Old Testament
Numbers 12:6
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He said, "Listen carefully to what I'm about to say. When there is a prophet among you, I the LORD reveal myself to that person through visions and speak to them in dreams.
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And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.
What Numbers 12:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God emphasizes the importance of prophets and how He communicates with them. When God appoints a prophet, He reveals His will and messages through visions and dreams. This indicates that prophets have a special role in conveying God's guidance to His people. The use of visions and dreams suggests that God's communication can be both direct and symbolic, requiring interpretation. This verse also highlights the need for the community to listen to the words of the prophets, as they are chosen by God to deliver important messages. It serves as a reminder that God is actively involved in guiding His people through chosen individuals, and that these prophets are essential for understanding His plans and purposes. The emphasis on listening carefully underscores the responsibility of the people to pay attention to divine revelations and to discern the messages being shared.
How to apply Numbers 12:6 to your life
We should be attentive to the messages from spiritual leaders and prophets in our lives. This verse encourages us to seek understanding and discernment in our spiritual journey. By being open to God's communication, we can better align ourselves with His will and purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Miriam and Aaron Speak Against Moses (Numbers 12:1–16)
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Moses

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Numbers 12:6
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 12:6 mean?
Numbers 12:6 explains how God communicates with prophets through visions and dreams. It highlights the special role of prophets in conveying God's messages and the importance of listening to them.
What is the significance of prophets in Numbers 12:6?
In this verse, prophets are significant because they are chosen by God to receive divine revelations. Their role is to guide the community by sharing God's will and messages.
How does God reveal Himself to prophets according to Numbers 12:6?
According to Numbers 12:6, God reveals Himself to prophets through visions and speaks to them in dreams. This indicates a direct and symbolic form of communication.
What should we do in response to Numbers 12:6?
In response to Numbers 12:6, we should pay attention to the messages from prophets and spiritual leaders. This verse encourages us to seek understanding and discernment in our spiritual journey.
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