Old Testament
Numbers 11:28
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Joshua, who has been a loyal assistant to Moses since his youth, expresses concern about others prophesying in the camp.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Joshua son of Nun, who had served Moses since he was young, spoke up: "My lord Moses, stop them!"
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Joshua, who has been a loyal assistant to Moses since his youth, expresses concern about others prophesying in the camp. He refers to Moses as 'my lord' and urges him to stop these individuals. This shows Joshua's protective nature towards Moses' leadership and the authority he holds. Joshua's reaction reflects a desire to maintain order and respect for the established leadership. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the roles within a community, especially in spiritual matters. Joshua's loyalty and commitment to Moses are evident, as he feels that the actions of these others could undermine Moses' authority. This moment foreshadows Joshua's future leadership role, as he learns the importance of guidance and discernment in leadership. The verse illustrates the dynamics of leadership and the challenges that come with it, especially when new voices emerge within a community.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 11:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to respect established leadership and to approach changes within our communities thoughtfully. It reminds us to communicate our concerns respectfully and to support those in authority, fostering unity and order in our groups.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 11:28 mean?
In Numbers 11:28, Joshua expresses concern about others prophesying in the camp, urging Moses to stop them. This reflects Joshua's loyalty to Moses and his desire to maintain order and respect for established leadership.
What is the significance of Joshua's reaction in Numbers 11:28?
Joshua's reaction highlights his protective nature towards Moses' authority and the importance of recognizing leadership roles within a community. It shows his commitment to supporting Moses and maintaining unity.
What themes are present in Numbers 11:28?
The themes in Numbers 11:28 include leadership, loyalty, authority, community dynamics, and respect for elders. These themes illustrate the challenges of leadership and the need for discernment in guiding a community.
What does Joshua calling Moses 'my lord' indicate in Numbers 11:28?
By calling Moses 'my lord,' Joshua demonstrates his respect and submission to Moses' authority. This title signifies the hierarchical relationship and the importance of honoring leaders within a community.

The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
Unlock the full Numbers summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Numbers — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 36 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Numbers summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.