Numbers 14:15
Now if thou shalt kill all this people as one man, then the nations which have heard the fame of thee will speak, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וְהֵֽמַתָּ֛ה
Now if thou shalt kill
H4191
וְהֵֽמַתָּ֛ה
Now if thou shalt kill
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
1 of 13
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֥ם
all this people
H5971
הָעָ֥ם
all this people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
כְּאִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
כְּאִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
then the nations
H1471
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם
then the nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
8 of 13
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָֽׁמְע֥וּ
which have heard
H8085
שָֽׁמְע֥וּ
which have heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
10 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern peoples closely watched each nation's deity, interpreting military and political outcomes as reflections of divine power. Israel's failure would be attributed to Yahweh's impotence rather than to the people's rebellion—a devastating misrepresentation of divine justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How can God's honor be maintained even when His people fail?
- What misunderstandings about God need to be corrected in your cultural context?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses confronts the theological implications of destroying Israel: the nations would conclude that God 'was not able' to bring them into Canaan. This argument appeals to God's honor and the integrity of His promises. God's power must be vindicated, and His covenant faithfulness demonstrated, even when His people fail.