Numbers 14:27
How 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.
Original Language Analysis
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 18
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מָתַ֗י
H4970
מָתַ֗י
Strong's:
H4970
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
לָֽעֵדָ֤ה
congregation
H5712
לָֽעֵדָ֤ה
congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
3 of 18
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
הָֽרָעָה֙
How long shall I bear with this evil
H7451
הָֽרָעָה֙
How long shall I bear with this evil
Strong's:
H7451
Word #:
4 of 18
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מַלִּינִ֛ים
which murmur
H3885
מַלִּינִ֛ים
which murmur
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
8 of 18
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
עָלָ֑י
H5921
עָלָ֑י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 18
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מַלִּינִ֛ים
which murmur
H3885
מַלִּינִ֛ים
which murmur
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
16 of 18
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
Cross References
Exodus 16:12I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.1 Corinthians 10:10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.Mark 9:19He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.Exodus 16:28And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?Numbers 14:11And 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?
Historical Context
This intercession demonstrates Moses and Aaron's shepherd-hearts, willing to risk divine wrath to plead for the people who just threatened to stone them. Their selfless mediation prefigures Christ's intercession for enemies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' intercession for rebels demonstrate Christlike love for enemies?
- What does it mean to appeal to God's character and justice in prayer?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses and Aaron 'fell upon their faces' before the congregation, assuming the posture of intercessory prayer. They addressed God as 'the God of the spirits of all flesh,' acknowledging His sovereignty over life and death for all humanity. Their question 'shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?' appeals to God's justice, asking Him to distinguish individual guilt from corporate punishment.