Numbers 14:36
And the men, which Moses sent to search the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against him, by bringing up a slander upon the land,
Original Language Analysis
וְהָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
H376
וְהָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 17
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)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁלַ֥ח
sent
H7971
שָׁלַ֥ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
3 of 17
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לָת֣וּר
to search
H8446
לָת֣וּר
to search
Strong's:
H8446
Word #:
5 of 17
to meander (causatively, guide) about, especially for trade or reconnoitring
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיָּשֻׁ֗בוּ
who returned
H7725
וַיָּשֻׁ֗בוּ
who returned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
8 of 17
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וַיַּלִּ֤וֹנוּ
to murmur
H3885
וַיַּלִּ֤וֹנוּ
to murmur
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
9 of 17
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
עָלָיו֙
H5921
עָלָיו֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 17
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 #:
11 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה
and made all the congregation
H5712
הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה
and made all the congregation
Strong's:
H5712
Word #:
13 of 17
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
לְהוֹצִ֥יא
against him by bringing up
H3318
לְהוֹצִ֥יא
against him by bringing up
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
14 of 17
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical Context
The plague (literally 'stroke') was a direct divine intervention, distinguishing these men's deaths from natural causes. While the whole generation would die in the wilderness over forty years, these leaders died immediately, their judgment serving as a warning to all Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does leadership responsibility affect accountability before God?
- What warnings has God given about influencing others toward unbelief?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The ten faithless spies died 'by the plague before the LORD'—divine judgment fell immediately on the ringleaders of rebellion. This swift punishment demonstrated that leading God's people into unbelief carries severe consequences. Their influential position magnified both their responsibility and their guilt.