Numbers 14:31
Numbers 14:31 in Multiple Translations
But I will bring your children, whom you said would become plunder, into the land you have rejected—and they will enjoy it.
But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.
But your little ones, that ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have rejected.
And your little ones, whom you said would come into strange hands, I will take in, and they will see the land which you would not have.
However, I will take your children—those you said would be taken away as plunder—into the country you rejected, and they will appreciate it.
But your children, (which ye said shoulde be a pray) them will I bring in, and they shall knowe the lande which ye haue refused:
'As to your infants — of whom ye have said, A spoil they are become — I have even brought them in, and they have known the land which ye have kicked against;
But I will bring in your little ones that you said should be captured or killed, and they shall know the land which you have rejected.
But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised.
But your children, of whom you said, that they should be a prey to the enemies, will I bring in: that they may see the land which you have despised.
You said that your children would be taken from you to become slaves, but I will take them into the land, and they will enjoy living in the land that you ◄rejected/said that you could not conquer►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 14:31
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 14:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/טַ֨פְּ/כֶ֔ם
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם
לָ/בַ֣ז
יִהְיֶ֑ה
וְ/הֵבֵיאתִ֣י
אֹתָ֔/ם
וְ/יָֽדְעוּ֙
אֶת
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
מְאַסְתֶּ֖ם
בָּֽ/הּ
וְ/טַ֨פְּ/כֶ֔ם
ṭaph
H2945
child
Conj | N-ms | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
לָ/בַ֣ז
baz
H957
plunder
Prep | N-ms
יִהְיֶ֑ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/הֵבֵיאתִ֣י
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
אֹתָ֔/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וְ/יָֽדְעוּ֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מְאַסְתֶּ֖ם
mâʼaç
H3988
to reject
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
בָּֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
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 14:31
וְ/טַ֨פְּ/כֶ֔ם
ṭaph
H2945
"child"
Conj | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
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.
לָ/בַ֣ז
baz
H957
"plunder"
Prep | N-ms
Means plunder or spoil, referring to goods taken by force, as seen in the conquests of Joshua. It can also imply robbery or spoiling something. The concept appears in various KJV translations, including booty and prey.
Definition: spoil, booty, robbery, spoiling Also means: bag (בַּג "spoil" H0897)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: booty, prey, spoil(-ed). See also: Numbers 14:3; Jeremiah 49:32; Isaiah 10:6.
יִהְיֶ֑ה
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.
וְ/הֵבֵיאתִ֣י
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֹתָ֔/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וְ/יָֽדְעוּ֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
מְאַסְתֶּ֖ם
mâʼaç
H3988
"to reject"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
To spurn or reject something is what this Hebrew word means. In Genesis 37:35, it is used to describe how Jacob felt when his sons told him Joseph had died.
Definition: 1) to reject, despise, refuse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to reject, refuse 1a2) to despise 1b) (Niphal) to be rejected
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person. See also: Leviticus 26:15; Psalms 106:24; Psalms 15:4.
בָּֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Numbers 14:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — God’s Forgiveness and Judgment
29Your bodies will fall in this wilderness—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me.
30Surely none of you will enter the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.
31But I will bring your children, whom you said would become plunder, into the land you have rejected—and they will enjoy it.
32As for you, however, your bodies will fall in this wilderness. 33Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 1:39 | And the little ones you said would become captives—your children who on that day did not know good from evil—will enter the land that I will give them, and they will possess it. |
| 2 | Psalms 106:24 | They despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His promise. |
| 3 | Numbers 26:64 | Among all these, however, there was not one who had been numbered by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Wilderness of Sinai. |
| 4 | Numbers 14:3 | Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” |
| 5 | Numbers 26:6 | the Hezronite clan from Hezron, and the Carmite clan from Carmi. |
| 6 | Matthew 22:5 | But they paid no attention and went away, one to his field, another to his business. |
| 7 | Proverbs 1:25 | because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, |
| 8 | Proverbs 1:30 | They accepted none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof. |
| 9 | Genesis 25:34 | Then Jacob gave some bread and lentil stew to Esau, who ate and drank and then got up and went away. Thus Esau despised his birthright. |
| 10 | Acts 13:41 | ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish! For I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’ ” |
Numbers 14:31 Summary
This verse means that even though the parents of the Israelites did not trust God and enter the Promised Land, their children would still get to experience the blessings of the land. This shows that God is a God of mercy and grace, who wants the best for His people, even when they make mistakes (as seen in Psalm 103:8-10). The children would have to wait and trust God in the wilderness for a time, but eventually, they would get to enjoy the land that their parents had rejected. This reminds us that God's plans are not thwarted by our mistakes, and that He can still bring good out of difficult situations (as seen in Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the children will 'enjoy' the land?
This means that the children of the Israelites will experience the blessings and joys of the Promised Land, which their parents had rejected, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:7-10, where God describes the land as a place of abundance and delight.
Why did God allow the children to enter the land when their parents did not?
God's decision to allow the children to enter the land was an act of mercy and grace, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, where God describes Himself as slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness, and also a fulfillment of His promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:8.
What is the significance of the children being shepherds in the wilderness for forty years?
This period of time was a consequence of the parents' unfaithfulness, as stated in Numbers 14:33, and also a time of preparation for the children to learn to trust and follow God, as seen in Psalm 78:52-53, where God leads His people like a flock.
How does this verse relate to the concept of generational sin and its consequences?
This verse illustrates how the sins of the parents can affect their children, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, but also how God's mercy and grace can break this cycle, as promised in Ezekiel 18:20, where God says that the son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity.
Reflection Questions
- What are the ways in which I have rejected God's plans and promises for my life, and how can I repent and trust in His goodness?
- In what ways can I, like the children of the Israelites, learn to trust and follow God in the 'wilderness' times of my life?
- How can I, as a parent or influence in someone's life, ensure that I am not passing on unfaithfulness or doubt to the next generation, but instead teaching them to trust and love God?
- What are the 'lands' in my life that God has promised to give me, and how can I, like Joshua and Caleb, trust in His power and goodness to possess them?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:31
But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey,.... To the Canaanites, Numbers 14:3; them will I bring in; into the land of Canaan, and so fulfil the promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob:
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:31
But your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which ye have despised. They (i:e., your little ones) shall know the land which ye have despised.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:31
26–39. All the people above twenty years old, except Joshua and Caleb, were condemned to wander for forty years and die in the desert. The spies who brought an evil report died by a plague. The greater part of this section has been assigned to P , but elements from early tradition have been incorporated in it. The ‘forty years’ is alluded to as early as Amos (Numbers 2:10, Numbers 5:25), and the wandering in the wilderness in Hosea 2:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:31
31. Your little ones — By something akin to poetical justice, the unbelieving fathers shall perish in the wilderness, and the helpless children, the objects of their skeptical solicitude, shall flourish in the land of promise.
Sermons on Numbers 14:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Discouragement (Letting the Fire Go Out) by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of discouragement and its impact on our faith. He highlights how God warned Joshua not to be discouraged before entering the land, |
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Doubt, the Sin God Hates the Most by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a doctor receiving good news about a patient's health. The speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in God's word an |
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Phinehas - Priest of Obedience by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a passage from the book of Numbers in the Bible. They raise questions about the conduct of Moses and the Israelites when they engaged in imm |
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Audio Sermon: Phinehas - Priest of Obedience by Art Katz | This sermon delves into the importance of obedience, respect for authority, and the consequences of moral compromise. It highlights the need to act decisively against sin, even whe |
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Wait and Worship by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and track record in our lives. He shares a personal story of how God intervened and saved hi |
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The Fiery Serpents by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the story of the Fiery Serpents from Numbers 21:6-9, highlighting the sins of ingratitude and despising Christ as the causes of God's punishment. He empha |
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The Scriptures and the Promises by A.W. Pink | The preacher, Greek Word Studies, delves into the concept of grumbling, which is an audible expression of unwarranted dissatisfaction or discontent, often done in low tones or behi |