Numbers 14 11

Numbers 14:11 kjv

And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have showed among them?

Numbers 14:11 nkjv

Then the LORD said to Moses: "How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?

Numbers 14:11 niv

The LORD said to Moses, "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the signs I have performed among them?

Numbers 14:11 esv

And the LORD said to Moses, "How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?

Numbers 14:11 nlt

And the LORD said to Moses, "How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?

Numbers 14 verses

Numbers 14 11 Meaning

Numbers 14:11 records the LORD's anguished rhetorical question to Moses, expressing His profound frustration and weariness with the persistent rebellion and unbelief of the people of Israel. Despite the overwhelming display of divine power and provision through numerous miracles and "signs," they continuously scorned His character and failed to trust in Him, even plotting to reject His chosen leadership and return to slavery. This question signifies a point of breaking patience, highlighting the depth of their spiritual stubbornness and the seriousness of their rejection of God's revealed will and Person.

Numbers 14 11 Context

Numbers chapter 14 describes the critical turning point in Israel's wilderness journey, directly following the report of the twelve spies sent into Canaan (Num 13). Ten of the spies gave a faithless report, emphasizing the strength of the land's inhabitants and fortified cities, instead of God's promise and power. Only Joshua and Caleb encouraged the people to trust God and take the land. In response to the fearful majority report, the entire congregation of Israel erupted in wailing, grumbling against Moses and Aaron, and conspiring to choose a new leader and return to Egypt (Num 14:1-4).

This event, characterized by utter disbelief and open rebellion against God and His chosen leaders, was the ultimate affront to the divine will after a history of similar provocations (e.g., at the Red Sea, Marah, Rephidim). The LORD's rhetorical question in verse 11 captures the apex of His righteous anger and exasperation with a people who had witnessed unprecedented divine signs and yet refused to trust Him. This defiance sealed the fate of that generation, condemning them to wander in the wilderness for forty years until they perished, unable to enter the Promised Land due to their unbelief. This context powerfully sets the stage for Moses' subsequent intercession and God's pronouncement of judgment and renewed promise to a new generation.

Numbers 14 11 Word analysis

• And the LORD said: Implies direct divine communication, establishing the authoritative nature of the ensuing lament.
• unto Moses: Moses is the direct recipient of God's heavy burden and emotional outburst, underscoring his unique role as mediator and confidant.
• How long: Hebrew: ʿad mātai (עד מתי). A rhetorical question expressing extreme impatience, frustration, and a profound sense of exasperation. It is not seeking information, but lamenting the persistence of a wrong behavior, implying it has gone on too long and is deeply grievous. This phrase is doubled in the verse for emphasis.
• will this people: Refers to the collective entity of Israel, emphasizing the pervasive nature of the problem. It is not a few individuals but the entire nation.
• provoke me?: Hebrew: na'ats (נָאַץ). Meaning "to spurn," "despise," "treat with contempt," "reject with disdain." It implies a deep offense against God's dignity and character, not mere annoyance, but an act of active contempt and rebellion that impugns His integrity and power. They treated God's promises and person as worthless or despicable.
• and how long will they not believe me,?: The second "how long" reinforces God's long-suffering being stretched to its limit. "Believe me" (Hebrew: yaʾamînû bî) signifies a profound lack of faith, a failure to trust God's promises, His power, and His faithfulness despite repeated demonstrations. This unbelief is the root of their provocation.
• for all the signs: Hebrew: bəḵol-hāʾōtōṯ (בְכָל־הָאֹתֹת), meaning "with all the signs/wonders." This refers to the numerous miraculous interventions God had performed for them – the ten plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna, water from the rock, the pillar of cloud and fire. These were concrete, visible proofs of God's presence, power, and commitment to them.
• which I have shewed among them?: Emphasizes that these signs were direct, undeniable demonstrations of God's activity, witnessed firsthand by the entire congregation. Their unbelief was therefore inexcusable, despite abundant, undeniable evidence of God's mighty hand.

Numbers 14 11 Bonus section

The profound grief and indignation of the LORD in this verse set a theological precedent that repeated grace met with persistent unbelief can lead to a definitive judgment. It's not a hasty decision, but a culminating point after long-suffering. This incident underscores a critical theme throughout the Bible: the necessity of faith as the proper response to God's revelation and action. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). The generation condemned in the wilderness serves as a perpetual object lesson for future generations and believers, demonstrating the devastating consequences of rejecting God's clear will and demonstrable power through fear and unbelief. This also highlights the crucial role of leadership and intercession (Moses' intervention follows immediately, diverting a more complete destruction), showing God's responsiveness to faithful prayer even in the face of widespread corporate sin.

Numbers 14 11 Commentary

Numbers 14:11 is a powerful expression of divine righteous indignation born from disappointed love and broken trust. It reveals the heart of a covenant-keeping God grieved by the persistent unbelief of His chosen people, despite an unparalleled history of miraculous provision and demonstration of His power. The repetitive "How long?" underlines God's extraordinary patience, which has now reached its boundary. The root sin is identified as a lack of belief (trust) which manifests as "provoking" Him – despising His person, promises, and power. This provocation is especially egregious given the multitude of "signs" that served as irrefutable evidence of His faithfulness and ability to fulfill His word. This verse stands as a stark warning: divine favor and miraculous experiences do not automatically generate saving faith; true faith is a choice to trust God regardless of external circumstances, and persistent unbelief invites severe judgment. It shows that contempt for God, despite His abundant revelation, will inevitably lead to separation from His blessing and purpose.

For practical application:

• Self-reflection: Are there "signs" of God's work in your life that you acknowledge yet still struggle to fully trust Him in challenging circumstances?
• Persistent sin: Do you provoke God by repeatedly returning to old patterns of doubt or disobedience, even after He has shown His faithfulness?
• Warning: Remember that divine patience has limits; let us strive to believe and obey promptly, not hardening our hearts.