Numbers 25:8
And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
וַ֠יָּבֹא
And he went
H935
וַ֠יָּבֹא
And he went
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 21
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
אַחַ֨ר
after
H310
אַחַ֨ר
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
אִ֣ישׁ
of them through the man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
of them through the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 21
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)
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 21
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיִּדְקֹר֙
and thrust
H1856
וַיִּדְקֹר֙
and thrust
Strong's:
H1856
Word #:
7 of 21
to stab; by analogy, to starve; figuratively, to revile
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אִ֣ישׁ
of them through the man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
of them through the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
11 of 21
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)
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
12 of 21
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַתֵּֽעָצַר֙
was stayed
H6113
וַתֵּֽעָצַר֙
was stayed
Strong's:
H6113
Word #:
17 of 21
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
מֵעַ֖ל
H5921
מֵעַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
19 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The names of both offenders are given (verse 14-15): Zimri, a Simeonite prince, and Cozbi, daughter of a Midianite chief. Their high social status made their sin especially influential and their judgment especially necessary. Leadership amplifies both the danger of sin and the importance of its judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Scripture's unflinching account of sin's consequences affect your view of holiness?
- What sins are you tempted to minimize that God takes with deadly seriousness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verse 8 describes the execution in graphic detail—'and thrust both of them through.' The specificity emphasizes the seriousness and publicity of the judgment. Scripture doesn't sanitize or romanticize the cost of maintaining covenant purity. Real consequences for real sin preserve the community. This sobering account warns that God takes His holiness seriously.