Numbers 17:6
And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר
spake
H1696
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 24
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 24
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 #:
5 of 24
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיִּתְּנ֣וּ
gave
H5414
וַיִּתְּנ֣וּ
gave
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 24
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
כָּֽל
H3605
כָּֽל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 24
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לְנָשִׂ֤יא
and every one of their princes
H5387
לְנָשִׂ֤יא
and every one of their princes
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
מַטּוֹתָֽם׃
and the rod
H4294
מַטּוֹתָֽם׃
and the rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
10 of 24
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
לְנָשִׂ֤יא
and every one of their princes
H5387
לְנָשִׂ֤יא
and every one of their princes
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
מַטּוֹתָֽם׃
and the rod
H4294
מַטּוֹתָֽם׃
and the rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
13 of 24
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
לְנָשִׂ֤יא
and every one of their princes
H5387
לְנָשִׂ֤יא
and every one of their princes
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
14 of 24
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
לְבֵ֣ית
houses
H1004
לְבֵ֣ית
houses
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
16 of 24
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֲבֹתָ֔ם
according to their fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֔ם
according to their fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
17 of 24
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עָשָׂ֖ר
even twelve
H6240
עָשָׂ֖ר
even twelve
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
19 of 24
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
מַטּוֹתָֽם׃
and the rod
H4294
מַטּוֹתָֽם׃
and the rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
20 of 24
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
מַטּוֹתָֽם׃
and the rod
H4294
מַטּוֹתָֽם׃
and the rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
21 of 24
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
Historical Context
The public presentation of all twelve rods paralleled the public nature of Korah's judgment. Both God's negative judgment (destroying rebels) and His positive confirmation (budding rod) occurred openly, teaching all Israel that His authority and choices were not subject to human challenge.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's work in your life bear fruit that others can verify?
- What role does transparency play in demonstrating authentic spiritual authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses executed God's command precisely, bringing out all twelve rods for inspection. This public, verifiable process ensured transparency—no possibility of deception or manipulation. When God validates His choices, He does so openly where all can witness. Divine authentication doesn't require secrecy or private mysticism but can withstand public scrutiny.