Menu

Numbers 27:20

Numbers 27:20 in Multiple Translations

Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him.

And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.

And thou shalt put of thine honor upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may obey.

And put your honour on him, so that all the children of Israel may be under his authority.

Hand over some of your authority to him so that all the Israelites will obey him.

And giue him of thy glory, that all the Congregation of ye children of Israel may obey.

and hast put of thine honour upon him, so that all the company of the sons of Israel do hearken.

You shall give authority to him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may obey.

And thou shalt put some of thy honor upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.

And thou shalt give him precepts in the sight of all, and part of thy glory, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may hear him.

Give to him some of the authority that you now have, in order that all the Israeli people will know that they must obey him.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 27:20

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 27:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/נָתַתָּ֥ה מֵ/הֽוֹדְ/ךָ֖ עָלָ֑י/ו לְמַ֣עַן יִשְׁמְע֔וּ כָּל עֲדַ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/נָתַתָּ֥ה nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-2ms
מֵ/הֽוֹדְ/ךָ֖ hôwd H1935 splendor Prep | N-ms | Suff
עָלָ֑י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
לְמַ֣עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep
יִשְׁמְע֔וּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
עֲדַ֖ת ʻêdâh H5712 congregation N-fs
בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 son N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 27:20

וְ/נָתַתָּ֥ה nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
מֵ/הֽוֹדְ/ךָ֖ hôwd H1935 "splendor" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word describes something as glorious or majestic, like God's splendor in Psalm 138:5. It's about an impressive appearance or grandeur.
Definition: splendour, majesty, vigour
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: beauty, comeliness, excellency, glorious, glory, goodly, honour, majesty. See also: Numbers 27:20; Psalms 111:3; Psalms 8:2.
עָלָ֑י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לְמַ֣עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
יִשְׁמְע֔וּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֲדַ֖ת ʻêdâh H5712 "congregation" 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.
בְּנֵ֥י 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.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 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.

Study Notes — Numbers 27:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 1:16–18 So they answered Joshua, “Everything you have commanded us we will do, and everywhere you send us we will go. Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. And may the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words, all that you command him, will be put to death. Above all, be strong and courageous!”
2 1 Samuel 10:9 As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all the signs came to pass that day.
3 2 Kings 2:9–10 After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” “Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. “You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. “Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so.”
4 1 Chronicles 29:23 So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him.
5 Numbers 11:28–29 Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!”
6 Numbers 11:17 And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
7 1 Samuel 10:6 Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person.
8 2 Kings 2:15 When the sons of the prophets who were facing him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.
9 1 Chronicles 29:25 The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him.

Numbers 27:20 Summary

[This verse means that Moses was to give some of his leadership power to Joshua, so that the people of Israel would listen to and obey him. This is similar to how Jesus gave authority to His disciples, as seen in Matthew 10:1. By doing this, Moses was showing that he trusted Joshua and was willing to let him take on more responsibility, just like God wants us to trust and obey Him, as seen in John 14:15.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Moses need to confer some of his authority on Joshua?

Moses needed to confer some of his authority on Joshua so that the whole congregation of Israel would obey him, as instructed by the Lord (Numbers 27:20). This is similar to how Jesus gave authority to His disciples, as seen in Matthew 10:1.

What is the significance of Moses laying his hands on Joshua?

The act of Moses laying his hands on Joshua symbolized the transfer of authority and leadership from Moses to Joshua, as seen in Numbers 27:18-20. This is also reminiscent of the apostles laying hands on believers in Acts 8:17 and Acts 19:6.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual leadership?

This verse highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the need for leaders to be obedient to God's will, as seen in Numbers 27:20. It also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding leaders, as mentioned in Numbers 27:18, where Joshua is described as a man with the Spirit in him.

What can we learn from Moses' willingness to confer his authority on Joshua?

Moses' willingness to confer his authority on Joshua demonstrates humility and a willingness to obey God's instructions, as seen in Numbers 27:20. This is a valuable lesson for leaders today, who must be willing to empower and equip others for ministry, as seen in Ephesians 4:11-12.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways in which I can demonstrate humility and a willingness to obey God's instructions, just like Moses?
  2. How can I empower and equip others for ministry, as seen in Numbers 27:20 and Ephesians 4:11-12?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to seek guidance and counsel from the Lord, just like Eleazar the priest did in Numbers 27:21?
  4. How can I apply the principle of conferring authority and responsibility to others, as seen in Numbers 27:20, to my own relationships and leadership roles?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 27:20

And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him,.... Meaning not the Spirit that was on Moses, and the gifts of the Spirit; for to do this was the work of the Lord, and not Moses, see Numbers 11:17,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 27:20

And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. Put some of thine honour upon him.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 27:20

Thou shalt not now use him as a servant, as thou hast done, but as a brother and thy partner in the government, showing respect to him, and causing others to do so, and thou shalt impart to him the ensigns and evidences of thy own authority, whatsoever they be. Some understand this honour of those spiritual endowments which did adorn Moses, which Moses was now to confer upon him. But this Joshua had before, for in him was the spirit, ; and he received a further measure of the spirit by Moses’ s laying on of hands, from both which this honour is distinguished; and, had he meant this, he would not have expressed it in so dark and doubtful a phrase, but have called it a putting not of honour, but of the spirit, upon him, as it is called, . And seeing the word honour here may very well be properly understood, why should we run to figurative significations?

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 27:20

Verse 20. And thou shalt put, &c.] מחודך mechodecha, of thine honour or authority upon him. Thou shalt show to the whole congregation that thou hast associated him with thyself in the government of the people.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 27:20

20. thou shalt put some of thy majesty upon him] The subst. denotes visible splendour and dignity. No man could be thought worthy to receive the whole of Moses’ majesty; but Joshua was to receive enough of it to make the people honour and obey him. Cf. Numbers 11:17.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 27:20

Of thine honor - i. e., of thy dignity and authority (compare Numbers 11:17, Numbers 11:28). Joshua was constituted immediately vice-leader under Moses, by way of introduction to his becoming chief after Moses’ death.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 27:20

20, 21. Put some… honour upon him — “The eminence and authority of Moses were not to be entirely transferred to Joshua, for they were bound up with his own person alone, (Numbers 12:6-8,) but only so

Sermons on Numbers 27:20

SermonDescription
Robert B. Thompson The Issue Is Knowing God by Robert B. Thompson In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal struggle they faced regarding the idea of taking action versus waiting on God's guidance. They were torn between the urgency of t
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 1-10 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the spirit of God coming upon a person's life and anointing them. He highlights the significance of having a heart turned
G.W. North Making a King by G.W. North In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a living representation of the word of God. He criticizes the idea of relying on physical objects or books to show pe
David Wilkerson Walking in Your Destiny by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that destiny is God's ordained purpose for each individual, illustrated through the life of Saul, who was chosen by God to lead Israel but ultimately fai
Vance Havner Holy Man of God by Vance Havner In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the secret of someone's strength and influence over others. He emphasizes the importance of love and its impact on our lives. The speaker sh
Leonard Ravenhill The Enemy of Revival - Part 2 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson was a powerful man who performed great feats, such as ripping the gates of a cit
A.W. Tozer The Call of a Prophet by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher talks about individuals who were called by God at a young age and finished their work early. He emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and energ

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate