Numbers

Numbers front

Introduction to Numbers

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Numbers

Preparing to leave Sinai (1:1–10:10)
- Counting and assembling the tribes (1:1–4:49)
- Regulations (5:1–6:27)
- Dedicating the altar (7:1-89)
- Setting up the lampstand (8:1-4)
- Setting apart the Levites (8:5–29)
- Second Passover; the cloud to lead them; trumpets (9:1–10:10)
Sinai to Moab, through the wilderness (10:11–17:13)
- Complaining and murmuring (10:11–11:15)
- The quails (11:16–35)
- Miriam’s leprosy (12:1–16)
- The spies selected and sent (13:1–14:45)
- Commands (15:1-41)
- Korah’s rebellion (16:1–17:13)
The Priests and purifying (18:1-19:22)
- Priests and Levites (18:1–32)
- The law about purifying (19:1–22)
Conflicts (20:1–21:35)
- Miriam’s death (20:1–13)
- Edom’s refusal and Aaron’s death (20:14–29)
- Journey to Moab (21:1–35)
The Plains of Moab (22:1–36:13)
- Balaam (22:1–24:25)
- Baal Peor (25:1–18)
- The second counting (26:1-65)
- Inheritance rights for daughters (27:1–11)
- Joshua succeeds Moses (27:12–23)
- Offerings and women’s vows (28:1–30:16)
- Midianite war (31:1–54)
- Across the Jordan (32:1–42)
- The people set up camp (33:1–56)
- Land west of the Jordan; cities for Levites and cities of refuge (34:1–35:34)
- Female heirs marry (36:1-13)

What is the Book of Numbers about?

The Book of Numbers tells about the people of Israel as they traveled from Mount Sinai in the wilderness to the Jordan River. While traveling, the Israelites became discouraged. So they rebelled against the leaders whom God had given them. At the Jordan River, the people of Israel refused to enter the Promised Land. Because the Israelites were afraid and did not trust God, he delayed their entry into the Promised Land for forty years (13:1–14:45). (See: Promised Land)

How should the title of this book be translated?

The title of this book, “Numbers,” refers to when the number of the Israelites was counted. The people of the project language may already be familiar with the name “Numbers” from other Bible versions. If not, the translator could consider a clearer name for the book, such as “The Counting of the People of Israel.” (See: census)

Who wrote the Book of Numbers?

The writers of both the Old and New Testament present Moses as being very involved with writing the Book of Numbers. However, at a later time, scribes and priests probably put the book into its present form. They may have included text from other sources. One such source was “the scroll of the Wars of Yahweh” (21:14).

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

How does Numbers present the idea of the whole community being responsible when only a few people sinned?

The people understood and assumed that God would punish the whole community of Israel if some of the people rebelled against him. God did often punish the entire nation when some of them sinned. All of the people in the ancient Near East would have understood and expected this. However, Moses and Aaron prayed for God to punish only those who were guilty.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Why does Moses speak using third person pronouns about himself?

When an author wrote about something he was involved in, it was common for him to use the pronoun “he” instead of “I,” or “they” instead of “we.” The translator may decide to use the project’s normal pronouns instead.

Numbers 1

Numbers 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines in 1:5-15 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are long lists.

Census

They counted how many men of military age were in each tribe of Israel. These men would also become the heads of families. It is possible the numbers in this chapter are rounded to the nearest 100.

Numbers 1:1

This is the name of God that he revealed to his people in the Old Testament. See the translationWord page about Yahweh concerning how to translate this.

בְּ⁠אֶחָד֩ לַ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֜י

This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months)

הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֜י…הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֗ית

Both occurrences of the word second are the ordinal forms of “two.” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “year 2” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Numbers 1:2

This means to count the men by recording their names. Alternate translation: “Count them, recording each man’s name” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 1:3

Alternate translation: “20 years old” (See: Numbers)

This refers to assigning the men to their military divisions.

Numbers 1:4

Alternate translation: “a leader of a clan”

Alternate translation: “help you”

Numbers 1:5

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 1:6

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 1:16

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the men whom Yahweh appointed” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 1:17

Alternate translation: “gathered these men together”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whose names they had recorded” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 1:18

בְּ⁠אֶחָד֙ לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֔י

This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of April on Western calendars. See how you translated this in Numbers 1:1. (See: Hebrew Months)

הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֔י

The word second is the ordinal form of “two.” See how you translated this in Numbers 1:1. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

The second sentence means basically the same thing as the first and is added for clarification. (See: Parallelism)

Here “name” means to “say.” Alternate translation: “Each man had to say” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 1:20

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they counted all the names” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “who was able to go to war”

Numbers 1:21

Alternate translation: “forty-six thousand five hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:22

The phrase “were counted” can be stated in active form. This long phrase is repeated multiple times in the census. See how you translated it in Numbers 1:20. Alternate translation: “they counted all the names of each and every man … clans and families” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 1:23

Alternate translation: “fifty-nine thousand three hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:24

Numbers 1:25

Alternate translation: “forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:26

Numbers 1:27

Alternate translation: “seventy-four thousand six hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:28

Numbers 1:29

Alternate translation: “fifty-four thousand four hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:30

Numbers 1:31

Alternate translation: “fifty-seven thousand four hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:32

Numbers 1:33

Alternate translation: “forty thousand five hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:34

Numbers 1:35

Alternate translation: “thirty-two thousand two hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:36

Numbers 1:37

Alternate translation: “thirty-five thousand four hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:38

Numbers 1:39

Alternate translation: “They counted sixty-two thousand seven hundred” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:40

Numbers 1:41

Alternate translation: “They counted forty-one thousand five hundred” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:42

Numbers 1:43

Alternate translation: “They counted fifty-three thousand four hundred” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:45

The phrase “were counted” can be stated in active form. This long phrase is repeated multiple times in the census. See how you translated it in Numbers 1:20. Alternate translation: “So they counted all the men of Israel … in each of their families” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 1:46

Alternate translation: “six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 1:47

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moses and Aaron did not count the men who were descended from Levi” (See: Active or Passive)

In some languages this is a passive verb. If needed, this can be written differently. Alternate translation: “who were from the tribe of Levi” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 1:49

Here the “tribe of Levi” refers to all of the men in the tribe of Levi. Alternate translation: “must not count the men of the tribe of Levi” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 1:50

The tabernacle was also called by this longer name because the ark with the law of God was placed inside it.

Here “it” refers to the tabernacle.

It was their job to carry the tabernacle when they traveled. Alternate translation: “When you travel, the Levites must carry the tabernacle” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This means that they were to set up their tents around the tabernacle. Alternate translation: “set up their tents around it” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 1:51

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When it is time to set up the tabernacle” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Any stranger … must die” or “You must kill any stranger who comes near the tabernacle” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 1:52

a large flag

Alternate translation: “his military division”

Numbers 1:53

The tabernacle was also called by this longer name because the ark with the law of God was placed inside it. See how you translated this in Numbers 1:50.

Here Yahweh speaks of not punishing the Israelites as his anger not coming upon them. The phrase “come upon” refers to his anger being applied to them. Alternate translation: “so that in my anger I do not punish the people of Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 1:54

Yahweh had commanded Moses everything that the Israelites were to do, and then Moses had commanded the Israelites. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 2

Numbers 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Camping

Moses told each tribe where to camp. They were each given a specific area in which to stay.

Numbers 2:2

The “standards” were four larger groups that the tribes were divided into. Each standard was commanded to camp together. The standards was represented by a banner.

Each extended family also had a banner under with the camp, which was within the area designated for their standard.

A banner is a large flag.

Numbers 2:3

The “standards” were four larger groups that the tribes were divided into. Each standard was commanded to camp together, and was represented by a banner. See how you translated “standards” in Numbers 2:2.

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:7.

Numbers 2:4

Alternate translation: “seventy-four thousand six hundred” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 2:5

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:8.

Numbers 2:6

This is a military term for a large group of soldiers. Each tribe was its own “division.”

Alternate translation: “fifty-four thousand four hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 2:7

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:9.

Numbers 2:8

שִׁבְעָ֧ה וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְ⁠אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “fifty-seven thousand four hundred” (See: Numbers)

שִׁבְעָ֧ה וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְ⁠אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת

This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: “are 57,400 men” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 2:9

מְאַ֨ת אֶ֜לֶף וּ⁠שְׁמֹנִ֥ים אֶ֛לֶף וְ⁠שֵֽׁשֶׁת־ אֲלָפִ֥ים וְ⁠אַרְבַּע־ מֵא֖וֹת

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are one hundred and eighty-six thousand four hundred” (See: Numbers)

This refers to the three tribes that camp east of the tent of meeting: the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

רִאשֹׁנָ֖ה יִסָּֽעוּ

This means that when the Israelite camp moves, the camp of Judah will start walking out before the other tribes do. Alternate translation: “When traveling, the camp of Judah will start walking first” or “When the Israelites leave, those tribes will leave first” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 2:10

The “standards” were four larger groups that the tribes were divided into. Each standard was commanded to camp together. The standards were represented by a banner. See how you translated “standards” in Numbers 2:2.

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:5.

Numbers 2:11

שִׁשָּׁ֧ה וְ⁠אַרְבָּעִ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וַ⁠חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are forty-six thousand five hundred” (See: Numbers)

שִׁשָּׁ֧ה וְ⁠אַרְבָּעִ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וַ⁠חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת

This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: “are 46,500 men” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 2:12

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:6.

Numbers 2:13

תִּשְׁעָ֧ה וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וּ⁠שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are fifty-nine thousand three hundred” (See: Numbers)

תִּשְׁעָ֧ה וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וּ⁠שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת

This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: “59,300 men” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 2:14

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:14.

Numbers 2:15

חֲמִשָּׁ֤ה וְ⁠אַרְבָּעִים֙ אֶ֔לֶף וְ⁠שֵׁ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת וַ⁠חֲמִשִּֽׁים

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty” (See: Numbers)

חֲמִשָּׁ֤ה וְ⁠אַרְבָּעִים֙ אֶ֔לֶף וְ⁠שֵׁ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת וַ⁠חֲמִשִּֽׁים

This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: “are 45,650 men” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 2:16

מְאַ֨ת אֶ֜לֶף וְ⁠אֶחָ֨ד וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים אֶ֛לֶף וְ⁠אַרְבַּע־ מֵא֥וֹת וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are one hundred and fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty” (See: Numbers)

מְאַ֨ת אֶ֜לֶף וְ⁠אֶחָ֨ד וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים אֶ֛לֶף וְ⁠אַרְבַּע־ מֵא֥וֹת וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים

This refers to the men. Alternate translation: “ are 151,450 men” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וּ⁠שְׁנִיִּ֖ם יִסָּֽעוּ

This means that when the Israelite camp moves, the camp of Reuben will start walking out after the camp of Judah goes out. Alternate translation: “When traveling, the camp of Reuben will start walking second” or “When the Israelites leave, those tribes will leave next” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וּ⁠שְׁנִיִּ֖ם יִסָּֽעוּ

The word second is the ordinal form of “two.” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Numbers 2:17

This means that the tent of meeting must be carried by the Levites in the middle of the tribes as they travel.

Alternate translation: “They” refers to the twelve tribes.

Each man does not have his own personal banner; rather, this refers to the banner belonging to his tribe. Alternate translation: “by his tribe’s banner” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 2:18

Numbers 2:19

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים אֶ֖לֶף וַ⁠חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are forty thousand five hundred” (See: Numbers)

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים אֶ֖לֶף וַ⁠חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת

This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: “are 40,500 men” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 2:20

This means that the tribe of Manasseh will set out next, after the tribe of Ephraim.

Numbers 2:21

שְׁנַ֧יִם וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וּ⁠מָאתָֽיִם

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are thirty-two thousand two hundred” (See: Numbers)

שְׁנַ֧יִם וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וּ⁠מָאתָֽיִם

This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: “are 32,200 men” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 2:22

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:11.

Numbers 2:23

חֲמִשָּׁ֧ה וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְ⁠אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are thirty-five thousand four hundred” (See: Numbers)

חֲמִשָּׁ֧ה וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְ⁠אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת

This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: “are 35,400 men” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 2:24

מְאַ֥ת אֶ֛לֶף וּ⁠שְׁמֹֽנַת־ אֲלָפִ֥ים וּ⁠מֵאָ֖ה

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are one hundred and eight thousand one hundred” (See: Numbers)

מְאַ֥ת אֶ֛לֶף וּ⁠שְׁמֹֽנַת־ אֲלָפִ֥ים וּ⁠מֵאָ֖ה

This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: “are 108,100 men” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

וּ⁠שְׁלִשִׁ֖ים יִסָּֽעוּ

The word third is the ordinal form of “three.” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

וּ⁠שְׁלִשִׁ֖ים יִסָּֽעוּ

This means that when the Israelite camp moves, the camp of Ephraim will start walking out after the camp of Judah and the camp of Reuben go out. Alternate translation: “And when traveling, the camp of Ephraim will start walking third” or “When the Israelites leave, those tribes will leave next” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 2:25

The this refers to the divisions of Dan, Asher, and Naphthali that are under the standard of Dan. Alternate translation: “the divisions that camp under the standard of Dan” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:12.

Numbers 2:26

שְׁנַ֧יִם וְ⁠שִׁשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וּ⁠שְׁבַ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are sixty-two thousand seven hundred” (See: Numbers)

שְׁנַ֧יִם וְ⁠שִׁשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וּ⁠שְׁבַ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת

This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: “are 62,700 men” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 2:27

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:13.

Numbers 2:28

אֶחָ֧ד וְ⁠אַרְבָּעִ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וַ⁠חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are forty-one thousand five hundred” (See: Numbers)

אֶחָ֧ד וְ⁠אַרְבָּעִ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וַ⁠חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת

This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: “are 41,500 men” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 2:29

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:15.

Numbers 2:30

שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְ⁠אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are fifty-three thousand four hundred” (See: Numbers)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְ⁠אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵאֽוֹת

This refers to the number of men. Alternate translation: “are 53,400 men” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 2:31

מְאַ֣ת אֶ֗לֶף וְ⁠שִׁבְעָ֧ה וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְ⁠שֵׁ֣שׁ מֵא֑וֹת

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “are one hundred and fifty-seven thousand six hundred” (See: Numbers)

מְאַ֣ת אֶ֗לֶף וְ⁠שִׁבְעָ֧ה וַ⁠חֲמִשִּׁ֛ים אֶ֖לֶף וְ⁠שֵׁ֣שׁ מֵא֑וֹת

This number includes all of the men in the tribes that camped under the standard of Dan. Alternate translation: “are 157,600 men” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 2:32

Here “their” refers to the people of Israel.

Alternate translation: “are six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 2:34

This refers to when they would travel to another place. Alternate translation: “When they traveled, they went out from the camp” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 3

Numbers 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The tribe of Levi

The Levites were given a special function in Israel. They belonged to or were specially dedicated to serve Yahweh. They were to be priests and because of this were held to a higher standard than the rest of Israel. Only one of Aaron’s sons survived because the others offered improper sacrifices. This tribe had a lot of responsibility during this time. (See: priest, priesthood)

Numbers 3:1

Here the author uses the word “now” to shift to telling a new historical account.

Numbers 3:2

Alternate translation: “Nadab, who was the firstborn”

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 3:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language Alternate translation: “the priests whom Moses anointed and ordained” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 3:4

See how you translated these men’s names in Numbers 3:2.

The phrase “fell dead” means to suddenly die. Alternate translation: “suddenly died before Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

This refers to Yahweh’s presence, meaning that Yahweh saw everything that happened. Alternate translation: “in Yahweh’s presence” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “fire” is used to refer to “burning incense.” Alternate translation: “they burned an incense offering in a way that Yahweh did not approve of” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 3:6

Here the word “tribe” refers to the men in the tribe. Alternate translation: “Bring the men of the tribe of Levi” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 3:7

This means to do something for someone else, as a representative for them. Alternate translation: “for”

Numbers 3:8

Here the “tribes of Israel” refer to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “help the people of Israel” (See: Metonymy)

The phrase “carry out” means to “serve.” Alternate translation: “they must help the tribes of Israel by serving in the tabernacle” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “work of the tabernacle”

Numbers 3:9

Alternate translation: “You” refers to Moses.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I have given them entirely” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 3:10

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must kill any foreigner who comes near” or “any foreigner who comes near must die” (See: Active or Passive)

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “but any foreigner who comes near the tabernacle” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 3:12

Alternate translation: “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

Alternate translation: “I have chosen the Levites”

Numbers 3:15

Yahweh was commanding Moses to only count the male descendants. Alternate translation: “Count the male descendants” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 3:16

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize that he obeyed Yahweh. (See: Parallelism)

Numbers 3:17

This is a list of the descendants of Levi. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 3:18

Here the author speaks of “descending” as if it were “coming.” Alternate translation: “The clans descending from” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 3:21

Here the author speaks of “descending” as if it were “coming.” Alternate translation: “descend from Gershon” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “Libnites” and “Shimeites” are the name of clans, named after the head of their family. The “Gershonites” is the name of people who descended from Gershon. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 3:22

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moses counted all the males from a month old and older” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “seventy-five hundred” or “seven thousand five hundred” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 3:24

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 3:26

Alternate translation: “the curtains in the courtyard”

Alternate translation: “that is, the courtyard that surrounds the sanctuary and the altar”

Numbers 3:27

This is a list of clans that descended from Kohath. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 3:17.

Numbers 3:28

Alternate translation: “eight thousand six hundred males” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “from a month old and older”

Numbers 3:30

These verses give us information about the clans that descended from Kohath. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 3:31

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the holy things which the priests use for service” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 3:33

This is a list of clans that descended from Merari. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 3:34

Alternate translation: “six thousand two hundred males” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 3:36

This to the panels that they made by joining together smaller pieces of wood.

These are support beams that give stability to the structure.

A post is a strong piece of wood set upright and used as a support.

The bases held the posts in place.

This means everything used to join the crossbars, posts, and bases together.

Numbers 3:37

Here “their” refers to the “pillars and posts.”

These are all items used secure the pillars and posts into place.

Numbers 3:38

Here “his” refers to Aaron

This is the east side of the tabernacle. Alternate translation: “on the east side, where the sun rises” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “fulfilment” is an abstract noun that can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “to perform the duties” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must kill any foreigner who approaches the sanctuary” or “Any foreigner who approaches the sanctuary must die” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 3:39

Alternate translation: “22,000 men” or “22,000 males” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 3:41

This refers to all the Levites’ livestock. Alternate translation: “you must take all the Levites’ livestock” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 3:42

Alternate translation: “all the firstborn sons”

Numbers 3:43

Alternate translation: “twenty-two thousand two hundred and seventy-three men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 3:46

The noun “redemption” can be translated with the verb “redeem.” Alternate translation: “to redeem” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “two hundred and seventy-three firstborn” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “firstborn sons of Israel”

This means that there are 273 more firstborn males among the other tribes of the Israelites than there are total number of Levite males.

Numbers 3:47

חֲמֵ֛שֶׁת שְׁקָלִ֖ים

A shekel is a unit of weight equal to about 11 grams. Alternate translation: “about 55 grams of silver” (See: Biblical Money)

This means that the shekel must weight the same as those in the sanctuary. Alternate translation: “You must use the weight of the shekels in the sanctuary as your stand weight” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים גֵּרָ֖ה

A gerah is a unit of weight equal to about .57 kilograms. (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 3:48

Here the word “price” refers to the shekels that Moses collected. Alternate translation: “the money that you collected for their redemption” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 3:49

The noun “redemption” can be translated with the verb “redeem.” Alternate translation: “to redeem” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 3:50

חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה וְ⁠שִׁשִּׁ֜ים וּ⁠שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֛וֹת וָ⁠אֶ֖לֶף בְּ⁠שֶׁ֥קֶל הַ⁠קֹּֽדֶשׁ

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “one thousand three hundred and sixty-five shekels of the sanctuary” (See: Numbers)

חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה וְ⁠שִׁשִּׁ֜ים וּ⁠שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֛וֹת וָ⁠אֶ֖לֶף בְּ⁠שֶׁ֥קֶל הַ⁠קֹּֽדֶשׁ

A shekel is 11 grams. Alternate translation: “about 15 kilograms of silver according to the weight of the sanctuary shekel” (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 3:51

This refers to the money that Moses collected.

Here “his” refers to Aaron

עַל־ פִּ֣י יְהוָ֑ה כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־ מֹשֶֽׁה

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

עַל־ פִּ֣י יְהוָ֑ה

Here, the mouth of Yahweh represents what Yahweh said. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “just as Yahweh had said” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 4

Numbers 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Counting the Levites by clans

Moses gave special instructions for each of the families of the tribes of Levi. Each family was given a special role in the ministry of the tabernacle. (See: tabernacle)

Numbers 4:2

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 3:17.

Numbers 4:3

Alternate translation: “30 to 50 years old” (See: Numbers)

The word “company” refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting.

Numbers 4:4

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that I have specially selected for myself” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 4:5

Here “camp” refers to all of the people in the camp. Alternate translation: “When the people prepare” (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the people moving to another location. Alternate translation: “to move to another location” (See: Idiom)

The word “it” refers to the curtain that separated the most holy place from the holy place.

Numbers 4:6

The poles were inserted into rings on the sides of the ark so that the poles could be used to carry the ark. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “insert the poles into the rings on the ark’s sides” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 4:7

This bread represents the presence of Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the bread of Yahweh’s presence” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “it” refers to the blue cloth.

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “bowls and jars used to pour out drink offerings” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

There must always be bread”

Numbers 4:8

Here the word “them” refers to “the dishes, spoons, bowls, and jars” (verse 7).

Alternate translation: “red cloth”

The poles were inserted into rings on the corners of the table so that the poles could be used to carry the table. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “insert poles into the rings at the corners of the table” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 4:10

Alternate translation: “They must cover … with fine leather”

Alternate translation: “they must place all of these things on a frame for carrying them”

Numbers 4:11

The poles were inserted into rings on the sides of the altar so theys could be used to carry it. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “insert the carrying poles into the rings one the sides of the altar” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 4:12

a wooden rectangle made with poles used to carry things

The word “work” is an abstract noun that can be expressed with the verb “serving.” Alternate translation: “used when serving Yahweh in the holy place” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 4:14

The word “work” is an abstract noun that can be expressed with the verb “serving.” Alternate translation: “when serving at the altar” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The poles were inserted into rings on the sides of the altar so they could be used to carry it. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “insert the carrying poles into the rings on the sides of the altar” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 4:15

Here the holy place refers to all the items that make up the holy place that Aaron and his sons covered in cloth and skins. Alternate translation: “to carry all of the items of the holy place” (See: Synecdoche)

Here the word “camp” refers to all of the people in the camp. Alternate translation: “when the people move forward” (See: Metonymy)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 3:17.

Alternate translation: “the holy equipment”

Numbers 4:16

Here the word “light” is used to refer to the “lamps.” Alternate translation: “the oil for the lamps” (See: Metonymy)

Here If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word care, you could express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “those who care for” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 4:18

אַל־ תַּכְרִ֕יתוּ אֶת־ שֵׁ֖בֶט מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת הַ⁠קְּהָתִ֑י מִ⁠תּ֖וֹךְ הַ⁠לְוִיִּֽם

This phrase refers to the death of the Kohathites. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

אַל־ תַּכְרִ֕יתוּ אֶת־ שֵׁ֖בֶט מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת הַ⁠קְּהָתִ֑י מִ⁠תּ֖וֹךְ הַ⁠לְוִיִּֽם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not do anything that will cause me to completely remove the tribe of the clans of the Kohathite from among the Levites” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 4:19

This phrase refers to what Yahweh says next. Moses will protect the Kohathites by not allowing them to go in and see the holy place.

Numbers 4:20

This refers to the descendants of Kohath. See how you translated this in Numbers 3:27.

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Numbers 4:22

This refers only to men. Alternate translation: “of the male descendants of Gershon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 3:17.

Numbers 4:23

Alternate translation: “30 years old to 50 years old” (See: Numbers)

The word “company” refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:3.

Numbers 4:24

This sentence is a description that tells us what the following verses are about.

This refers to the descendants of Gershon. See how you translated this in Numbers 3:21.

Numbers 4:25

This is an outer covering that is placed on top of the tent of meeting’s covering. Alternate translation: “the covering of fine leather hides that is placed on top of that” or “the outer covering made of fine leather hides” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 4:26

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Whatever work that these things require” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 4:27

Alternate translation: “must tell the descendants of the Gershonites how they are to serve Yahweh in the tent of meeting”

Numbers 4:28

Here the word “service” is an abstract noun that can be expressed by a verb. Here the word “This” refers to what Yahweh just said. Alternate translation: “This is how the clans of the descendants of the Gershonites will serve in the tent of meeting” (See: Abstract Nouns)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:2.

Numbers 4:29

This refers only to men. Alternate translation: “the male descendants of Merari” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 3:17.

Alternate translation: “list them”

Numbers 4:30

Alternate translation: “30 years old…50 years old” (See: Numbers)

The word “company” refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:3.

Numbers 4:31

Alternate translation: “This” refers to what Yahweh says next.

These are all parts of the framing of the tabernacle. See how you translated all of these parts in Numbers 3:36-37.

Numbers 4:32

Here “their” refers to the posts of the court.

These are all parts of the framing of the tabernacle. See how you translated all of these parts in Numbers 3:36-37.

Alternate translation: “List by each man’s name the articles he must carry”

Numbers 4:33

The word “direction” is an abstract noun that is expressed by a verb. Alternate translation: “as Ithamar son of Aaron the priest directs them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:2.

Numbers 4:34

The refers to men. Alternate translation: “the male descendants of the Kohathites” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This refers to the descendants of Kohath. See how you translated this in Numbers 3:27.

Numbers 4:35

Alternate translation: “30 years old…50 years old” (See: Numbers)

Here the word “would” does not mean that the men “chose” to join the company but rather that they were “assigned” to the company. Alternate translation: “everyone who was assigned to join the company” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The word “company” refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:3.

Numbers 4:36

Alternate translation: “two thousand seven hundred and fifty men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 4:38

This refers to the men. Alternate translation: “The male descendants of Gershon” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moses and Aaron counted the descendants of Gershon” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 4:39

Alternate translation: “from 30 to 50 years old” (See: Numbers)

The word “company” refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:3.

Numbers 4:40

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom Moses and Aaron counted by their clans” (See: Active or Passive)

אַלְפַּ֕יִם וְ⁠שֵׁ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִֽׁים

This refers to 2,630 men. Alternate translation: “2,630 men” (See: Ellipsis)

אַלְפַּ֕יִם וְ⁠שֵׁ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת וּ⁠שְׁלֹשִֽׁים

You can state this in words. Alternate translation: “two thousand six hundred and thirty” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 4:41

The word “they” refers to Moses and Aaron.

Numbers 4:42

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moses and Aaron counted the descendants of Merari” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 4:43

Alternate translation: “from 30 to 50 years old” (See: Numbers)

The word “company” refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:3.

Numbers 4:44

Alternate translation: “numbered three thousand two hundred” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 4:45

The word “they” refers to Moses and Aaron.

Numbers 4:47

This refers to men. Alternate translation: “men from thirty to fifty” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “from 30 to 50” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 4:48

Alternate translation: “eight thousand five hundred and eighty men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 4:49

Alternate translation: “As Yahweh commanded”

These two phrase have similar meaning and are used together to emphasize how Moses counted all the men.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “by his type of work assignment” or “by the type of work he had assigned each man to do” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “he would have”

Here “they” and “them” refer to Moses and Aaron.

Numbers 5

Numbers 5 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Israel’s camp

Israel’s entire camp was to be a “clean” place. This meant that people who could not be made acceptable to God were not allowed inside the camp. (See: clean, wash)

Vengeance

There are several laws in this chapter regarding restitution. These laws were meant to limit the ways in which people who had been wronged could seek to be compensated. These laws were intended to make it difficult for such people to avenge a wrong when they were angry. (See: avenge, avenger, revenge, vengeance and jealous, jealousy)

Numbers 5:2

This refers to leprosy, which is a sickness that affects the skin and easily spreads to other people.

This refers to an open cut that is leaking fluids.

If a person touched a dead body they were considered unclean. A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 5:3

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Numbers 5:4

This means that they sent the unclean people away. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “The people of Israel sent those who were unclean out of the camp” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 5:6

Alternate translation: “any sin that people usually commit against one another”

If someone sins against another person, it means that they have also sinned against Yahweh and Yahweh considers that person as unfaithful to him. Alternate translation: “they have also wronged me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 5:7

Here the person’s “sin” is referred to as his “guilt.” Alternate translation: “what is considered a suitable amount of money for the wrong that he has done” (See: Metonymy)

This means the person must pay an extra one-fifth of the price that he owes.

This is one part out of five equal parts. (See: Fractions)

Numbers 5:8

Usually the wronged person would receive the payment but if that person has died the payment goes to the closest relative. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “But if the wronged person has died and has no close relative to receive the payment” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if the person whom the guilty person has wronged” (See: Active or Passive)

If a person made a payment to a priest to pay for his guilt it was the same as if the person had made the payment to Yahweh.

The atonement is made for the man’s sin. Here Yahweh refers to the man’s sin as the man who committed it. Alternate translation: “to atone for his sin” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 5:9

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the things that the people of Israel set aside and bring to the priest” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 5:10

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and may be combined to state that the offerings that someone gives belong to the priest to whom they have been given. (See: Parallelism)

Numbers 5:11

The words “Suppose that a man’s wife turns away” begin a long description of a hypothetical situation, something that has not happened but might happen. Yahweh tells Moses what to do if it does happen. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Numbers 5:12

This means that she goes away from him and is unfaithful to him. Alternate translation: “a man’s wife is unfaithful” (See: Idiom)

This means that she is unfaithful to her husband and sins against him by sleeping with another man. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “sins against her husband by sleeping with another man” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 5:13

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “If a man has sexual relations with her” (See: Euphemism)

the woman who turns away and sins against her husband (Numbers 5:12)

This refers to the act of adultery. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “in the act of adultery” or “sleeping with him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 5:14

These phrases can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “his wife has defiled herself … his wife has not defiled herself” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠עָבַ֨ר עָלָ֧י⁠ו רֽוּחַ־ קִנְאָ֛ה…עָבַ֨ר עָלָ֤י⁠ו רֽוּחַ־ קִנְאָה֙

Here the word spirit refers to a person’s attitude and emotions. Alternate translation: “the husband might feel jealous and become suspicious” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠עָבַ֨ר עָלָ֧י⁠ו רֽוּחַ־ קִנְאָ֛ה…עָבַ֨ר עָלָ֤י⁠ו רֽוּחַ־ קִנְאָה֙

The man's jealously is spoken of as if it were a person who spoke to him. (See: Personification)

וְ⁠עָבַ֨ר עָלָ֧י⁠ו רֽוּחַ־ קִנְאָ֛ה…עָבַ֨ר עָלָ֤י⁠ו רֽוּחַ־ קִנְאָה֙

The idea of the spirit “coming on him” means that he began to have these jealous feelings. Alternate translation: “and a man might feel jealous … a man might feel jealous” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 5:15

Moses begins to describe what the people are to do if the hypothetical situation he began describing in Numbers 5:12 ever happens.

This is one part out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “a tenth of an ephah (which is about 2 liters)” or “2 liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

Alternate translation: “a grain offering for jealousy”

A “reminder” is something that shows evidence that something had occurred that required justice. In this case, he made the offering to determine whether his wife had committed adultery or not.

Numbers 5:16

The priest would bring her near the altar. Alternate translation: “near the altar and place her in the presence of Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 5:18

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”

See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 5:15.

Numbers 5:19

This is a euphemism. Alternate translation: “no other man has had sexual relations with you” (See: Euphemism)

The words “gone astray” is an idiom that means “to be unfaithful.” Alternate translation: “if you have not been unfaithful to your husband” (See: Idiom)

This phrase refers to committing adultery. Alternate translation: “by committing impurity”

The phrase to “be free” from something means to not be harmed by it. Alternate translation: “this bitter water will not harm you, though it is able to” (See: Idiom)

Here the bitter water is described as being able to bring a curse. This means that when the woman drinks the water it cause her to be unable to bear children, if she is guilty. Alternate translation: “this bitter water can be a curse to you” (See: Personification)

Numbers 5:20

The words “gone astray” is an idiom that means “to be unfaithful.” Alternate translation: “have been unfaithful to your husband” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 5:21

The phrase “bring down a curse” is an idiom meaning for a curse to come upon her. Alternate translation: “that can cause a curse to come upon her” (See: Idiom)

Here the author speaks about the woman bearing the curse that Yahweh gives her, which causes other people to curse her. This is spoken of as if the woman herself becomes a curse. Alternate translation: “Because Yahweh curses you, other people will curse you as well, and Yahweh will show people that you are truly cursed” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that he will show to your people as a curse” (See: Active or Passive)

This could mean: (1) that the woman will become unable to have children or (2) that the woman’s pregnancy will end too early and the baby will die.

Here the word “thigh” is a polite way of referring to the woman’s womb or her private parts. Alternate translation: “your womb to be useless” (See: Euphemism)

Numbers 5:23

This means that he is to wash the ink off of the scroll.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the curses he has written” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 5:24

Verse 24 explains in a general way what the priest must do and what is expected to happen when the woman drinks the water. Verse 25 and 26 explains in detail how the priest is to do this work. The priest gives the water to the woman and she drinks it only once.

Numbers 5:25

See how you translated this in Numbers 5:15. Alternate translation: “a grain offering for jealousy”

Numbers 5:26

The handful of the grain offering represents the whole grain offering. This means the whole offering belongs to Yahweh.

Numbers 5:27

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “if she has defined herself by committing” (See: Active or Passive)

Here the “sin” refers specifically to committing adultery. The meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “committed adultery” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This could mean: (1) that the woman will become unable to have children or (2) that the woman’s pregnancy will end too early and the baby will die. Here the word “thigh” is a polite way of referring to the woman’s womb or her private parts. (See: Euphemism) See how you translated these concepts in Numbers 5:21.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Her people will curse her” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 5:28

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “has not defiled herself” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “being innocent” is spoken of as “being clean.” (See: Metaphor)

This could mean: (1) “then she will not be cursed” or (2) “then she is free from guilt.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “become pregnant”

Numbers 5:29

Alternate translation: “the law for dealing with jealousy”

The words “strays away” is an idiom that means “to be unfaithful.” Alternate translation: “who is unfaithful to her husband” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “defiles herself” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 5:30

This phrase refers to the man’s attitude and emotions of jealousy. See how you translated this in Numbers 5:14. Alternate translation: “who is jealous” (See: Metonymy)

This is an idiom that means that he suspects that his wife has been unfaithful to him by sleeping with another man. Alternate translation: “and suspects that his wife has been unfaithful to him” or “and suspects that his wife has slept with another man” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh”

Numbers 5:31

Alternate translation: “will not be guilty of doing something wrong by bringing his wife to the priest”

Alternate translation: “must endure”

Numbers 6

Numbers 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Nazirite vow

The Nazirite vow was a special type of vow between a person and Yahweh. This chapter gives the rules for people to be consecrated to God as Nazirites. (See: vow and consecrate, consecrated, consecration)

Numbers 6:2

Alternate translation: “To separate yourself to someone” means to “dedicate yourself” to that person. Alternate translation: “dedicates himself” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 6:3

This idiom means that he must not eat or drink them. Alternate translation: “he must not consume” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “vinegar that people make from wine” (See: Active or Passive)

a drink produced when wine and other strong drinks ferment too long and become sour

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “or vinegar that people make from strong drink” (See: Ellipsis)

dried grapes

Numbers 6:4

Alternate translation: “To separate yourself to someone” means to “dedicate yourself” to that person. Alternate translation: “he dedicates himself” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he separates himself to me” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “nothing that people make from grapes” (See: Active or Passive)

These two extremes are given to emphasize the entire grape may not be eaten. Alternate translation: “from any part of a grape” (See: Merism)

Numbers 6:5

This is an idiom. Here “separation” means “dedication” Alternate translation: “vow of dedication” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one is to use a razor on his head” (See: Active or Passive)

יְמֵי֙ נֶ֣דֶר נִזְר֔⁠וֹ

Here, separation is an idiom that means “dedication.” Alternate translation: “the days of the vow of his dedication” (See: Idiom)

יְמֵי֙ נֶ֣דֶר נִזְר֔⁠וֹ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word * separation*, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the days that he has promised to dedicated himself to Yahweh” or “the days that he has promised to serve Yahweh”(See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to Yahweh are complete” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He must set himself apart to Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 6:6

This is an idiom for dedication. Alternate translation: “dedicates” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 6:7

This is an idiom for dedication. Alternate translation: “dedicated” (See: Idiom)

A person who is not acceptable for God’s purposes is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he has separated himself” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 6:8

This is an idiom for dedication. Alternate translation: “dedication” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word separation, you could express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “that he has separated himself”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he has reserved himself for Yahweh” or “set apart for Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 6:9

Here “head” represents the Nazirite man’s hair, which symbolizes his vow. Alternate translation: “defiles his long hair which shows everyone he is separated to God” or “he becomes defiled” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “day 7” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Numbers 6:10

Alternate translation: “day 8” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Numbers 6:12

Alternate translation: “during the time he is being set apart again”

The man is to bring the lamb to the priest so that it can be sacrificed. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “He must bring a male lamb one year old to the priest as a guilt offering” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “He must not count the days before he defiled himself” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he defiled himself” or “he made himself unacceptable” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 6:13

יְמֵ֣י נִזְר֔⁠וֹ

Here, separation is an idiom that means “dedication.” Alternate translation: “the days of his dedication” (See: Idiom)

יְמֵ֣י נִזְר֔⁠וֹ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word * separation*, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “the days when he dedicates himself to Yahweh” or “the period when he has served Yahweh” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Someone must bring him” or “He must go” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 6:14

He must bring his offering to the priest to be sacrificed to Yahweh. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “He must present his offering to Yahweh by bringing it to the priest to be sacrificed” or “He must present his offering to Yahweh by bringing it to the priest who will sacrifice it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 6:15

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “bread he made without yeast” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “fine flour that he mixed with oil” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “wafers without yeast which he rubbed with oil” (See: Active or Passive)

small pieces of flat bread

The word “their” refers to the other offerings that the Nazirite man was told to bring. Often grain offerings and drink offerings were required to accompany other types of sacrifices. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “together with the grain offering and drink offering that Yahweh required to accompany the other offerings” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 6:16

Alternate translation: “He” refers to the priest and “his” refers to the man who took a vow.

Numbers 6:17

Alternate translation: “as the fellowship offering”

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “The priest must present also … the drink offering to Yahweh” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 6:18

נִזְר֑⁠וֹ…נִזְר֔⁠וֹ

Here, his separation is an idiom that means “his dedication.” Alternate translation: “indicating his dedication … indicating his dedication” (See: Idiom)

נִזְר֑⁠וֹ…נִזְר֔⁠וֹ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind both instances of the word separation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “indicating how he has separated himself … indicating how he has separated himself” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 6:19

This means that he had boiled the ram’s shoulder. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the shoulder of the ram that he boiled” (See: Active or Passive)

אֶת־ נִזְרֽ⁠וֹ

Here, the abstract noun separation can be expressed with the verb “dedicated.” Alternate translation: “indicating his dedication” or “indicating that he has dedicated himself to Yahweh” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 6:20

After handing the items to the Nazirite, the priest takes them back to offer them to Yahweh. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Then the priest must take them back and wave them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “as well as”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the priest waved” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that he presented” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 6:21

נִזְר֔⁠וֹ…נִזְרֽ⁠וֹ

Here, separation is an idiom that means “dedication.” Alternate translation: “his dedication … his dedication” (See: Idiom)

נִזְר֔⁠וֹ…נִזְרֽ⁠וֹ

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word separation, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “having dedicated himself to Yahweh … having dedicated himself to Yahweh” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This refers to the Nazirite deciding to give other offering beyond what he has been commanded to give. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “If he decides to give any additional offerings” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “he must still obey the requirements of the vow he has taken”

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize that he must obey the obligations of his vow. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the promise that the law for the Nazirite indicates” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 6:23

Alternate translation: “You” is plural. (See: Forms of You)

Numbers 6:24

Here “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

This is an idiom. Here “keep” means to “protect.” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 6:25

This is an idiom which means to have kind intentions towards someone. It can also be expressed by smiling. Alternate translation: “smile at you” or “look at you with kindness” (See: Idiom)

Here “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Numbers 6:26

Here the phrase “look on” means to show a certain attitude towards that person. Alternate translation: “show you favor” (See: Idiom)

Here “you” is singular. (See: Forms of You)

Numbers 6:27

Here Yahweh speaks about claiming the Israelites as his own by saying that he is giving them “his name.” Alternate translation: “they must let the people of Israel know that they are mine” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 7

Numbers 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Consecrating the altar

When the tabernacle was completed, they consecrated the altar. Each tribe brought an offering to consecrate the altar. (See: tabernacle and consecrate, consecrated, consecration)

Numbers 7:1

Alternate translation: “Moses finished setting up the tabernacle”

Numbers 7:2

These two phrases describe the same group of people two different ways. Alternate translation: “the leaders of Israel who are also the heads of their ancestors families” (See: Parallelism)

Here the leaders of the families are referred to as “heads.” Alternate translation: “the leaders of their ancestor’s families” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word counting, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “had helped Aaron and Moses to count the men” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 7:3

This means that they gave their offerings to Yahweh and brought them to the tabernacle. These phrases may be combined to add clarity. Alternate translation: “They brought their offerings to Yahweh and presented them to him in front of the tabernacle” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “6 covered carts and 12 oxen” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 7:5

Alternate translation: “to each man as he needs them for his work”

Numbers 7:7

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 3:17.

Alternate translation: “because it was what they needed to do their work”

Numbers 7:8

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 3:17.

Alternate translation: “under the supervision of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest” or “Ithamar son of Aaron the priest oversaw their work”

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:2.

The word “he” refers to Moses.

Alternate translation: “because it was what they needed to do their work”

Numbers 7:9

This refers to the carts and oxen.

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 3:17.

Alternate translation: “their work would be”

You can make explicit the implicit meaning of what belongs to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the things that Yahweh reserved for the tabernacle” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 7:10

Alternate translation: “offered gifts”

Numbers 7:11

Alternate translation: “Each day, one leader must offer his sacrifice”

Numbers 7:12

Alternate translation: “day 1” or “day number 1” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

These are the names of men. See how you translated these names in Numbers 1:7

Numbers 7:13

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָ⁠הּ֒

If necessary, this weight can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “weighing nearly one and a half kilograms” or “weighing one kilogram and 430 grams” (See: Biblical Weight)

שִׁבְעִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל

If necessary, this weight can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “one silver bowl weighing nearly eight tenths of a kilogram” or “one silver bowl weighting 770 grams” (See: Biblical Weight)

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. If you are converting the weights to modern measures, here is another way to translate this phrase. Alternate translation: “measured by the standard weights used in the sanctuary” (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:14

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “one gold dish that weighed one tenth of a kilogram” or “one gold dish that weighed 110 grams” (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:17

Alternate translation: “that were each one year old”

Alternate translation: “This was what Nahshon son of Amminadab presented”

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:7.

Numbers 7:18

Alternate translation: “day 2” or “day number 2” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:8.

Numbers 7:19

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָ⁠הּ֒

See how you translated its weight was 130 in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

שִׁבְעִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל

See how you translated 70 shekels in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

מִזְרָ֤ק אֶחָד֙ כֶּ֔סֶף שִׁבְעִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל

If necessary, these weights can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in Numbers 7:13. Alternate translation: “one silver bowl weighing nearly eight tenths of a kilogram” or “one silver bowl weighting 770 grams” (See: Biblical Weight)

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 7:13. Alternate translation: “measured by the standard weights used in the sanctuary” (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:20

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. See how you translated these same weights in Numbers 7:14. Alternate translation: “one gold dish weighing one tenth of a kilogram” or “one gold dish weighting 110 grams” (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:23

Alternate translation: “that were each one year old”

Alternate translation: “This was what Nethanel son of Zuar presented”

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:8.

Numbers 7:24

Alternate translation: “day 3” or “day number 3” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:9.

Numbers 7:25

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָ⁠הּ֒

See how you translated its weight was 130 in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

שִׁבְעִ֥ים

See how you translated 70 shekels in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:26

Numbers 7:29

Alternate translation: “that were each one year old”

Alternate translation: “This was what Eliab son of Helon gave as a sacrifice”

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:9.

Numbers 7:30

Alternate translation: “day 4” or “day number 4” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:5.

Numbers 7:31

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָ⁠הּ֒

See how you translated its weight was 130 in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

שִׁבְעִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל

See how you translated 70 shekels in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:32

Numbers 7:35

Alternate translation: “that were each one year old”

Alternate translation: “This was what Elizur son of Shedeur gave as a sacrifice”

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:5.

Numbers 7:36

Alternate translation: “day 5” or “day number 5” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:6.

Numbers 7:37

ֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָ⁠הּ֒

See how you translated its weight was 130 in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

בְעִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל

See how you translated 70 shekels in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:38

Numbers 7:41

Alternate translation: “that were each one year old”

“Shelumiel” and “Zurishaddai” are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:6.

Numbers 7:42

Alternate translation: “day 6” or “day number 6” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:14.

Numbers 7:43

ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָ⁠הּ֒

See how you translated its weight was 130 in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

שִׁבְעִ֥ים

See how you translated 70 shekels in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:44

Numbers 7:47

Alternate translation: “that were each one year old”

Alternate translation: “This was what Eliasaph son of Deuel gave as a sacrifice”

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:14.

Numbers 7:48

Alternate translation: “day 7” or “day number 7” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:10.

Numbers 7:49

ִ֣ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָ⁠הּ֒

See how you translated its weight was 130 in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

שִׁבְעִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל

See how you translated 70 shekels in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:50

Numbers 7:53

Alternate translation: “that were each one year old”

Alternate translation: “This was what Elishama son of Ammihud presented”

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:10.

Numbers 7:54

Alternate translation: “day 8” or “day number 8” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:10.

Numbers 7:55

ם וּ⁠מֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָ⁠הּ֒

See how you translated its weight was 130 in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

שִׁבְעִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל

See how you translated 70 shekels in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:56

Numbers 7:59

Alternate translation: “that were each one year old”

Alternate translation: “This was what Gamaliel son of Pedahzur gave as a sacrifice”

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:10.

Numbers 7:60

Alternate translation: “day 9” or “day number 9” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:11.

Numbers 7:61

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָ⁠הּ֒

See how you translated its weight was 130 in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

ְעִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל

See how you translated 70 shekels in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:62

Numbers 7:65

Alternate translation: “that were each one year old”

Alternate translation: “This was what Abidan son of Gideoni gave as a sacrifice”

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:11.

Numbers 7:66

Alternate translation: “day 10” or “day number 10” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:12.

Numbers 7:67

וּ⁠מֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָ⁠הּ֒

See how you translated its weight was 130 in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

שִׁבְעִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל

See how you translated 70 shekels in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:68

Numbers 7:71

Alternate translation: “that were each one year old”

Alternate translation: “This was what Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai gave as a sacrifice”

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:12.

Numbers 7:72

Alternate translation: “day 11” or “day number 11” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:13.

Numbers 7:73

וּ⁠מֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָ⁠הּ֒

See how you translated its weight was 130 in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

ִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל

See how you translated 70 shekels in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:74

Numbers 7:77

Alternate translation: “that were each one year old”

“Pagiel” and “Okran” were names of men. See how you translated their names in Numbers 1:13. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 7:78

Alternate translation: “day 12” or “day number 12” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:15.

Numbers 7:79

וּ⁠מֵאָה֮ מִשְׁקָלָ⁠הּ֒

See how you translated its weight was 130 in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

שִׁבְעִ֥ים שֶׁ֖קֶל

See how you translated 70 shekels in 7:13. (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 7:80

Numbers 7:83

Alternate translation: “that were each one year old”

Alternate translation: “This was what Ahira son of Enan gave as a sacrifice”

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:15.

Numbers 7:84

The phrase “set apart” means to be dedicated to a specific purpose. In this case, the offerings were dedicated to Yahweh. (See: Idiom)

Here the word “day” refers to a general period of time. The leaders of Israel dedicated these things over the course of 12 days. Alternate translation: “when Moses anointed the altar”

Numbers 7:85

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים וּ⁠מֵאָ֗ה

See how you translated was 130 in 7:13. Alternate translation: “was 130 shekels” (See: Biblical Weight)

וְ⁠שִׁבְעִ֖ים הַ⁠מִּזְרָ֣ק הָ⁠אֶחָ֑ד

See how you translated “70 shekels” in 7:13. Alternate translation: “was 70 shekels” (See: Biblical Weight)

Alternate translation: “two thousand four hundred shekels” or “twenty-four hundred shekels” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “All the silver vessels together weighed”

This refers to all of the offerings that were made of silver, both the platters and the bowls.

Numbers 7:86

Alternate translation: “All the gold dishes together weighed”

עֶשְׂרִ֥ים וּ⁠מֵאָֽה

If necessary, this can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “was one tenth of a kilogram” or “weighed 110 grams” (See: Biblical Weight)

Alternate translation: “one hundred and twenty shekels” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 7:88

Alternate translation: “that were one year old”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “after Moses had anointed it” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 7:89

Here “his voice” refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “he heard Yahweh speaking to him” (See: Synecdoche)

These two phrases describe the same location. (See: Parallelism)

See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:5.

Alternate translation: “Yahweh spoke to Moses”

Numbers 8

Numbers 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The consecration of the tabernacle continues in this chapter. The people obeyed Yahweh’s exact instructions. (See: consecrate, consecrated, consecration and tabernacle)

Numbers 8:2

Alternate translation: “must shine towards the front”

Numbers 8:3

Alternate translation: “to shine”

Numbers 8:4

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They had made the lampstand” (See: Active or Passive)

They were commanded to form the hammered cups so that they resembled flower blossoms. Alternate translation: “with hammered cups that resemble flower blossoms” (See: Simile)

Numbers 8:7

Here “them” refers to the Levites.

Moses sprinkling water on them was symbolic of their atonement. Alternate translation: “Sprinkle on their the water that symbolizes atonement” (See: Symbolic Action)

The Levites are supposed to wash their own clothes. You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “then make them wash their clothes” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 8:8

When offering a young bull, a grain offering was usually required to accompany it.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “of fine flour that they have mingled with oil” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 8:9

Alternate translation: “gather the whole community”

Numbers 8:10

Here Yahweh refers to himself by his own name.

The action “laying on hands” on someone was often done to dedicate them to Yahweh’s work or service. Alternate translation: “The people Israel must lay their hands on the Levites, dedicating them to me” (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 8:11

Aaron was to present the Levites to Yahweh with the same amount of dedication as if they were a sacrifice given to him. Alternate translation: “if they were a wave offering” (See: Simile)

Numbers 8:12

This is a symbolic action that identifies the Levites with the animals being offered. In this way the person is offering himself through the animal to Yahweh. (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 8:13

Aaron was to present the Levites to Yahweh as if he were lifting up an offering to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “dedicate them to me, as if you were lifting them up a wave offering to me” (See: Simile)

Numbers 8:15

Yahweh repeats these things to emphasize their importance. This must happen before the Levites go to serve at the tent of meeting. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “But first, you must purify them. You must offer them as a wave offering” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Aaron was to present the Levites to Yahweh as if they were a wave offering to him. Alternate translation: “You must dedicate them to me, as if you were presenting a wave offering to me” (See: Simile)

Numbers 8:16

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasize the firstborn sons. (See: Parallelism)

This is an idiom. “To open the womb” means to give birth for the first time. Here this refers to the first male child to which a mother gives birth. Alternate translation: “child who is the firstborn son of his mother” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 8:17

This is a polite way of referring to when a person kills someone. Alternate translation: “I killed” (See: Euphemism)

Here “them” refers to “the firstborn from among the people of Israel.”

Numbers 8:18

The idea of “taking” is understood from the first part of the sentence and can be repeated in the second. Alternate translation: “I have taken the Levites … instead taking all of the firstborn” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 8:19

Yahweh appointing the Levites to help Aaron and his sons is spoken of as if they were a gift that Yahweh were giving to Aaron and his sons. (See: Metaphor)

Here “them” refers to the Levites.

Here “they” refers to the people of Israel.

Numbers 8:20

Here there are three parallel sentences that give the same information. It is repeated to emphasize that the people did to the Levites as Yahweh had commanded. Alternate translation: “Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of the people of Israel did with the Levites everything that Yahweh had commanded Moses concerning the Levites” (See: Parallelism)

Numbers 8:22

The word “service,” an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “to serve” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “in the presence of Aaron and his sons”

Alternate translation: “What they did was”

The word “They” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “They did to the Levites what Yahweh commanded”

Numbers 8:24

Alternate translation: “All of these commandments are for the Levites”

Alternate translation: “25 years old” (See: Numbers)

The word “company” refers to the rest of the people working in the tent of meeting. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 4:3.

Numbers 8:25

Alternate translation: “at 50 years old” or “when they become 50 years old” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 9

Numbers 9 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Passover

This chapter records the celebration of the Passover for the first time since it began. The people kept the Passover as directed by the Lord. (See: Passover)

Numbers 9:1

This means that they had come out of Egypt a year earlier. They were beginning their second year in the wilderness. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

בַּ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הָ⁠רִאשׁ֖וֹן

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It marks when God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt. (See: Hebrew Months)

Here “they” refers to the people of Israel. The phrase “came out” means to leave. Alternate translation: “after they left the land of Egypt” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 9:2

The word “fixed” means “previously set.” This means that this is when the observe it every year. Alternate translation: “Let the people … at the time of year they currently observe it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 9:3

This is the set time of year that they celebrate the Passover. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “On the fourteenth day … and observe it, for this is the time you do celebrate it every year” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “day 14” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined to emphasize that they needed to obey the commands. (See: Parallelism)

Here the phrase “keep it” is an idiom which means to observe it. Alternate translation: “You must observe it” or “You must celebrate it” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 9:4

Here the word “keep” means to observe. Alternate translation: “observe the Festival of the Passover” or “celebrate the Festival of the Passover” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 9:5

בָּ⁠רִאשׁ֡וֹן בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֥וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֛דֶשׁ

This refers to time in the Jewish calendar. (See: Hebrew Months)

Numbers 9:6

This implies that they touched the dead man, which made them unclean. You can make clear the full meaning of this statement. Alternate translation: “became unclean because they touched the body of a dead man” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “keep” means to observe. Alternate translation: “observe the Passover” or “celebrate the Passover” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 9:7

This means that they had touched a dead man’s body. You can make the full meaning of this statement clear. Alternate translation: “because we have touched the body of a dead man” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The men ask this question in order to complain that they are not allowed to participate in celebrating the Passover. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It is not fair that you keep us away from offering the sacrifice … among the people of Israel.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

set or predetermined

Numbers 9:10

A person who God considers spiritually unacceptable or defiled is spoken of as if the person were physically unclean. (See: Metaphor)

This refers to someone touching a dead body. Alternate translation: “because you have touched a dead body” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here the word “keep” means to observe. Alternate translation: “observe the Passover” or “celebrate the Passover” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 9:11

Here the word “eat” means to observe. Alternate translation: “observe the Passover” or “celebrate the Passover” (See: Idiom)

בַּ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֜י בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר י֛וֹם

This refers to time in the Jewish calendar. Alternate translation: “day 14 of month 2” (See: Hebrew Months)

Alternate translation: “at sunset”

Alternate translation: “with bread that contains no yeast”

These are small plants that have a strong and usually bad taste.

Numbers 9:12

Alternate translation: “and they must not break any of its bones”

Numbers 9:13

A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean. (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “keep” means to observe. Alternate translation: “observe the Passover” or “celebrate the Passover” (See: Idiom)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֖וא

Here the phrase cut off means to be disowned and sent away. Alternate translation: “and that person must be sent away” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֖וא

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and you must send that person away” (See: Active or Passive)

set or predetermined

Here the concept of the man having to bear the consequences of his sin is spoken of as if his sin were a heavy object that he had to carry. Alternate translation: “That man must bear the punishment for his sin” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 9:14

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

The words “statute” and “rule” mean basically the same thing and are used together to emphasize that the stranger must obey all of the rules about the Passover. Alternate translation: “that stranger must keep it and do all that Yahweh has commanded concerning the Passover” (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “in the land of Israel”

Numbers 9:15

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Levites set up the tabernacle” (See: Active or Passive)

This is another name for the tabernacle. See how you translated the phrase “the tabernacle of the covenant decrees” in Numbers 1:50.

This refers to the cloud’s appearance during the night. Here the cloud is compared to looking like a fire. Alternate translation: “During the night the cloud looked like a huge fire until morning” (See: Simile)

Numbers 9:16

It may be helpful to explain that this refers to the cloud being over the tabernacle. Alternate translation: “The cloud remained this way over the tabernacle” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The cloud’s appearance is compared to a huge fire. Alternate translation: “it looked like a huge fire at night” (See: Simile)

Numbers 9:17

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “moved” or “Yahweh took up the cloud” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the cloud stopped moving”

Numbers 9:18

The word “command” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “When Yahweh commanded” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 9:20

Alternate translation: “over the tabernacle”

Here the word “make” means to “set up.” Alternate translation: “set up their camp” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 9:21

This means that the cloud only stayed over the tabernacle for one night. You make clear the full meaning of this statement. Alternate translation: “only from evening until morning” or “over the tabernacle for only one night” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. “If the cloud stayed over the tabernacle” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “then after the cloud moved they would travel”

Numbers 9:22

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the cloud rose up” or “Yahweh took up the cloud” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 9:23

The word “command” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “what Yahweh commanded” (See: Abstract Nouns)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the command that Yahweh had given through Moses” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 10

Numbers 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Trumpets

In the ancient Near East, trumpets were used for many purposes. They were used to call people together. They were also used to lead people into battle.

Israel starts to move

Each tribe had its place in line as did the tabernacle. Their movements through the desert were very deliberate and ordered. (See: tabernacle)

Numbers 10:2

This means that Yahweh commanded Moses to have someone make the trumpet. He did not make them himself. Alternate translation: “Tell someone to make two silver trumpets” (See: Metonymy)

Moses will not blow the trumpets himself, but he will command the priests to blow them. (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 10:3

This means that Moses was to be there with the priest when he blew the trumpets. Alternate translation: “while you are present”

Numbers 10:4

These two phrases refer to the same group of people. Here the second phrase is used to describe the first phrase. Alternate translation: “the leaders, who are the heads of the clans of Israel” (See: Parallelism)

Numbers 10:5

וּ⁠תְקַעְתֶּ֖ם תְּרוּעָ֑ה

Here the word you is plural. Yahweh is speaking to Moses, but he his referring to the priests. (See: Forms of You)

וּ⁠תְקַעְתֶּ֖ם תְּרוּעָ֑ה

The priests will blow the trumpets, Moses will not. Alternate translation: “And they shall blow a blast” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 10:6

וּ⁠תְקַעְתֶּ֤ם תְּרוּעָה֙ שֵׁנִ֔ית

Here the word you is plural. Yahweh is speaking to Moses, but he his referring to the priests. (See: Forms of You)

וּ⁠תְקַעְתֶּ֤ם תְּרוּעָה֙ שֵׁנִ֔ית

The priests will blow the trumpets, Moses will not. Alternate translation: “And they shall blow a second blast” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “time number 2” or “again” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “They” refers to the priests and the word “their” refers to the people of Israel.

Numbers 10:7

Alternate translation: “To gather the community together”

Numbers 10:8

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “be a rule for you” (See: Forms of You)

Numbers 10:9

Yahweh is speaking to Moses and uses the word “you,” but he is actually referring the people of Israel going to war. Alternate translation: “When the people of Israel to war … oppresses Israel” (See: Synecdoche)

Here Yahweh again speaks to Moses using the word “you” but actually wants Moses to have the priests blow the trumpets. Alternate translation: “then you must command the priests to sound an alarm with the trumpets” (See: Metonymy)

This phrase “call to mind” means to remember. Alternate translation: “remember you” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 10:10

The noun “celebration” can be expressed with the verb “celebrate.” Alternate translation: “when you celebrate” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Here Yahweh again speaks to Moses using the word “you,” but actually wants him to have the priests blow the trumpets. Alternate translation: “you must command the priests to blow the trumpets” (See: Metonymy),

There are 12 months on the Hebrew calendar. The beginning phase of the moon with its sliver of light marked the beginning of each month in the lunar calendar. (See: Hebrew Months)

In these phrases the words “your” and “you” are plural and refer to the people of Israel. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “in honor of the sacrifices”

The word “reminder” can be expressed with the verb “remind.” Alternate translation: “will always remind you of me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The word “these” refers to the trumpets and the sacrifices.

Numbers 10:11

This refers to the second year after Yahweh brought the Israelites out of Egypt. Alternate translation: “In year 2” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

בַּ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֖י בְּ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֣ים בַּ⁠חֹ֑דֶשׁ

The word second is the ordinal form of "two." Alternate translation: “on day 20 of month 2” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

בַּ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֖י בְּ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֣ים בַּ⁠חֹ֑דֶשׁ

This is the second month of the Hebrew calendar. Alternate translation: “on day 20 of month 2” (See: Hebrew Months)

The tabernacle was also called by this longer name because the ark with the law of God was placed inside it. See how you translated this in Numbers 1:50.

Numbers 10:13

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the commands that Yahweh had given through Moses” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 10:14

This camp includes the three tribes under the division of Judah: Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

They packed up their camp and they left that place before all the others left. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:7.

Numbers 10:15

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:8.

Numbers 10:16

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:9.

Numbers 10:17

See how you translated these men’s names in Numbers 3:17.

Numbers 10:18

This refers to the armies of the tribes under the division of Reuben: Reuben, Simeon, and Gad.

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:5.

Numbers 10:19

See how you translated this man’s name Numbers 1:6.

Numbers 10:20

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:14.

Numbers 10:21

This refers to the descendants of Kohath. See how you translated this in Numbers 3:27.

Numbers 10:22

This refers to the armies of the tribes under the division of Ephraim: Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin.

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:10.

Numbers 10:23

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:10.

Numbers 10:24

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:11.

Numbers 10:25

This refers to the armies of the tribes under the division of Dan: Dan, Asher, and Naphtali.

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:12.

Numbers 10:26

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:13.

Numbers 10:27

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 1:15.

Numbers 10:29

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “that Yahweh described to us”

Alternate translation: “we will treat you well”

Numbers 10:31

The phrase “watch out” means to guide and to take care of. Alternate translation: “You can guide us and show us how to live in the desert” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 10:33

Alternate translation: “They” refers to the people of Israel.

This refers to Mount Sinai. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Mount Sinai, the mountain of Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The group of Levites carrying the ark of the covenant went before the people of Israel as the traveled. Alternate translation: “Men carried the ark of the covenant of Yahweh before them as they traveled” (See: Personification)

Numbers 10:34

Alternate translation: “every day” or “during the day”

Numbers 10:35

Here the ark is spoken of as if were a person traveling. The ark was really being carried by men. Alternate translation: “Whenever the people carrying the ark set out” (See: Personification)

Here the phrase “rise up” is a request for Yahweh to act, in this case Moses is asking him to scatter their enemies. (See: Metaphor)

Here Moses speaks about Yahweh causing their enemies to flee from the people of Israel as if they were fleeing from Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “Make those who hate you run away from your ark and your people” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 10:36

Here the ark is spoken of as if were a person traveling. The ark was really being carried by men. Alternate translation: “Whenever the people carrying the ark stopped” (See: Personification)

This refers to people. The full meaning of this statement can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “many tens of thousands of people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 11

Numbers 11 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Complaining

Moses complained about having too much responsibility. Therefore, God gave seventy men the spirit of prophecy to help Moses. The people complained about food, even though Yahweh was miraculously providing them with their food. The people complained because they did not have meat or fish to eat. God sent them quail. He punished some of the people, but it does not say why God did this. (See: spirit, wind, breath and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Numbers 11:1

Alternate translation: “Yahweh sent fire that burned”

Numbers 11:3

This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: “They named that place” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 11:4

The Israelites ask this question in order to complain and to express their desire for something other than manna to eat. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We wish that we had meat to eat.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 11:6

Alternate translation: “we do not want to eat” or “we cannot eat”

Numbers 11:7

Coriander is also known as cilantro. This seed serves as a spice when dried.

This is a sticky substance with a pale yellow color.

Numbers 11:10

he eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “in Moses’ opinion” or “in Moses’ judgement” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 11:11

Moses complains to Yahweh using several rhetorical questions. (See: Rhetorical Question)

לָ⁠מָ֤ה הֲרֵעֹ֨תָ֙ לְ⁠עַבְדֶּ֔⁠ךָ

Moses speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “Why do you do evil to me?” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

לָ⁠מָ֤ה הֲרֵעֹ֨תָ֙ לְ⁠עַבְדֶּ֔⁠ךָ וְ⁠לָ֛⁠מָּה לֹא־ מָצָ֥תִי חֵ֖ן בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֑י⁠ךָ לָ⁠שׂ֗וּם אֶת־ מַשָּׂ֛א כָּל־ הָ⁠עָ֥ם הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה עָלָֽ⁠י

Moses used these questions to complain about the way God was treating him. They can be expressed as statements. Alternate translation: “You should not treat me, your servant, so badly. You should not be angry with me by making me responsible for what all these people have done!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Moses complains and speaks of leading the people and providing for them as if he were carrying a heavy load. Alternate translation: “You make me responsible for all these people, but it’s too hard for me” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 11:12

Moses used this question to remind God that Moses was not their father. Alternate translation: “I am not the father of all these people.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Moses wants God to remember that God told him to take care of the Israelites even though Moses was not their father. Alternate translation: “I have not given them birth, so you have no right to say to me, ‘Carry … baby’!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

To take care of the Israelites is spoken of as if it were to carry a helpless newborn baby. (See: Metaphor)

If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not expect me to carry them … to give them!” or “I am not able to carry them … to give them!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 11:13

Moses used this question to complain that it was impossible for him to give meat to all the people. Alternate translation: “I cannot possibly find enough meat to give to all these people.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 11:14

Moses speaks of leading and providing for the people as if he were carrying them. Alternate translation: “I cannot provide for all these people alone” (See: Metaphor)

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “This responsibility is too difficult for me” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 11:17

The “Spirit” here represents the power that God’s Spirit had given to Moses so that Moses could do what God told him to do. Alternate translation: “some of the power that the Spirit has given you” (See: Metonymy)

God speaks of the responsibility of leading and providing for the people as if it were a burden that Moses and the leaders would carry. Alternate translation: “They will help you care for the people” (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of the responsibility of leading and providing for the people as if it were a burden that Moses and the leaders would carry. Alternate translation: “You will not care for them alone” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 11:18

The Israelites had asked this question in order to complain and to express their desire for something other than manna to eat. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “We wish that we had meat to eat.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 11:20

This could mean: (1) God speaks of vomiting as if the food would come out through their nostrils. Alternate translation: “until you are sick and vomit” or (2) they would eat so much meat that it would be as if it would come out of their nostrils. Alternate translation: “until it feels like it would have to come out of your nostrils” (See: Metaphor)

The people had used this question to express regret and to complain. Alternate translation: “We never should have left Egypt.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 11:21

Alternate translation: “six hundred thousand people” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 11:22

Moses uses these questions to express his doubt that there could be enough meat to feed all of the people. Alternate translation: “We would have to kill entire flocks and herds and catch all the fish in the sea to satisfy them!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

These two words mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize a great number of animals. (See: Doublet)

The word “all” is an exaggeration to show how impossible it was to provide food for all the people of Israel. (See: Hyperbole)

Alternate translation: “to satisfy their hunger”

Numbers 11:23

הֲ⁠יַ֥ד יְהוָ֖ה תִּקְצָ֑ר

Here the word hand represents God’s power. Alternate translation: “Do you think that I am not powerful enough to do this?” (See: Metonymy)

הֲ⁠יַ֥ד יְהוָ֖ה תִּקְצָ֑ר

God uses this question to rebuke Moses for thinking that God did not have the power to provide enough meat for the people. Alternate translation: “You should know I am more than strong enough to do this.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 11:24

Alternate translation: “what Yahweh had said”

Numbers 11:25

The “Spirit” here represents the power that God’s Spirit had given to Moses. See how you translated a similar phrase in Numbers 11:17. Alternate translation: “some of the power that the Spirit had given to Moses” (See: Metonymy)

Giving power to the elders is spoken of as putting the Spirit on them. See how you translated a similar phrase in Numbers 11:17. Alternate translation: “gave it to the seventy elders” (See: Metaphor)

Having power from the Spirit is spoken of as if the Spirit rested on them. Alternate translation: “When they had power from the Spirit” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 11:26

The Spirit giving them power is spoken of as if the Spirit rested on them. Alternate translation: “The Spirit also gave them power” (See: Metaphor)

This can be written in active form. Alternate translation: “Moses had written their names on the list” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 11:28

Alternate translation: “tell them to stop prophesying”

Numbers 11:29

Moses uses this question to rebuke Joshua. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement, if necessary. Alternate translation: “You should not be jealous for my sake.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

What Joshua might have been jealous about can be stated clearly if needed. Alternate translation: “Are you concerned that they might be taking away something that belongs to me?” or “Are you concerned that people will not respect my authority?” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Moses speaks of God’s Spirit giving people power as if God were to put his Spirit on them. Alternate translation: “that God’s Spirit would give them all power” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 11:31

a small bird (See: Translate Unknowns)

Alternate translation: “in each direction for as far as a person could walk in one day”

וּ⁠כְ⁠אַמָּתַ֖יִם

A cubit is a unit of measurement equal to about 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “and about 92 centimeters” or “and about 1 meter” (See: Biblical Distance)

Numbers 11:32

This is a double negative which can be expressed as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “Everyone gathered at least ten homers of quail” (See: Double Negatives)

A homer is a unit of volume equal to about 220 liters. Alternate translation: “2,200 liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

Numbers 11:33

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize that God punished them immediately, even while they were eating the meat. Alternate translation: “While they were still eating the meat” (See: Parallelism)

Numbers 11:34

וַ⁠יִּקְרָ֛א אֶת־ שֵֽׁם־ הַ⁠מָּק֥וֹם הַ⁠ה֖וּא קִבְר֣וֹת הַֽתַּאֲוָ֑ה

This was the same place that was formerly called, “Taberah” in 11:3. Alternate translation: “They named that place Kibroth Hattaavah” (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 11:35

This is the name of a place in the desert. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 12

Numbers 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 12:6-8.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Idiom

God used the idiom “mouth to mouth” meaning “speaking directly with both people present.” This indicated that Moses was more than just a prophet and greater than other prophets. (See: Idiom and prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess)

Numbers 12:2

Miriam and Aaron use these questions to complain that Moses had so much authority and they did not. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has not spoken only with Moses. He has also spoken with us.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The word “Now” hear draws attention to the important point that follows.

Numbers 12:3

Alternate translation: “Now” is used to mark a break in the main story line. The narrator tells background information about Moses’ character. (See: Background Information)

Numbers 12:5

The shape of the cloud is spoken of as if it were a pillar. Alternate translation: “a cloud shaped like a pillar” or “a tall cloud” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 12:7

Alternate translation: “I do not speak to Moses like that”

Here “my house” represents the nation of Israel. Being faithful in God’s house represents being faithful in leading Israel. Alternate translation: “Moses leads my people faithfully” or “Moses is the one whom I trust to lead my people Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 12:8

Yahweh asks this question to rebuke Miriam and Aaron. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should be afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The phrase “against Moses” clarifies that he is the “servant” of whom Yahweh speaks. Alternate translation: “against my servant, Moses” (See: Parallelism)

Numbers 12:9

Yahweh’s anger is spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: “Yahweh became very angry with them” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 12:10

Leprosy turned Miriam’s skin white. Alternate translation: “became very white” (See: Simile)

Numbers 12:11

To hold people’s sin against them is to say that they are guilty for their sin. Here it represents punishing them for their sin. (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 12:12

אַל־ נָ֥א תְהִ֖י כַּ⁠מֵּ֑ת

Aaron compares the deadly leprosy of Miriam to a stillborn baby who has begun to decompose. (See: Simile)

Numbers 12:13

Here “please” is repeated for emphasis.

Numbers 12:14

וְ⁠אָבִ֨י⁠הָ֙ יָרֹ֤ק יָרַק֙ בְּ⁠פָנֶ֔י⁠הָ

This describes something that could have happened but did not. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

וְ⁠אָבִ֨י⁠הָ֙ יָרֹ֤ק יָרַק֙ בְּ⁠פָנֶ֔י⁠הָ

Spitting in someone’s face was a terrible insult. (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 12:15

Being sent out of the camp and not being allowed to go back in is spoken of as if there were a door that was closed behind her. Alternate translation: “Miriam was sent outside the camp” or “Miriam was kept outside the camp” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Moses shut Miriam outside the camp” or “Moses sent Miriam outside the camp” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 12:16

This is the name of a place in the desert. See how you translated it in Numbers 11:35.

Numbers 13

Numbers 13 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Spies

Leaders from each of the tribes went to spy on the Promised Land in Canaan. Yahweh was not concerned with how many people were there, because he could defeat them. It appears that he is testing the faith of the people. The people were supposed to be excited to enter this wonderful land, instead they were afraid. (See: Promised Land and test, tested, testing, testing in the fire and faith)

Numbers 13:2

God had decided that the land of Canaan would belong to the people of Israel, but they had not yet moved into it. Alternate translation: “which I have decided to give” or “which I will soon give” (See: Predictive Past)

Alternate translation: “Each man whom you send must be a leader among his tribe”

Numbers 13:4

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 13:5

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 13:6

A man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 13:7

A man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 13:8

A man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 13:9

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 13:10

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 13:11

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

The relationship between Joseph and Manasseh can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “from the tribe of Joseph’s son Manasseh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 13:12

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 13:13

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 13:14

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 13:15

These are men’s names. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 13:16

See how you translated these men’s names in Numbers 13:8.

Numbers 13:19

Moses asks these questions to explain the kind of information that the men were to report back to him. These can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “See if the land is good or bad, what kind of cities are there, and whether those cities are only camps, or whether they have defensive walls around them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Fortified cities had strong walls around them to protect them from enemy armies. Camps did not have these walls.

Numbers 13:21

These are names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

The word “Zin” here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

Numbers 13:22

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

וְ⁠חֶבְר֗וֹן שֶׁ֤בַע שָׁנִים֙ נִבְנְתָ֔ה לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י צֹ֥עַן מִצְרָֽיִם

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And the Canaanites had built Hebron seven years before the Egyptians built Zoan” (See: Active or Passive)

These are names of clans that were named after their ancestors. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 13:23

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “between two men of their group”

Numbers 13:24

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They named that place” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 13:25

Alternate translation: “After 40 days” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 13:26

Here “word” refers to a report. Alternate translation: “They brought back their report” or “They reported what they had seen” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 13:27

וְ֠⁠גַם זָבַ֨ת חָלָ֥ב וּ⁠דְבַ֛שׁ הִ֖וא

They spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. Alternate translation: “And it is certainly excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” or “And it is certainly a very fertile land” (See: Metaphor)

Since milk comes from cows and goats, it represents livestock and the food produced from the livestock. Alternate translation: “food from livestock” (See: Metonymy)

Since honey is produced from flowers, it represents crops and the food produced from the crops. Alternate translation: “food from crops” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 13:32

Here “they” refers to all of the men who examined the land except for Caleb and Joshua.

Here “they” refers to all of the men who examined the land including Caleb and Joshua.

The men speak of the land, or the people of the land, being very dangerous as if the land ate up people. Alternate translation: “a very dangerous land” or “a land where the people will kill us” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 13:33

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here sight represents evaluation and judgement. Alternate translation: “In our own opinion … in their opinion” or “In our own judgement … in their judgement” (See: Metaphor)

The men speak of grasshoppers to show how very small they thought themselves to be compared to the people of the land. Alternate translation: “we are as small as grasshoppers in comparison with them” (See: Simile)

Numbers 14

Numbers 14 General Notes

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical Questions

The author uses several rhetorical questions in this chapter. These questions indicate that people did not have faith in Yahweh. Yahweh also uses rhetorical questions to show the people’s lack of faith. (See: Rhetorical Question and faith)

Numbers 14:3

The people use this question in order to complain and accuse Yahweh of treating them unfairly. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Yahweh should not have brought us to this land only to die by the sword.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “the sword” represents either being killed by the sword or being killed in battle. Alternate translation: “to die when people attack us with swords” or “to die in battle” or (See: Metonymy)

The people use this question to encourage people to agree with them that it would be better to return to Egypt. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “It would be better for us to return to Egypt than to try to conquer Canaan.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 14:4

This refers to the people of Israel.

Numbers 14:5

Moses and Aaron did this to show that they were humbling themselves before God. They feared that God might punish the people for rebelling against him. Alternate translation: “lay facedown in humility to God” or “lay facedown to pray to God” (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 14:6

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “who were some of those whom Moses sent” (See: Active or Passive)

Tearing one’s clothes was a gesture indicating the person is very troubled and is mourning. (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 14:8

They spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants flowed through it. See how you translated this in Numbers 13:27. Alternate translation: “It is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” or “It is very fertile land” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 14:9

כִּ֥י לַחְמֵ֖⁠נוּ הֵ֑ם

Joshua and Caleb speak of destroying their enemies as easily as if they were eating bread. Alternate translation: “for we will destroy them as easily as we can eat food” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will remove their protection from them” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word protection, you could express the same idea with “protect.” Alternate translation: “Anyone that might protect them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 14:11

Yahweh uses these questions to show that he was angry and had lost patience with the people. They can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “This people has despised me for too long. They have failed to trust me for too long, despite all the signs … them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 14:12

This may imply that he would destroy them, and some versions translate it that way. Alternate translation: “reject them from being my people”

Here “your” is singular and refers to Moses. (See: Forms of You)

Numbers 14:14

This could mean: (1) Moses speaks of God showing himself to his people as if God had allowed them to actually see his face. Alternate translation: “they have seen you” or (2) Moses speaks of the intimate relationship between him and God as if Moses could see God’s face when God spoke to him. Alternate translation: “you speak directly to me” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 14:15

Killing them all at the same time is spoken of as killing them as one person. Alternate translation: “all at one time” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 14:18

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you could express the same idea with “faithful” or “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “always faithful to his covenant” or “always faithfully loves his people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Clearing away people’s sin is a metaphor for refusing to punish them. God would not clear away the sin of guilty people. Alternate translation: “He will always punish the guilty” (See: Metaphor)

Punishing people is spoken of as if punishment were an object that could be brought and put on people. Alternate translation: “when he punishes the guilty people’s descendants for the guilty people’s sins” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 14:21

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my glory will fill all the earth” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 14:22

Alternate translation: “they have continued to test me”

Here the number 10 represents too many times. Alternate translation: “too many times” (See: Idiom)

Here “listened” represents obedience, and God’s voice represents what he said. Alternate translation: “have not obeyed what I have said” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 14:24

עֵ֣קֶב הָֽיְתָ֞ה ר֤וּחַ אַחֶ֨רֶת֙ עִמּ֔⁠וֹ

Here, spirit represents his attitude. Caleb was willing to obey God. What his attitude was can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “because he has a different attitude” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 14:27

Yahweh asks this question because he has lost patience with the people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have tolerated this evil community who has criticized me long enough.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The word “complaining,” an abstract noun, can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “I have heard the people of Israel complain” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 14:28

Alternate translation: “as I have heard you say”

Numbers 14:29

Their dead bodies falling represents them dying. Alternate translation: “You will die” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you whom Moses counted in the census” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “twenty years old and older”

Numbers 14:32

Their dead bodies falling represents them dying. Alternate translation: “you will die” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 14:33

Some modern versions choose to translate, “Your children will wander in the wilderness.” This is because in ancient times, shepherds usually wandered from place to place so their flocks and herds could find pasture.

Alternate translation: “They must suffer the consequences of your acts” or “They must suffer because of your acts”

A corpse is a dead body. The end of their corpses represents the last of the them dying. Alternate translation: “until the last one of you dies” or “until all of you die” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 14:34

Alternate translation: “suffer the consequences of your sins” or “suffer because of your sins”

Numbers 14:35

This probably means that they will no longer exist. Alternate translation: “they will come to an end” or “they will all be destroyed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 14:37

The phrase “plague before Yahweh” shows that Yahweh struck them down. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh struck down these men who had brought out a bad report about the land, and they died” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 14:40

They use these words to emphasize that they have changed their minds and now want to do what they should have done the day before. Your language may have a different way of showing this.

Numbers 14:41

Moses asks this question to rebuke the people of Israel. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not be violating Yahweh’s command again.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 14:42

Helping them is spoken of as being with them. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will not help you” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to prevent your enemies from defeating you” or “to give you victory over your enemies” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 14:43

Here “the sword” refers to battle. Alternate translation: “you will die in battle” or “they will kill you when you fight against them” (See: Metonymy)

Obeying Yahweh is spoken of as following him, and stopping doing that is spoken of as turning away from him. Alternate translation: “you stopped obeying Yahweh” or “you have decided not to obey Yahweh” (See: Metaphor)

Helping them is spoken of as being with them. Alternate translation: “he will not help you” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 14:44

Alternate translation: “they dared to go up into the hill country even though God did not approve”

Much of the land of Israel is elevated. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River valley to attack the Canaanites, there were hills that they had to climb in order to go farther into the land of Canaan.

Numbers 15

Numbers 15 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Purifying the people

As the people travel through the wilderness, Yahweh is purifying them. He is doing this so that they are able to enter into the Promised Land. (See: pure, purify, purification and Promised Land)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Prostitution

The imagery of prostitution is commonly used in Scripture to indicate that Yahweh alone is to be worshiped. The people are compared to the prostitute because a husband is to only have a sexual relationship with his wife. Both the prostitute and the worship of other gods are violations of this exclusive relationship. Many cultures will struggle with this imagery because of a desire to use euphemisms. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry and Euphemism)

Numbers 15:1

Numbers 15:1-32 tells what God told Moses to tell the people of Israel.

Numbers 15:3

The Lord’s pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with the person who burns the offering. Alternate translation: “to please Yahweh by burning a sacrifice from the herd or the flock” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 15:4

This refers to the offerings spoken of in Numbers 15:3.

An ephah is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: “about 2 liters” or “two liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

A hin is a unit of volume equal to about 3.7 liters. Alternate translation: “about 1 liter” or “one liter” (See: Biblical Volume)

Numbers 15:6

An ephah is a unit of volume equal to about 22 liters. Alternate translation: “4 liters” or “four and a half liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

A hin is a unit of volume equal to about 3.7 liters. Alternate translation: “one liter” (See: Biblical Volume)

Numbers 15:7

The Lord’s pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with the person who burns the offering. Alternate translation: “You will please Yahweh by offering it” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 15:9

You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “six and one half liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

You may convert this to a modern measure Alternate translation: “two liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

Numbers 15:10

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that you burn on the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

The Lord being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offers the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. Alternate translation: “to please Yahweh by offering it” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 15:11

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must do it” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 15:12

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must do as I have described” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 15:13

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that they burn on the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

Yahweh being pleased with the sincere worshiper who offers the sacrifice is spoken of as if Yahweh were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. Alternate translation: “to please Yahweh by offering it” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 15:14

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he must burn an offering on the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 15:15

This could mean: (1) “You and the traveler staying with you are alike before Yahweh” or (2) “The same law applies to both you and the traveler”

Because it says that they must act as the Israelites in Yahweh’s presence, it is implied that they must obey all of Yahweh’s commands. Alternate translation: “he must act as you act and obey all of Yahweh’s commands” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 15:19

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the food that the land produces” or “the food that you produce in the land” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 15:20

This could mean: (1) the first grain that they would gather during the harvest or (2) the dough that they would make from the first of their grain. (See: Metonymy)

Calling it a loaf implies that they would cooked the dough first.

This idiom “raise it up” refers to offering it as a gift. Alternate translation: “to offer it as a gift” (See: Idiom)

The offering is spoken of as being from the threshing floor because this is where they would separate the grain from the other parts of the plant.

Numbers 15:22

The word “you” here refers to Israelite people.

Numbers 15:24

The Lord being pleased with the sincere worshipers who offer the sacrifice is spoken of as if God were pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice. Alternate translation: “to please Yahweh by burning it” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must make a grain offering and drink offering” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as the decree commands” or “as I commanded when I made the decree” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 15:25

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I will forgive them” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that they made by fire” or “that they burned on the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 15:26

Numbers 15:27

Alternate translation: “a 1-year-old female goat”

Numbers 15:28

Numbers 15:30

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֖וא מִ⁠קֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽ⁠הּ

The metaphor cut off could mean: (1) he must be sent away from Israel. (2) he must not be considered a member of the people of Israel anymore. (3) he must be killed. (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֖וא מִ⁠קֶּ֥רֶב עַמָּֽ⁠הּ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And his people must send him away” or “And I will no longer consider him to be one of the people of Israel” or “And you must kill him” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 15:31

מִצְוָת֖⁠וֹ הֵפַ֑ר

Not obeying a commandment of Yahweh is spoken of as breaking it. Alternate translation: “has disobeyed my commandment” or “has not obeyed what I commanded” (See: Metonymy)

עֲוֺנָ֥⁠ה בָֽ⁠הּ

Here, iniquity could refer to: (1) the punishment for that sin or (2) the guilt of that sin. (See: Metonymy)

עֲוֺנָ֥⁠ה בָֽ⁠הּ

Here, iniquity being on him is a metaphor that could mean: (1) he is being punished. Alternate translation: “I will punish him because of his sin” (2) he is guilty. Alternate translation: “I will consider him guilty” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 15:34

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh had not declared what they should do with him” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 15:35

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must surely put the man to death” or “The man must surely die” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 15:38

Alternate translation: “the people of Israel”

Numbers 15:39

Alternate translation: “to obey them”

וְ⁠לֹֽא־ תָתֻ֜רוּ אַחֲרֵ֤י לְבַבְ⁠כֶם֙ וְ⁠אַחֲרֵ֣י עֵֽינֵי⁠כֶ֔ם

Here, explore after is a metaphor for thinking about something. Alternate translation: “so that you do not think about whatever your heart and eyes want” (See: Metaphor)

וְ⁠לֹֽא־ תָתֻ֜רוּ אַחֲרֵ֤י לְבַבְ⁠כֶם֙ וְ⁠אַחֲרֵ֣י עֵֽינֵי⁠כֶ֔ם

Here the heart represents what a person wants, and the eyes represent what a person sees and wants. Alternate translation: “And you must not think about whatever you want” (See: Metonymy)

אֲשֶׁר־ אַתֶּ֥ם זֹנִ֖ים אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶֽם

Being unfaithful to God by choosing to do whatever they want is spoken of as if they were women who were unfaithful to their husband by choosing to have sinful relationships with other men. (See: Metaphor)

אֲשֶׁר־ אַתֶּ֥ם זֹנִ֖ים אַחֲרֵי⁠הֶֽם

It can be stated clearly that this was a shameful thing to do. Alternate translation: “and be shamefully unfaithful to me” or “and do those things instead of obeying me” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 15:40

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “remember” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 15:41

This clause is repeated for emphasis.

Numbers 16

Numbers 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Rebellion and punishment

A certain Levite and a few men from the tribe of Reuben claimed that they were just as good as Moses and Aaron, and they also could do the work of sacrificing animals at the sacred tent. So Moses told them to come to the sacred tent and burn incense to Yahweh. God then made the earth open and swallow up these leaders and their families. He also sent fire to destroy 250 other men who had joined with those leaders. These actions showed that only the Levites, those whom Yahweh appointed, could be priests. Also, it taught the people that to rebel against Yahweh’s anointed was to rebel against Yahweh. (See: appoint, appointed and priest, priesthood and anoint, anointed, anointing)

Numbers 16:1

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 3:17.

Numbers 16:2

Rebelling or criticizing someone in authority is spoken of as if they were standing up to fight. Alternate translation: “rebelled against Moses” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “250” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “famous members of the community” or “important men in the community”

Numbers 16:3

This represents doing more than one should. Alternate translation: “You have done more than you should” or “You assume to have more authority than you should” (See: Idiom)

The men ask this question to rebuke Moses and Aaron. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are wrong to lift up yourselves above the rest of Yahweh’s community.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Considering someone to be important is spoken of as lifting it up. Alternate translation: “consider yourselves more important than the rest” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 16:4

This indicates that Moses was humbling himself before God. He was afraid that God would punish the people for rebelling against God and his chosen leaders. (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 16:5

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom Yahweh has set apart for himself” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 16:6

containers in which to burn incense

Numbers 16:7

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in Yahweh’s presence” (See: Idiom)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will set apart that man for himself” (See: Active or Passive)

This represents doing more than one should. Alternate translation: “You have done more than you should” or “You assume to have more authority than you should” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 16:9

Moses uses this question to rebuke Korah and the men with him. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You behave as though it is a small thing for you … to serve them!” or “You should not consider it a small thing … to serve them!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “not enough for you” or “unimportant to you”

Numbers 16:10

Wanting to have the priesthood is spoken of as if they were looking for it. Alternate translation: “you want to have the priesthood too” or “you want to be priests also” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 16:11

Moses uses this question to show them that when they complain about what Aaron does, they are really complaining against Yahweh, because Aaron was doing what Yahweh told him to do. Alternate translation: “You are not really complaining about Aaron, but about Yahweh, whom Aaron obeys!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 16:13

Dathan and Abiram use this question to rebuke Moses. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You behave as though it was a small thing for you to bring us … and kill us in the wilderness.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “not enough” or “unimportant”

מֵ⁠אֶ֨רֶץ זָבַ֤ת חָלָב֙ וּ⁠דְבַ֔שׁ

They spoke of the land being good for animals and plants as if the milk and honey from those animals and plants were flowing through the land. See how you translated this in Numbers 14:8. Alternate translation: “from a land that is excellent for raising livestock and growing crops” or “from a very fertile land” (See: Metaphor)

The people exaggerate because they will hold Moses responsible if any of them die. Alternate translation: “to have us die” (See: Hyperbole)

Numbers 16:14

They spoke of what God would give them to be theirs forever as if it were an inheritance. (See: Metaphor)

The people used this question to accuse Moses. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Now you want to blind us with empty promises.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Deceiving people is spoken of as making them blind. Alternate translation: “to deceive us” (See: Metaphor)

They speak of promises that are not kept as if they are empty containers. Alternate translation: “with promises that you do not keep” or “by promising to do things that you do not do” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 16:15

One donkey here represents anything that a person my take from someone else. Alternate translation: “I have not taken anything from them, not even one donkey” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 16:17

a container in which to burn incense

Numbers 16:21

Destroying them is spoken of as if God were to eat them. Alternate translation: “that I may destroy them” or “and I will destroy them” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 16:22

This shows that Moses and Aaron were humbling themselves before God. (See: Symbolic Action)

Here “spirits” represents the ability to live. Alternate translation: “the God who gives life to all humanity” (See: Metonymy)

Moses and Aaron use this question to plead with God for the people. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “please do not be angry with all the community because one man sins” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 16:26

Being destroyed is spoken of as if they would be eaten. Alternate translation: “you will be destroyed” (See: Metaphor)

Being destroyed because of their sins is spoken of as if the sins would destroy them. Alternate translation: “you will be destroyed because of all their sins” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all their sins will destroy you” or “Yahweh will destroy you because of all their sins” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 16:28

Here “this” refers to what Moses will say next.

Numbers 16:30

Moses speaks as if the earth were alive and the opening in the ground into which these people would fall were a large mouth that would eat them. Alternate translation: “and they fall into it and are buried underneath the ground” (See: Simile)

Numbers 16:32

Moses speaks of the earth as if it were alive, and the hole that the people fell into as if it were the earth’s mouth. Alternate translation: “The earth opened up like a large mouth, and they fell into it and were buried in it” or “There was a giant hole in the ground, and they fell into it and were buried in it” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 16:33

A similar phrase occurs in Numbers 16:30. See how you translated it there.

Numbers 16:34

“They” refers to “All Israel.”

The people speak of the earth as if it were alive. Alternate translation: “The earth might open up and we too will fall into it” or “If the earth opens up again, we too will fall into it and be buried” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 16:35

Being destroyed by fire is spoken of as if they were eaten by the fire. Alternate translation: “fire flashed out from Yahweh and destroyed the 250 men” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “two hundred and fifty men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 16:37

This refers to the flames that burned the 250 men.

Numbers 16:38

Losing their lives represents dying. Alternate translation: “those who died” (See: Metonymy)

Here “them” refers to the censers. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Let Eleazar make them” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “they” and “They” refer to the censers.

Numbers 16:39

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the men whom the fire had burned up had used” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 16:42

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

Alternate translation: “had assembled to complain against Moses and Aaron”

Here “behold” shows that the people were surprised by what they saw. Alternate translation: “suddenly, the cloud”

Numbers 16:45

God speaks of destroying them as if he would eat them. Alternate translation: “so that I may destroy them” or “and I will destroy them” (See: Metaphor)

This indicates that Moses and Aaron are humbling themselves before God. (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 16:46

Anger coming from God represents God showing his anger. Alternate translation: “Yahweh is showing us his anger” or “Yahweh is very angry and is acting according to his anger” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 16:47

Putting the incense in the censer here represents burning it. Alternate translation: “he burned the incense” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 16:48

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the plague stopped spreading” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 16:49

Alternate translation: “fourteen thousand seven hundred in number” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 17

Numbers 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Which tribe should be special workers for God?

God told Moses that each tribe should bring one wooden staff and leave it overnight at the temple. The next day Aaron’s staff representing the tribe of Levi bloomed and produced ripe almond nuts. This showed that the tribe of Levi was still the tribe chosen to be Yahweh’s priests. (See: chosen, choose, chosen people, Chosen One, elect and priest, priesthood)

Numbers 17:2

Alternate translation: “12” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 17:3

The name Levi here refers to the tribe of Levi.

Here “his” refers to “each leader.”

Numbers 17:4

The phrase “the covenant decrees” refers to the box that held the tablets that the covenant decrees were written on. Alternate translation: “the ark of the covenant” or “the box that holds the covenant decrees” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 17:5

Alternate translation: “buds will start to grow on the staff of the man whom I choose”

Here “complaints” is an abstract noun that can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “make the people of Israel stop complaining against you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 17:6

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom Moses selected from each of the ancestor’s tribes” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 17:7

The phrase “the covenant decrees” refers to the box that held the tablets that the covenant decrees were written on. Alternate translation: “the tent of the covenant box” or “the tent that the covenant decrees are in” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 17:8

The word “behold” here shows that something especially important has happened. You might have a similar word in your language.

Numbers 17:10

The word “complaints” is an abstract noun that can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “so that you may stop them from complaining against me” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This is what would happen if the people were to continue complaining. God wanted to prevent this. Alternate translation: “so that they will not die”

Numbers 17:12

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Numbers 18

Numbers 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Tithes and offerings

The tribes of Israel were required to bring a tithe to the Levites in order to free them to serve Yahweh as priests. There is a detailed description of what belonged to Yahweh in this chapter. (See: priest, priesthood)

Numbers 18:1

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all sins that anyone commits against the sanctuary” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all sins that anyone in the priesthood commits” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “any priest”

Numbers 18:3

Alternate translation: “They” refers to members of the tribe of Levi; the word “you” is singular and refers to Aaron. (See: Forms of You)

Here “they” refers to any member of the tribe of Levi who comes “near to anything in the sanctuary;” the word “you” is plural and refers to both Aaron and the rest of the Levites who are serving in approved roles. (See: Pronouns)

Numbers 18:4

Alternate translation: “They” refers to members of the tribe of Levi; the word “you” is singular and refers to Aaron. (See: Forms of You)

Here “you” is plural and refers to both Aaron and the rest of the Levites. (See: Forms of You)

Numbers 18:5

Here “you” is plural and refers to both Aaron and the rest of the Levites. (See: Forms of You)

This could mean: (1) this represents God being extremely angry with his people. Alternate translation: “so that I do not become very angry with the people of Israel again” or (2) this represents God punishing them because of his anger. Alternate translation: “so that I do not punish the people of Israel again” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 18:6

Yahweh appointing the Levites to help Aaron is spoken of as if they were a gift that Yahweh were giving to Aaron. Alternate translation: “They are like a gift to you” (See: Metaphor)

נְתֻנִים֙ לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה

Here, given to Yahweh represents being set apart to serve God. Alternate translation: “who have been set apart to serve me” (See: Metonymy)

נְתֻנִים֙ לַֽ⁠יהוָ֔ה

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which I have set apart for myself” or “and I have set them apart for myself” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 18:7

Here “you” and “your” are singular and refer to Aaron. Other occurrences of “you” and “your” are plural and refer to Aaron and his sons. (See: Forms of You)

Alternate translation: “do the work of priests”

Being inside the curtain represents being inside the room behind the curtain. Alternate translation: “everything in the room behind the curtain” (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Any foreigner who approaches must die” or “You must put to death any foreigner who approaches” (See: Active or Passive)

What they should not approach can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “who approaches the sacred things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 18:8

God speaks as if he had already done this because it is a decision that he had already made. Alternate translation: “I give these offerings to you”

A share is a portion of something that someone receives. Alternate translation: “as the portion that you will continually receive”

Numbers 18:9

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that you do not completely burn on the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 18:12

This refers to the first of the best oil, wine, and grain that they harvest.

Numbers 18:13

Being acceptable to God is spoken of as if they were clean. Alternate translation: “Everyone in your family who is acceptable to me” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 18:15

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Alternate translation: “Every firstborn male” (See: Parallelism)

The idiom “opens the womb” means to be the first male that a mother gives birth to. (See: Idiom)

Instead of sacrificing their firstborn sons, people had to pay the priests for their sons.

Numbers 18:16

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The people must buy them back when they become one month old” (See: Active or Passive)

Most likely this refers only to firstborn humans that must be bought back and not to firstborn unclean animals.

If it is necessary to use modern weight units, here are two ways of doing it. Alternate translation: “five pieces of silver … each of which equals ten grams” or “fifty grams of silver, using the standard weights that are used in the sanctuary” (See: Biblical Weight)

A shekel is a unit of weight. What was weighed can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “five shekels of silver” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

There were shekels of different weights. This is the one that people had to use in the sanctuary of the sacred tent. It weighed twenty gerahs, which was about 11 grams. (See: Biblical Weight)

Numbers 18:17

That he must kill the animals first can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “You must kill them and sprinkle their blood” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that you make by fire” or “that you burn with fire on the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

The Lord’s pleasure with the aroma represents his pleasure with the person who burns the offering. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh will be pleased with you” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 18:18

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the breast and the right thigh that you lift up as a gift to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 18:19

God speaks as if he had already done this because it is a decision that he had already made. Alternate translation: “I give to you”

A share is a portion of something that someone receives. Alternate translation: “as the portion that you will continually receive”

The two phrases refer to the same thing. Together they emphasize that the covenant will endure forever. Alternate translation: “an agreement forever” (See: Parallelism)

Salt represented permanence and was used in offerings and covenant meals. Alternate translation: “a permanent covenant” or “an everlasting covenant” (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 18:20

God speaks of the land that the other people will possess as if they will inherit it. Alternate translation: “You will not possess any of the people’s land” or “You will not receive any of the land that the Israelites will possess” (See: Metaphor)

God speaks of the great honor that Aaron and his descendants will have by serving him as priests as if God were something that they will inherit. Alternate translation: “Instead, I am what you will have” or “Instead, I will allow you to serve me and I will provide for you through that service” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 18:21

The word “look” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “indeed, I have given”

God speaks of what Aaron and his descendants will receive as if they will inherit it. Alternate translation: “as their portion of what I give to all Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 18:23

God speaks of the land that the other people of Israel will possess as if they will inherit it. The Levites would not receive any of the land. Alternate translation: “they must not have any of the land that the other people of Israel receive” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 18:24

God speaks of what Aaron and his descendants will receive as if they will inherit it. Alternate translation: “as their portion of what I give to all Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 18:26

The people of Israel would offer Yahweh a tenth of their crops and animals, and Yahweh would give that to the Levites.

God speaks of what Aaron and his descendants will receive as if they will inherit it. Alternate translation: “as your portion of what I give to all Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 18:27

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must consider your contribution” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 18:28

Here “his” refers to Yahweh. It was Yahweh’s contribution in the sense that they had to give it to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “you must give Aaron the priest the contribution that you owe Yahweh”

Numbers 18:29

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the people of Israel give to you” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 18:30

Alternate translation: “the best of what you have received from the people of Israel”

Numbers 18:31

The “gifts” are the offerings that the Israelites give to God and that the Levites receive from them.

Numbers 18:32

Alternate translation: “You will not be guilty when you eat and drink it”

Numbers 19

Numbers 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Ritually clean

This chapter talks about being clean. Some of these rituals were required to make a priest clean in order to set them apart to serve Yahweh. Other rituals were required because they prevented people from getting sick. (See: clean, wash)

Numbers 19:2

These two words share similar meanings. Alternate translation: “a statute of the law” or “a legal statute” (See: Doublet)

Here “you” is singular and refers to Moses.

These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that this animal is to have no imperfections. (See: Doublet)

Numbers 19:5

Alternate translation: “in his view” or “so he could see it”

Numbers 19:6

Alternate translation: “The priest” refers to Eleazar.

Alternate translation: “red wool”

Numbers 19:7

Here “he” refers to Eleazar the priest.

Being unacceptable to God or unfit to do any sacred work is spoken of as not being clean. (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 19:9

Being acceptable to God and fit to do sacred work is spoken of as being clean. (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must keep these ashes” (See: Active or Passive)

Being acceptable to God is spoken of as being clean. (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 19:10

Being unacceptable to God or unfit to do any sacred work is spoken of as not being clean. (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 19:11

The ideas of “clean” and “purify” represent being acceptable to God. The ideas of “unclean,” “defile,” “impurity,” and “uncleanness” represent not being acceptable to God. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “the dead body of any person”

Numbers 19:12

The person would ask someone who is clean to purify him by sprinkling on him some water mixed with the cows ashes. Asking someone to purify him is spoken of as if he were to purify himself. Alternate translation: “ask someone to purify him” (See: Metonymy)

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “he will be clean on the seventh day only if he purifies himself the third day” (See: Double Negatives)

Numbers 19:13

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֖וא מִ⁠יִּשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

Here the phrase be cut off means to be disowned and sent away. See how you translated this in Numbers 9:13. Alternate translation: “And that person must be sent away” or “And you must send that person away” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one sprinkled the water for impurity on him” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the water that is sprinkled on impure things to make them pure” or “the water for making things pure”

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and are combined for emphasis. (See: Parallelism)

Numbers 19:14

The idea of “unclean” represents not being acceptable to God or fit for use. (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 19:15

This can be stated in a positive form. Alternate translation: “Open containers will remain clean only if they have covers” (See: Double Negatives)

Numbers 19:16

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone whom someone else has killed with a sword” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 19:17

The idea of “unclean” represents not being acceptable to God or fit for use. (See: Metaphor)

The ideas of “clean” and “purify” here represent being acceptable to God. (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 19:20

The ideas of “clean” and “purify” represent being acceptable to God and making something acceptable to God. The ideas of “unclean,” “defile,” and “impurity,” represent not being acceptable to God, making something unacceptable to God, and the state of being unacceptable to God. (See: Metaphor))

וְ⁠נִכְרְתָ֛ה הַ⁠נֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַ⁠הִ֖וא

Here the phrase be cut off means to be disowned and sent away. See how you translated this in Numbers 9:13. Alternate translation: “that person must be sent away” or “you must send that person away” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “No one has sprinkled the water for impurity on him” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 19:21

See how you translated this in Numbers 19:13. Alternate translation: “the water that is sprinkled on impure things to make them pure” or “the water for making things pure”

Numbers 20

Numbers 20 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Moses’ sin

God told Moses to command water to come out of a rock for the people who were complaining that they had no water. Moses became angry with the people and hit the rock twice. God told him that he and Aaron would not be allowed to go into Canaan because he disobeyed by hitting the rock instead of just speaking to it. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

“It would have been better if we had died when our fellow Israelites died in front of Yahweh”

It is possible that this statement should be taken as hyperbole, but it does not have to be taken this way. The translator should probably avoid treating this as hyperbole. (See: Hyperbole)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Wilderness of Sin

Sin is the name of a place in this chapter. It is not a place that is known for its sin. The name is not related to the meaning of the word “sin.” (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)

Numbers 20:1

The word “Zin” here is the Hebrew name of the wilderness. (See: Copy or Borrow Words)

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It marks when God rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians. The first month is during the last part of March and the first part of April on the Western calendar. (See: Hebrew Months)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they buried her” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 20:2

Here “they” refers to the community.

Alternate translation: “came as a mob”

Numbers 20:3

This represents being in front of Yahweh’s tent. (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 20:4

The people of Israel continue to complain to Moses and Aaron.

The people use this question in order to complain against Moses and Aaron. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have brought Yahweh’s community into this wilderness to die here, we and our animals.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 20:5

The people use this question in order to complain against Moses and Aaron. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have made us leave Egypt to bring us to this horrible place.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 20:6

This indicates that Moses and Aaron are humbling themselves before God. (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 20:8

Here the people are represented by their “eyes” to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: “while they watch you” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 20:9

This represents Yahweh’s tent. Alternate translation: “from Yahweh’s tent” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 20:10

Moses asks this question out of frustration to rebuke the people for complaining. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You complain that there is no water. Well, we will make water come out of this rock.” or “You would not be happy even if we caused water to come out of this rock. But I will do it anyway.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here “we” refers to Moses and Aaron and may include Yahweh, but does not include the people. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Numbers 20:12

How Moses showed that he did not trust and honor God can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Because you did not trust me or honor me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, but struck the rock instead of speaking to it as I told you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here the people are represented by their “eyes” to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: “while the people of Israel were watching you” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 20:13

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People called this place” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 20:14

Moses uses this phrase to emphasize that the Israelites and the Edomites are related because their ancestors, Jacob and Esau, were brothers.

Numbers 20:16

Alternate translation: “When we prayed to Yahweh begging him to help us”

Here “voice” represents their crying or what they said to him. Alternate translation: “he heard our cry” or “he heard what we asked for” (See: Metonymy)

The word “look” here shows that they have stopped speaking about the past and are now speaking about their present situation.

Numbers 20:17

The messengers continue speaking to the king of Edom.

Here “turn aside” represents leaving the road. Alternate translation: “We will not leave the road in any direction” (See: Metonymy)

This is the main road that connects Damascus in the north to the Gulf of Aqabah in the south.

Numbers 20:18

לֹ֥א תַעֲבֹ֖ר בִּ֑⁠י פֶּן־ בַּ⁠חֶ֖רֶב אֵצֵ֥א לִ⁠קְרָאתֶֽ⁠ךָ

Here, You and you are singular and refer to Moses. (See: Forms of You)

לֹ֥א תַעֲבֹ֖ר בִּ֑⁠י פֶּן־ בַּ⁠חֶ֖רֶב אֵצֵ֥א לִ⁠קְרָאתֶֽ⁠ךָ

Here Moses represents the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “Your people may not pass through me, or i will go out to meet them with the sword” (See: Synecdoche)

Here the sword represents the king’s army. Alternate translation: “I will send my army” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 20:19

This phrase refers to the Israelite messengers.

This idiom means that they would simply travel through the area by walking. They would not come in chariots to attack the people of Edom. (See: Idiom)

Numbers 20:20

Here the hand represents the king’s powerful army. Alternate translation: “the king of Edom sent a strong army of many soldiers to attack Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 20:21

Here “their” refers to the Edomites.

Numbers 20:22

The phrase “the whole community” emphasizes that every person who was a part of “the people of Israel” was present, without exception. (See: Doublet)

Numbers 20:24

This is a gentle way to say that Aaron must die. It means that it is time for Aaron to die and for his spirit to go to the place where his ancestors are. Alternate translation: “Aaron must die” (See: Euphemism)

Alternate translation: “refused to do what I said”

Numbers 20:26

יֵאָסֵ֖ף וּ⁠מֵ֥ת שָֽׁם

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. They mean that it is time for Aaron to die and for his spirit to go to the place where his ancestors are. (See: Parallelism)

יֵאָסֵ֖ף

The phrase shall be gathered means that it is time for Aaron’s spirit to go to the place where his ancestors are. This is a polite way of speaking about his death. (See: Euphemism)

Numbers 20:29

Alternate translation: “30 days” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 21

Numbers 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 21:14-15, 17-18, 27-30.

Special concepts in this chapter

Ungrateful

The Israelites said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread, no water, and we hate this miserable food.” After all Yahweh had done, they were very ungrateful. This showed their lack of faith and trust in Yahweh. (See: faith and trust, trusted, trustworthy, trustworthiness)

Numbers 21:1

Here “he fought” means that his army fought. Alternate translation: “his army fought against Israel” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 21:2

This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “The people of Israel vowed” or “The Israelites made a vow” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 21:3

Here “listen” means that Yahweh did as they asked. Alternate translation: “did what Israel asked” (See: Metonymy)

Here “voice” is a metonym that refers to their request. Alternate translation: “what Israel asked” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “The people of Israel completely destroyed the Canaanite army and their cities”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They called that place Hormah” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 21:5

The people used this question in order to rebuke Moses. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not made us leave Egypt to die in the wilderness!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 21:7

Alternate translation: “we have said bad things about Yahweh and you”

The words “we” and “us” here refer to the people but not to Moses. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

Numbers 21:8

Since it is impossible for Moses to make a real snake, it is implied that he was to make a model of a snake. This implied information can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Make a model of a snake” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “everyone whom a snake bites” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 21:9

Alternate translation: “a snake out of bronze”

Here “he” refers to “any person” who was bitten by a snake.

Numbers 21:11

Here “faces” is an idiom that means “is across from” or “is next to.” Alternate translation: “that is next to Moab” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 21:13

This means that the two peoples lived on different sides of the river, which was a boundary between them. The Moabite people lived south of the river and the Amorites lived on the north.

Numbers 21:14

These are both names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 21:15

Alternate translation: “the valleys that go downhill to the town of Ar and lie along the border of Moab”

Numbers 21:16

This can be stated as two sentences. Alternate translation: “to Beer. There was a well there”

This can be stated as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “where Yahweh told Moses to gather the people together for him to give them water” (See: Direct and Indirect Quotations)

Numbers 21:17

עֲלִ֥י בְאֵ֖ר

Here, well represents the water in the well. Alternate translation: “Water, fill up the well” (See: Metonymy)

עֲלִ֥י בְאֵ֖ר

The Israelites are speaking to the water in the well as if it were a person who could hear them, and they are asking for it to fill the well. (See: Personification)

Numbers 21:18

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the role of the leaders in digging the well. (See: Parallelism)

A scepter was carried by those with authority, and the staff was carried by everyone. Neither of these are digging tools. These two items emphasize that they were not too proud to use any means available. Alternate translation: “using even their scepter and staffs” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 21:19

These are the names of places. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 21:20

This is the name of a mountain. (See: How to Translate Names)

וְ⁠נִשְׁקָ֖פָה עַל־ פְּנֵ֥י הַ⁠יְשִׁימֹֽן

Here, looking down is an idiom. It is a way of saying that the mountain is high. Alternate translation: “and rises above the wilderness” (See: Idiom)

וְ⁠נִשְׁקָ֖פָה עַל־ פְּנֵ֥י הַ⁠יְשִׁימֹֽן

This speaks of the mountain as if it were a person who looks down to see the wilderness below him. (See: Personification)

Numbers 21:21

Here “Israel” refers to the people of Israel, and especially to their leaders. Alternate translation: “Then the Israelites” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 21:22

Alternate translation: “We will not go into any of your fields or vineyards”

This is the main road that connects Damascus in the north to the Gulf of Aqabah in the south. See how you translated this in Numbers 20:17.

Numbers 21:23

Here “their” refers to the Amorites. Alternate translation: “to cross over their border”

This is the name of a place. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “he” refers to King Sihon who represents himself and his army. Alternate translation: “they fought against the Israelites” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 21:24

Here “Israel” refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “The Israelites attacked” (See: Metonymy)

The “edge of the sword” is associated with death and complete destruction. Alternate translation: “and completely defeated them” (See: Metonymy)

Here the word “their” refers to the Amorites. Alternate translation: “conquered the land of the Amorites”

The Israelites did not attack the Ammonites. Alternate translation: “was strongly defended”

Numbers 21:25

Here “its” is possessive to show that a relationship existed between the city of Heshbon and these nearby villages. Alternate translation: “Heshbon and the nearby villages that it controlled”

Numbers 21:26

Here “his” refers to the king of Moab.

Numbers 21:27

These are two names that refer to the same city. (See: Parallelism)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Let someone rebuild and establish again the city of Sihon” (See: Active or Passive)

These two terms are very similar and emphasize that the city will be fully rebuilt. Alternate translation: “completely rebuilt” (See: Doublet)

Numbers 21:28

כִּי־ אֵשׁ֙ יָֽצְאָ֣ה מֵֽ⁠חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן לֶהָבָ֖ה מִ⁠קִּרְיַ֣ת סִיחֹ֑ן

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize that destruction will begin at Heshbon. (See: Parallelism)

כִּי־ אֵשׁ֙ יָֽצְאָ֣ה מֵֽ⁠חֶשְׁבּ֔וֹן לֶהָבָ֖ה מִ⁠קִּרְיַ֣ת סִיחֹ֑ן

Here the destroying army is spoken of as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: “King Sihon led a strong army from the city of Heshbon” (See: Metaphor)

The army of Sihon is spoken of as if it was an animal that ate up the city of Ar. Alternate translation: “destroyed the town of Ar in the land of Moab” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 21:29

These two phrases refer to the same people. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “Chemosh” was the name of the false god whom the Moabites worshiped. Alternate translation: “the people who worship Chemosh”

Alternate translation: “He” and “his” refer to Chemosh.

Numbers 21:30

Here “we” refers to the Israelites who defeated Sihon.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We have devastated Heshbon” (See: Active or Passive)

אָבַ֥ד חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן עַד־ דִּיב֑וֹן…עַד־ נֹ֔פַח אֲשֶׁ֖רׄ עַד־ מֵֽידְבָֽא

Heshbon, Dibon, Nophah, and Medeba are all places in Sihon’s kingdom. (See: How to Translate Names)

אָבַ֥ד חֶשְׁבּ֖וֹן עַד־ דִּיב֑וֹן…עַד־ נֹ֔פַח אֲשֶׁ֖רׄ עַד־ מֵֽידְבָֽא

These places connected by as far as means the Israelites destroyed these places and everywhere in between—Sihon’s entire nation. (See: Merism)

Numbers 21:32

Alternate translation: “chased away”

Numbers 21:33

Alternate translation: “attacked them”

Numbers 21:34

The Israelites had completely destroyed Sihon. Alternate translation: “Destroy him like you destroyed Sihon king of the Amorites”

Numbers 21:35

Alternate translation: “So the army of Israel killed Og”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all of his people were dead” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “they took control of his land”

Numbers 22

Numbers 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The chapter begins a section on Balaam. The king of Moab wanted the prophet Balaam to come and curse Israel. God told him not to go but he wanted to go; so God told him to say only what God wanted him to say. Yahweh was able to use Balaam, even though he was not a prophet of Yahweh. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and curse, cursed, cursing)

Numbers 22:1

The Israelites were camped on the east side of the Jordan River. Jericho was on the west side of the river.

Numbers 22:2

Balak was king of Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Zippor is the father of Balak. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 22:3

These two phrases mean the same thing, and emphasize how afraid Moab was. (See: Parallelism)

Here “Moab” refers to the people of Moab. Alternate translation: “All of the Moabites were very afraid” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “because there were many of them”

Numbers 22:4

The Moabites and the Midianites were two different groups of people, but the Midianites were living in the land of Moab at that time.

The way the Israelites will destroy their enemies is spoken of as if they were an ox eating up the grass in a field. (See: Simile)

This changes from the main story to background information about Balak. (See: Background Information)

Numbers 22:5

Alternate translation: “Balak sent messengers”

This is the name of Balaam’s father. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “of Balaam’s nation and people”

Balak did not speak to Balaam directly, but did so through the messengers he sent. Alternate translation: “Balak called Balaam”

This is an exaggeration to emphasize how many of them there were. Alternate translation: “They are extremely numerous” (See: Hyperbole)

This refers to the surface of the earth. (See: Idiom)

Numbers 22:6

Alternate translation: “chase them”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I know you have the power to bless or to curse people” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 22:7

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word divination, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “money to pay Balaam to curse Israel” (See: Abstract Nouns)

You may prefer to say “They went to Balaam” (See: Go and Come)

Alternate translation: “told him the message from Balak”

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 22:8

Balaam’s report is spoken of as if it were something that he would carry to the messengers. Alternate translation: “I will tell you” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 22:9

Alternate translation: “God appeared to Balaam”

Yahweh uses a question to introduce a new topic of conversation. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me about these men who came to you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 22:10

These are the names of men. See how you translated these in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 22:11

Balaam restates the message that Balak sent to him. See how you translated these phrases in Numbers 22:5-6.

Alternate translation: “chase them away”

Numbers 22:12

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because I have blessed them” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 22:13

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 22:15

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 22:16

You may prefer to say “They went to Balaam” (See: Go and Come)

Numbers 22:17

The singular noun refers to the Israelites as a group. Alternate translation: “this group of people”

Numbers 22:18

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Balaam is describing something that would never happen. He is emphasizing that there is nothing that could make him disobey Yahweh. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

This means Balaam cannot disobey Yahweh in any way.

Numbers 22:21

A saddle is a seat put on the back of an animal in order to ride it.

Numbers 22:22

וַ⁠יִּֽחַר־ אַ֣ף אֱלֹהִים֮

This is an idiom that speaks of the increase in God’s anger as if his nose was starting to burn. Alternate translation: “And God became very angry” (See: Idiom)

Alternate translation: “as an enemy to Balaam” or “in order to stop Balaam”

Numbers 22:23

A sword is drawn from its sheath in order to be ready to use. Alternate translation: “with his sword ready to attack” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The donkey did this to avoid the angel of Yahweh.

Sometimes animals are referred to as “her” or “she.” Alternate translation: “to turn it back”

Numbers 22:25

This was an attempt to escape from the angel of Yahweh in the road.

Sometimes animals are referred to as “her” or “she.” Alternate translation: “It went”

Alternate translation: “pushed Balaam’s foot against it” or “hurt Balaam’s foot against it”

Numbers 22:27

וַ⁠יִּֽחַר־ אַ֣ף בִּלְעָ֔ם

This is an idiom that speaks of the increase in Balaam’s anger as if his nose was starting to burn. See how you translated a similar phrase in Numbers 22:22. Alternate translation: “And Balaam became very angry” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 22:28

Opening the mouth is associated with the ability to speak. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh gave the donkey the ability to speak like a human would speak” (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “The donkey said to Balaam”

Numbers 22:30

This rhetorical question was used to convict Balaam that his judgment of the donkey was unfair. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am your donkey on which you have ridden all your life, right up to the present moment.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This rhetorical question was used to further convict Balaam that his judgment of the donkey was unfair. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have never been in the habit of doing such things to you!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 22:31

To “open one’s eyes” is associated with being able to see. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh gave Balaam the ability to see the angel of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

A sword is drawn from its sheath in order to be ready to use. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:23. Alternate translation: “with his sword ready to attack” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This indicates that Balaam is humbling himself before the angel. (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 22:32

This rhetorical question is used to accuse Balaam of doing wrong. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not have struck your donkey these three times.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Alternate translation: “as an enemy to you” or “to oppose you”

Numbers 22:33

This hypothetical statement indicated what could have happened, but it did not because the donkey’s actions saved Balaam. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Numbers 22:34

Alternate translation: “So if you do not want me to continue going”

Numbers 22:35

See how you translated “Balak” in Numbers 22:2. Alternate translation: “with the leaders whom Balak had sent”

Numbers 22:36

This is the name of a river. See how you translated it in Numbers 21:13.

Numbers 22:37

This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Balaam for delaying to come. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely I sent men to summon you.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Balaam for delaying to come. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should have come to me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Balaam for delaying to come. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you know that I am able to pay you money for coming to me.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 22:38

Balaam uses this rhetorical question to tell Balak that he will not be able to do everything that Balak asks him to do. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “But I have no power to say anything I want” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The message is spoken of as if it is something that God put into his mouth. Alternate translation: “the message that God wants me to say” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 22:39

This is the name of a town. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 22:40

Alternate translation: “some of the meat from the sacrifices”

Numbers 22:41

This could mean: (1) this refers to the same place as Bamoth in Numbers 21:19. The word Bamoth means “the high place,” or (2) this is another high place where people sacrificed to Baal.

Numbers 23

Numbers 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Balaam continues in this chapter.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 23:7-10, 18-24.

Special concepts in this chapter

Cursing God’s people

God does not allow others to curse his people. Balaam blessed Israel twice when he was supposed to curse them. This may be taken as humor or an ironic situation. (See: curse, cursed, cursing and people of God)

Numbers 23:1

This is the king of Moab. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Alternate translation: “kill seven bulls and seven rams as a sacrifice”

Numbers 23:3

Alternate translation: “Stay here with your burnt offering and I will go a distance away”

Numbers 23:4

It has already been stated that he killed these animals as a burnt offering. Alternate translation: “I have killed a bull and a ram and burnt them as an offering” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 23:5

Here Yahweh giving Balaam a message to speak is spoken of as if Yahweh placed it in his mouth. Alternate translation: “Yahweh told Balaam what he wanted him to say to Balak” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 23:7

These phrases mean the same thing. (See: Parallelism)

Both of these statements mean the same thing. They emphasize that Balak wants Balaam to curse the people of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

Numbers 23:8

These rhetorical questions emphasize Balaam’s refusal to disobey God. They can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “But I cannot curse those whom God has not cursed. I cannot fight against those whom Yahweh does not fight!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 23:9

These two phrases mean the same thing. Balaam viewed Israel from the top of a hill. (See: Parallelism)

Here “him” is a metonym that refers to the people of Israel. (See: Metonymy)

Alternate translation: “there is a group of people”

This negative statement is used to stress that the opposite is true. Alternate translation: “they consider themselves to be a special nation” (See: Litotes)

Numbers 23:10

מִ֤י מָנָה֙ עֲפַ֣ר יַעֲקֹ֔ב וּ⁠מִסְפָּ֖ר אֶת־ רֹ֣בַע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

Here dust of Jacob is a metaphor that speaks of the number of Israelites as if they were as numerous as the specks of dust. (See: Metaphor)

מִ֤י מָנָה֙ עֲפַ֣ר יַעֲקֹ֔ב וּ⁠מִסְפָּ֖ר אֶת־ רֹ֣בַע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “There are too many Israelites to count. No one could count even a fourth of them because there are so many.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

It is understood that this will be a peaceful death. This can be stated. Alternate translation: “the peaceful death of a righteous person” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

These are metonymies that refer to the people of Israel as a single person. (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 23:11

This is the king of Moab. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Balak uses this question to scold Balaam. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot believe you did this to me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This emphasizes the shocking action that follows.

Numbers 23:12

Balaam uses this rhetorical question to defend his actions. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “I must be very careful to say only what Yahweh tells me to say.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

The message is spoken of as if it is something that God put into his mouth. See how you translated a similar phrase in Numbers 22:38. Alternate translation: “to say only what Yahweh wants me to say” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 23:13

Alternate translation: “There you will curse the Israelites for me”

Numbers 23:14

Translators may add a footnote that says: “The word ‘Zophim’ means ‘to watch’ or ‘to spy.’” (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a mountain. See how you translated this in Numbers 21:20. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 23:16

The message is spoken of as if it is something that God put into his mouth. See how you translated a similar phrase in Numbers 22:38. Alternate translation: “told him what to say” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh said”

Numbers 23:18

These two phrases mean the same thing and are repeated to emphasize how important it was for Balak to pay attention. (See: Parallelism)

See how you translated these names in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 23:19

הַ⁠ה֤וּא אָמַר֙ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַעֲשֶׂ֔ה וְ⁠דִבֶּ֖ר וְ⁠לֹ֥א יְקִימֶֽ⁠נָּה

Both of these clauses mean the same thing and emphasize that God does what he says he will. (See: Parallelism)

הַ⁠ה֤וּא אָמַר֙ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַעֲשֶׂ֔ה וְ⁠דִבֶּ֖ר וְ⁠לֹ֥א יְקִימֶֽ⁠נָּה

These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “He has never promised a thing without fulfilling what he promised. He has always done exactly what he said he would do.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 23:20

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has commanded me to bless the Israelites” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 23:21

These two phrases mean the same thing. This could mean: (1) God has given Israel only good things or (2) there is no sin in Israel that would cause him to judge them. (See: Parallelism)

Alternate translation: “they shout with joy because Yahweh is their king”

Numbers 23:22

This simile says that Yahweh’s great strength is equal to an ox. (See: Simile)

Numbers 23:23

כִּ֤י לֹא־ נַ֨חַשׁ֙ בְּ⁠יַעֲקֹ֔ב וְ⁠לֹא־ קֶ֖סֶם בְּ⁠יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

These two lines mean the same thing, that no curse that anyone puts on the nation of Israel will be effective. (See: Parallelism)

כִּ֤י לֹא־ נַ֨חַשׁ֙ בְּ⁠יַעֲקֹ֔ב וְ⁠לֹא־ קֶ֖סֶם בְּ⁠יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

Here Jacob is a metonym that refers to Israel. (See: Metonymy)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “people must say” (See: Active or Passive)

It is implied that what God did for them was good. Alternate translation: “Look at the good things God has done for them!”

Numbers 23:24

This verse is a long metaphor that speaks of Israel defeating her enemies as if Israel was a lion devouring its prey. (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 23:25

This is the king of Moab. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 23:26

Balaam uses this rhetorical question to remind Balak that Balaam refused to disobey God even before he came to Balak. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I told you before that I must say all that Yahweh tells me to say.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 23:28

It is understood that this wilderness was where Israel was camped. Alternate translation: “which looks down on the wilderness where Israel was” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 24

Numbers 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Balaam continues in this chapter.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 24:3-9, 15-24.

Special concepts in this chapter

Cursing God’s people

God does not allow others to curse his people. Balaam blesses Israel again and the king is angry and sends him home. This may be taken as humor or an ironic situation. (See: curse, cursed, cursing and people of God)

Numbers 24:1

Alternate translation: “like he did the previous times”

Numbers 24:2

Here “raised his eyes” is an idiom that means to look up. Alternate translation: “He looked up” (See: Idiom)

This mean’s God’s Spirit took control of him to prophesy.

Numbers 24:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave him this prophecy” (See: Active or Passive)

Beor was Balaam’s father. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:5.

This idiom means he sees and understands clearly. (See: Idiom)

Numbers 24:4

Here Balaam refers to himself as “He.” (See: First, Second or Third Person)

This is an act of humility. (See: Symbolic Action)

Here “eyes open” is an idiom that means Balaam has received the ability to know what God wants to say. (See: Idiom)

Numbers 24:5

Both of these statements mean the same thing. They emphasize the Israelite camp was beautiful to Balaam. (See: Parallelism)

Numbers 24:6

Balaam speaks of the Israelies as if they were numerous enough to cover entire valleys. (See: Simile)

Balaam speaks of the Israelies as if they were well-watered gardens that produce an abundant harvest. (See: Simile)

כַּ⁠אֲהָלִים֙ נָטַ֣ע יְהוָ֔ה

Aloes are plants with a pleasant smell that grow well even in dry conditions. (See: Translate Unknowns)

כַּ⁠אֲהָלִים֙ נָטַ֣ע יְהוָ֔ה

Balaam speaks of the Israelites as if they would thrive and be pleasant like aloe plants. (See: Simile)

Cedar trees were the largest trees in Israel. Balaam speaks of the Israelies as if they grew as large as well-watered cedar trees. (See: Simile)

Numbers 24:7

Abundant water is associated with God’s blessing on the crops of the land. Alternate translation: “God will bless Israel with plenty of water for their crops” (See: Metonymy)

Well-watered seed refers to God’s blessing on his people so that they will have abundant crops. Alternate translation: “they will have plenty of water for their seed to grow healthy crops” (See: Metonymy)

These two phrases have similar meaning, emphasizing how much God will bless them compared to other nations. (See: Parallelism)

וְ⁠יָרֹ֤ם מֵֽ⁠אֲגַג֙ מַלְכּ֔⁠וֹ

Here higher refers to having greater honor and power. This means the future king of Israel will have more honor and will be more powerful than Agag. (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠יָרֹ֤ם מֵֽ⁠אֲגַג֙ מַלְכּ֔⁠וֹ

Agag was king of the Amalekites. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “other people will give honor to their kingdom” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 24:8

Alternate translation: “God brings the Israelites”

This simile emphasizes that the Israelites have great strength. (See: Simile)

Balaam speaks of the Israelites as if they are wild animals that eat their enemies. This means they will destroy their enemies. (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 24:9

Balaam finishes the prophecy under the control of the Spirit of God.

In this simile, Balaam compares the Israelites to both male and female lions. This means they are dangerous and always ready to attack. (See: Simile)

Balaam uses a question to warn all the people to not provoke the Israelites. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one dares to disturb him!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May God bless those who bless the Israelites; may he curse those who curse the Israelites” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 24:10

וַ⁠יִּֽחַר־ אַ֤ף בָּלָק֙

This is an idiom that speaks of the increase in Balak’s anger as if his nose was starting to burn. Alternate translation: “And Balak became very angry” (See: Idiom)

This was a sign of great frustration and anger. (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 24:13

Balaam is describing something that would never happen. This statement emphasizes that there is nothing that would make Balaam disobey God. (See: Hypothetical Situations)

Balaam uses a question to remind Balak about what he said earlier. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. “Alternate translation: I said this to them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 24:14

Alternate translation: “the Israelites”

Numbers 24:15

Beor was Balaam’s father. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:5.

This idiom means he sees and understands clearly. See how you translated this in Numbers 24:3. (See: Idiom)

Numbers 24:16

The abstract term “knowledge” can be stated as an action. Alternate translation: “who knows things that God Most High has revealed to him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

This is a sign of submission to God. (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 24:17

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Balaam is having a vision of a future event. The word “him” refers to a future leader of Israel. (See: Parallelism)

Here “star” refers to an Israelite king that will rise in power. (See: Symbolic Language)

Here “Jacob” refers to the descendants of Jacob. Alternate translation: “from among the descendants of Jacob” (See: Metonymy)

This means the same thing as the first part of the sentence. Here “scepter” refers to a powerful king. (See: Parallelism)

Here “Israel” refers to future Israelites. Alternate translation: “from among the Israelites in the future” (See: Metonymy)

This could mean: (1) he will break the heads of the leaders of Moab or (2) he will destroy the leaders of Moab.

This also refers to the Moabites, who were descendants of Seth.

Numbers 24:18

Balaam finishes the first of his four prophecies.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The Israelites will occupy Edom” (See: Active or Passive)

וְ⁠הָיָ֧ה יְרֵשָׁ֛ה שֵׂעִ֖יר

Here Seir refers to the people who lived near Mount Seir.Alternate translation: “and the people of Seir will become a possession” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠הָיָ֧ה יְרֵשָׁ֛ה שֵׂעִ֖יר

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Israel will also conquer the people of Seir” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 24:19

Jacob was the ancestor of the Israelites. “Jacob” is a metonym that refers to the whole people group. (See: Metonymy)

This refers to the city of Ar where Balak met Balaam. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 24:20

A singular pronoun is used because the Amalekites are spoken of as a single person. (See: First, Second or Third Person)

Numbers 24:21

This is the name of a people group who descended from Kain. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “The place were you live is well defended”

This is a metaphor that means that they live in a secure place. Alternate translation: “your location is as secure as a nest high in the rocks” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 24:22

Here the destruction of the Kenites is spoken of as if they were burned up in a fire. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless the Assyrians will destroy you Kenites like a fire, and take you away as captives” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 24:23

If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one will survive when God does this!” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 24:24

This is the name of a city on an island in the Mediterranean Sea. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “God will destroy them also” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 24:25

This is the king of Moab. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:2.

Numbers 25

Numbers 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The story of Balaam concludes in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Foreign women

Balaam told the young women from Moab to act friendly to the Israelite men and invite them to feasts in honor of their god Baal. The men went to the feasts and worshiped Baal. God was angry and killed 24,000 Israelite men. Foreign women are often the source of problems in Israel. They caused the men to worship their false gods. (See: god, false god, goddess, idol, idolater, idolatrous, idolatry)

Numbers 25:1

This is the name of a place in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 25:2

This was an act of worship. (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 25:3

Peor was the name of a mountain. See how you translated this in Numbers 23:28.

וַ⁠יִּֽחַר־ אַ֥ף יְהוָ֖ה

This is an idiom that speaks of the increase in Yahweh’s anger as if his nose was starting to burn. See how you translated a similar phrase in Numbers 21:20. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh became very angry” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 25:4

It is implied that this refers to the leaders who were guilty of idolatry. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “all the leaders of the people who are guilty of idolatry” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This means that the leaders of Israel will kill these people and leave their dead bodies out where all the people can see them.

Numbers 25:5

Alternate translation: “to Israel’s leaders who were not guilty of idolatry”

Peor was the name of a mountain. See how you translated this in Numbers 23:28.

Numbers 25:6

It is implied that he brought her among his camp to have sex with her. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “brought a Midianite woman to the Israelite camp to sleep with her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here “in the sight of” is an idiom that means they heard about it, or found out about it. (See: Idiom)

Numbers 25:7

This is the name of Aaron’s son. See how you translated it in Numbers 3:2.

Numbers 25:8

Alternate translation: “Phinehas followed”

Numbers 25:11

Yahweh begins to speak to Moses.

God’s rage is spoken of as if it were something that could be physically pushed aside in order to stop it. Alternate translation: “caused me to no longer be angry with the people of Israel” (See: Metaphor)

God is spoken of as if he were a fierce animal that could have eaten up the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “I have not destroyed the people of Israel in my terrible anger” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 25:13

This is the end of Yahweh’s speech that begins in verse 11.

Numbers 25:14

This switches from the main story line to background information about Zimri and Kozbi. (See: Background Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom Phinehas killed” (See: Active or Passive)

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 25:15

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 25:18

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word deceitfulness, you could express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “by deceiving you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Alternate translation: “They persuaded you to do this evil thing”

Both of these phrases mean that these things happened at Mount Peor.

Peor was the name of a mountain. See how you translated this in Numbers 23:28.

Numbers 26

Numbers 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines in 26:12-17, 20-26, 29-32, 35, 38-39, 44-45, 48-49, 57-58 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are long lists.

The people are counted in preparation for entering into the Promised Land. (See: Promised Land)

Special concepts in this chapter

A new generation

None of the adults who came out of Egypt with Moses were still alive except the two faithful spies, Joshua and Caleb. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Numbers 26:2

They were only to count the men, not the women. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Count all the men of the community” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “20 years old and older” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:3

Alternate translation: “spoke to the Israelite leaders”

A plain is a large flat area of land.

Numbers 26:4

Alternate translation: “20 years old and older” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:5

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here “Israel” refers to the man also known as Jacob.

The word “his” refers to Rueben.

Numbers 26:7

Alternate translation: “forty-three thousand seven hundred and thirty men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:8

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 16:1.

Numbers 26:9

See how you translated these men’s names in Numbers 16:1.

Numbers 26:10

Here the earth is spoken of as if it were a person opening its mouth and eating something. Alternate translation: “Yahweh caused the earth to split open, and the men fell in the hole” (See: Personification)

Here the fire is spoken of as if it were a large animal devouring something. Alternate translation: “Yahweh caused a fire that killed 250 men” (See: Personification)

Alternate translation: “two hundred and fifty men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:11

Alternate translation: “all of Korah’s family”

Alternate translation: “end”

Numbers 26:12

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:14

Alternate translation: “twenty-two thousand two hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:15

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:18

Alternate translation: “forty thousand five hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:19

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:22

Alternate translation: “seventy-six thousand five hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:23

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:25

Alternate translation: “sixty-four thousand three hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:26

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:27

Alternate translation: “sixty thousand five hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:28

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:30

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:33

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:34

Alternate translation: “fifty-two thousand seven hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:35

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:37

Alternate translation: “thirty-two thousand five hundred men” (See: Numbers)

The word “these” refers to all of the men descended from Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “These were Joseph’s descendants, descended from his sons Manasseh and Ephraim, counted” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 26:38

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:41

Alternate translation: “forty-five thousand six hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:42

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:43

Alternate translation: “sixty-four thousand four hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:44

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:47

Alternate translation: “fifty-three thousand four hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:48

The leaders of Israel are counting the men, 20 years old and older, according to their tribes and families. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 26:50

Alternate translation: “forty-five thousand four hundred men” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:51

Alternate translation: “the total number”

Alternate translation: “six-hundred and one thousand, seven hundred and thirty” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 26:53

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must divide the land” (See: Active or Passive)

This refers to all of the men that were counted in their clans, beginning in Numbers 26:5.

Alternate translation: “by the number of people in each clan”

Numbers 26:54

In this passage, the word “inheritance” refers to land inherited. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “give more land as an inheritance” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom the leaders of Israel counted” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 26:55

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must divide the land” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “by casting lots”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will divide it” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 26:56

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and you must distribute the land to them” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 26:57

This is a list of the Levite clans. Moses counts the Levites separately from the other tribes because they did not receive any land. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that the leaders also counted clan by clan” (See: Active or Passive)

See how you translated these men’s names in Numbers 3:17.

Numbers 26:58

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 3:19.

Numbers 26:59

See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 3:19.

Alternate translation: “She and Amram had children”

Numbers 26:60

See how you translated these men’s names in Numbers 3:2.

Numbers 26:61

Here the word “fire” is used to refer to “burning incense.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Numbers 3:4. Alternate translation: “they burned an incense offering to Yahweh in a way that he did not approve of” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 26:62

שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִים֙ אֶ֔לֶף

Alternate translation: “twenty-three thousand” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “one month old and older”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but the leaders did not count them” (See: Active or Passive)

כִּ֠י לֹא־ נִתַּ֤ן לָ⁠הֶם֙ נַחֲלָ֔ה בְּ⁠ת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

Here, inheritance refers to land they inherited. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “because land in the midst of the sons of Israel was not given to them” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

כִּ֠י לֹא־ נִתַּ֤ן לָ⁠הֶם֙ נַחֲלָ֔ה בְּ⁠ת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh said they would not receive any land as an inheritance” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 26:63

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “whom Moses and Eleazar the priest counted” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 26:64

Alternate translation: “there were no men”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when they counted the descendants of Israel” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 26:65

The word “them” refers to all of the people who were counted in the wilderness of Sinai. This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “The only ones who were still alive were” (See: Double Negatives)

Jephunneh was Caleb’s father. See how you translated this in Numbers 13:6.

Nun was Joshua’s father. See how you translated this in Numbers 11:28.

Numbers 27

Numbers 27 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Daughters

The daughters of Korah received no land because their father was punished by Yahweh. Yahweh still graciously gave them their father’s portion of land. (See: grace, gracious)

The new leader is Joshua

God told Moses to appoint Joshua as the new leader. Joshua became Yahweh’s anointed leader. (See: appoint, appointed and anoint, anointed, anointing)

Numbers 27:1

This tells us the genealogy of Zelophehad. Alternate translation: “Then the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher son of Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh, of the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph came to Moses”

See how you translated these men’s names in Numbers 26:33.

See how you translated these men’s names in Numbers 26:29.

Numbers 27:2

Alternate translation: “The daughters of Zelophehad stood”

Numbers 27:3

The people in the company of Korah gathered together and rebelled against Yahweh. Yahweh caused them to die, because of their sin. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “who died because they were among Korah’s followers who rebelled against Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “because of his own sin”

Numbers 27:4

At that time, only sons received land as an inheritance. The daughters use this question to suggest that they should receive the inheritance and continue the family clan. This can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not remove our father’s name from the clan members just because he did not have a son.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

This means that they are asking to inherit land near where their father’s relatives are inheriting land. The meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Give us land where our father’s relatives live” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 27:7

This means that they will be inherit land where their father’s relatives are inheriting land. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “where their father’s relatives live” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 27:11

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “be a law that all the people of Israel must obey” (See: Active or Passive)

Here “me” refers to Moses.

Numbers 27:12

This is a range of mountains in Moab. (See: How to Translate Names)

Here Yahweh speaks about the land that his is giving the Israel as if he has already given it to them. He speaks this way to emphasize that his committed to give it to them. Alternate translation: “that I will give to the people of Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 27:13

This is a euphemism that means Moses will die and his spirit will go to the place where his ancestors are. Alternate translation: “you must die” (See: Euphemism)

You can make clear the understood information that Aaron died. Alternate translation: “like your older brother Aaron died” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 27:14

This refers to Moses and Aaron.

See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 13:21.

This refers to an event when Yahweh made water miraculously flow out of a rock. God told Moses to speak to the rock. Instead, Moses hit the rock because he was angry with the people. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “you did not treat me as holy”

Here the people of the people are represented by their “eyes” to emphasize what they saw. Alternate translation: “in front of the whole community” (See: Synecdoche)

See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 20:13.

Numbers 27:16

This could mean: (1) here “spirits” refers to all people.” Alternate translation: “the God over all of humanity” or (2) the reference to “spirits” refers to God having given life and breath to all people. Alternate translation: “the God who gives breath to all people” or “the God who give life to all humanity” (See: Synecdoche)

To be “over” a group of people means to have authority to lead them. Alternate translation: “a man to lead the community” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 27:17

This is an idiom that means a person who will lead all the people and also lead the army into battle. (See: Idiom)

This is a simile that means without a leader the people will wander and be helpless. (See: Simile)

Numbers 27:18

Yahweh’s Spirit is in Joshua, meaning that Joshua obeys Yahweh and follows his commands.

This is a sign of dedicating someone to God’s service. Alternate translation: “lay your hand on him to appoint him” (See: Symbolic Action)

Numbers 27:19

Here the people are represented by their “eyes” to emphasize what they see. Alternate translation: “in front of all of them command Joshua to lead the people of Israel” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 27:20

Here Yahweh speaks of Moses giving some of his authority to Joshua as if it were an article of clothing that he could put on him. Alternate translation: “You should give him some of your authority” or “Let him decide what the people should do” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 27:21

This was a sacred stone that the High Priest wore on his chest plate. He used it to determine God’s will. (See: Translate Unknowns)

This means that Joshua will have authority to command the movements of the community of Israel. “Going out” and “coming in” are two opposite commands used to emphasize that he will have full command over their movements. Alternate translation: “He will command the community’s movements” (See: Merism)

Both of these phrases mean the same thing, and they are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “both he and the entire nation of Israel” (See: Parallelism)

Numbers 27:22

Alternate translation: “told him to stand in front of”

Numbers 27:23

Alternate translation: “He” refers to Moses, and “him” refers to Joshua.

The laying on of hands was a way of setting a person apart to do a special task for God. (See: Symbolic Action)

You can make clear the understood information to lead the people. Alternate translation: “to lead the people” or “to be the leader of the Israelites” (See: Ellipsis)

Here “him” refers to Moses.

Numbers 28

Numbers 28 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Offerings for special days

God commanded the Israelites to make special offerings for Sabbaths, new months, Passover and firstfruits. On each of these occasions, specific sacrifices were required. (See: Sabbath and Passover and firstfruits)

Numbers 28:2

Alternate translation: “at the times that I haven chosen”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the food offerings that you will burn on the altar produce” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “a smell I enjoy”

Numbers 28:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “the burnt offering” or “the offering you have burned by fire on the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 28:5

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “which you have mixed with” (See: Active or Passive)

וַ⁠עֲשִׂירִ֧ית הָ⁠אֵיפָ֛ה

A tenth means one part out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

וַ⁠עֲשִׂירִ֧ית הָ⁠אֵיפָ֛ה

You can express this in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “2 liters of” or “a tenth of an ephah (which is about 2 liters) of” (See: Biblical Volume)

רְבִיעִ֥ת הַ⁠הִֽין

One fourth means one part out of four equal parts. (See: Fractions)

רְבִיעִ֥ת הַ⁠הִֽין

You can express this in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “a liter of” or “one-fourth of a hin (which is almost 1 liter) of” (See: Biblical Volume)

This refers to oil that has been pressed out of olives. Alternate translation: “pressed oil” or “pure olive oil”

Numbers 28:6

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh commanded at Mount Sinai” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 28:7

רְבִיעִ֣ת הַ⁠הִ֔ין

The fourth means one part out of four equal parts. (See: Fractions)

רְבִיעִ֣ת הַ⁠הִ֔ין

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “shall be a liter” or “shall be one-fourth of a hin (which is almost 1 liter)” (See: Biblical Volume)

This sentence describes the drink offering that is to accompany the lamb. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “It must be a drink offering of strong drink and you must pour it out in the holy place to Yahweh” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 28:8

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “like the one you offered” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 28:9

וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֣י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים סֹ֧לֶת

The two-tenths means two parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֣י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים סֹ֧לֶת

The words “of an ephah” are understood and you may state them clearly. Alternate translation: “and two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour” (See: Ellipsis)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which you have mixed with oil” (See: Active or Passive)

Many offerings had a drink offering that was required to be offered with them. The full meaning of the can be made clear. Alternate translation: “the drink offering that accompanies it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 28:12

וּ⁠שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים סֹ֤לֶת

The three-tenths means three parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

וּ⁠שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים סֹ֤לֶת

The words “of an ephah” are understood and you may state them clearly. Alternate translation: “and three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour” (See: Ellipsis)

וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֣י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים סֹ֤לֶת

The two-tenths means two parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֣י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים סֹ֤לֶת

The words “of an ephah” are understood and you may state them clearly. Alternate translation: “and two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour” (See: Ellipsis)

וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֣י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים סֹ֤לֶת

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “and four and a half liters of fine flour” or “and two-tenths of an ephah (which is about 4.5 liters) of fine flour” (See: Biblical Volume)

Numbers 28:13

וְ⁠עִשָּׂרֹ֣ן עִשָּׂר֗וֹן סֹ֤לֶת

A tenth means one part out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

וְ⁠עִשָּׂרֹ֣ן עִשָּׂר֗וֹן סֹ֤לֶת

The words “of an ephah” are understood and you may state them clearly. Alternate translation: “and a tenth of an ephah of fine flour” (See: Ellipsis)

וְ⁠עִשָּׂרֹ֣ן עִשָּׂר֗וֹן סֹ֤לֶת

You can express this in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “2 liters of fine flour” (See: Biblical Volume)

Numbers 28:14

חֲצִ֣י הַ⁠הִין֩

A half means one part out of two equal parts. (See: Fractions)

חֲצִ֣י הַ⁠הִין֩

You can express this in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “two liters of” or “half a hin (which is two liters) of” (See: Biblical Volume)

וּ⁠שְׁלִישִׁ֧ת הַ⁠הִ֣ין

A third means one part out of three equal parts. (See: Fractions)

וּ⁠שְׁלִישִׁ֧ת הַ⁠הִ֣ין

You can express in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “1.2 liters of” or “one and one-fifth liters of” or “half a hin (which is 1.2 liters) of” (See: Biblical Volume)

וּ⁠רְבִיעִ֥ת הַ⁠הִ֛ין

A fourth means one part out of four equal parts. (See: Fractions)

וּ⁠רְבִיעִ֥ת הַ⁠הִ֛ין

You can express this in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “a liter” or “one-fourth of a hin (which is almost 1 liter)” (See: Biblical Volume)

Numbers 28:15

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must offer one male goat to Yahweh as a sin offering” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 28:16

וּ⁠בַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָ⁠רִאשׁ֗וֹן בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר י֖וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֑דֶשׁ

This refers to the first month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: Hebrew Months)

Alternate translation: “you must celebrate Yahweh’s Passover”

Numbers 28:17

וּ⁠בַ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר י֛וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ⁠זֶּ֖ה

This refers to the first month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: Hebrew Months)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “you must have a feast” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “you must eat bread without yeast” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 28:18

בַּ⁠יּ֥וֹם הָ⁠רִאשׁ֖וֹן

This refers to the first day of the feast. You can state this clearly. Alternate translation: “On day 1 of the feast” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The phrase “a holy assembly” means the people gather together to worship Yahweh. Worshiping Yahweh is a holy event. Alternate translation: “you must gather together to worship and honor Yahweh”

Numbers 28:19

The idea of “burnt” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you must burn an offering on the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 28:20

שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים

The **three-tenths” means three parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים

The words “of an ephah” are understood and you may state them clearly. Alternate translation: “three-tenths of an ephah” (See: Ellipsis)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים

You can express this in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “six liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֧י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֛ים

The two-tenths means two parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֧י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֛ים

The words “of an ephah of fine flour” are understood from the previous phrase. You can repeat them here. Alternate translation: “two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour” (See: Ellipsis)

וּ⁠שְׁנֵ֧י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֛ים

You can express this in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “four and a half liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

Numbers 28:21

עִשָּׂר֤וֹן עִשָּׂרוֹן֙

A tenth means one part out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

עִשָּׂר֤וֹן עִשָּׂרוֹן֙

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “2 liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

עִשָּׂר֤וֹן עִשָּׂרוֹן֙

The words “of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil” are understood and you may state them clearly. Alternate translation: “One-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 28:22

The phrase “make atonement” can be expressed with the verb “atone.” Alternate translation: “to atone” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 28:23

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which Yahweh requires each morning” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 28:24

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “As I, Yahweh, have described here” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must burn the food offering on the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “as a sweet aroma for Yahweh”

Numbers 28:25

The phrase “a holy assembly” means the people gather together to worship Yahweh. Worshiping Yahweh is a holy event. Alternate translation: “gather together to worship and honor Yahweh”

Numbers 28:26

This refers to the day during the Festival of Weeks when they offer the grain offering to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “the day of the firstfruits, that is the day”

The phrase “a holy assembly” means the people gather together to worship Yahweh. Worshiping Yahweh is a holy event. Alternate translation: “gather together to worship and honor Yahweh”

Numbers 28:28

בְּלוּלָ֣ה בַ⁠שָּׁ֑מֶן

שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙

The three-tenths means three parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “six liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

שְׁנֵי֙ עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים

The two-tenths means two parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

שְׁנֵי֙ עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “four and a half liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

שְׁנֵי֙ עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים

The words “of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil” are understood from the previous phrase and can be repeated. Alternate translation: “two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour (which is about 4.5 liters) mixed with oil” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 28:29

עִשָּׂרוֹן֙ עִשָּׂר֔וֹן

A tenth means one part out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

עִשָּׂרוֹן֙ עִשָּׂר֔וֹן

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “2 liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “fine flour which you mix with oil” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 28:30

The word “atonement” can be expressed with the verb “atone.” Alternate translation: “to atone” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 28:31

This refers to the drink offerings that are required to accompany each of the animals when they are sacrificed. Alternate translation: “the drink offerings that are offered with them” or “the drink offerings that accompany them” (See: Possession)

Numbers 29

Numbers 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the material from the previous chapter about offerings on specific days.

Numbers 29:1

Yahweh continues telling Moses what the people must do.

וּ⁠בַ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֜י בְּ⁠אֶחָ֣ד לַ⁠חֹ֗דֶשׁ

This refers to the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. Alternate translation: “And on day 1 of month 7” (See: Hebrew Months)

The phrase “a holy assembly” means the people gather together to worship Yahweh. Worshiping Yahweh is a holy event. Alternate translation: “gather together to worship and honor Yahweh”

The word “you” refers to the people of Israel who here represent the priests. The priests blew the trumpet to begin a worship service or to gather the community together. Alternate translation: “It will be a day when the priests blow trumpets” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 29:3

This refers to the grain offerings that are required to accompany each of the animals when they are sacrificed. Alternate translation: “the grain offerings that are offered with them” or “the grain offerings that accompany them” (See: Possession)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙

The three-tenths means three parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “six liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙

The phrase “of fine flour mixed with oil” is understood from the previous phrase and can be repeated. Alternate translation: “three-tenths of an ephah (which is about six liters) of fine flour mixed with oil” (See: Ellipsis)

שְׁנֵ֥י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֖ים

The two-tenths means two parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

שְׁנֵ֥י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֖ים

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “four and a half liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

שְׁנֵ֥י עֶשְׂרֹנִ֖ים

The phrase “of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil” is understood from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “two-tenths of an ephah (which is about 4.5 liters) of fine flour mixed with oil” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 29:4

וְ⁠עִשָּׂר֣וֹן אֶחָ֔ד

The one-tenth means one part out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

וְ⁠עִשָּׂר֣וֹן אֶחָ֔ד

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “2 liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

וְ⁠עִשָּׂר֣וֹן אֶחָ֔ד

The phrase “of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil” is understood from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “a tenth of an ephah (which is about 2 liters) of fine flour mixed with oil” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 29:5

The word “atonement” can be expressed with the verb “atone.” Alternate translation: “to atone” (See: Abstract Nouns)

Numbers 29:6

This is the offering that is made on the first day of each month. Alternate translation: “of each month—the special burnt offering … with it”

This refers to the offerings the priests were to give every day. The grain offering and drink offering were to be offered with the regular burnt offering. Alternate translation: “the regular burnt offering, with the grain offering and drink offerings that accompany it” (See: Possession)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you will obey Yahweh’s decree” or “you will obey what Yahweh had decreed” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “an offering you burnt on the altar to Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 29:7

וּ⁠בֶ⁠עָשׂוֹר֩ לַ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֜י הַ⁠זֶּ֗ה

Alternate translation: “And on day 10 of month 7” (See:Ordinal Numbers)

וּ⁠בֶ⁠עָשׂוֹר֩ לַ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֜י הַ⁠זֶּ֗ה

The word month refers to those in the Hebrew calendar. (See: Hebrew Months)

The phrase “a holy assembly” means the people gather together to worship Yahweh. Worshiping Yahweh is a holy event. Alternate translation: “gather together to worship and honor Yahweh”

Numbers 29:9

שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙

The three-tenths means three parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “six liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙

The words “of an ephah” are understood from earlier in the verse. Alternate translation: “three-tenths of an ephah (which is about six liters) ” (See: Ellipsis)

שְׁנֵי֙ עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים

The two-tenths means two parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

שְׁנֵי֙ עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “four and a half liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

שְׁנֵי֙ עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים

The words “of an ephah” are understood from earlier in the verse. They can be repeated here. Alternate translation: “two-tenths of an ephah (which is about 4.5 liters)” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 29:10

עִשָּׂרוֹן֙ עִשָּׂר֔וֹן

The tenth means one part out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

עִשָּׂרוֹן֙ עִשָּׂר֔וֹן

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “2 liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

עִשָּׂרוֹן֙ עִשָּׂר֔וֹן

The words “of an ephah” are understood and you may state them clearly. Alternate translation: “a tenth of an ephah (which is about 2 liters)” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 29:11

The word “atonement” can be expressed with the verb “atone.” Alternate translation: “that atones for you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

The grain offering was to be offered with the burnt offering. The drink offerings were to be offered with both the sin offering and the burnt offering. Alternate translation: “along with the grain offering and the drink offerings that accompany them” (See: Possession)

Numbers 29:12

וּ⁠בַ⁠חֲמִשָּׁה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֜וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֗י

Alternate translation: “day 15 of month 7” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

וּ⁠בַ⁠חֲמִשָּׁה֩ עָשָׂ֨ר י֜וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֗י

The word month refer to those in the Hebrew calendar. (See: Hebrew Months)

The phrase “a holy assembly” means the people gather together to worship Yahweh. Worshiping Yahweh is a holy event. Alternate translation: “gather together to worship and honor Yahweh”

This is an idiom. Here the word “keep” means to observe or celebrate. The word “him” refers to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “you must observe the festival for Yahweh” or “you must celebrate the festival for Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 29:13

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “you must burn it on the altar” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “13 young bulls, 2 rams, and 14 male lambs” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 29:14

שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים

The three-tenths means three parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “six liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

שְׁלֹשָׁ֨ה עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים

The phrase “an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil” is understood from earlier in the sentence and can be repeated. Alternate translation: “three-tenths of an ephah (which is about six liters) of fine flour mixed with oil” (See: Ellipsis)

Alternate translation: “13 bulls” (See: Numbers)

שְׁנֵ֤י עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙

The two-tenths means two parts out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

שְׁנֵ֤י עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “four and a half liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

שְׁנֵ֤י עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙

The phrase “of an ephah of fine flour” is understood from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “two-tenths of an ephah (which is about 4.5 liters) of fine flour mixed with oil” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 29:15

Alternate translation: “14 lambs” (See: Numbers)

וְ⁠עִשָּׂרׄוֹן֙ עִשָּׂר֔וֹן

The tenth means one part out of ten equal parts. (See: Fractions)

וְ⁠עִשָּׂרׄוֹן֙ עִשָּׂר֔וֹן

This can be written in modern measurements. Alternate translation: “two liters” (See: Biblical Volume)

וְ⁠עִשָּׂרׄוֹן֙ עִשָּׂר֔וֹן

The phrase “of fine flour” is understood from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “a tenth of an ephah (which is about 2 liters) of fine flour mixed with oil” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 29:16

The grain offering and drink offering accompany the regular burnt offering.

Numbers 29:17

Here the word “assembly” refers to the Festival of Weeks. Alternate translation: “On day 2 of the festival” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “12 young bulls, 2 rams, and 14 male lambs” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 29:18

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “as Yahweh commanded” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 29:19

The grain offering was to be offered with the burnt offering. Drink offerings were to be offered with both the sin offering and the burnt offering. Alternate translation: “along with the grain offering and the drink offerings that accompany them” (See: Possession)

Numbers 29:20

Here the word “assembly” refers to the Festival of Weeks. Alternate translation: “day 3 of the festival” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “11 bulls, 2 rams, and 14 male lambs” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 29:21

Numbers 29:22

Numbers 29:23

Here the word “assembly” refers to the Festival of Weeks. Alternate translation: “day 4 of the festival” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “14 male lambs” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 29:24

Numbers 29:25

Numbers 29:26

Here the word “assembly” refers to the Festival of Weeks. Alternate translation: “day 5 of the festival” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “14 male lambs” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 29:27

Numbers 29:28

Numbers 29:29

Here the word “assembly” refers to the Festival of Weeks. Alternate translation: “day 6 of the festival” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “14 male lambs” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 29:30

Numbers 29:31

Numbers 29:32

Here the word “assembly” refers to the Festival of Weeks. Alternate translation: “day 7 of the festival” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

Alternate translation: “14 male lambs” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 29:33

Numbers 29:34

Numbers 29:35

Yahweh tells Moses what the people must do after the seven-day festival in the seventh month.

This “eighth” is the ordinal number for eight. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

This is another assembly similar to the one on the first day of the festival. Alternate translation: “gather together again to worship Yahweh”

Numbers 29:36

Numbers 29:37

These offerings were to be offered with the bull, the ram, and the lambs. Alternate translation: “the grain offerings and the drink offerings” (See: Possession)

Numbers 29:38

Numbers 29:39

Alternate translation: “These offerings are what you must offer”

These are festivals that occurred at regularly scheduled times. The word “fixed” means “set” or “predetermined.” Alternate translation: “planned festivals”

Numbers 30

Numbers 30 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Vows

Because a vow is a type of promise, men must do what they have vowed to do. A father or a husband has one day in which to cancel a woman’s vow. Otherwise, she must do what she vowed she would do. (See: vow and promise, promised)

Numbers 30:2

The words “a man” refer to any man, not one particular man. It refers only to men and does not include women. Alternate translation: “any man”

Here Moses speaks of a person promising to do something as if his promise were a physical object that he ties to himself. Alternate translation: “committing to fulfill a promise” or “promising to do something” (See: Metaphor)

These two sentences have similar meanings and are combined to emphasize that he must fulfill his promises. Here “word” is a metonym that refers to what he said. (See: Parallelism)

לֹ֥א יַחֵ֖ל דְּבָר֑⁠וֹ

The phrase his word refers to a man’s oaths and vows. Alternate translation: “he must fulfill his promises” (See: Metaphor)

Here the word “mouth” is a metonym for the things that the man says. Alternate translation: “to do everything that he says he will do” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 30:3

Here Moses speaks of a woman promising to do something as if her promise were a physical object that she ties to herself. Alternate translation: “commits herself to fulfilling a promise” or “promises to do something” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 30:4

These two phrases have very similar meanings. They emphasize what she has promised to do. Alternate translation: “the vow” (See: Doublet)

Here Moses speaks of how a woman has committed herself to fulfilling a promise as if her promise were a physical object that she had bound to her body. Alternate translation: “that she has committed herself to fulfill” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “he does not cancel what she has said”

This is an idiom. It means that her vows will remain in effect and that she will be required to fulfill them. Alternate translation: “she will be obligated to fulfill” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 30:5

These two phrases have very similar meanings. They emphasize what she has promised to do. Alternate translation: “her vows” (See: Doublet)

This is an idiom. It means that her vows will remain in effect and she will be required to fulfill them. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 30:4. Alternate translation: “she will be obligated to fulfill” (See: Idiom)

This refers to Yahweh forgiving her for not fulfilling her vows. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will forgive her for not fulfilling her vows” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 30:6

something done without thinking

Here Moses speaks of how a woman has committed herself to fulfilling a promise as if her promise were a physical object that she had bound to her body. Alternate translation: “which she has committed herself to fulfill” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 30:7

You may need to specify that he says nothing to her about her vow. Alternate translation: “says nothing to her about her vow” or “does not tell her to have Yahweh release her from the vow” (See: Ellipsis)

This is an idiom. It means that her vows will remain in effect and that she will be required to fulfill them. Alternate translation: “she will be obligated to fulfill” See how this is translated in Numbers 30:4. (See: Idiom)

Numbers 30:8

These two phrases refer to the same thing. The second phrase describes the vow that the woman made. Alternate translation: “the vow that she has made … that is, the rash talk of her lips” (See: Parallelism)

The phrase “the rash talk” refers to the rash promise that she made. Here “her lips” means the woman herself. She is referred to as “her lips” because lips are related to what she says. Alternate translation: “the rash things she has said” or “her rash promise” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 30:9

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a woman whom a man has divorced” (See: Active or Passive)

This is an idiom. It means that her vows will remain in effect and she will be required to fulfill them. See how you translated a similar phrase in Numbers 30:4. Alternate translation: “she will be obligated to fulfill” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 30:10

This refers to a married woman. You can make the meaning of this statement clear. Alternate translation: “If a married woman makes a vow” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 30:11

This is an idiom. The phrase “will stand” means that her vows will remain in effect and she will be required to fulfill them. See how you translated a similar phrase in Numbers 30:4. Alternate translation: “then she must fulfill all her vows” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 30:12

Here what the woman said is referred to as something that came out of her lips. Alternate translation: “then whatever she said” (See: Metonymy)

This is an idiom. It means that her vows will not remain in effect and she will be not required to fulfill them. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 30:4. Alternate translation: “she will not be obligated to fulfill” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 30:13

an oath by which the woman says that unless she fulfills the oath, God or other poeple have the right to afflict her

Numbers 30:14

Moses describes a woman’s promises as if they were something that she is physically bound by. Alternate translation: “obligations” or “promises” (See: Metaphor)

You can make clear the understood information. Alternate translation: “because he has said nothing to her about them” (See: Ellipsis)

Numbers 30:15

This means that he will be guilty of her sin instead of her if she does not fulfill her vow. The full meaning of this statement can be made clear. Alternate translation: “if she does not fulfill her vow, she will not be guilty of her sin, and he will be guilty instead of her” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 31

Numbers 31 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Midianites

Israel killed the Midianites, including Balaam, for tempting them to worship Baal. This battle was at Yahweh’s command. Yahweh would bring justice. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Numbers 31:2

Yahweh was punishing the Midianites for convincing the Israelites to worship idols.

תֵּאָסֵ֥ף אֶל־ עַמֶּֽי⁠ךָ

This is a polite way to emphasize that it is time for Moses to die and for his spirit to go to the place where his ancestors are. (See: Euphemism)

Numbers 31:3

Alternate translation: “Give weapons to some of your men”

Alternate translation: “go fight a war against the Midianites and punish them for what they did to us”

Numbers 31:4

Alternate translation: “1,000” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:5

Alternate translation: “12,000” (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “the thousands of Israel’s men”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “every tribe sent 1,000 men to war” (See: Active or Passive)

All 12 tribes sent men, including the tribe of Levi. Each tribe sent 1,000 men into battle. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 31:8

These are names of kings of Midian. (See: How to Translate Names)

Beor was Balaam’s father. See how you translated this in Numbers 22:5.

Numbers 31:9

Alternate translation: “They took the Midianites’ possessions as their own”

Numbers 31:10

Alternate translation: “Israel’s army burned all the Midianites’ cities where the Midianites lived and all the Midianites’ camps”

Numbers 31:11

Alternate translation: “The army of Israel took”

This refers to the material goods they recovered from killing the Midianite men.

Numbers 31:12

a large area of flat land

Numbers 31:14

This could mean: (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders and captains led. Alternate translation: “the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and the captains of 100 soldiers” or (2) the words translated as “thousands” and “hundreds” do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: “the commanders of large military divisions and the captains of smaller military divisions” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:15

The law was explicit on who would be permitted to live. The army violated the law by allowing all the women and children to live. This was a rebuke to the army leaders. (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 31:16

This word is used here to draw the audience’s attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 31:17

Alternate translation: “has had sexual relations with a man” (See: Euphemism)

Numbers 31:18

Moses speaks to the commanders of the Israelite army about becoming clean before God.

This refers to girls who were virgins. Alternate translation: “who have not had sexual relations with any man” (See: Euphemism)

Numbers 31:19

Moses is referring to anyone who fought in battle, not just the commanders.

They must become spiritually clean again before entering the camp.

Numbers 31:20

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “everything that someone has made of animal hide, goats’ hair, or wood” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 31:21

Eleazar teaches the soldiers the customs of becoming ceremonially clean before Yahweh after going to war.

Numbers 31:22

metals that were used during that time period

Numbers 31:23

Alternate translation: “that will not burn”

Alternate translation: “put it into the fire”

This refers to water that someone has mixed with ashes from a sin offering. See: Numbers 19:17-19.

Numbers 31:24

These are the customs of becoming ceremonially clean before Yahweh.

Numbers 31:26

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Count all of the possessions that the soldiers took” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “the leaders of each clan”

Numbers 31:28

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Collect a tax from the soldiers’ plunder and give it to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “every 500” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:29

Alternate translation: “from the soldiers’ half”

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “which he will present to me” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 31:30

Alternate translation: “Also from the people of Israel’s half of the plunder”

those who oversee and maintain the tabernacle and sacrifices to Yahweh

Numbers 31:32

This word is used here to mark a break in the main teaching. Here Moses begins listing the amount of plunder and how much went to the soldiers, to the people, and to Yahweh.

Alternate translation: “six hundred and seventy-five thousand sheep” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:33

Alternate translation: “72,000 oxen” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:34

Alternate translation: “61,000 donkeys” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:35

Alternate translation: “32,000 women” (See: Numbers)

This refers to women who are virgins. Alternate translation: “women who had no had sexual relations with a man” (See: Euphemism)

Numbers 31:36

Moses is listing the plunder that goes to the soldiers and the tax that goes to Yahweh. (See: Numbers)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The soldiers’ part of the sheep” (See: Active or Passive)

Alternate translation: “three hundred and thirty-seven thousand sheep” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:37

Alternate translation: “was six hundred and seventy-five” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:38

36,000 (See: Numbers)

72 (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:39

Moses is listing the plunder that goes to the soldiers and the tax that goes to Yahweh. (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “were thirty thousand five hundred” (See: Numbers)

61 (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:40

16,000 (See: Numbers)

32 (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:41

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to be an offering to Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 31:42

Moses is listing the plunder that goes to the people and the tax that goes to Yahweh. (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:43

Alternate translation: “three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:44

36,000 oxen (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:46

וְ⁠נֶ֣פֶשׁ אָדָ֔ם שִׁשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר אָֽלֶף

You can state this number in words. Alternate translation: “and sixteen thousand human lives” (See: Numbers)

וְ⁠נֶ֣פֶשׁ אָדָ֔ם שִׁשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר אָֽלֶף

It has been stated earlier that all the males and the married women captives were put to death. Alternate translation: “and 16,000 women” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 31:47

Moses is listing the plunder that goes to the people and the tax that goes to Yahweh. (See: Numbers)

The tax on the people’s portion was higher than the tax on the soldiers’ portion.

Numbers 31:48

This could mean: (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders and captains led. Alternate translation: “the commanders over 1,000 soldiers and the captains over 100 soldiers” or (2) the words translated as “thousands” and “hundreds” do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: “the commanders over large military divisions and the captains over smaller military divisions” See how you translated a similar phrase in Numbers 31:14. (See: Numbers)

Numbers 31:49

The commanders refer to themselves as “your servants.” This is a polite way to speak to someone with greater authority.

This can be stated in a positive statement. “we know for certain that every man is here” (See: Litotes)

Numbers 31:50

The officers of the army continue speaking to Moses.

These are all types of jewelry that people wore.

Alternate translation: “to thank God for saving our lives”

Numbers 31:51

Alternate translation: “all the articles of gold” or “all the golden jewelry”

Numbers 31:52

Alternate translation: “All the gold of the offering that the commanders of thousands and the captains of hundreds gave to Yahweh weighed”

This could mean: (1) these numbers represent the exact amount of soldiers that these commanders and captains led. Alternate translation: “from the commanders of 1,000 soldiers and from the captains of 100 soldiers” or (2) the words translated as “thousands” and “hundreds” do not represent exact numbers, but are the names of larger and smaller military divisions. Alternate translation: “from the commanders of large military divisions and from the captains of smaller military divisions” See how you translated a similar phrase in Numbers 31:14. (See: Numbers)

Alternate translation: “sixteen thousand, seven hundred and fifty” (See: Numbers)

A shekel is 11 grams. (See: Biblical Money)

Numbers 31:54

The gold will remind the people that Yahweh gave them victory. It will also remind Yahweh that the people fulfilled his revenge on the Midianites.

Numbers 32

Numbers 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Reuben and Gad’s inheritance

Reuben and Gad were given the land conquered east of the Jordan River. This land had good pastures, and suited these tribes because they had many sheep, goats and cattle. They had not yet entered into the Promised Land, and it would have been sinful to not fight with the rest of Israel. So they promised to enter the land to fight with the other tribes, and then return to their own land. (See: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and Promised Land and promise, promised)

Numbers 32:1

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Moses tells background information about the tribes of Reuben and Gad. (See: Background Information)

Numbers 32:3

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 32:4

The people from Reuben and Gad continue speaking to Moses, Eleazar, and the other leaders.

Yahweh enabling the Israelites to conquer the people who lived in the land is spoken of as if Yahweh went before the Israelites and attacked the people. Alternate translation: “the lands where Yahweh enabled us to defeat the people living there” (See: Metaphor)

The people of the tribes of Reuben and Gad refer to themselves in this way to show respect to a person of higher authority.

Numbers 32:5

אִם־ מָצָ֤אנוּ חֵן֙ בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֔י⁠ךָ

Here, eyes are a metonym for sight. Alternate translation: “If we have found favor in your sight” (See: Metonymy)

אִם־ מָצָ֤אנוּ חֵן֙ בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֔י⁠ךָ

Here, found favor is an idiom that means be approved of or that the leaders are pleased with them. Alternate translation: “If you are pleased with us” (See: Idiom)

אִם־ מָצָ֤אנוּ חֵן֙ בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֔י⁠ךָ

Here, for Moses to see with his eyes is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “If we have found favor with you” (See: Metaphor)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “give this land to us” (See: Active or Passive)

They wanted the land on the east side of the Jordan River instead of crossing over to the west side and claiming land there. Alternate translation: “Do not make us cross over the Jordan to take possession of land on that side” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Numbers 32:6

Moses asks this question to rebuke the people from the tribes of Gad and Reuben. Alternate translation: “It is wrong for you to settle down in this land while your brothers go to war.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Numbers 32:7

Moses asks this question to correct the people from the tribes of Gad and Reuben. Alternate translation: “Do not discourage the hearts … the land that Yahweh has given them.” or “Your actions would discourage the hearts … the land that Yahweh has given them.” (See: Rhetorical Question)

Here the word “hearts” represents the people themselves and refers to the seat of their emotions. Alternate translation: “discourage the people of Israel from going” or “cause the people of Israel to not want to go” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 32:9

This is the name of a place. See how you translated this in Numbers 13:23. (See: How to Translate Names)

This refers to seeing what was in the land. Alternate translation: “They saw the strong people and cities in the land” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Here the word “hearts” represents the people themselves and refers to the seat of their emotions. See how you translated this in Numbers 32:7. Alternate translation: “discouraged the people of Israel” (See: Synecdoche)

Numbers 32:10

וַ⁠יִּֽחַר־ אַ֥ף יְהוָ֖ה

Yahweh becoming angry is spoken of as if his nose begins to burn. Alternate translation: “Yahweh became very angry” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 32:11

This phrase refers to both men and women. Alternate translation: “none of the people”

Alternate translation: “20 years old or older” (See: Numbers)

Being devoted to Yahweh and obeying him are spoken of as if they were following Yahweh. Alternate translation: “completely obeyed me” or “been completely devoted to me” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 32:12

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a people group. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 32:13

וַ⁠יִּֽחַר־ אַ֤ף יְהוָה֙ בְּ⁠יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

Yahweh becoming angry is spoken of as if his nose begins to burn. Alternate translation: “Yahweh became very angry with Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “40 years” (See: Numbers)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he destroyed all the generation … sight” or “all the generation … sight had died” (See: Active or Passive)

Being in someone’s sight means to be in front of that person where he can see. Alternate translation: “who had done evil before Yahweh” or “who had done evil in Yahweh’s presence” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 32:14

The people of Reuben and Gad acting like their ancestors did is spoken of as if they were standing in the place where their ancestors did. Alternate translation: “you have begun to act just like your ancestors” (See: Metaphor)

The people causing Yahweh to become angrier is spoken of as if his anger was a fire and the people are adding more fuel to that fire. Alternate translation: “to cause Yahweh to be even more angry with Israel” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 32:15

Alternate translation: “this entire people” or “all this generation of people”

Numbers 32:17

Alternate translation: “will be ready with weapons” or “will be ready to fight a war”

Alternate translation: “in the secured cities”

Numbers 32:18

The leaders of Gad and Reuben continue speaking.

The land that the people were to receive as a permanent possession is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they were to obtain. Alternate translation: “has taken possession of his portion of the land” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 32:20

Alternate translation: “if you take your weapons”

This means Yahweh will go with them to battle and enable them to defeat their enemy and take their land. Alternate translation: “in the presence of Yahweh” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 32:21

The pronouns here all refer to Yahweh. Yahweh enabling the Israelites to defeat their enemies is spoken of as if Yahweh were fighting their battles. Alternate translation: “until Yahweh has enabled your soldiers to defeat the enemy and force them away from his presence” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 32:22

וְ⁠נִכְבְּשָׁ֨ה הָ⁠אָ֜רֶץ לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י יְהוָה֙

Here, land refers to the people who live there. Alternate translation: “and the people of the land are subdued before the face of Yahweh” (See: Metonymy)

וְ⁠נִכְבְּשָׁ֨ה הָ⁠אָ֜רֶץ לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י יְהוָה֙

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the Israelites have subdued the people who live in the land before Yahweh” (See: Active or Passive)

It is implied that they will return to the east side of the Jordan. Alternate translation: “you may return to this land on the east side of the Jordan” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

This could mean: (1) “You will have fulfilled your obligation to Yahweh and to Israel” or (2) “There will be nothing for which Yahweh or the people of Israel can blame you.”

Numbers 32:23

Moses speaks of sin as if it were a person who will condemn the guilty person. This means that the people cannot escape the punishment that their sin deserves. Alternate translation: “Know for sure that Yahweh will punish you for your sin” (See: Personification)

Numbers 32:25

The people of Gad and Reuben refer to themselves as “your servants.” This is a polite way of speaking to someone with greater authority.

Numbers 32:27

You can make it clear that they will cross over the Jordan. Alternate translation: “will cross over the Jordan River” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “every man prepared for war”

Numbers 32:29

Alternate translation: “every man who is ready with his weapon”

Here the word “land” refers to the people who live there. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if Yahweh subdues before you the people living in the land” or “if they help you subdue the people living in the land” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 32:30

Alternate translation: “then the descendants of Gad and Reuben will receive land with you in Canaan”

Numbers 32:32

You can make it clear that they will cross the Jordan. Alternate translation: “We will cross over the Jordan ready to fight” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

The land that the people were to receive as a permanent possession is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they were to obtain. Alternate translation: “the portion of land that we will possess” (See: Metaphor)

This idiom refers to ownership. Alternate translation: “will be ours” (See: Idiom)

Numbers 32:33

סִיחֹן֙…ע֖וֹג

Sihon and Og are names of kings who ruled two separate kingdoms. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 32:34

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 32:35

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 32:36

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 32:37

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 32:38

These are names of cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people later changed the names of these cities” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 32:39

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in Numbers 26:29.

Numbers 32:41

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 32:42

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 33

Numbers 33 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter is a summary of Israel’s exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land, including their wandering through the desert. The phrase “they set out” means “they left.”

Numbers 33:1

This means that each tribe had their own men, who were armed, to protect them. See how you translated “armed groups” in Numbers 1:3. Alternate translation: “by their military divisions”

Numbers 33:2

Alternate translation: “from one place to another place”

Numbers 33:3

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

בַּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָֽ⁠רִאשׁ֔וֹן בַּ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר י֖וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָ⁠רִאשׁ֑וֹן

Here, first is the ordinal number one. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

בַּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָֽ⁠רִאשׁ֔וֹן בַּ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר י֖וֹם לַ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָ⁠רִאשׁ֑וֹן

This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The fifteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months)

Alternate translation: “the Israelites left in plain view of the Egyptians”

Numbers 33:4

This refers to the firstborn sons. Alternate translation: “their firstborn sons” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Yahweh proving that he is more powerful than all of the false gods that the Egyptians worshiped is spoken of as if Yahweh punished those false gods. Alternate translation: “he also proved that he is greater than their gods” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 33:5

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “departed from”

Numbers 33:6

Alternate translation: “on the border of the wilderness”

Numbers 33:8

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

This refers to when Yahweh divided the Red Sea so that the Israelites could escape from the Egyptian army.

Numbers 33:9

Alternate translation: “12 springs…70 palm trees” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 33:11

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 33:14

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “where the people could not find water to drink” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 33:15

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 33:19

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 33:23

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 33:27

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 33:31

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 33:35

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 33:38

Here “fortieth” is the ordinal number for forty. Alternate translation: “40 years after” (See: Ordinal Numbers)

בַּ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ⁠חֲמִישִׁ֖י בְּ⁠אֶחָ֥ד לַ⁠חֹֽדֶשׁ

Here, fifth is the ordinal number for five. (See: Ordinal Numbers)

בַּ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הַ⁠חֲמִישִׁ֖י בְּ⁠אֶחָ֥ד לַ⁠חֹֽדֶשׁ

This is the fifth month of the Hebrew calendar. The first day is near the middle of July on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months)

Numbers 33:39

Alternate translation: “one hundred and twenty-three years old” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 33:40

Alternate translation: “The Canaanite king of Arad”

This was the name of a Canaanite city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Alternate translation: “heard that the people of Israel were coming”

Numbers 33:41

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 33:44

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 33:47

Moses lists the places the Israelites went after they left Egypt. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 33:48

a large area of flat land

Numbers 33:52

Alternate translation: “destroy all of their high places”

Numbers 33:54

The Israelites claiming the land as their permanent possession is spoken of as if they were inheriting the land. (See: Metaphor)

Alternate translation: “Each clan will receive the land according to how the lot falls”

Numbers 33:55

Just like a small object in a person’s eye or a small thorn that sticks into a person skin can cause great irritation, so even a small portion of the Canaanites, if left in the land, would cause great trouble for the Israelites. (See: Simile)

Numbers 34

Numbers 34 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines in 34:19-28 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are long lists.

Special concepts in this chapter

The boundaries

Moses told them all of the land they would inherit and live in and said that they should divide it up by casting lots. (See: inherit, inheritance, heir)

Numbers 34:3

See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 33:12.

Numbers 34:7

See how you translated this name in Numbers 20:22.

Numbers 34:13

This means the remaining tribes of Israel who will live on the west side of the Jordan River in the land of Canaan. The tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh had already received their land on the east side of the Jordan River.

Numbers 34:14

Alternate translation: “according to how Yahweh assigned the property to their ancestor’s tribe”

Numbers 34:15

Alternate translation: “The tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh”

Numbers 34:17

Here “your” is plural and refers to the people of Israel. These men will cast lots to divide the land. Then they will distribute it to the tribes. (See: Forms of You)

Numbers 34:19

This is the list of men who will help divide the land among the tribes. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 34:27

This concludes the list of men who will help divide the land among the tribes. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 35

Numbers 35 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter continues the material from the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Revenge

Yahweh told Moses to establish safe places for people who accidentally killed other people. This prevented revenge killings. Justice is an important concept in this chapter. (See: avenge, avenger, revenge, vengeance and just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification)

Numbers 35:1

a large area of flat land

Numbers 35:2

Yahweh did not give the Levites their own land, so they had to live in cities that belonged to other tribes.

an area of land where animals feed on grass

Numbers 35:4

אֶ֥לֶף אַמָּ֖ה

You can state this number in words. Alternate translation: “one thousand cubits” (See: Numbers)

אֶ֥לֶף אַמָּ֖ה

If it is necessary to use modern distance units, here is a way of doing it. Alternate translation: “457 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Numbers 35:5

אַלְפַּ֪יִם בָּֽ⁠אַמָּ֟ה…אַלְפַּ֨יִם בָּ⁠אַמָּ֜ה…אַלְפַּ֣יִם בָּֽ⁠אַמָּ֗ה

You can state these numbers in words. Alternate translation: “two thousand cubits … two thousand cubits … two thousand cubits” (See: Numbers)

אַלְפַּ֪יִם בָּֽ⁠אַמָּ֟ה…אַלְפַּ֨יִם בָּ⁠אַמָּ֜ה…אַלְפַּ֣יִם בָּֽ⁠אַמָּ֗ה

You can state this in modern measurements. A cubit is 46 centimeters. Alternate translation: “920 meters … 920 meters … 920 meters” (See: Biblical Distance)

Numbers 35:6

This refers to people who have killed someone, but it had not yet been determined whether they killed the person intentionally or accidentally.

Alternate translation: “42” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 35:7

Alternate translation: “48” (See: Numbers)

Numbers 35:11

accidentally or without wanting to or trying to

Numbers 35:12

This refers to a close relative that seeks vengeance by killing the accused man.

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “so that no one will kill the accused man before the community is able to judge him in court” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 35:16

מ֥וֹת יוּמַ֖ת הָ⁠רֹצֵֽחַ

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You must certainly execute the one who murders another person” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 35:19

Here the word “blood” is a metonym for the murder. Alternate translation: “The one who avenges the murder” or “The relative seeking vengeance” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 35:22

Alternate translation: “without planning it out of hate ahead of time”

Someone intentionally seeking a way to harm another person is spoken of as if someone were hiding in order to ambush that other person. Alternate translation: “without intentionally having tried to harm the victim” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 35:24

Here the word “blood” is a metonym for the murder. See how you translated this phrase in Numbers 35:19. Alternate translation: “the one who avenges the murder” or “the relative seeking vengeance” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 35:25

This means if the community judges that the death was accidental then they must save the accused man from the relative who wants to kill him. If the community judges that the death was not accidental, then the relative must execute the accused man. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the one you anointed with holy oil” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 35:27

Here the word “blood” is a metonym for the murder. See how you translated these words in Numbers 35:19. Alternate translation: “the one who avenges the murder” or “the relative seeking vengeance” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 35:29

Alternate translation: “and all of your descendants who will live after you”

Numbers 35:30

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone must execute the murderer” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “according to the testimony of witnesses” or “as witnesses testify to the murder” (See: Active or Passive)

The testimony of one witness is not enough to execute a person for murder. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But the word of only one witness is not enough for you to execute a person” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 35:31

מ֖וֹת יוּמָֽת

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you must execute him” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 35:32

This implied that the man would have left the city of refuge and returned home. Alternate translation: “You must not … allow him to leave the city of refuge and return home to live on his own property” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Alternate translation: “by accepting a ransom”

Numbers 35:33

Making the land unacceptable to Yahweh is spoken of as if it were physically polluting the land. Alternate translation: “Do not make the land where you live unacceptable to me in this way, because blood from murder makes the land unacceptable to me” (See: Metaphor)

This means by disobeying the laws concerning a person who kills someone.

This refers to when a person intentionally kills another person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When someone has shed blood in the land, only the execution of the murderer can make atonement for the land” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 36

Numbers 36 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Female heirs

Women who inherited land from their father must marry men from their tribe so the inheritance does not leave the tribe. (See: inherit, inheritance, heir)

Numbers 36:1

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 26:29. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 36:2

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh commanded you” (See: Active or Passive)

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this man’s name in Numbers 26:33. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 36:3

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will no longer belong to our ancestor’s share” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It will belong to” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it will no longer be a part of our inheritance” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 36:4

This refers to a celebration which happens once every fifty years. In this celebration, all land that someone sold or traded must return to the original owner. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “their share will belong” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they will take our tribe’s share of the land” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 36:5

Alternate translation: “according to what Yahweh said”

Numbers 36:6

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Let them marry whom they want” (See: Active or Passive)

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but they may only marry someone from their father’s tribe” (See: Active or Passive)

Numbers 36:7

The word “share” represents the portion of land that each tribe received as an inheritance. Alternate translation: “No portion of the land” (See: Metonymy)

Numbers 36:8

Alternate translation: “who owns a share of land in her tribe”

The land that each clan possesses is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received. (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 36:9

Transferring ownership from one tribe to another is spoken of as if the property passed from one person’s hands to another person’s hands. Alternate translation: “No one may transfer the ownership of any share of land from one tribe to another” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 36:11

See how you translated these women’s names in Numbers 26:33. (See: How to Translate Names)

Numbers 36:12

The land that each of Zelophehad’s daughters possessed is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that they received. Alternate translation: “the lands that they received as an inheritance” (See: Metaphor)

Numbers 36:13

a large area of flat land

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Numbers

Numbers front

Introduction to Numbers

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Numbers

What is the Book of Numbers about?

How should the title of this book be translated?

Who wrote the Book of Numbers?

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

How does Numbers present the idea of the whole community being responsible when only a few people sinned?

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Why does Moses speak using third person pronouns about himself?

Numbers 1

Numbers 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Census

Numbers 1:1

Numbers 1:2

Numbers 1:3

Numbers 1:4

Numbers 1:5

Numbers 1:6

Numbers 1:16

Numbers 1:17

Numbers 1:18

Numbers 1:20

Numbers 1:21

Numbers 1:22

Numbers 1:23

Numbers 1:24

Numbers 1:25

Numbers 1:26

Numbers 1:27

Numbers 1:28

Numbers 1:29

Numbers 1:30

Numbers 1:31

Numbers 1:32

Numbers 1:33

Numbers 1:34

Numbers 1:35

Numbers 1:36

Numbers 1:37

Numbers 1:38

Numbers 1:39

Numbers 1:40

Numbers 1:41

Numbers 1:42

Numbers 1:43

Numbers 1:45

Numbers 1:46

Numbers 1:47

Numbers 1:49

Numbers 1:50

Numbers 1:51

Numbers 1:52

Numbers 1:53

Numbers 1:54

Numbers 2

Numbers 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Camping

Numbers 2:2

Numbers 2:3

Numbers 2:4

Numbers 2:5

Numbers 2:6

Numbers 2:7

Numbers 2:8

Numbers 2:9

Numbers 2:10

Numbers 2:11

Numbers 2:12

Numbers 2:13

Numbers 2:14

Numbers 2:15

Numbers 2:16

Numbers 2:17

Numbers 2:18