Numbers 12:5
Numbers 12:5 in Multiple Translations
and the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the Tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them had stepped forward,
And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.
And Jehovah came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forth.
And the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud, taking his place at the door of the Tent, and made Aaron and Miriam come before him.
The Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood in the entrance to the Tent. He called Aaron and Miriam and they came forward.
Then the Lord came downe in the pillar of the cloude, and stoode in the doore of the Tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forth.
And Jehovah cometh down in the pillar of the cloud, and standeth at the opening of the tent, and calleth Aaron and Miriam, and they come out both of them.
The LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forward.
And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.
The Lord came down in a pillar of the cloud, and stood in the entry of the tabernacle calling to Aaron and Mary. And when they were come,
Then Yahweh descended to the entrance of the tent in a cloud that resembled a huge white pillar. He told Aaron and Miriam to step forward, so they did.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 12:5
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 12:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֤רֶד
יְהוָה֙
בְּ/עַמּ֣וּד
עָנָ֔ן
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֖ד
פֶּ֣תַח
הָ/אֹ֑הֶל
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
וּ/מִרְיָ֔ם
וַ/יֵּצְא֖וּ
שְׁנֵי/הֶֽם
וַ/יֵּ֤רֶד
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּ/עַמּ֣וּד
ʻammûwd
H5982
pillar
Prep | N-ms
עָנָ֔ן
ʻânân
H6051
cloud
N-ms
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
פֶּ֣תַח
pethach
H6607
entrance
N-ms
הָ/אֹ֑הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
וּ/מִרְיָ֔ם
Miryâm
H4813
Miriam
Conj | N-proper
וַ/יֵּצְא֖וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שְׁנֵי/הֶֽם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj | Suff
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 12:5
וַ/יֵּ֤רֶד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
יְהוָה֙
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/עַמּ֣וּד
ʻammûwd
H5982
"pillar"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.
Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.
עָנָ֔ן
ʻânân
H6051
"cloud"
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.
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹ֖ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
פֶּ֣תַח
pethach
H6607
"entrance"
N-ms
A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.
Definition: opening, doorway, entrance
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.
הָ/אֹ֑הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
וַ/יִּקְרָא֙
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
וּ/מִרְיָ֔ם
Miryâm
H4813
"Miriam"
Conj | N-proper
Miriam means rebellion and is the name of two Israelitesses, one the sister of Moses and Aaron, and another a woman of Judah. Miriam is first mentioned in Exodus as a leader among the Israelites.
Definition: A woman of the tribe of Judah(?) living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.17; daughter of: Mered (H4778)(?) and Bithiah (H1332); sister of: Shammai (H8060I) and Ishbah (H3431); half-sister of: Jered (H3382H)(?), Heber (H2268I)(?) and Jekuthiel (H3354)(?) § Miriam = "rebellion" 1) elder sister of Moses and Aaron 2) a woman of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Miriam. See also: Exodus 15:20; Numbers 12:15; Micah 6:4.
וַ/יֵּצְא֖וּ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
שְׁנֵי/הֶֽם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj | Suff
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
Study Notes — Numbers 12:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 12:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 12:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 12:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 12:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 12:5
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 12:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 12:5
- Sermons on Numbers 12:5
Context — The Complaint of Miriam and Aaron
3Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.
4And suddenly the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “You three, come out to the Tent of Meeting.” So the three went out,
5and the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the Tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them had stepped forward,
6He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. 7But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 11:25 | Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again. |
| 2 | Exodus 34:5 | And the LORD descended in a cloud, stood with him there, and proclaimed His name, the LORD. |
| 3 | Psalms 99:7 | He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them. |
| 4 | 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. |
Numbers 12:5 Summary
[The Lord came down in a pillar of cloud to show His presence and power, just like He did in Exodus 33:9, and to remind Aaron and Miriam of His authority. This event teaches us about the importance of humility and faithfulness, as seen in Moses' character, and how we should respond when the Lord summons us. By trusting in the Lord's sovereignty, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn to balance our desire for guidance with trust in the Lord's plan, just as Moses did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Lord come down in a pillar of cloud in Numbers 12:5?
The Lord came down in a pillar of cloud to demonstrate His presence and authority, as seen in other instances like Exodus 33:9, where the pillar of cloud was a symbol of God's guidance and presence among His people.
What is the significance of the Tent in Numbers 12:5?
The Tent, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was a sacred place where the Lord would meet with His people, as mentioned in Exodus 33:7, and it served as a reminder of God's covenant with the Israelites.
Why were Aaron and Miriam summoned by the Lord in Numbers 12:5?
Aaron and Miriam were summoned by the Lord because they had spoken against Moses, as mentioned in Numbers 12:1-2, and the Lord wanted to address their rebellion and remind them of Moses' unique role as a faithful servant, as stated in Numbers 12:7.
How does this verse relate to the character of Moses mentioned in Numbers 12:3?
This verse relates to the character of Moses by highlighting his humility, as mentioned in Numbers 12:3, which is contrasted with the rebellion of Aaron and Miriam, demonstrating that Moses' humility was a key aspect of his faithfulness to the Lord, as seen in Numbers 12:7.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from the Lord's decision to come down in a pillar of cloud, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How do we respond when the Lord summons us, either through His Word or through circumstances, and what can we learn from Aaron and Miriam's experience?
- In what ways can we, like Moses, cultivate humility and faithfulness in our relationship with the Lord, and what role does obedience play in this process?
- How can we balance our desire for guidance and direction with the need to trust in the Lord's sovereignty, as seen in His appearance in the pillar of cloud?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 12:5
The Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud,.... Which was over the most holy place of the tabernacle, and which was a symbol of the presence of the Lord; and who is said to come down, because that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 12:5
And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 12:5
In the door of the tabernacle, where they stood without, not being admitted into the tabernacle, as Aaron used to be; which is noted as a sign of God’ s displeasure.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 12:5
Numbers 12:5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood [in] the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.Ver. 5. Out of the cloud.] As from the throne of his glory.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 12:5
5. they both came forth] i.e. probably from the tent, not from the camp. In Exodus 33:8 f. it is said that Moses used habitually to enter the tent, and God talked with him there. The same thing may have occurred in the present case. Aaron and Miriam, in vaunting their claim to equality, imitated the action of Moses and entered with him; and they were then summoned to come forth to hear Jehovah’s oracle. His previous command ‘Come out ye three unto the tent of meeting’ was a challenge to Aaron and Miriam to do as Moses did, and to experience the result. Compare the similar challenge made by Aaron in Numbers 16:6 f. .
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 12:5
5. The Lord came down — This anthropomorphic expression is to be understood as an accommodation of the mystery of divine revelation to human comprehension.
Sermons on Numbers 12:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Numbers 11-20 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the lessons that can be learned from the history of the children of Israel as recorded in the book of Exodus. He emphasizes the importance o |
|
The Jealousy of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trust in God as the highest form of affection. He warns against serving the spirit of fear and worry, which he considers t |
|
What Is Your Goal in Life? by Paul Washer | In this video, the speaker reflects on the brevity of life and the importance of considering what will be written on one's tombstone. He shares his hesitation in giving his testimo |
|
Our Relationship With Christ by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking intimacy with God. He uses the example of Joshua, who sought the presence of God in the tent and was able to ascend |
|
Moses and Exodus 33 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the encounter between Moses and God, highlighting the intimate conversation Moses had with the Lord, the significance of God's presence as true rest, and th |
|
|
Scripture Is Sufficient for Personal Evangelism by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful encounter with a man who has just been told he has three weeks to live. The preacher cancels his plans and commits to staying with th |
|
The Transcendence of El Elyon by Aeron Morgan | Aeron Morgan emphasizes the transcendence and majesty of God, El Elyon, as revealed in Psalms 91. He highlights the security and refuge found in God for those who trust in Him, con |