Numbers 14:34
After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.
Original Language Analysis
בְּמִסְפַּ֨ר
After the number
H4557
בְּמִסְפַּ֨ר
After the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
1 of 20
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
י֣וֹם
days
H3117
י֣וֹם
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תַּרְתֶּ֣ם
in which ye searched
H8446
תַּרְתֶּ֣ם
in which ye searched
Strong's:
H8446
Word #:
4 of 20
to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
י֣וֹם
days
H3117
י֣וֹם
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
8 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
י֣וֹם
days
H3117
י֣וֹם
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
י֣וֹם
days
H3117
י֣וֹם
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
11 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
תִּשְׂאוּ֙
shall ye bear
H5375
תִּשְׂאוּ֙
shall ye bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
13 of 20
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם
and ye shall know
H3045
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם
and ye shall know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
18 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Ezekiel 4:6And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.Numbers 13:25And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.Daniel 9:24Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.Hebrews 4:1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.Psalms 95:10Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:2 Chronicles 36:21To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.1 Samuel 2:30Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
Historical Context
These 250 were leaders ('princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown,' 16:2) who claimed all Israel was equally holy. Their destruction vindicated Aaron's exclusive priestly ministry and warned against presumptuous worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's specific judgment on those who presumed priestly ministry teach about approaching God?
- How does Christ's high priesthood provide the only legitimate access to God's presence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Fire from the LORD consumed the 250 men who offered incense, the leaders who joined Korah's rebellion. This dual judgment—earth swallowing some, fire consuming others—demonstrated God's comprehensive authority over creation. That fire targeted specifically those who presumed to offer incense showed God's jealousy for proper worship and respect for His appointed priesthood.