua was not one of the seventy, but was attached to the sacred Tent as its aedituus or caretaker. Cf. Exodus 33:11. one of his chosen men] R.V. marg. is probably right—from his youth. But Joshua was still in his youth (Exodus 33:11). The narrator, writing long after the event, adds parenthetically a general description of Joshua, not merely a description of what he had been at the moment.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 11:28
28. Joshua — See Exodus 17:9, and the Introduction to the Book of Joshua, page 7. My lord — This title of respect is applied to Moses by Aaron in Numbers 12:11, and by the people in Numbers 32:25.
Sermons on Numbers 11:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Peculiar Perils of Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders | J. Oswald Sanders addresses the subtle perils faced by spiritual leaders, emphasizing the dangers of pride, jealousy, popularity, infallibility, and the emotional extremes of elati |
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Being Big Hearted by George Verwer | The video mentioned in the sermon transcript is a film that has been shown in some areas of India and has had a profound impact on millions of Hindus, causing many of them to come |
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Mark - a Lesson in Greatness by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humility and servanthood in the Christian faith. Jesus teaches that in order to be first or great, one must be willing to b |
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A Caution Against Bigotry by John Wesley | John Wesley warns against the dangers of bigotry in the church, emphasizing that true followers of Christ should not forbid others who perform good works in His name, even if they |
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Mark 9:38-42. Christ Directs His Disciples Not to Forbid the Man Who Cast Out Devils in His Name. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the importance of humility and honesty in seeking counsel from God, using the example of John expressing his doubts to Jesus. The sermon highligh |
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Gospel of John I by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, Brother Stephen Combs emphasizes the faithfulness, mercy, and love of God. He encourages the congregation to trust in God's ability to transform their lives, just a |
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Conference for Missionaries-1988- Discipleship - Part 3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of fervent love for one another as a way to overcome interpersonal conflicts. He references 1 Peter chapter 4 verse 8, which st |