Old Testament
Numbers 14:27
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, God expresses His frustration with the Israelites for their constant complaining and lack of faith.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"How long must I put up with this wicked community that keeps complaining against me? I have heard every word of the Israelites' grumbling."
How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God expresses His frustration with the Israelites for their constant complaining and lack of faith. Despite witnessing His miracles and guidance, they continue to grumble about their circumstances. God refers to them as a 'wicked community' because their complaints reflect a deeper issue of distrust and rebellion against Him. This moment highlights God's patience but also His limits. He has listened to their grievances and is weary of their negativity. The verse serves as a reminder that God desires His people to trust Him and to be grateful for His provisions rather than to focus on their hardships. It emphasizes the importance of faith and the consequences of a complaining spirit, which can lead to a disconnect from God's blessings and plans.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 14:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes and words. Instead of complaining about our situations, we should practice gratitude and trust in God's plan. Recognizing the impact of our words can help foster a more positive and faithful community, aligning our hearts with God's will.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 14:27 mean?
Numbers 14:27 expresses God's frustration with the Israelites for their constant complaining and lack of faith. He highlights their grumbling as a sign of distrust and rebellion against Him, despite witnessing His miracles.
What is the significance of complaining in Numbers 14:27?
In Numbers 14:27, complaining signifies a deeper issue of distrust in God. It shows how the Israelites' negative attitudes can lead to a disconnect from God's blessings and plans.
How does Numbers 14:27 reflect God's patience?
This verse illustrates God's patience as He endures the Israelites' complaints, but it also shows His limits. He has listened to their grievances and is weary of their negativity.
What lessons can we learn from Numbers 14:27?
Numbers 14:27 teaches us the importance of gratitude and trust in God. It encourages us to be mindful of our words and attitudes, fostering a more positive and faithful 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.
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