Numbers 17:13
Numbers 17:13 in Multiple Translations
Anyone who comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to perish?”
Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?
Every one that cometh near, that cometh near unto the tabernacle of Jehovah, dieth: shall we perish all of us?
Death will overtake everyone who comes near, who comes near the House of the Lord: are we all to come to destruction?
Anyone who dares to approach the Tabernacle of the Lord will die. Are we all going to be completely wiped out?”
Whosoeuer commeth neere, or approcheth to the Tabernacle of the Lord, shall dye: shall we be consumed and dye?
any who is at all drawing near unto the tabernacle of Jehovah dieth; have we not been consumed — to expire?'
Everyone who keeps approaching the LORD’s tabernacle, dies! Will we all perish?”
Whoever approacheth the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?
Whosoever approacheth to the tabernacle of the Lord, he dieth. Are we all to a man to be utterly destroyed?
Everyone who comes close to Yahweh’s Sacred Tent dies. Are the rest of us going to die, also?” [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 17:13
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 17:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֥ד
בֵּֽין
הַ/מֵּתִ֖ים
וּ/בֵ֣ין
הַֽ/חַיִּ֑ים
וַ/תֵּעָצַ֖ר
הַ/מַּגֵּפָֽה
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בֵּֽין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
הַ/מֵּתִ֖ים
mûwth
H4191
to die
Art | V-Qal
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Conj | Prep
הַֽ/חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
Art | Adj
וַ/תֵּעָצַ֖ר
ʻâtsâr
H6113
to restrain
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הַ/מַּגֵּפָֽה
maggêphâh
H4046
plague
Art | N-fs
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 17:13
וַ/יַּעֲמֹ֥ד
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.
בֵּֽין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/מֵּתִ֖ים
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וּ/בֵ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַֽ/חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וַ/תֵּעָצַ֖ר
ʻâtsâr
H6113
"to restrain"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to restrain or hold back, often used in the context of controlling one's actions or emotions. In the book of Psalms, it describes God's power to restrain evil. The word can also mean to assemble or rule over something.
Definition: 1) to restrain, retain, close up, shut, withhold, refrain, stay, detain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to restrain, halt, stop 1a2) to retain 1b) (Niphal) to be restrained, be stayed, be under restraint
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able, close up, detain, fast, keep (self close, still), prevail, recover, refrain, [idiom] reign, restrain, retain, shut (up), slack, stay, stop, withhold (self). See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Chronicles 12:1; Psalms 106:30.
הַ/מַּגֵּפָֽה
maggêphâh
H4046
"plague"
Art | N-fs
A plague or pestilence in the Bible often refers to a divine judgment, like the plagues God sent upon Egypt in Exodus 7-12. It can also mean a defeat or slaughter, as seen in 1 Samuel 4:10.
Definition: 1) blow, slaughter, plague, pestilence, strike, smite 1a) blow (fatal stroke) 1b) slaughter (of battle) 1c) plague, pestilence (divine judgment)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] be) plague(-d), slaughter, stroke. See also: Exodus 9:14; 2 Samuel 17:9; Psalms 106:29.
Study Notes — Numbers 17:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 17:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 17:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 17:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 17:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 17:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 17:13
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 17:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 17:13
- Sermons on Numbers 17:13
Context — Aaron’s Staff Buds
11So Moses did as the LORD had commanded him.
12Then the Israelites declared to Moses, “Look, we are perishing! We are lost; we are all lost!
13Anyone who comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to perish?”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 10:19–22 | Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 6:6–12 | When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God. Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day. That day David feared the LORD and asked, “How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?” So he was unwilling to move the ark of the LORD to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. Thus the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and all his household. Now it was reported to King David, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and had the ark of God brought up from the house of Obed-edom into the City of David with rejoicing. |
| 3 | Genesis 3:3 | but about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You must not eat of it or touch it, or you will die.’” |
| 4 | Psalms 90:7 | For we are consumed by Your anger and terrified by Your wrath. |
| 5 | Numbers 16:26 | And he warned the congregation, “Move away now from the tents of these wicked men. Do not touch anything that belongs to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.” |
| 6 | Numbers 32:13 | The anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation who had done evil in His sight was gone. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 13:11–13 | Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day. That day David feared God and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?” So he did not move the ark with him to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. |
| 8 | Acts 5:11–14 | And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events. The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade. Although the people regarded them highly, no one else dared to join them. Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women. |
| 9 | Numbers 18:4–7 | They are to join you and attend to the duties of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent; but no outsider may come near you. And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting. But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.” |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 6:19–21 | But God struck down some of the people of Beth-shemesh because they looked inside the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter. The men of Beth-shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God? To whom should the ark go up from here?” So they sent messengers to the people of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the LORD. Come down and take it up with you.” |
Numbers 17:13 Summary
This verse, Numbers 17:13, shows that the Israelites are afraid of dying because of God's judgment on those who disobey Him. They are worried that if they go near the tabernacle, God's special dwelling place, they will die too. This teaches us that we must respect and obey God, because He is holy and just, as also seen in Deuteronomy 32:4. By trusting in God's love and mercy, as seen in Psalm 103:8-12, we can approach Him with confidence and humility, knowing that He desires a personal relationship with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the tabernacle in this verse?
The tabernacle represents God's dwelling place among the Israelites, and approaching it without proper reverence and protocol could result in death, as seen in Numbers 17:13, highlighting the importance of respecting God's holiness, as also emphasized in Leviticus 10:1-3.
Why are the Israelites so fearful of perishing?
The Israelites are fearful because they have witnessed the death of Korah and his followers, and they are aware of God's judgment on those who rebel against Him, as stated in Numbers 16:31-35, leading them to question their own survival in Numbers 17:13.
Is God's judgment in this verse contradictory to His love and mercy?
No, God's judgment is a demonstration of His holiness and justice, which is balanced by His love and mercy, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, where God describes Himself as both merciful and just, emphasizing that His judgment is not arbitrary, but rather a response to sin and rebellion.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and its consequences?
This verse illustrates the consequences of sin and the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility, as also taught in Romans 6:23, where it is written that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show reverence and respect for God's holiness in my daily life, especially when approaching Him in prayer or worship?
- How can I balance the fear of God's judgment with the knowledge of His love and mercy, as seen in Psalm 103:8-12?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Numbers 17:13 to my own life, recognizing the potential consequences of sin and the importance of humility and obedience?
- What role does trust and faith play in my relationship with God, especially when faced with uncertainty or fear, as seen in Psalm 23:4?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 17:13
Whosoever cometh anything near unto the tabernacle of the Lord shall die,.... They who before were so bold and daring as to think the priesthood was common to them with Aaron, or they had as good a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 17:13
Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying? Cometh any thing near - i:e., nearer than he ought to do; an error into which many may fall.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 17:13
Any thing near, i.e. nearer than he should do; an error which we may easily commit. Shall we be consumed? will God proceed with us in these severe courses, according to his strict justice? will he show us no mercy nor pity, till all the people be cut off and destroyed with dying one after another.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 17:13
Numbers 17:13 Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?Ver. 13. Whosoever cometh anything near.] Let them keep further off then who have no sufficient warrant. Why should they meddle with that belongs not to them? Why should they touch the tabernacle? as the Greek here hath it. The fingers of many triflers itch at this day, to be tampering with that tremendous function, the ministry: which if they forbear to touch, it is but as once Mercury is fain to spare Jupiter’ s thunderbolts, which he durst not steal, lest they should roar too loud, or at least burn his fingers.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 17:13
(12, 13) And the children of Israel spake unto Moses . . . —The special manifestations of Divine power which the Israelites had witnessed excited within them salutary emotions of awe and of anxious apprehension, but do not seem to have awakened within them any corresponding sense of gratitude either for their deliverance from the plague, or for the privileges which they enjoyed by reason of the Divine presence amongst them. The true answer to their inquiry whether they were doomed utterly to perish is contained in the following chapter, in which the priesthood of Christ is typically set forth as bearing the iniquity of the sanctuary, and thus making reconciliation for the sins and securing the acceptance of the imperfect service of His people.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 17:13
13. shall we perish all of us?] The exact force of the words is doubtful. They may mean ‘Shall we completely come to an end by expiring?’ of which R.V. is a correct paraphrase: or ‘Shall we ever finish expiring?’ i.e. ‘can we ever be free from the danger of death’ if we approach the Tent?
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 17:13
13. Shall we be consumed — Where God cannot awaken genuine faith and obedience, as he could not in this rejected generation, he inspires a salutary dread as a preventive of renewed rebellion.
Sermons on Numbers 17:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Hebrews) 1-Overview-1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its portrayal of the end times. He expresses sorrow over the degradation and perversion in society, emp |
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Boldness to Enter God's Presence by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's delight in our deliverance in order to experience true joy and peace. He uses the parable of the prodi |
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End of Service - Repentance by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of surrendering his life completely to God. He acknowledges that there were areas in his life where he thought he had giv |
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(Hebrews - Part 25): The Holy of Holies by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his commitment to preaching about God and the Holy Trinity. He emphasizes that God reveals Himself through nature and the scriptures, using va |
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Intercession in Prayer by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of intercession and prayer in the mission of spreading the word of God. The key message is that the responsibility to pray for |
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How to Apply the Blood by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the profound significance of the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, emphasizing the various provisions and effects of His sacrifice. It covers themes of rede |
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(Exodus) Exodus 27:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the way of the cross as the only path to God. The brazen altar is highlighted as the place where access to God is made p |