Numbers 20:13
Numbers 20:13 in Multiple Translations
These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them.
This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.
These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Jehovah, and he was sanctified in them.
These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel went against the Lord, and they saw that he was holy among them.
The place where the Israelites argued with the Lord was called the waters of Meribah, and was where he revealed his holiness to them.
This is the water of Meribah, because the children of Israel stroue with the Lord, and hee was sanctified in them.
These [are] waters of Meribah, because the sons of Israel have 'striven' with Jehovah, and He is sanctified upon them.
These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.
This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.
This is the Water of contradiction, where the children of Israel strove with words against the Lord, and he was sanctified in them.
Later this place was called Meribah, which means ‘arguing’, because there the Israeli people argued with Yahweh, and there he showed his power to them by giving them water.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 20:13
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 20:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֚מָּה
מֵ֣י
מְרִיבָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁר
רָב֥וּ
בְנֵֽי
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
אֶת
יְהוָ֑ה
וַ/יִּקָּדֵ֖שׁ
בָּֽ/ם
הֵ֚מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
מֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
מְרִיבָ֔ה
Mᵉrîybâh
H4809
Meribah
N-proper
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
רָב֥וּ
rîyb
H7378
to contend
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בְנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יִּקָּדֵ֖שׁ
qâdash
H6942
to consecrate
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּֽ/ם
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 20:13
הֵ֚מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
מֵ֣י
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
מְרִיבָ֔ה
Mᵉrîybâh
H4809
"Meribah"
N-proper
Meribah was a place in the Desert where the Israelites argued with God, as recorded in Numbers 20:13 and 27:14.
Definition: § Meribah = "strife" or "contention" 1) a fountain at Rephidim, in the desert of Sin; so called because the Israelites murmured against God 2) the name of the water supply at Kadesh on the southern border of the promised land; the people also murmured here against God
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Meribah. See also: Exodus 17:7; Numbers 27:14; Psalms 81:8.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
רָב֥וּ
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
בְנֵֽי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
יְהוָ֑ה
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.
וַ/יִּקָּדֵ֖שׁ
qâdash
H6942
"to consecrate"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To consecrate means to set something or someone apart as holy or sacred, like the priests in Exodus. This word is about making something clean or pure. It is used in the Bible to describe sacred rituals and moral purity.
Definition: : consecate/sanctify 1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be set apart, be consecrated 1a2) to be hallowed 1a3) consecrated, tabooed 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to show oneself sacred or majestic 1b2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred 1b3) to be holy 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate 1c2) to observe as holy, keep sacred 1c3) to honour as sacred, hallow 1c4) to consecrate 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be consecrated 1d2) consecrated, dedicated 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set apart, devote, consecrate 1e2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow 1e3) to consecrate 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to keep oneself apart or separate 1f2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God) 1f3) to be observed as holy 1f4) to consecrate oneself
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 2:3; 2 Samuel 11:4; Isaiah 5:16.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Numbers 20:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 20:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 20:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 20:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 20:13
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:13
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 20:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:13
- Sermons on Numbers 20:13
Context — Water from the Rock
11Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink.
12But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.”
13These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them.
14From Kadesh, Moses sent messengers to tell the king of Edom, “This is what your brother Israel says: You know all the hardship that has befallen us, 15how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 17:7 | He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” |
| 2 | Psalms 95:8 | do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, in the day at Massah in the wilderness, |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 33:8 | Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. |
| 4 | Psalms 106:32–48 | At the waters of Meribah they angered the LORD, and trouble came to Moses because of them. For they rebelled against His Spirit, and Moses spoke rashly with his lips. They did not destroy the peoples as the LORD had commanded them, but they mingled with the nations and adopted their customs. They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons. They shed innocent blood— the blood of their sons and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood. They defiled themselves by their actions and prostituted themselves by their deeds. So the anger of the LORD burned against His people, and He abhorred His own inheritance. He delivered them into the hand of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them, and subdued them under their hand. Many times He rescued them, but they were bent on rebellion and sank down in their iniquity. Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note of their distress. And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion. He made them objects of compassion to all who held them captive. Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name, that we may glory in Your praise. Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, “Amen!” Hallelujah! |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 32:51 | For at the waters of Meribah-kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you broke faith with Me among the Israelites by failing to treat Me as holy in their presence. |
| 6 | Isaiah 5:16 | But the LORD of Hosts will be exalted by His justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 38:16 | You will advance against My people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the latter days, O Gog, that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I show Myself holy in you before their eyes. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 36:23 | I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I show My holiness in you before their eyes. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 20:41 | When I bring you from the peoples and gather you from the lands to which you have been scattered, I will accept you as a pleasing aroma. And I will show My holiness through you in the sight of the nations. |
Numbers 20:13 Summary
The waters of Meribah, mentioned in Numbers 20:13, represent a place where the Israelites struggled with trusting and obeying God, and where God demonstrated His holiness and power. This verse reminds us that God is a God who demands reverence and trust, and that He is always faithful to provide for us, even when we are not faithful to Him (as seen in Psalm 78:15-16 and Lamentations 3:22-23). By reflecting on this verse, we can learn to trust God more and to reverence His holiness in our daily lives. As we remember God's faithfulness and holiness, we can cultivate a deeper sense of awe and respect for Him, and seek to honor Him in all that we do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the waters of Meribah in Numbers 20:13?
The waters of Meribah represent a place where the Israelites tested God's patience and faithfulness, and He demonstrated His holiness among them, as seen in Numbers 20:13 and referenced in Psalm 95:8 and Psalm 106:32.
How did the Israelites quarrel with the Lord in Numbers 20:13?
The Israelites quarreled with the Lord by murmuring against Moses and doubting God's presence and provision, as seen in Exodus 17:1-7 and Numbers 20:1-12, which ultimately led to God's judgment and Moses' failure to enter the Promised Land, as stated in Numbers 20:12 and Deuteronomy 32:51-52.
What does it mean for God to show His holiness among the Israelites?
God showing His holiness among the Israelites means that He demonstrated His set-apart nature, power, and glory, making it clear that He is a God who demands reverence, trust, and obedience, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45 and Isaiah 6:1-5.
How can we apply the lesson of Numbers 20:13 to our own lives?
We can apply the lesson of Numbers 20:13 by recognizing the importance of trusting and obeying God, even in difficult circumstances, and by remembering that God is holy and deserving of our reverence and worship, as encouraged in Hebrews 11:6 and Revelation 4:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have quarreled with God or doubted His provision in my life, and how can I learn to trust Him more?
- How can I demonstrate reverence and worship for God's holiness in my daily life, and what are some practical ways to cultivate a deeper sense of awe and respect for Him?
- What are some areas in my life where I am testing God's patience or faithfulness, and how can I repent and seek to honor Him in those areas?
- How can I remember and apply the lessons of God's holiness and faithfulness in my life, even when faced with challenges or uncertainties, and what role can Scripture play in helping me to do so?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:13
This is the water of Meribah,.... Or "strife": this is the name by which the water had in this place, and from this rock, was called; and which is the same name given to the place at Horeb, where a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:13
And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. There was no water for the congregation.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 20:13
Meribah, called Meribah Kadesh, to distinguish it from another Meribah, . Sanctified in them, or, among them, to wit, the children of Israel last mentioned, by the demonstration of his omnipotency, veracity, and clemency towards the Israelites, and of his impartial holiness and severity against sin even in his greatest friends and favourites, as Moses was.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 20:13
Numbers 20:13 This [is] the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.Ver. 13. And he was sanctified in them.] By overcoming their evil with good; striking the rock for them, when he might justly have stricken them with utter destruction. Man’ s badness interrupteth not the course of God’ s goodness; "his unbelief maketh not the faith of God without effect."
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 20:13
(13) This is the water of Meribah.—i.e., of strife. (See Exodus 17:7, and Note; also Numbers 27:14, where the words “in Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin,” are added to distinguish the latter from the earlier miracle.) In Deuteronomy 32:51 the waters are spoken of as those of “Meribah of Kadesh.” And he was sanctified in them.—The reference in the words in them seems to be either to the word waters, which is plural in Hebrew, or, more probably, to the children of Israel, amongst whom Moses and Aaron were included. It has been supposed that the place derived its name of Kadesh (or, more fully, Kadesh-Barnea, Numbers 32:8) from the cognate verb, which is rendered sanctify in this and the preceding verse. It was in Kadesh that the sentence of exclusion had been pronounced upon the people generally (Numbers 14:22-23), and upon Moses and Aaron in particular, and it was thus that the Lord sanctified Himself in dealing with the transgressors. If the place derived its name, Kadesh, from these circumstances, it must have been called by that name proleptically in Genesis 14:7—a supposition which is entirely consistent with the manner in which the place is mentioned in that verse (“Enmishpat, which is Kadesh.”)
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:13
13. he was sanctified in them] The verb is from the same root as that of Kadesh (‘sacred’), and there is perhaps an intentional play on the name. The expression means ‘he proved, or vindicated, himself as holy,’ in spite of the sin of Moses and Aaron. in them] Either in the waters, i.e. by his miracle in giving water, or, better, in the hearts of the people; cf. Ezekiel 28:25.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 20:13
The water of Meribah - i. e. “Strife.” The place is called “Meribah in Kadesh” Numbers 27:14, and “Meribah-Kadesh” Deuteronomy 32:51. to distinguish it from the “Meribah” of Exodus 17:2 ff.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:13
13. Meribah — That is, Strife. The two miracles of bringing water from the rock are thus distinguished: that at Rephidim, nearly forty years before, was called Massah, or Temptation; that in Kadesh is called Meribah.
Sermons on Numbers 20:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
How God Shows Himself as Holy-1 by Sandeep Poonen | This sermon delves into the concept of holiness and how God reveals His holiness to us through trials and afflictions. It emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call to h |
|
Heaven: Its Hope by D.L. Moody | The preacher delves into the concept of hostility, describing it as a word spoken against or defiance against authority, often involving strife and enmity. The term 'antilogia' is |
|
Is the Lord Among Us, or Not by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the advancements of technology, particularly the TV camera, and how it has brought both incredible discoveries and disturbing events into ou |
|
Grace That Endures by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hallowing God's name and glorifying Him above all else. He shares his struggle in deciding what to speak about and highligh |
|
The Leading of the Lord by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses God's dealings with the saints and the importance of being a holy and cleansed people. He references the book of Job and the sayings of Elihu |
|
Jacob's Last Words by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the significance of the rock in biblical stories. He starts by referencing the interpretation of Daniel's dream, where the rock symboli |
|
Hardness of Heart by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses the 'Hardness of Heart' in his sermon, emphasizing how the disciples, despite witnessing miracles, failed to understand due to their hardened hearts. He ex |