Old Testament
Numbers 11:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I will come down and speak with you there. I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and place it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so you won't have to carry it alone.
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And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.
What Numbers 11:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God reassures Moses that he will not have to lead the people of Israel alone. God promises to come down and speak with Moses, indicating a personal and direct communication. He will take some of the Spirit that empowers Moses and distribute it among seventy elders. This act will enable them to share the responsibility of leadership and the burdens of the people. The Spirit represents divine guidance and strength, which is essential for effective leadership. By sharing this Spirit, God ensures that Moses is supported and that the elders can help carry the weight of the people's needs and challenges. This moment highlights the importance of community and shared leadership in fulfilling God's mission, emphasizing that no leader should bear their responsibilities alone.
How to apply Numbers 11:17 to your life
In our lives, we often face overwhelming responsibilities. This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking help and sharing burdens with others. We should not hesitate to delegate tasks and rely on the support of our community, as collaboration can lead to more effective outcomes and reduce individual stress.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Seventy Elders and the Quail (Numbers 11:1–35)
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Moses
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Numbers 11:17
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 11:17 mean?
Numbers 11:17 means that God will empower seventy elders by sharing the Spirit that is on Moses. This allows them to help carry the burdens of the people, ensuring that Moses does not have to lead alone.
What is the significance of sharing the Spirit in Numbers 11:17?
The sharing of the Spirit in Numbers 11:17 signifies divine support and the importance of community in leadership. It shows that effective leadership involves collaboration and shared responsibility.
How does Numbers 11:17 relate to leadership?
Numbers 11:17 highlights the concept of shared leadership, where responsibilities are distributed among a group. It emphasizes that leaders should seek support and not carry their burdens alone.
What can we learn from Numbers 11:17?
From Numbers 11:17, we learn the importance of seeking help and sharing responsibilities with others. It encourages us to collaborate and rely on our community to manage overwhelming tasks.
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