Numbers 20:15
Numbers 20:15 in Multiple Translations
how our fathers went down to Egypt, where we lived many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers,
How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians vexed us, and our fathers:
how our fathers went down into Egypt, and we dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians dealt ill with us, and our fathers:
How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we were living in Egypt for a long time; and the Egyptians were cruel to us and to our fathers:
Our forefathers went to Egypt and we lived there for a long time. The Egyptians treated us and our forefathers badly,
How our fathers went downe into Egypt, and we dwelt in Egypt a long time, where the Egyptians handled vs euill and our fathers.
that our fathers go down to Egypt, and we dwell in Egypt many days, and the Egyptians do evil to us and to our fathers;
how our fathers went down into Egypt, and we lived in Egypt a long time. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers.
How our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians afflicted us, and our fathers:
In what manner our fathers went down into Egypt, and there we dwelt a long time, and the Egyptians afflicted us and our fathers.
You know that our ancestors went down to Egypt. You know that they stayed there for many years. They suffered because the rulers of Egypt caused them to become their slaves and to work very hard.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 20:15
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 20:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּרְד֤וּ
אֲבֹתֵ֨י/נוּ֙
מִצְרַ֔יְמָ/ה
וַ/נֵּ֥שֶׁב
בְּ/מִצְרַ֖יִם
יָמִ֣ים
רַבִּ֑ים
וַ/יָּרֵ֥עוּ
לָ֛/נוּ
מִצְרַ֖יִם
וְ/לַ/אֲבֹתֵֽי/נוּ
וַ/יֵּרְד֤וּ
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֲבֹתֵ֨י/נוּ֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
מִצְרַ֔יְמָ/ה
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper | Suff
וַ/נֵּ֥שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp
בְּ/מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
יָמִ֣ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
רַבִּ֑ים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
וַ/יָּרֵ֥עוּ
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
לָ֛/נוּ
Prep | Suff
מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrîy
H4713
Egyptian
N-proper
וְ/לַ/אֲבֹתֵֽי/נוּ
ʼâb
H1
father
Conj | Prep | N-mp | 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 20:15
וַ/יֵּרְד֤וּ
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
אֲבֹתֵ֨י/נוּ֙
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
מִצְרַ֔יְמָ/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.
וַ/נֵּ֥שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְּ/מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Prep | N-proper
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.
יָמִ֣ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
רַבִּ֑ים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
וַ/יָּרֵ֥עוּ
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
לָ֛/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
מִצְרַ֖יִם
Mitsrîy
H4713
"Egyptian"
N-proper
In the Bible, this word refers to an Egyptian, someone from the country of Egypt. It appears in the Old Testament, describing people from this northeastern African nation. Egyptians are mentioned in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: Group of mits.ra.yim (מִצְרַ֫יִם "Egypt" H4714G) § Egyptian, of Egypt "double straits" Egyptian-an inhabitant or citizen of Egypt an Egyptian
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: Egyptian, of Egypt. See also: Genesis 12:12; Exodus 8:17; Ezra 9:1.
וְ/לַ/אֲבֹתֵֽי/נוּ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
Study Notes — Numbers 20:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 20:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 20:15
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:15
- Sermons on Numbers 20:15
Context — Edom Refuses Passage
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,
16and when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Now look, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your territory. 17Please let us pass through your land. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 12:40 | Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egypt was 430 years. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 26:6 | But the Egyptians mistreated us and afflicted us, putting us to hard labor. |
| 3 | Genesis 46:6 | They also took the livestock and possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and Jacob and all his offspring went to Egypt. |
| 4 | Acts 7:15 | So Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. |
| 5 | Genesis 15:13 | Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. |
| 6 | Exodus 5:14 | Then the Israelite foremen, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over the people, were beaten and asked, “Why have you not fulfilled your quota of bricks yesterday or today, as you did before?” |
| 7 | Exodus 1:22 | Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.” |
| 8 | Numbers 16:13 | Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Must you also appoint yourself as ruler over us? |
| 9 | Acts 7:19 | He exploited our people and oppressed our fathers, forcing them to abandon their infants so they would die. |
| 10 | Numbers 11:5 | We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. |
Numbers 20:15 Summary
In this verse, the Israelites are reminding the king of Edom about their difficult history with Egypt, where they were mistreated and lived for many years. This is similar to the experience of the Israelites in Exodus 1:1-14, where they were enslaved and oppressed. The Israelites are trying to appeal to the king's sympathy and understanding, and to show that they are not a threat. By sharing their story, the Israelites are trusting that God will be faithful to them and provide for their needs, just like He did in the past, as seen in Deuteronomy 26:7-9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Israelites remind the king of Edom about their history with Egypt?
The Israelites reminded the king of Edom about their history with Egypt to appeal to their shared human experience and to show that they were not a threat, as seen in Numbers 20:14-17, and to demonstrate God's faithfulness to them, as in Exodus 2:23-25 and Deuteronomy 26:7-9.
What does the phrase 'our fathers went down to Egypt' refer to?
The phrase 'our fathers went down to Egypt' refers to the event in the book of Genesis 46:1-7, where Jacob and his family moved to Egypt, and the Israelites lived there for many years, eventually becoming slaves, as described in Exodus 1:1-14.
Why did the Egyptians mistreat the Israelites and their fathers?
The Egyptians mistreated the Israelites and their fathers due to the Israelites' rapid growth and the Egyptians' fear of being overtaken, as seen in Exodus 1:7-22, and also because of the hardness of Pharaoh's heart, as described in Exodus 4:21 and Romans 9:17-18.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Numbers 20?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, and it serves as a reminder of God's past faithfulness and provision, as seen in Numbers 20:1-13, and sets the stage for the Israelites' request to pass through Edom in Numbers 20:14-21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced mistreatment or hardship, and how can I trust God to be faithful to me in those situations, just like He was to the Israelites?
- How can I use my own story of God's faithfulness to encourage and appeal to others, just like the Israelites did with the king of Edom?
- What are some ways that I can 'cry out to the Lord' in my times of need, and how can I trust that He will hear my voice and respond, as seen in Numbers 20:16?
- How can I balance being honest about my past struggles with being respectful and considerate of others, like the Israelites were with the king of Edom?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:15
How our fathers went down into Egypt,.... Jacob and his twelve sons, with their children: and we have dwelt in Egypt a long time; even the space of four hundred and thirty years, Exodus 12:40 and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:15
And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us: Moses sent messengers ... unto the king of Edom.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 20:15
(15) Vexed us.—Better, dealt ill with.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:15
14–21. Permission to pass through Edom refused. The Edomites occupied territory to the south of the Dead Sea, westward as far as Kadesh (Numbers 20:16) and southward as far as the eastern arm of the Red Sea (Numbers 21:4). The Israelites having failed long before to enter Canaan from the south, did not attempt it again (see, however, n. on Numbers 21:1-3), but proposed to enter it from the east. And if they could pass straight through Edom, their route would be greatly shortened. Edom’s refusal forced them to work round the south of the hostile country, and then northwards along its eastern border.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:15
15. Vexed us — Oppressed us. The message is designed to awaken sympathy and to allay the old grudge cherished by Esau toward his artful brother Jacob.
Sermons on Numbers 20:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 1 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Exodus and its connection to the previous events in the book of Genesis. The sermon begins by referencing a passage from Genesis |
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(Through the Bible) Acts 12-13 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the miraculous escape of Peter from prison. Peter was imprisoned by Herod during the Passover period and was heavily guarded by soldiers. Howe |
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The Israel of God by Wong Chin Meng | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of parents taking responsibility for teaching their children about God and His ways. He highlights the failure of previous gen |
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(The New Covenant Servant) 1. God Calls and Prepares His Servants by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of being ready and willing to respond to God's call for His work, emphasizing that God's plans are dependent on men who are prepared and broke |
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(The Full Gospel) 17. the Influence of One Man by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the critical role of one faithful man in fulfilling God's purposes, as illustrated through biblical figures like Noah, Moses, and Paul. He explains that while |
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Note on the Chronological Dates by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby discusses the chronological dates in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of understanding the timeline from creation to the birth of the Messiah. He explains ho |
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Judgment Day by Dave Hunt | In this sermon, the pastor discusses the topic of Judgment Day, referring to passages from the books of Joel and Zechariah in the Bible. He emphasizes that God will gather all nati |