Numbers 32:8
Numbers 32:8 in Multiple Translations
This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to inspect the land.
Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land.
Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land.
So did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land.
This is just what your fathers did when I sent them out from Kadesh-barnea to explore the land.
Thus did your fathers when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the lande.
'Thus did your fathers in my sending them from Kadesh-Barnea to see the land;
Your fathers did so when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to see the land.
Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land.
Was it not thus your fathers did, when I sent from Cadesbarne to view the land?
Your ancestors did the same kind of thing. I sent them from Kadesh-Barnea to see what the land of Canaan was like.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 32:8
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 32:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֹּ֥ה
עָשׂ֖וּ
אֲבֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם
בְּ/שָׁלְחִ֥/י
אֹתָ֛/ם
מִ/קָּדֵ֥שׁ
בַּרְנֵ֖עַ
לִ/רְא֥וֹת
אֶת
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
עָשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אֲבֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
בְּ/שָׁלְחִ֥/י
shâlach
H7971
to send
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מִ/קָּדֵ֥שׁ
Qâdêsh Barnêaʻ
H6947
Kadesh-barnea
Prep | N-proper
בַּרְנֵ֖עַ
Qâdêsh Barnêaʻ
H6947
Kadesh-barnea
N-proper
לִ/רְא֥וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 32:8
כֹּ֥ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
עָשׂ֖וּ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
אֲבֹתֵי/כֶ֑ם
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.
בְּ/שָׁלְחִ֥/י
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִ/קָּדֵ֥שׁ
Qâdêsh Barnêaʻ
H6947
"Kadesh-barnea"
Prep | N-proper
Kadesh-barnea was a city in the southern desert of Judah, also known as Kedesh or Kadesh. It was an important stop for the Israelites during their wilderness journey, as recorded in the book of Numbers.
Definition: Kadesh-barnea = "holy" a city in the extreme south of Judah same as 'Kedesh' and 'Kadesh' Another name of qa.desh (קָדֵשׁ "Kadesh" H6946G)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Kadeshbarnea. See also: Numbers 32:8; Deuteronomy 9:23; Joshua 15:3.
בַּרְנֵ֖עַ
Qâdêsh Barnêaʻ
H6947
"Kadesh-barnea"
N-proper
Kadesh-barnea was a city in the southern desert of Judah, also known as Kedesh or Kadesh. It was an important stop for the Israelites during their wilderness journey, as recorded in the book of Numbers.
Definition: Kadesh-barnea = "holy" a city in the extreme south of Judah same as 'Kedesh' and 'Kadesh' Another name of qa.desh (קָדֵשׁ "Kadesh" H6946G)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Kadeshbarnea. See also: Numbers 32:8; Deuteronomy 9:23; Joshua 15:3.
לִ/רְא֥וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Numbers 32:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Tribes East of 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.
9For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them. 10So the anger of the LORD was kindled that day, and He swore an oath, saying,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 1:19–25 | And just as the LORD our God had commanded us, we set out from Horeb and went toward the hill country of the Amorites, through all the vast and terrifying wilderness you have seen. When we reached Kadesh-barnea, I said: “You have reached the hill country of the Amorites, which the LORD our God is giving us. See, the LORD your God has placed the land before you. Go up and take possession of it as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Then all of you approached me and said, “Let us send men ahead of us to search out the land and bring us word of what route to follow and which cities to enter.” The plan seemed good to me, so I selected twelve men from among you, one from each tribe. They left and went up into the hill country, and came to the Valley of Eshcol and spied out the land. They took some of the fruit of the land in their hands, carried it down to us, and brought us word: “It is a good land that the LORD our God is giving us.” |
| 2 | Numbers 14:2 | 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 13:2–26 | “Send out for yourself men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each of their fathers’ tribes send one man who is a leader among them.” So at the consent of the LORD, Moses sent them out from the Wilderness of Paran. All the men were leaders of the Israelites, and these were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua son of Zaccur; from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat son of Hori; from the tribe of Judah, Caleb son of Jephunneh; from the tribe of Issachar, Igal son of Joseph; from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun; from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti son of Raphu; from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel son of Sodi; from the tribe of Manasseh (a tribe of Joseph), Gaddi son of Susi; from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel son of Gemalli; from the tribe of Asher, Sethur son of Michael; from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi son of Vophsi; and from the tribe of Gad, Geuel son of Machi. These were the names of the men Moses sent to spy out the land; and Moses gave to Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua. When Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, he told them, “Go up through the Negev and into the hill country. See what the land is like and whether its people are strong or weak, few or many. Is the land where they live good or bad? Are the cities where they dwell open camps or fortifications? Is the soil fertile or unproductive? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous, and bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo-hamath. They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. When they came to the Valley of Eshcol, they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes, which they carried on a pole between two men. They also took some pomegranates and figs. Because of the cluster of grapes the Israelites cut there, that place was called the Valley of Eshcol. After forty days the men returned from spying out the land, and they went back to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh. They brought back a report for the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. |
| 4 | Joshua 14:6–7 | Then the sons of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh-barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back to him an honest report. |
Numbers 32:8 Summary
In Numbers 32:8, Moses reminds the people of what their fathers did in the past, when they were sent to explore the land that God had promised them. This is a warning against repeating the mistakes of the past, and a call to trust in God's promises and be obedient to His will, just like it says in Joshua 1:7-9 and Matthew 4:4. By looking at the example of their fathers, the people can learn to have faith and be courageous in the face of uncertainty, and to trust that God will give them the land He has promised, as seen in Exodus 23:30 and Deuteronomy 1:39.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Moses' statement in Numbers 32:8?
Moses is speaking to the Gadites and Reubenites, who are hesitant to cross into the land that the Lord has given them, and he reminds them of the past when their fathers were sent to inspect the land from Kadesh-barnea, as seen in Numbers 13:1-14:45 and Deuteronomy 1:19-46.
Why is Moses bringing up the past in Numbers 32:8?
Moses brings up the past to warn the current generation against repeating the mistakes of their fathers, who were disobedient and lacked faith in God's promises, as seen in Hebrews 3:7-4:11.
What can we learn from the example of the fathers in Numbers 32:8?
We can learn the importance of trusting in God's promises and being obedient to His will, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
How does Numbers 32:8 relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger narrative of God's relationship with His people, highlighting the themes of covenant, obedience, and faith, which are also seen in Exodus 19:5, Leviticus 26:3-13, and Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be 'discouraging' others from following God's will, and how can I change my behavior?
- How can I learn from the mistakes of those who have come before me, and trust in God's promises for my own life?
- In what ways am I being called to be faithful and obedient to God's will, even when it's difficult or uncertain?
- What are some 'Kadesh-barneas' in my life, where I have been sent to 'inspect the land' and prepare for what God has ahead, and how can I respond in faith?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 32:8
Thus did your fathers,.... Meaning not particularly and only the fathers of these two tribes he was speaking to, but of them and the other tribes also, who acted much such a part; did not choose to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 32:8
And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 32:8
8–13. Moses refers to the narrative of the spies in chs. 13 f. In the preliminary note to ch. 13 it is shewn that that narrative is a combination of the traditions of J E and of P ; and both of these supply material to the present passage. The starting-point and the destination of the spies (Kadesh and Eshcol) are from the former, and the mention of Joshua from the latter.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 32:8
Your fathers - The generation of the Exodus was now substantially extinct. Compare Numbers 26:64-65. Kadesh-barnea - See Numbers 13:26.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 32:8
8. Kadesh-barnea — The pivot of Israel’s destiny. Chap. 14, introductory note. The punishment inflicted on the disobedient fathers should deter their sons from repeating their fathers’ sin in not wholly following Jehovah.
Sermons on Numbers 32:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God Carries His People by Charles Leiter | In this sermon, the preacher addresses a crowd of believers and warns them not to be shocked or fearful when faced with opposition and persecution. He reminds them that God has bee |
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The Spirit 04 gen.22: Quench Not by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and worry that the congregation is experiencing due to a report they received about the great stature of the people in the land they |
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Kadesh-Barnea Again by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches about the significance of Kadeshbarnea in Deuteronomy 1:19, drawing parallels between the missed opportunity of the children of Israel to enter the Promi |
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Letters: Rev. Dr. John J. Bonar His Brother, Greenock (1) by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar shares a heartfelt letter to his brother John, expressing gratitude for his support during a difficult time. He reflects on the trials they face, comparing their painf |
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Instant Obedience or the Frozen Chosen by Friedel Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative report brought back by the ten spies who explored the promised land. Despite God's promise to give them the land and be with the |
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Knowing God's Ways - Part 4 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon, the preacher talks about facing criticism and judgment from others while doing the will of God. He emphasizes the importance of being ready to partake in the suffer |
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Knowing God's Ways - Part 6 by Walter Beuttler | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and the challenges he faced. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's ways and not losing faith in difficult time |