Numbers 14:11
And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
יְנַֽאֲצֻ֖נִי
provoke
H5006
יְנַֽאֲצֻ֖נִי
provoke
Strong's:
H5006
Word #:
7 of 19
to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom
הָעָ֣ם
How long will this people
H5971
הָעָ֣ם
How long will this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 19
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֑ה
H2088
וְעַד
H5704
וְעַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
10 of 19
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
לֹֽא
me and how long will it be ere
H3808
לֹֽא
me and how long will it be ere
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
12 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ
they believe
H539
יַאֲמִ֣ינוּ
they believe
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
בְּכֹל֙
H3605
בְּכֹל֙
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽאֹת֔וֹת
me for all the signs
H226
הָֽאֹת֔וֹת
me for all the signs
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
16 of 19
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 19
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Psalms 106:24Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:Psalms 78:32For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.Psalms 78:22Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:Deuteronomy 1:32Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God,Hebrews 3:8Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:John 12:37But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:Numbers 14:23Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it:Numbers 14:27How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.Hebrews 3:16For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.Hebrews 3:18And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
Historical Context
This represents approximately the tenth major rebellion since leaving Egypt (Exodus 14:11-12, 15:24, 16:2-3, 17:2-3, 32:1-6, etc.). Each instance revealed hardened unbelief despite escalating demonstrations of God's power and faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does repeated exposure to God's truth without belief harden rather than soften hearts?
- What signs and wonders has God shown you that should produce greater faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God asks Moses rhetorically, 'How long will this people provoke me?' and 'how long will it be ere they believe me?' These questions reveal divine patience wearing thin after repeated rebellions. The word 'provoke' (Hebrew 'na'ats') means to despise or spurn, indicating willful rejection. Despite 'all the signs which I have done among them'—ten plagues, Red Sea, Sinai theophany, daily manna—they refuse faith.