Old Testament
Numbers 11:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The LORD said to Moses, "Is the LORD's power limited? Now you'll see whether or not my word comes true."
Compare translations
And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD’s hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.
What Numbers 11:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is responding to Moses' concerns about the Israelites' complaints and their needs. God challenges Moses by asking if His power is limited, implying that He is capable of providing for His people. The phrase 'Is the LORD's hand waxed short?' suggests that God’s ability to act is not diminished. God assures Moses that he will witness the fulfillment of His promises. This moment emphasizes God's sovereignty and omnipotence, reminding Moses that no situation is beyond God's control. It serves as a reassurance that God can and will deliver on His word, regardless of the circumstances. The verse highlights the importance of faith in God's promises and His ability to provide, even when it seems impossible. It encourages believers to trust in God's power and timing, reinforcing the idea that God is always capable of fulfilling His plans, no matter how dire the situation may appear.
How to apply Numbers 11:23 to your life
When facing challenges or doubts, remember that God's power is limitless. Trust that He can provide for your needs and fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. Strengthen your faith by recalling past instances of God's faithfulness in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Seventy Elders and the Quail (Numbers 11:1–35)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 11:23
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 11:23
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 11:23 mean?
In Numbers 11:23, God reassures Moses that His power is not limited and that He can fulfill His promises. This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and ability to provide for His people, even in challenging situations.
What is the meaning of 'Is the LORD's hand waxed short?' in Numbers 11:23?
The phrase 'Is the LORD's hand waxed short?' questions whether God's ability to act has diminished. It highlights that God is always capable of delivering on His promises, regardless of circumstances.
How can I apply Numbers 11:23 to my life?
You can apply Numbers 11:23 by trusting in God's limitless power when facing challenges. Remember that He can provide for your needs and fulfill His promises, even when situations seem impossible.
What themes are present in Numbers 11:23?
Themes in Numbers 11:23 include God's power, faith, divine promises, sovereignty, and trust in God. It encourages believers to rely on God's ability to provide and fulfill His plans.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.