Numbers 20:3
Numbers 20:3 in Multiple Translations
The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD!
And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!
And the people strove with Moses, and spake, saying, Would that we had died when our brethren died before Jehovah!
And the people were angry with Moses and said, If only death had overtaken us when our brothers came to their death before the Lord!
They argued with Moses, saying, “If only we'd died with our relatives in the Lord's presence!
And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God we had perished, when our brethren died before the Lord.
and the people strive with Moses, and speak, saying, 'And oh that we had expired when our brethren expired before Jehovah!
The people quarreled with Moses, and spoke, saying, “We wish that we had died when our brothers died before the LORD!
And the people chid with Moses, and spoke, saying, O that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!
And making a sedition, they said: Would God we had perished among our brethren before the Lord.
They complained and said, “We wish that we had died in front of Yahweh’s Sacred Tent when our fellow Israelis died!
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 20:3
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 20:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֥רֶב
הָ/עָ֖ם
עִם
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
וְ/ל֥וּ
גָוַ֛עְנוּ
בִּ/גְוַ֥ע
אַחֵ֖י/נוּ
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יָּ֥רֶב
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/ל֥וּ
lûwʼ
H3863
if
Conj | Conj
גָוַ֛עְנוּ
gâvaʻ
H1478
to die
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
בִּ/גְוַ֥ע
gâvaʻ
H1478
to die
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַחֵ֖י/נוּ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
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 20:3
וַ/יָּ֥רֶב
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
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.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
וְ/ל֥וּ
lûwʼ
H3863
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word means if or wish, used in phrases like if only or would that, expressing a desire or unlikely condition, as seen in Jeremiah and Daniel.
Definition: 1) if, oh that!, if only! 1a) if (unlikely condition) 1b) if only!, oh that!, would that!
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: if (haply), peradventure, I pray thee, though, I would, would God (that). See also: Genesis 17:18; 1 Samuel 14:30; Psalms 81:14.
גָוַ֛עְנוּ
gâvaʻ
H1478
"to die"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to die or expire, like when Jesus gave up his spirit on the cross in Matthew 27:50. It implies a complete stop, like a final breath. It is used in the Bible to describe the end of life.
Definition: 1) to expire, die, perish, give up the ghost, yield up the ghost, be dead, be ready to die 1a) (Qal) to expire, die, be about to die
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: die, be dead, give up the ghost, perish. See also: Genesis 6:17; Job 3:11; Psalms 88:16.
בִּ/גְוַ֥ע
gâvaʻ
H1478
"to die"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to die or expire, like when Jesus gave up his spirit on the cross in Matthew 27:50. It implies a complete stop, like a final breath. It is used in the Bible to describe the end of life.
Definition: 1) to expire, die, perish, give up the ghost, yield up the ghost, be dead, be ready to die 1a) (Qal) to expire, die, be about to die
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: die, be dead, give up the ghost, perish. See also: Genesis 6:17; Job 3:11; Psalms 88:16.
אַחֵ֖י/נוּ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | 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.
לִ/פְנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 20:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 20:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 20:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 20:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 20:3
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:3
- Sermons on Numbers 20:3
Context — Water from the Rock
1In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel entered the Wilderness of Zin and stayed in Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried.
2Now there was no water for the congregation, so they gathered against Moses and Aaron.
3The people quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD!
4Why have you brought the LORD’s assembly into this wilderness for us and our livestock to die here? 5Why have you led us up out of Egypt to bring us to this wretched place? It is not a place of grain, figs, vines, or pomegranates—and there is no water to drink!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 17:2 | So the people contended with Moses, “Give us water to drink.” “Why do you contend with me?” Moses replied. “Why do you test the LORD?” |
| 2 | Numbers 14:1–2 | Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. All 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! |
| 3 | Numbers 16:31–35 | As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. At their cries, all the people of Israel who were around them fled, saying, “The earth may swallow us too!” And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense. |
| 4 | Numbers 11:1 | Soon the people began to complain about their hardship in the hearing of the LORD, and when He heard them, His anger was kindled, and fire from the LORD blazed among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp. |
| 5 | Exodus 16:2–3 | And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!” |
| 6 | Numbers 11:33–34 | But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague. So they called that place Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had craved other food. |
| 7 | Numbers 16:49 | But those who died from the plague numbered 14,700, in addition to those who had died on account of Korah. |
| 8 | Numbers 14:36–37 | So the men Moses had sent to spy out the land, who had returned and made the whole congregation grumble against him by bringing out a bad report about the land— those men who had brought out the bad report about the land—were struck down by a plague before the LORD. |
| 9 | Job 3:10–11 | For that night did not shut the doors of the womb to hide the sorrow from my eyes. Why did I not perish at birth; why did I not die as I came from the womb? |
| 10 | Lamentations 4:9 | Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields lack produce. |
Numbers 20:3 Summary
In Numbers 20:3, the people were unhappy and arguing with Moses because they didn't have water and were struggling in the wilderness. They were saying that they wished they had died with their brothers, who had passed away earlier (as seen in Numbers 14:29-30). This shows that they were not trusting God to take care of them, and were instead focusing on their problems. We can learn from their mistake by choosing to trust God and be grateful for what we have, just like the Psalmist in Psalm 100:4-5, who encourages believers to enter God's gates with thanksgiving and praise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the people quarreling with Moses in Numbers 20:3?
The people were quarreling with Moses because they were thirsty and frustrated with their circumstances, feeling that God had abandoned them, as seen in their statement 'If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD' (Numbers 20:3), which reflects a lack of trust in God's provision, similar to the Israelites' behavior in Exodus 17:1-7.
What was the people's attitude towards their brothers who had perished before the LORD?
The people's statement 'If only we had perished with our brothers before the LORD' (Numbers 20:3) indicates a sense of regret and longing for a past time, suggesting that they felt their current situation was worse than the fate of their brothers, who had died in the wilderness, as recorded in Numbers 14:29-30.
How does this verse relate to the concept of gratitude and contentment?
This verse highlights the importance of gratitude and contentment, as the people were focusing on their circumstances rather than being thankful for God's past provision and promise, as reminded in Deuteronomy 8:2-3, where Moses encourages the Israelites to remember God's care for them in the wilderness.
What can we learn from the people's mistake in Numbers 20:3?
We can learn the importance of trusting God's sovereignty and provision, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, which encourages believers to trust in the LORD and do good, and to delight themselves in Him, rather than focusing on their problems and doubting God's care.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am struggling to trust God's provision and sovereignty?
- How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, even in difficult circumstances, like the Israelites in the wilderness?
- What are some ways I can 'quarrel with God' in my own life, and how can I instead choose to trust and obey Him, as seen in Romans 8:28-30?
- How can I apply the lesson of Numbers 20:3 to my relationships with others, and choose to encourage and support them rather than complaining and quarreling?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:3
And the people chode with Moses,.... Contended with him in a wrangling and litigious manner, showing no reverence nor respect unto his person on account of the dignity of his office, and the many
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:3
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 20:3
i.e. Suddenly, rather than to die such a lingering and painful death. Their sin was much greater than their parents’ in like case, because they should have taken warning by their miscarriages, and by the terrible effects of them, which their eyes had seen.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 20:3
Numbers 20:3 And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!Ver. 3. And the people chode.] Wanting both water and patience, they broke the peace with their superiors.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 20:3
(3) Would God that we had died . . . —The reference seems to be to the plague which broke out after the insurrection of Korah. The language of the murmurers is very similar to that which is recorded in Numbers 16:14, and the word gava (die, or expire), which is twice used in this verse, and which occurs in Numbers 16:26; Numbers 16:28, in connection with the history of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, is found only in one other place throughout the last four books of the Pentateuch—viz., Numbers 20:29. The probability that that plague was of comparatively recent occurrence, and not separated from the present murmuring by a period of nearly forty years, has been inferred from the use of the word brethren in this verse. The generation which was contemporary with those who perished in the plague which followed the rebellion of Korah is supposed by some to have been almost extinct at the time to which the events recorded in this chapter are commonly referred, and the word fathers, it is alleged, would, in that case, have been more applicable to those who perished than brethren. It may be observed, further, that the inquiry, “Wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt?” is more natural when regarded as the language of the generation which had come up out of Egypt as adults, and who looked back to the exodus as to a recent event, than when regarded as that of a generation of which a large number had been born in the wilderness, and the rest had left Egypt nearly forty years previously. These considerations, however, do not appear to be entitled to much weight. The older portion of the congregation, who would naturally be the spokesmen, would speak of those who perished in the insurrection of Korah as their brethren, whether the event itself was of recent occurrence or not; and the words which are rendered “Why have ye brought up, &c.?” may, with equal propriety, be rendered “Why did ye bring up, &c.?”(Comp. Numbers 20:16 and Note).
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:3
3. And the people strove] The root of the verb (rîbh) is also that of the word Merîbhâh (‘the place of strife’), the name of the place being thus explained by means of a play on words; cf. Numbers 20:13. when our brethren died before Jehovah] in the revolt of Korah (ch. 16).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:3
3. Chode with Moses — Greek, railed at; Hebrew, quarrelled with. As the government was a theocracy administered by Moses, this conduct was treason against God. Would God… we had died — By the sudden stroke of divine wrath.
Sermons on Numbers 20:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God at War With Flesh by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the battle between Joshua and Amalek. The preacher emphasizes that the outcome of the battle was not dependent on Joshua's abilities, but ra |
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When Things Don't Make Sense by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in the invisible, rather than relying on physical signs and experiences. He warns against seeking tangible |
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Taranaki Bible Conference January 19-2012 - 2 of 5 Sermons by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a doll that was buried and how it grew into the shape of the doll. He uses this story to emphasize the message that sin will event |
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Murmuring Against One Another by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of controlling one's tongue and being slow to anger. He encourages listeners to be quick to hear and slow to speak, showing re |
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Incomplete Repentance by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker describes the promised land as a fertile and abundant land, flowing with milk and honey. He emphasizes that God's purpose is to make us like Jesus Chris |
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Caleb - a Different Spirit by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a conversation with a young Chinese businessman who had a profound understanding of the concept of a perfect Lamb in Christianity. The speaker |
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Life Begins at 80 by Charles Anderson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Caleb from the Bible. He highlights Caleb's unwavering faith and determination despite facing 40 years of wilderness wandering. |