Numbers 21:6
And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְשַׁלַּ֨ח
sent
H7971
וַיְשַׁלַּ֨ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 13
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַם
among the people
H5971
עַם
among the 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
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשְּׂרָפִ֔ים
fiery
H8314
הַשְּׂרָפִ֔ים
fiery
Strong's:
H8314
Word #:
6 of 13
burning, i.e., (figuratively) poisonous (serpent); specifically, a saraph or symbolical creature (from their copper color)
וַֽיְנַשְּׁכ֖וּ
and they bit
H5391
וַֽיְנַשְּׁכ֖וּ
and they bit
Strong's:
H5391
Word #:
7 of 13
to strike with a sting (as a serpent); figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַם
among the people
H5971
עַם
among the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיָּ֥מָת
died
H4191
וַיָּ֥מָת
died
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
10 of 13
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
עַם
among the people
H5971
עַם
among the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
11 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.Jeremiah 8:17For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the LORD.Deuteronomy 8:15Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;Isaiah 30:6The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them.Isaiah 14:29Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.
Historical Context
The Sinai wilderness contained various venomous snakes, normally held at bay by divine protection. God's removal of protection exposed Israel to natural dangers, teaching that His provision extends beyond obvious miracles like manna to encompass protection from countless unseen threats.
Questions for Reflection
- How much of God's protection and provision goes unnoticed until removed?
- What does God allowing natural consequences of sin teach about His discipline methods?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God sent 'fiery serpents' (Hebrew 'seraphim', burning ones) among Israel, whose bites killed many. The adjective 'fiery' may describe the burning pain of venom or the serpents' appearance. This judgment matched the sin—they complained about lack of food and water, so God removed protection from deadly environment. Yet even this severe discipline aimed at producing repentance.