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Numbers 27:14

Numbers 27:14 in Multiple Translations

for when the congregation contended in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you rebelled against My command to show My holiness in their sight regarding the waters.” Those were the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin.

For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

because ye rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the waters before their eyes. (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)

Because in the waste land of Zin, when the people were angry, you and he went against my word and did not keep my name holy before their eyes, at the waters. (These are the waters of Meribah in Kadesh in the waste land of Zin.)

because when the Israelites complained in the Desert of Zin, you both rebelled against my instructions to show my holiness before them in regard to providing water.” (These were the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, in the Desert of Zin.)

For ye were disobedient vnto my worde in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the assemblie, to sanctifie me in the waters before their eyes. That is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wildernesse of Zin.

because ye provoked My mouth in the wilderness of Zin, in the strife of the company — to sanctify Me at the waters before their eyes;' they [are] waters of Meribah, in Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin.

because in the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin, to honor me as holy at the waters before their eyes.” (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)

For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.

Because you offended me in the desert of Sin in the contradiction of the multitude, neither would you sanctify me before them at the waters. These are the waters of contradiction in Cades of the desert of Sin.

The reason that you will die and not enter that land is that you both disobeyed my instructions/commands in the Zin Desert. When the Israeli people rebelled against me there at Meribah, near Kadesh, I told you to speak to the rock to cause water to flow out of it. But because you struck the rock instead of speaking to it, you did not show the people my holy power.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 27:14

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 27:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כַּ/אֲשֶׁר֩ מְרִיתֶ֨ם פִּ֜/י בְּ/מִדְבַּר צִ֗ן בִּ/מְרִיבַת֙ הָֽ/עֵדָ֔ה לְ/הַקְדִּישֵׁ֥/נִי בַ/מַּ֖יִם לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶ֑ם הֵ֛ם מֵֽי מְרִיבַ֥ת קָדֵ֖שׁ מִדְבַּר צִֽן
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר֩ ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
מְרִיתֶ֨ם mârâh H4784 to rebel V-Qal-Perf-2mp
פִּ֜/י peh H6310 lip N-ms | Suff
בְּ/מִדְבַּר midbâr H4057 mouth Prep | N-ms
צִ֗ן Tsin H6790 Zin N-proper
בִּ/מְרִיבַת֙ mᵉrîybâh H4808 provocation Prep | N-fs
הָֽ/עֵדָ֔ה ʻêdâh H5712 congregation Art | N-fs
לְ/הַקְדִּישֵׁ֥/נִי qâdash H6942 to consecrate Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
בַ/מַּ֖יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) Prep | N-mp
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶ֑ם ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff
הֵ֛ם hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron
מֵֽי mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp
מְרִיבַ֥ת Mᵉrîybâh H4809 Meribah N-proper
קָדֵ֖שׁ Qâdêsh H6946 Kadesh N-proper
מִדְבַּר midbâr H4057 mouth N-ms
צִֽן Tsin H6790 Zin N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 27:14

כַּ/אֲשֶׁר֩ ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | 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.
מְרִיתֶ֨ם mârâh H4784 "to rebel" V-Qal-Perf-2mp
To rebel means to resist or disobey authority, often in a stubborn or defiant way. In the Bible, it's used to describe people's disobedience towards God or their parents.
Definition: 1) to be contentious, be rebellious, be refractory, be disobedient towards, be rebellious against 1a) (Qal) to be disobedient, be rebellious 1a1) towards father 1a2) towards God 1b) (Hiphil) to show rebelliousness, show disobedience, disobey
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bitter, change, be disobedient, disobey, grievously, provocation, provoke(-ing), (be) rebel (against, -lious). See also: Numbers 20:10; Psalms 78:17; Psalms 5:11.
פִּ֜/י peh H6310 "lip" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
בְּ/מִדְבַּר midbâr H4057 "mouth" Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
צִ֗ן Tsin H6790 "Zin" N-proper
Zin is a desert region near the Dead Sea, mentioned in Numbers 34:4. This area was significant in the Israelites' journey, as it was near Kadesh-barnea, a major stopping point. The name Zin means 'flat' in Hebrew.
Definition: § Zin = "flat" name given to a portion of the desert tract between the Dead Sea and Arabah on the east in which Kadesh-barnea was located
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Zin. See also: Numbers 13:21; Numbers 34:3; Joshua 15:3.
בִּ/מְרִיבַת֙ mᵉrîybâh H4808 "provocation" Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means quarrel or strife, describing a place of contention between God and the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 17:7.
Definition: strife, contention
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: provocation, strife. See also: Genesis 13:8; Psalms 95:8; Psalms 106:32.
הָֽ/עֵדָ֔ה ʻêdâh H5712 "congregation" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.
לְ/הַקְדִּישֵׁ֥/נִי qâdash H6942 "to consecrate" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
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.
בַ/מַּ֖יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" Prep | 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.
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶ֑ם ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
הֵ֛ם 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.
מֵֽי 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.
מְרִיבַ֥ת 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.
קָדֵ֖שׁ Qâdêsh H6946 "Kadesh" N-proper
Kadesh refers to a holy place in the desert, mentioned in the Bible as a city in southern Judah. It is also known as Kedesh and Kadesh-barnea. The name means 'holy' and is associated with the Israelites' journey in the wilderness.
Definition: § Kadesh = "holy" a city in the extreme south of Judah same as 'Kedesh' and 'Kadesh-barnea'
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: Kadesh. Compare H6947 (קָדֵשׁ בַּרְנֵעַ). See also: Genesis 14:7; Numbers 33:36; Psalms 29:8.
מִדְבַּר midbâr H4057 "mouth" N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
צִֽן Tsin H6790 "Zin" N-proper
Zin is a desert region near the Dead Sea, mentioned in Numbers 34:4. This area was significant in the Israelites' journey, as it was near Kadesh-barnea, a major stopping point. The name Zin means 'flat' in Hebrew.
Definition: § Zin = "flat" name given to a portion of the desert tract between the Dead Sea and Arabah on the east in which Kadesh-barnea was located
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Zin. See also: Numbers 13:21; Numbers 34:3; Joshua 15:3.

Study Notes — Numbers 27:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — Moses Requests a Successor

12Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go up this mountain of the Abarim range and see the land that I have given the Israelites. 13After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was;

14for when the congregation contended in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you rebelled against My command to show My holiness in their sight regarding the waters.” Those were the waters of Meribah in Kadesh, in the Wilderness of Zin.

15So Moses appealed to the LORD, 16“May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 1:37 The LORD was also angry with me on your account, and He said, “Not even you shall enter the land.
2 Numbers 20:8–13 “Take the staff and assemble the congregation. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will pour out its water. You will bring out water from the rock and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock.” So Moses took the staff from the LORD’s presence, just as he had been commanded. Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen now, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then 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. But 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.” These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed His holiness among them.
3 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?”
4 Deuteronomy 32:51–52 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. Although you shall see from a distance the land that I am giving the Israelites, you shall not enter it.”
5 Psalms 106:32–33 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.
6 Numbers 20:24 “Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will not enter the land that I have given the Israelites, because both of you rebelled against My command at the waters of Meribah.
7 Numbers 20:1 In the first month, the whole congregation of Israel entered the Wilderness of Zin and stayed in Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried.

Numbers 27:14 Summary

[Numbers 27:14 reminds us that disobeying God's commands has serious consequences, as seen in the story of Moses and Aaron's rebellion in the Wilderness of Zin. When we disobey God, we not only hurt ourselves but also fail to demonstrate His holiness to those around us (Leviticus 11:44-45). By trusting in God's sovereignty and obeying His commands, we can avoid the pitfalls of rebellion and instead live a life that honors Him (Romans 8:28-30). As we reflect on this verse, let us consider how we can surrender to God's will and demonstrate His holiness in our daily lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Wilderness of Zin in Numbers 27:14?

The Wilderness of Zin is where the Israelites rebelled against God's command, as seen in Numbers 27:14, and is also where they were tested and proved unfaithful, as mentioned in Psalms 81:7 and Numbers 20:1-13.

What were the waters of Meribah, and why are they important?

The waters of Meribah were a place where the Israelites contended with God, and Moses and Aaron rebelled against God's command, as stated in Numbers 27:14, which is also referenced in Numbers 20:1-13 and Deuteronomy 32:51.

How does Numbers 27:14 relate to the concept of God's holiness?

In Numbers 27:14, God says that Moses and Aaron rebelled against His command to show His holiness in the sight of the Israelites, highlighting the importance of obeying God's commands to demonstrate His holy character, as also seen in Leviticus 11:44-45 and Isaiah 6:1-5.

What can we learn from Moses and Aaron's rebellion in Numbers 27:14?

Moses and Aaron's rebellion in Numbers 27:14 serves as a warning to leaders and believers alike to obey God's commands and trust in His sovereignty, lest they face the consequences of disobedience, as seen in Numbers 20:12 and Hebrews 3:12-14.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have I rebelled against God's commands in my own life, and what are the consequences of such actions?
  2. In what ways can I demonstrate God's holiness in my daily life, as commanded in Leviticus 11:44-45?
  3. What are some areas where I struggle with trusting God's sovereignty, and how can I surrender to His will, as seen in Romans 8:28-30?
  4. How can I, like Moses, appeal to God's mercy and grace when I have failed or rebelled against Him, as seen in Numbers 27:15-16?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 27:14

For ye rebelled against my commandment the desert of Zin,.... Both Moses and Aaron, which was the reason why they were not suffered to go into the land of Canaan, but died a little before the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 27:14

And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 27:14

In Kadesh: this is added to distinguish this miscarriage of Moses from that of the people in Rephidim, .

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 27:14

Numbers 27:14 For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that [is] the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.Ver. 14. For ye rebelled.] Sin may rebel in the saints, but not reign; neither is it they that rebel, "but sin that dwelleth in" them; dwelleth, but not domineereth.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 27:14

(14) To sanctify me . . . —See Numbers 20:12-13, where the same expression is used.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 27:14

Verse 14. Ye rebelled against my commandment] See Clarke on Numbers 20:12.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 27:14

14. because ye acted unfaithfully against my word] The verb is characteristic of P . It is different from that in Numbers 20:24. And see note on Numbers 20:10-11. in the strife … to sanctify me] The same play on the words Meribah (‘strife’) and Kadesh (‘sacred’) as in Numbers 20:3; Numbers 20:13. The words ‘to sanctify me’ (cf. Numbers 20:12) are connected with ‘my word,’ i.e. my commandment. Ye rebelled against the command which I gave you to vindicate my holiness by speaking to the rock.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 27:14

14. For ye rebelled — In Numbers 20:12 (see note) the charge against Moses and Aaron is, “Ye believed me not.” The passages are in perfect harmony, for unbelief is the root of all disobedience.

Sermons on Numbers 27:14

SermonDescription
David Ravenhill The Death of Moses by David Ravenhill David Ravenhill discusses the significance of Moses' death and the transition to Joshua's leadership, emphasizing that God often raises new leaders during times of change. He refle
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 17:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the smitten rock and its significance in relation to spiritual blessings. He emphasizes that although God has blessed us abund
Leonard Ravenhill 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
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Exodus 16-18 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine fear of God and the accountability that comes with being a teacher of the Word. He shares his personal str
Zac Poonen Things Unshakable 3 . an Unshakable Church by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of having an unshakable church, distinct from an unshakable life or home. It highlights the need for Christians to move beyond personal growth
Gareth Evans The Rest of God by Gareth Evans In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of being effective witnesses for Jesus. He emphasizes that God has come to glorify Jesus in the lives of believers, enabling th
Dennis Kinlaw 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

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