Numbers 12:3

Translations

Modern

Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.

Traditional

(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

Literal

And the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.

Latin

…(erat enim Moyses vir mitissimus super omnes homines qui morabantur in terra),

Original

Hebrew

English

Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.

Notes

Numbers 12:3

The humility of Moses stands in sharp contrast to the jealousy of Miriam and Aaron. The text says that Moses was very humble. His character reflected a godly spirit (see also Proverbs 3:34; Matthew 5:5).
The statement about the humility of Moses appears as a parenthetical comment (a brief note inserted into the story). It presents the truth from God’s point of view.
Some think these words may have been written by Moses. Others believe they may have been added later by an editor. In either case, the comment highlights the faithful and humble character of Moses.

Numbers 12:1–16

Rebellion did not come only from the “rabble” or from the Israelites who were tired of manna (11:4). It also came from within the family of Moses.

Aaron the high priest and Miriam the prophetess spoke against Moses (Exodus 29:30; Exodus 15:20). Their actions showed that even Israel’s spiritual leaders struggled with jealousy and doubt.

At this time, Israel was moving toward a lowest point in its rebellion against God (Numbers 13:25–14:12).

Theme notes and profiles

Aaron Moses The Plagues The Servant-Leader What Is Good

Related verses

Matthew 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
2 Corinthians 11:5
I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.”
2 Corinthians 12:11
I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
Psalm 147:6
The LORD sustains the humble, but casts the wicked to the ground.
1 Peter 3:4
…but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.
1 Thessalonians 2:7
On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.
Numbers 20:10–12
Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen now, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?”
Matthew 21:5
“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
James 3:2–3
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.
Numbers 11:10–15
Then Moses heard the people of family after family weeping at the entrances to their tents, and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly, and Moses was also displeased.

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Aaron Adam (Person) Deuteronomy, Book of Disease History of Israel Humility Kings, Books of First and Second Numbers, Book of Pillar of Fire and Cloud Woman

Topics

Ambition: Aaron and Miriam Christian Minister: Aaron Citizens: Wicked: Miriam and Aaron Envy: Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Forgiveness: Moses Forgives the Israelites Judgments: Miriam Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Miriam Meekness Meekness: Moses Moses: Character of Meekness of Treason of Aaron and Miriam Against Moses

Numbers 12:3

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

People

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics