Old Testament
Numbers 14:35
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 declares His judgment on the Israelites who rebelled against Him.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"I, the LORD, have spoken. I will certainly do this to every member of this wicked community that has banded together against me. They will waste away in this wilderness, and here they will die."
I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God declares His judgment on the Israelites who rebelled against Him. They had refused to enter the Promised Land due to fear and doubt, showing a lack of faith in God's promises. As a consequence, God states that this entire group will not see the land they longed for. Instead, they will wander in the wilderness until they die. This serves as a serious warning about the consequences of disobedience and disbelief. God emphasizes His authority and the certainty of His words, indicating that His decisions are final. The wilderness symbolizes a place of testing and punishment, where their lack of faith leads to their demise. This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God and following His guidance, as turning away from Him can lead to dire consequences.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 14:35 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of faith and obedience to God. When faced with challenges, we should trust in His promises rather than succumb to fear. Disobedience can lead to spiritual stagnation, so we must strive to follow God's guidance in our lives to avoid negative consequences.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 14:35 mean?
Numbers 14:35 conveys God's judgment on the Israelites who rebelled against Him. It indicates that due to their lack of faith and disobedience, they will not enter the Promised Land and will instead die in the wilderness.
What is the significance of the wilderness in Numbers 14:35?
In Numbers 14:35, the wilderness symbolizes a place of testing and punishment. It represents the consequences of the Israelites' rebellion and serves as a backdrop for their spiritual failure and eventual demise.
What does God mean by 'this wicked community' in Numbers 14:35?
The phrase 'this wicked community' in Numbers 14:35 refers to the Israelites who banded together in rebellion against God. It highlights their collective disobedience and lack of faith, which led to God's judgment.
What are the consequences mentioned in Numbers 14:35?
The consequences mentioned in Numbers 14:35 include the Israelites wasting away in the wilderness and ultimately dying there. This reflects the serious repercussions of their rebellion against God's commands.

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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