Numbers 12:10
New International Version
When the cloud lifted from above the tent, Miriam’s skin was leprous —it became as white as snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had a defiling skin disease,

New Living Translation
As the cloud moved from above the Tabernacle, there stood Miriam, her skin as white as snow from leprosy. When Aaron saw what had happened to her,

English Standard Version
When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

Berean Standard Bible
As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous,

King James Bible
And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

New King James Version
And when the cloud departed from above the tabernacle, suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow. Then Aaron turned toward Miriam, and there she was, a leper.

New American Standard Bible
But when the cloud had withdrawn from above the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. As Aaron turned toward Miriam, behold, she was leprous.

NASB 1995
But when the cloud had withdrawn from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. As Aaron turned toward Miriam, behold, she was leprous.

NASB 1977
But when the cloud had withdrawn from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. As Aaron turned toward Miriam, behold, she was leprous.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the cloud withdrew from over the tent, and behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

Amplified Bible
But when the cloud had withdrawn from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. And Aaron turned and looked at Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

Christian Standard Bible
As the cloud moved away from the tent, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased, resembling snow. When Aaron turned toward her, he saw that she was diseased

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As the cloud moved away from the tent, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased, as white as snow. When Aaron turned toward her, he saw that she was diseased

American Standard Version
And the cloud removed from over the Tent; and, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

Contemporary English Version
and the cloud disappeared from over the sacred tent, Miriam's skin turned white with leprosy. When Aaron saw what had happened to her,

English Revised Version
And the cloud removed from over the Tent; and, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the smoke left the tent, Miriam was covered with an infectious skin disease. She was as white as snow. Aaron turned to her and saw she was covered with the disease.

Good News Translation
and the cloud left the Tent, Miriam's skin was suddenly covered with a dreaded disease and turned as white as snow. When Aaron looked at her and saw that she was covered with the disease,

International Standard Version
but when the cloud ascended from the tent, Miriam had become leprous, as white as snow! Aaron turned toward Miriam, and she had leprosy!

Majority Standard Bible
As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous,

NET Bible
When the cloud departed from above the tent, Miriam became leprous as snow. Then Aaron looked at Miriam, and she was leprous!

New Heart English Bible
The cloud departed from over the Tent; and look, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. Aaron looked at Miriam, and look, she was leprous.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

World English Bible
The cloud departed from over the Tent; and behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. Aaron looked at Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the cloud has turned aside from off the tent, and behold, Miriam [is] leprous as snow; and Aaron turns to Miriam, and behold, leprous!

Young's Literal Translation
and the cloud hath turned aside from off the tent, and lo, Miriam is leprous as snow; and Aaron turneth unto Miriam, and lo, leprous!

Smith's Literal Translation
And the cloud removed from the tent; and behold, Miriam being leprous as snow: and Aaron will look upon Miriam, and behold, her being leprous.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The cloud also that was over the tabernacle departed: and behold Mary appeared white as snow with a leprosy. And when Aaron had looked on her, and saw her all covered with leprosy,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Likewise, the cloud which was over the tabernacle withdrew. And behold, Miriam appeared to be white with a leprosy, like snow. And when Aaron had looked upon her, and he had seen the spreading of the leprosy,

New American Bible
Now the cloud withdrew from the tent, and there was Miriam, stricken with a scaly infection, white as snow! When Aaron turned toward Miriam and saw her stricken with snow-white scales,

New Revised Standard Version
When the cloud went away from over the tent, Miriam had become leprous, as white as snow. And Aaron turned towards Miriam and saw that she was leprous.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow; and when Aaron turned toward Miriam, behold, she was leprous;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the cloud left from the Tabernacle, and behold, Maryam was leprous like snow, and Ahron turned to Maryam and he saw that she was leprous.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when the cloud was removed from over the Tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow; and Aaron looked upon Miriam; and, behold, she was leprous.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the cloud departed from the tabernacle; and, behold, Mariam was leprous, white as snow; and Aaron looked upon Mariam, and, behold, she was leprous.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Murmuring of Miriam and Aaron
9So the anger of the LORD burned against them, and He departed. 10As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous, 11and said to Moses, “My lord, please do not hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed.…

Cross References
2 Kings 5:27
Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and your descendants forever!” And as Gehazi left his presence, he was leprous—as white as snow.

Leviticus 13:10-11
The priest will examine him, and if there is a white swelling on the skin that has turned the hair white, and there is raw flesh in the swelling, / it is a chronic skin disease and the priest must pronounce him unclean. He need not isolate him, for he is unclean.

Deuteronomy 24:9
Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam on the journey after you came out of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 26:19-21
Uzziah, with a censer in his hand to offer incense, was enraged. But while he raged against the priests in their presence in the house of the LORD before the altar of incense, leprosy broke out on his forehead. / When Azariah the chief priest and all the priests turned to him and saw his leprous forehead, they rushed him out. Indeed, he himself hurried to get out, because the LORD had afflicted him. / So King Uzziah was a leper until the day of his death. He lived in isolation, leprous and cut off from the house of the LORD, while his son Jotham had charge of the royal palace and governed the people of the land.

Leviticus 13:3
The priest is to examine the infection on his skin, and if the hair in the infection has turned white and the sore appears to be deeper than the skin, it is a skin disease. After the priest examines him, he must pronounce him unclean.

Leviticus 13:14
But whenever raw flesh appears on someone, he will be unclean.

Leviticus 14:34
“When you enter the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as your possession, and I put a contamination of mildew into a house in that land,

Job 2:7
So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and infected Job with terrible boils from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.

2 Kings 7:3
Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate, and they said to one another, “Why just sit here until we die?

Luke 17:12-19
As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance / and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” / When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed. ...

Matthew 8:2-3
Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Mark 1:40-42
Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” / And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed.

Luke 5:12-13
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell facedown and begged Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.

Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

Luke 4:27
And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”


Treasury of Scripture

And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked on Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

the cloud

Exodus 33:7-10
And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp…

Ezekiel 10:4,5,18,19
Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory…

Hosea 9:12
Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!

behold

Deuteronomy 24:9
Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt.

leprous

Leviticus 13:2,3
When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh like the plague of leprosy; then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests: …

2 Kings 5:27
The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.

2 Kings 15:5
And the LORD smote the king, so that he was a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelt in a several house. And Jotham the king's son was over the house, judging the people of the land.

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Aaron Cloud Departed Removed Snow Stood Straight Tabernacle Tent Towards Turned Turneth White Withdrawn
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Aaron Cloud Departed Removed Snow Stood Straight Tabernacle Tent Towards Turned Turneth White Withdrawn
Numbers 12
1. God rebukes the sedition of Miriam and Aaron
11. Miriam's leprosy is healed at the prayer of Moses
14. God commands her to be shut out of the host
16. The people encamp in the desert of Paran














As the cloud lifted from above the Tent
The cloud represents the presence of God, often referred to as the Shekinah glory. In the wilderness, the Israelites were guided by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, signifying God's guidance and protection (Exodus 13:21-22). The Tent refers to the Tent of Meeting, where Moses would speak with God. The lifting of the cloud indicates a departure of God's immediate presence, often signaling a transition or a divine response to an event. In this context, it marks the end of God's direct communication and the beginning of His judgment on Miriam.

suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow
Leprosy in biblical times was a term used for various skin diseases, often seen as a divine punishment for sin (Leviticus 13). The sudden onset of leprosy on Miriam is a direct consequence of her and Aaron's challenge to Moses' authority, which was ultimately a challenge to God's chosen leadership. The description "white as snow" emphasizes the severity and totality of her condition, symbolizing purity corrupted by sin. This imagery is echoed in Isaiah 1:18, where sin is described as being red like crimson but can be made white as snow through repentance and divine forgiveness.

Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous
Aaron's turning to see Miriam's condition highlights his immediate recognition of the seriousness of their transgression. As the high priest, Aaron would have been acutely aware of the implications of leprosy, both physically and spiritually. This moment underscores the gravity of their rebellion against Moses and serves as a humbling reminder of the consequences of sin. Aaron's reaction also sets the stage for his intercession on behalf of Miriam, reflecting the role of a mediator, a type that points to Christ's intercessory work for humanity (Hebrews 7:25).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Miriam
The sister of Moses and Aaron, a prophetess who played a significant role in the Exodus. In this passage, she is struck with leprosy as a consequence of speaking against Moses.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses and Miriam, the first high priest of Israel. He also participated in speaking against Moses but was not struck with leprosy.

3. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. He is the central figure in the account, and his unique relationship with God is defended by God Himself.

4. The Tent of Meeting
A sacred place where God communicated with Moses. The cloud lifting from the Tent signifies God's presence and His response to the situation.

5. Leprosy
A severe skin disease that rendered a person ceremonially unclean. In this context, it serves as a divine punishment and a sign of God's displeasure.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Sin
Miriam's leprosy serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin, particularly the sin of speaking against God's appointed leaders. It highlights the seriousness with which God views rebellion and slander.

God's Justice and Mercy
While Miriam is punished, the account also shows God's mercy. Her leprosy is temporary, and she is eventually healed, demonstrating that while God is just, He is also compassionate and willing to restore those who repent.

The Importance of Humility
Aaron and Miriam's challenge to Moses' authority stemmed from pride. This passage teaches the importance of humility and submission to God's will and His chosen leaders.

Intercession and Forgiveness
Moses' response to pray for Miriam's healing shows the power of intercession and the importance of forgiving those who wrong us, even when they speak against us.(10) And the cloud departed . . . --The withdrawal of the cloud was the visible token of the Divine displeasure. The word sar, departed, which is here used, is an entirely different word from that which occurs in Numbers 9:17 : "When the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle." The lifting up of the cloud was the signal for the breaking up of the camp and the resumption of the march; the withdrawal of the cloud was the token of the withdrawal of the Divine presence and direction.

Leprous, white as snow.--Better, was leprous as snow, as in Exodus 4:6, where the same words occur; or, a leper (as white), as snow, as in 2Kings 5:27. In an ordinary case of leprosy, when the disease covered the whole body, and the whole of the flesh had turned white, the man was to be pronounced clean. It was otherwise in cases in which persons were smitten with leprosy by the immediate hand of God, as in the case of Moses and in that of Gehazi.

And Aaron looked upon Miriam . . . --Or, and Aaron turned towards Miriam--i.e., directed his attention to her, &c. This may have been the first case in which Aaron was required to carry into execution the laws laid down in Leviticus 13, 14, respecting the inspection of the leper; and the duties which devolved upon him must have been doubly painful from the fact that the leper stood in a near relationship to himself, and that he had been a participator in the sin which had called for so severe a punishment.

Verse 10. - The cloud departed from off the tabernacle. During this awful interview the cloud of the Presence had rested on the tabernacle, as if it were the Divine chariot waiting for the King of Israel while he tarried within (cf. Psalm 104:3; Isaiah 19:1; Revelation 11:12). Now that his work is done he ascends his chariot again, and soars aloft above the host. Miriam became leprous. The Hebrews had become familiar with this terrible disease in Egypt. The Levitical legislation had made it more terrible by affixing to it the penalty of religious and social excommunication, and the stigma, as it were, of the Divine displeasure. Before this legislation Moses himself had been made partially and temporarily leprous, and that solely for a sign, and without any sense of punishment (Exodus 4:6). In Miriam's ease, however, as in all subsequent cases, the plague of leprosy was endued with moral as well as physical horror (cf. 2 Kings 5:27). As snow. This expression points to the perfect development of the disease, as contrasted with its earlier and less conspicuous stages. Aaron looked upon Miriam. If we ask why Aaron himself was not punished, the answer appears to be the same here as in the case of the golden calf.

1. He was not the leader in mischief, but only led into it through weakness.

2. He was, like many weak men, of an affectionate disposition (cf. Leviticus 10:19), and suffered his own punishment in witnessing that of others.

3. He was God's high priest, and the office would have shared in the disgrace of the man.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As the cloud
וְהֶעָנָ֗ן (wə·he·‘ā·nān)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud

lifted
סָ֚ר (sār)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

from above
מֵעַ֣ל (mê·‘al)
Preposition-m
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the Tent,
הָאֹ֔הֶל (hā·’ō·hel)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 168: A tent

suddenly
וְהִנֵּ֥ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

Miriam
מִרְיָ֖ם (mir·yām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4813: Miriam -- a sister of Aaron, also a man of Judah

[became] leprous,
מְצֹרַ֣עַת (mə·ṣō·ra·‘aṯ)
Verb - Pual - Participle - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6879: To be struck with leprosy, to be leprous

[white] as snow.
כַּשָּׁ֑לֶג (kaš·šā·leḡ)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7950: Snow

Aaron
אַהֲרֹ֛ן (’a·hă·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

turned
וַיִּ֧פֶן (way·yi·p̄en)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look

toward
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

her,
מִרְיָ֖ם (mir·yām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4813: Miriam -- a sister of Aaron, also a man of Judah

saw that
וְהִנֵּ֥ה (wə·hin·nêh)
Conjunctive waw | Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

she [was] leprous,
מְצֹרָֽעַת׃ (mə·ṣō·rā·‘aṯ)
Verb - Pual - Participle - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6879: To be struck with leprosy, to be leprous


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OT Law: Numbers 12:10 The cloud removed from over the Tent (Nu Num.)
Numbers 12:9
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