Old Testament
Numbers 30:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Moses spoke to the tribal leaders of Israel and said, "This is what the LORD has commanded.
Compare translations
And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded.
What Numbers 30:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Moses is addressing the leaders of the tribes of Israel, conveying a message from God. This moment emphasizes the importance of leadership and obedience to divine commands. Moses, as a prophet and leader, serves as a mediator between God and the people, ensuring that the instructions given by the Lord are communicated clearly. The phrase 'this is what the LORD has commanded' indicates that the following instructions are not merely suggestions but divine mandates that the Israelites are expected to follow. This sets the stage for the laws and regulations that will be outlined in the subsequent verses, highlighting the seriousness of adhering to God's will. The leaders are responsible for ensuring that the people understand and comply with these commands, reinforcing the structure of authority and accountability within the community. Overall, this verse underscores the significance of divine guidance in the governance of the people and the role of leaders in upholding God's laws.
How to apply Numbers 30:1 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of listening to and following spiritual guidance in our lives. Just as Moses communicated God's commands, we should seek to understand and apply divine principles in our decision-making, ensuring that we lead ourselves and others in accordance with God's will.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 30:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 30:1
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 30:1 mean?
Numbers 30:1 describes Moses speaking to the leaders of Israel, conveying God's commands. It highlights the role of leadership in communicating divine instructions and the expectation of obedience from the people.
What is the significance of Moses speaking to the tribal leaders in Numbers 30:1?
Moses addressing the tribal leaders signifies the importance of authority and accountability in guiding the community. It shows that leaders are responsible for ensuring that God's commands are understood and followed.
What does 'the LORD has commanded' mean in Numbers 30:1?
The phrase 'the LORD has commanded' indicates that the instructions Moses is about to give are divine mandates, not mere suggestions. This emphasizes the seriousness of adhering to God's will.
How does Numbers 30:1 relate to leadership?
Numbers 30:1 illustrates the role of leaders in a community as mediators of God's will. It underscores the responsibility of leaders to convey divine instructions and ensure compliance among the people.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.