Numbers 12:8

Translations

Modern

I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”

Traditional

With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

Literal

I speak with him mouth to mouth, and even plainly and not in riddles; and the form of YHWH he sees. And why were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?”

Latin

…ore enim ad os loquor ei: et palam, et non per ænigmata et figuras Dominum videt. Quare ergo non timuistis detrahere servo meo Moysi?

Original

Hebrew

English

I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”

Notes

Numbers 12:6–8

The Lord trusted Moses, leading to a close relationship. God communicated with prophets through visions and dreams, but he spoke to Moses face to face (literally mouth to mouth; see Exodus 33:8–11, 18–23; Deuteronomy 34:10).

Numbers 12:4–8

In response to this rebellion, the Lord spoke directly. He reaffirmed the special status and authority 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 Knowing God The Plagues The Servant-Leader

Related verses

Deuteronomy 34:10
Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face—
1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
Exodus 33:23
Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen.”
Exodus 33:11
Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent.
Exodus 24:10–11
…and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself.
Luke 10:16
Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”
2 Corinthians 4:4–6
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
John 14:7–10
If you had known Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.”
John 15:15
No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.
2 Peter 2:10
Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.
1 Thessalonians 4:8
Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Aaron Deuteronomy, Book of Disease History of Israel Kings, Books of First and Second Numbers, Book of Pillar of Fire and Cloud Prophecy Woman

Topics

Ambition: Aaron and Miriam Christian Minister: Aaron Citizens: Wicked: Miriam and Aaron Communion: Moses Envy: Miriam and Aaron, of Moses Forgiveness: Moses Forgives the Israelites Judgments: Miriam Leprosy: Sent As a Judgment On: Miriam Moses: Prophecies of Murmuring: Aaron Prophets: God Communicated To by an Audible Voice Prophets: Inspiration of Tabernacle: The Lord Reveals Himself At The First Born: Superseded: Aaron Treason of Aaron and Miriam Against Moses

Numbers 12:8

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?