Numbers 32:6
Numbers 32:6 in Multiple Translations
But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?
¶ And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?
And Moses said unto the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to the war, and shall ye sit here?
And Moses said to the children of Gad and the children of Reuben, Are your brothers to go to the war, while you take your rest here?
In reply Moses asked the tribes of Gad and Reuben, “Are you expecting your brothers to go and fight while you just sit here?
And Moses said vnto the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren goe to warre, and ye tary heere?
And Moses saith to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Reuben, 'Do your brethren go in to the battle, and ye — do ye sit here?
Moses said to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?
And Moses said to the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?
And Moses answered them: What, shall your brethren go to fight, and will you sit here?
Moses/I replied to the leaders of the tribes of Gad and Reuben, “It is not right for [RHQ] your fellow Israelis to go to fight in wars and you stay here!
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 32:6
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 32:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
לִ/בְנֵי
גָ֖ד
וְ/לִ/בְנֵ֣י
רְאוּבֵ֑ן
הַ/אַֽחֵי/כֶ֗ם
יָבֹ֨אוּ֙
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
וְ/אַתֶּ֖ם
תֵּ֥שְׁבוּ
פֹֽה
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
לִ/בְנֵי
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
גָ֖ד
Gâd
H1410
Gad
N-proper
וְ/לִ/בְנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
Conj | Prep | N-mp
רְאוּבֵ֑ן
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
Reuben
N-proper
הַ/אַֽחֵי/כֶ֗ם
ʼâch
H251
brother
Part | N-mp | Suff
יָבֹ֨אוּ֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
milchâmâh
H4421
battle
Prep | N-fs
וְ/אַתֶּ֖ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
תֵּ֥שְׁבוּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
פֹֽה
pôh
H6311
here
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 32:6
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
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.
לִ/בְנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | 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.
גָ֖ד
Gâd
H1410
"Gad"
N-proper
Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Gad, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was also the name of a prophet during David's time.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.22.5 § Gad = "troop" 1) seventh son of Jacob by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, and full brother of Asher. 2) the tribe descended from Gad 3) a prophet during the time of David; appears to have joined David when in the hold; reappears in connection with the punishment for taking a census; also assisted in the arrangements for the musical service of the "house of God"
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Gad. See also: Genesis 30:11; Joshua 22:10; Jeremiah 49:1.
וְ/לִ/בְנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | Prep | 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.
רְאוּבֵ֑ן
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
"Reuben"
N-proper
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben. He is mentioned in Genesis as the brother of Simeon, Levi, and Judah, and the father of Hanoch and Pallu.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756) § Reuben = "behold a son" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Leah 2) the tribe descended from Reuben 3) the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Reuben. See also: Genesis 29:32; Deuteronomy 27:13; Ezekiel 48:31.
הַ/אַֽחֵי/כֶ֗ם
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Part | 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.
יָבֹ֨אוּ֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה
milchâmâh
H4421
"battle"
Prep | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
וְ/אַתֶּ֖ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
תֵּ֥שְׁבוּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
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.
פֹֽה
pôh
H6311
"here"
Adv
This Hebrew word means 'here' or 'this place', and is used to indicate a specific location. It can also mean 'from here' or 'hither', showing movement or direction from a certain spot.
Definition: 1) here, from here, hither 1a) here 1b) hither
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: here, hither, the one (other, this, that) side. See also: Genesis 19:12; 2 Kings 3:11; Psalms 132:14.
Study Notes — Numbers 32:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Tribes East of the Jordan
4which the LORD conquered before the congregation of Israel, are suitable for livestock—and your servants have livestock.”
5“If we have found favor in your sight,” they said, “let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan.”
6But Moses asked the Gadites and Reubenites, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?
7Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that the LORD has given them? 8This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to inspect the land.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 13:5 | It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 11:11 | Uriah answered, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my master Joab and his soldiers are camped in the open field. How can I go to my house to eat and drink and sleep with my wife? As surely as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing!” |
| 3 | Philippians 2:4 | Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. |
Numbers 32:6 Summary
[In Numbers 32:6, Moses asks the Gadites and Reubenites if they plan to sit back and relax while their brothers go to war. This question gets at the heart of what it means to be part of a community and to support one another. As Christians, we are called to bear one another's burdens, as seen in Galatians 6:2. By considering Moses' question, we can reflect on our own role in the body of Christ and how we can work together to achieve God's purposes, just as the Israelites were called to do in the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1-9).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Moses' concern when he asked the Gadites and Reubenites about their decision to stay behind?
Moses was concerned that the Gadites and Reubenites were not willing to help their brothers go to war to take possession of the Promised Land, as seen in Numbers 32:6, and instead wanted to stay behind and settle in the land they were currently in, as mentioned in Numbers 32:5.
How did the request of the Gadites and Reubenites relate to the Israelites' past experiences?
The request of the Gadites and Reubenites to stay behind and not cross the Jordan River was reminiscent of the Israelites' past experiences, such as when they refused to enter the Promised Land at Kadesh-barnea, as recorded in Numbers 32:8 and Deuteronomy 1:19-46.
What was the potential consequence of the Gadites and Reubenites staying behind?
If the Gadites and Reubenites stayed behind, it could have discouraged the rest of the Israelites from crossing into the Promised Land, as Moses pointed out in Numbers 32:7, and would have been a lack of trust in God's promise, as seen in Hebrews 11:6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of community and mutual support in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of community and mutual support in the Bible, as seen in passages like Galatians 6:2 and Romans 15:1, where believers are encouraged to bear one another's burdens and support each other in times of need.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'staying behind' and not fully participating in the work God has called me to do?
- How can I, like Moses, encourage and support my brothers and sisters in Christ to trust in God's promises and provision?
- What are some ways I can prioritize community and mutual support in my own life, and how can I use my gifts and resources to bless others?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of Numbers 32:6 to my own relationships and responsibilities, and how can I ensure that I am not putting undue burdens on others?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 32:6
And Moses said unto the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben,.... Being displeased with their motion, as his following discourse shows, it having at first sight an appearance of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 32:6
And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here? Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 32:6
In case and peace, whilst your brethren are engaged in a bloody war. Their words were ambiguous, and Moses thought this to be an act of unbelief and sloth and self-love and policy.
Sermons on Numbers 32:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Missions Conference Shoals) - Part 4 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's commandments and living a life of repentance. He compares the urgency of this message to a parent plead |
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George Whitefield - His Life and Ministry by J.C. Ryle | I apologize, but I am unable to watch videos or access specific content. However, if you provide me with a transcript or any written information from the video, I would be more tha |
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Will You Last? by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the struggles and suffering that the audience has endured in the past. He commends them for their compassion towards prisoners and their joyfu |
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Love Casts Out All Fear by Joe Aldrich | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline and love in parenting. He explains that effective discipline comes from a child's understanding that they have d |
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Rejoicing in What God Has Done by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not rejoicing in our own accomplishments or comparing ourselves to others, but rather rejoicing in what God has done for us. It highlights |
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Book of Acts Series - Part 20 | Disagreements by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not giving up and always relying on God's help, even in the face of failure. He uses the example of a pitcher who gives up |
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The Deep Dealings of God Part 28 - Let Us Go on Unto Perfection - Gods Love by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for families to return to Jesus amidst the crises affecting both the church and the family unit. He highlights that the root of these cr |