Old Testament
Numbers 14:33
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 tells the Israelites that because of their rebellion and lack of faith, their children will have to wander in the wilderness for 40 years.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Your children will wander in the wilderness for 40 years and bear the consequences of your whoredoms, until your bodies have decayed in the wilderness.
And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God tells the Israelites that because of their rebellion and lack of faith, their children will have to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. This wandering is a consequence of the parents' actions, specifically their unfaithfulness to God, which is metaphorically described as 'whoredoms.' The parents will die in the wilderness, and their children will bear the burden of their parents' sins. This serves as a reminder that our choices can have lasting effects on future generations. The Israelites' lack of trust in God led to a prolonged period of suffering and loss, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. Explore related consequences.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 14:33 to your life
This verse teaches us that our actions can affect not only our lives but also the lives of those who come after us. It encourages us to live faithfully and make choices that honor God, understanding that our legacy can influence future generations. We should strive to set a positive example for others.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 14:33 mean about children bearing the consequences?
Numbers 14:33 highlights the principle that the actions of parents can have significant repercussions on their children. In this context, the Israelites' rebellion against God led to a punishment where their children would wander in the wilderness for 40 years. This serves as a reminder that our choices can impact future generations, emphasizing the importance of living a life of faithfulness and obedience to God.
Why does God refer to the Israelites' unfaithfulness as 'whoredoms'?
In Numbers 14:33, the term 'whoredoms' is used metaphorically to describe the Israelites' unfaithfulness and idolatry. It signifies a betrayal of their covenant relationship with God, akin to infidelity in a marriage. This strong language underscores the seriousness of their rebellion and the deep emotional pain it causes God, illustrating how turning away from Him is akin to spiritual adultery.
How does this verse relate to the theme of generational impact?
This verse illustrates the theme of generational impact by showing how the sins of one generation can affect the next. The Israelites' lack of faith resulted in their children facing the consequences of their actions, which teaches us that our decisions can shape the lives of those who come after us. It encourages us to consider the long-term effects of our choices and strive to set a positive example for future generations.
What lessons can we learn about faith and obedience from this verse?
Numbers 14:33 teaches us that faith and obedience to God are crucial for a fulfilling life. The Israelites' failure to trust God led to severe consequences, including prolonged suffering in the wilderness. This serves as a warning to us about the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God's commands, as our relationship with Him can significantly influence our lives and the lives of those around us.
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.