Numbers 32 23

Numbers 32:23 kjv

But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

Numbers 32:23 nkjv

But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out.

Numbers 32:23 niv

"But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.

Numbers 32:23 esv

But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out.

Numbers 32:23 nlt

But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the LORD, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.

Numbers 32 verses

Numbers 32 23 Meaning

Numbers 32:23 is a stark warning delivered by Moses to the tribes of Reuben and Gad. It highlights the direct, inescapable consequences of failing to keep a promise made before the Lord. The verse conveys that intentional disobedience and unfaithfulness to one's word, particularly a solemn vow, are regarded as sin against God, and such sin will inevitably be revealed and justly punished. It underscores divine accountability, affirming that no wrongdoing, especially against the Lord, can remain hidden indefinitely; its repercussions will certainly manifest.

Numbers 32 23 Context

Numbers chapter 32 recounts the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and later half of Manasseh, to settle on the fertile lands east of the Jordan River (Gilead and Bashan) rather than crossing into Canaan. Moses initially reacts with anger, fearing they would repeat the lack of faith that delayed Israel's entry into the Promised Land by forty years. However, the tribes assure Moses they will go armed and lead the vanguard of Israel into Canaan, fighting alongside their brethren until the land is fully subdued and each tribe receives its inheritance. Only then, they promise, will they return to their chosen land east of Jordan. Moses agrees to this proposal, but sternly warns them about the consequences should they fail to uphold their end of the bargain, which is where verse 23 directly comes in. It serves as a potent concluding warning, emphasizing the covenantal seriousness of their promise before God and the inherent accountability for breaking such a solemn word.

Numbers 32 23 Word analysis

• But if you fail to do so, (וְאִם־לֹ֥א תַעֲשׂ֖וּן כֵּ֑ן – wᵉʾim-loʾ taʿaṣun ken): This conditional phrase sets up the dire consequence. It directly addresses the potential breach of their solemn promise to assist in the conquest of Canaan. The Hebrew emphasizes a clear choice: uphold the word, or face the repercussions. "Fail to do so" here is more than just omission; it implies a deliberate refusal or negligence in fulfilling their commitment.
• behold, you will be sinning (הִנֵּה֙ חֲטָאתֶ֣ם – hinneh ḥaṭaʾtem):
  • behold (הִנֵּה֙ – hinneh): An interjection demanding attention, indicating an immediate, undeniable, and often significant truth is about to be revealed. It underscores the certainty of the upcoming statement.
  • you will be sinning (חֲטָאתֶ֣ם – ḥaṭaʾtem): Derived from the verb חָטָא (ḥaṭaʾ), meaning "to miss the mark," "to err," "to transgress," or "to fall short." In this context, it is not merely a mistake but a moral and spiritual offense, a transgression against God. It signifies a fundamental failure in fulfilling one's obligations, specifically a covenantal promise. The act of failing to participate in the conquest, despite pledging to do so, is directly labeled as "sin against the Lord."
• against the Lord, (לַיהוָה֙ – layhovah): This emphasizes that the sin is not just against Moses or the other tribes, but directly against Yahweh (יהוה), the covenant God of Israel. Breaking a promise made in His name, or failing in a divine assignment, is a personal offense to Him. This highlights the vertical dimension of their responsibility and the seriousness of the breach.
• and be sure (וּמְצָאתֶם֙ – umᵉtsaʾtem): This connects to the second part of the warning. The verb מָצָא (matsaʾ) means "to find," "to encounter," "to reach." Here, in the reflexive sense of their sin "finding them out," it indicates a certain encounter with the consequences. It’s an assurance, a divine guarantee.
• your sin will find you out. (חַטַּאתְכֶ֖ם – ḥaṭṭaʾtəkem / תִמְצָ֥א אֶתְכֶֽם – timtsaʾ ʾetkem):
  • your sin (חַטַּאתְכֶ֖ם – ḥaṭṭaʾtəkem): Refers back to the act of "sinning against the Lord." The singular form ("your sin") emphasizes the unified nature of their potential transgression.
  • will find you out (תִמְצָ֥א אֶתְכֶֽם – timtsaʾ ʾetkem): This is a powerful idiomatic expression. It implies inevitability and accountability. The sin itself is personified as actively pursuing and catching up with the wrongdoer. It is not that they might accidentally be found, but that their very transgression will lead directly to its discovery and consequences. This refers to the sure working of divine justice, ensuring that actions have consequences, whether immediate or delayed. It underscores that God will not let such a breach go unaddressed; it will come to light, and justice will be served.

Words-group analysis

• But if you fail to do so, behold, you will be sinning against the Lord: This opening phrase establishes the clear conditionality and gravity. The phrase "sinning against the Lord" immediately elevates the issue from a tribal dispute to a spiritual transgression. It implies that their promise was a form of covenant, a pledge before God, making any breach an act of disloyalty to the Divine.
• and be sure your sin will find you out: This highly impactful phrase is a Hebrew idiom conveying inescapable divine justice. It suggests the inherent nature of sin to reveal itself and draw judgment. It's not just a warning of God's future judgment, but a declaration that the sin carries its own self-exposing power. Like a trail left behind, the sin itself will lead to the wrongdoer's detection and ultimate reckoning, highlighting God's omnipresence and perfect knowledge. This also implies that the "finding out" would be punitive, a discovery leading to adverse consequences, whether disgrace, divine discipline, or direct judgment.

Numbers 32 23 Bonus section

• Polemics against contemporary beliefs: The assertion that "your sin will find you out" might implicitly stand against any belief systems (like those of surrounding pagan nations) where gods could be bribed or outwitted, or where rituals could absolve sin without genuine repentance or consequences. It underscores that the God of Israel (Yahweh) is a God of justice whose laws are unbendable and whose knowledge is absolute. There is no escaping His divine decree.
• Application beyond a vow: While specifically about a broken promise, the principle of sin "finding you out" extends to all forms of disobedience, hidden agendas, or moral compromises. It's a reminder that actions, whether public or secret, carry an intrinsic link to their consequences, a spiritual law of sowing and reaping (Gal 6:7).
• Judicial implication: The "finding out" has a strong judicial flavor. It's not merely that the sin is discovered, but that it leads to an adverse outcome, akin to a hidden crime eventually leading to conviction. This underlines God's role as ultimate Judge.
• The contrast with forgiveness: While sin will find you out, the Bible also presents the possibility of forgiveness through repentance and atonement. However, forgiveness does not negate the "finding out" aspect; often, God exposes sin as a part of bringing one to repentance or as part of a process of discipline, ultimately for restorative purposes when possible. Even forgiven sins, if not fully atoned for in a broader context (e.g., public sin often requires public restitution or consequence), may still entail repercussions on earth as part of God's holy dealings.

Numbers 32 23 Commentary

Numbers 32:23 is a profound statement on divine justice, accountability, and the consequences of unfaithfulness to God. Moses’ warning to the tribes of Reuben and Gad underscores that broken promises, particularly those made in a solemn context before the Lord, are not trivial. They are direct sins against God Himself. The verse asserts the fundamental biblical truth that wrongdoing, especially deliberate covenantal unfaithfulness, cannot be concealed indefinitely. The phrase "your sin will find you out" is an active declaration of God's sovereignty over justice, indicating that He ensures consequences are inevitably linked to actions. It highlights His perfect knowledge, omnipotence in execution of justice, and unwavering commitment to uphold righteousness. It also speaks to the internal, self-defeating nature of sin, where its inherent properties ultimately lead to exposure and judgment for the perpetrator. The verse serves as a timeless principle: there are no unpunished or unrevealed sins before a just and holy God, emphasizing the need for integrity and faithfulness in all vows and commitments.