Numbers 14:4
Numbers 14:4 in Multiple Translations
So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.”
And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
And they said to one another, Let us make a captain over us, and go back to Egypt.
They said to one another, “Let's choose a new leader and go back to Egypt.”
And they said one to another, Let vs make a Captaine and returne into Egypt.
And they say one unto another, 'Let us appoint a head, and turn back to Egypt.'
They said to one another, “Let’s choose a leader, and let’s return into Egypt.”
And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
And they said one to another: Let us appoint a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
Then some of them said to each other, “We should choose a leader who will take us back to Egypt!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 14:4
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 14:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֖וּ
אִ֣ישׁ
אֶל
אָחִ֑י/ו
נִתְּנָ֥ה
רֹ֖אשׁ
וְ/נָשׁ֥וּבָה
מִצְרָֽיְמָ/ה
וַ/יֹּאמְר֖וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אָחִ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
נִתְּנָ֥ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-1cp
רֹ֖אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
וְ/נָשׁ֥וּבָה
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
מִצְרָֽיְמָ/ה
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper | 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 14:4
וַ/יֹּאמְר֖וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
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.
אָחִ֑י/ו
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
נִתְּנָ֥ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-1cp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
רֹ֖אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
וְ/נָשׁ֥וּבָה
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
מִצְרָֽיְמָ/ה
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper | Suff
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
Study Notes — Numbers 14:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 14:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 14:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 14:4
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:4
- Sermons on Numbers 14:4
Context — Israel’s Rebellion
2All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness!
3Why 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?”
4So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.”
5Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown before the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel. 6Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothesCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 7:39 | But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 9:16–17 | But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments. They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 17:16 | But the king must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire more horses, for the LORD has said, ‘You are never to go back that way again.’ |
| 4 | Luke 17:32 | Remember Lot’s wife! |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 28:68 | The LORD will return you to Egypt in ships by a route that I said you should never see again. There you will sell yourselves to your enemies as male and female slaves, but no one will buy you.” |
| 6 | Hebrews 11:15 | If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. |
| 7 | 2 Peter 2:21–22 | It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.” |
| 8 | Hebrews 10:38–39 | But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. |
Numbers 14:4 Summary
This verse shows that the Israelites were very unhappy and wanted to go back to Egypt, where they used to live as slaves. They were afraid of the challenges that lay ahead and didn't trust God to take care of them, unlike Joshua and Caleb who trusted in God's promise (Numbers 14:6-9). We can learn from their mistake by trusting in God's goodness and plan for our lives, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11. By trusting in God, we can have confidence that He will guide us through life's challenges, just as He guided the Israelites through the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2-5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites want to return to Egypt?
The Israelites wanted to return to Egypt because they were afraid of the challenges that lay ahead in the Promised Land, as seen in Numbers 14:3, and they had become disillusioned with the leadership of Moses, seeking a new leader to take them back to the familiar but oppressive life they knew in Egypt, as mentioned in Exodus 14:12.
What does this verse reveal about the Israelites' trust in God?
This verse reveals that the Israelites had very little trust in God at this point, as they were willing to abandon the promise of the Promised Land and return to slavery in Egypt, contrary to God's promise in Exodus 6:6-8 and the encouraging report of Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 14:6-9.
How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership in the Bible?
This verse shows that the Israelites were seeking a leader who would cater to their desires rather than follow God's plan, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for leaders to follow God's will, as seen in the examples of Moses and Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:7-8 and Joshua 1:6-9.
What can we learn from the Israelites' mistake in this verse?
We can learn that disobedience and lack of trust in God can have severe consequences, as seen in Numbers 14:10-12 and Numbers 14:20-35, and that we should strive to trust in God's goodness and plan for our lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to return to old patterns or habits, rather than trusting in God's plan?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainties?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of this verse to my own life, seeking to follow God's will rather than my own desires?
- What does this verse reveal about the dangers of majority opinion and the importance of standing firm on God's Word, as seen in the examples of Joshua and Caleb?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 14:4
And they said one to another, let us make a captain,.... An head over them instead of Moses, who they knew would never take the government and care of them, should they resolve to return to Egypt as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 14:4
And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 14:4
A captain, instead of Moses, one who will be more faithful to our interest than he. This was but a purpose or desire, and yet it is imputed to them as if they had done it, ,17, they appointed a captain, &c., even as Abraham’ s purpose to offer up Isaac is reckoned for the deed, . Let us return into Egypt. Stupendous madness! Whence should they have protection against the many hazards, and provision against all the wants of the wilderness? Could they expect either God’ s cloud to cover and guide them, or manna from Heaven to lead them? Who should conduct them over the Red Sea? or, if they went another way, who should defend them against those nations whose borders they were to pass? What entertainment could they expect if the Egyptians, whom they had deserted and brought to so much ruin?
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 14:4
Numbers 14:4 And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.Ver. 4. Let us make a captain.] Thus they proceeded from bad to worse. Passions, like heavy bodies down steep hills, once in motion move themselves, and know no ground but the bottom. Whether this people did make them such a captain, for such a purpose, is uncertain; but howsoever their very intention of doing it, is charged upon them, as if they had done it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 14:4
Verse 4. Let us make a captain] Here was a formal renunciation of the authority of Moses, and flat rebellion against God. And it seems from Ne 9:17 that they had actually appointed another leader, under whose direction they were about to return to Egypt. How astonishing is this! Their lives were made bitter, because of the rigour with which they were made to serve in the land of Egypt; and yet they are willing, yea eager, to get back into the same circumstances again! Great evils, when once some time past, affect the mind less than present ills, though much inferior. They had partly forgot their Egyptian bondage, and now smart under a little discouragement, having totally lost sight of their high calling, and of the power and goodness of God.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 14:4
Numbers 14:1-10. The people mutinied in spite of the protest of Joshua and Caleb.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 14:4
4. Make a captain — This is the repudiation of both Moses and Jehovah.
Sermons on Numbers 14:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Divine Life and Deliverance From Bondage to Sin and Death by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the significance of the miraculous sign at the Pool of Bethesda in John 5:1-18, highlighting the Jewish setting during the Feast of the Passover and th |
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Who Is God? by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch delves into the question of what God is truly like, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's nature beyond misconceptions and assumptions. He highlights how ma |
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Look to God and Not to Egypt by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on worldly wealth and success. He shares a story about a visit from an older person who |
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(Bible Analysis of Man) Man's Body Immortal - Part 2 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the significance of faces and how they can reveal so much about a person. He mentions an old Hebrew word for face, "palm," and emphasizes th |
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Don't Look Back by Arlen L. Chitwood | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not dwelling in the plain, using the story of Lot's wife as an example. He contrasts Lot, who didn't make it far in his jo |
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Do Not Sell the Gospel by John Piper | In this sermon, Pastor John Piper reflects on a message he heard 36 years ago about the story of the rich young ruler. The speaker emphasized the importance of letting go of worldl |
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The 2nd Coming of Christ by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing before the judgment seat of God. He highlights that regardless of our status, wealth, or background, we will all |