Numbers 14:9
New International Version
Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”

New Living Translation
Do not rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”

English Standard Version
Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”

Berean Standard Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”

King James Bible
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

New King James Version
Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”

New American Standard Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection is gone from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”

NASB 1995
“Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”

NASB 1977
“Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they shall be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But as for you, only do not rebel against Yahweh; and do not fear the people of the land, for they are our bread. Their protection has been removed from them, and Yahweh is with us; do not fear them.”

Amplified Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”

Christian Standard Bible
Only don’t rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Don’t be afraid of them! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Only don’t rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Don’t be afraid of them!”

American Standard Version
Only rebel not against Jehovah, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is removed from over them, and Jehovah is with us: fear them not.

Contemporary English Version
So don't rebel. We have no reason to be afraid of the people who live there. The LORD is on our side, and they won't stand a chance against us!

English Revised Version
Only rebel not against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is removed from over them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't rebel against the LORD, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. We will devour them like bread. They have no protection, and the LORD is with us. So don't be afraid of them."

Good News Translation
Do not rebel against the LORD and don't be afraid of the people who live there. We will conquer them easily. The LORD is with us and has defeated the gods who protected them; so don't be afraid."

International Standard Version
However, don't rebel against the LORD or be afraid of the people who live in the land, because we'll gobble them right up. Their defenses will collapse, because the LORD is with us. You are not to be afraid of them."

Majority Standard Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!?

NET Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection has turned aside from them, but the LORD is with us. Do not fear them!"

New Heart English Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD, neither fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is removed from over them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them."

Webster's Bible Translation
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense has departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

World English Bible
Only don’t rebel against Yahweh, neither fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us. Their defense is removed from over them, and Yahweh is with us. Don’t fear them.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
only, do not rebel against YHWH: and you, do not fear the people of the land, for they [are] our bread; their defense has turned aside from off them, and YHWH [is] with us; do not fear them.”

Young's Literal Translation
only, against Jehovah rebel not ye: and ye, fear not ye the people of the land, for our bread they are; their defence hath turned aside from off them, and Jehovah is with us; fear them not.'

Smith's Literal Translation
But against Jehovah ye shall not rebel, and ye shall not be afraid of the people of the land; for they our bread: for their shadow removed from them and Jehovah with us; ye shall not be afraid of them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Be not rebellious against the Lord: and fear ye not the people of this land, for we are able to eat them up as bread. All aid is gone from them: the Lord is with us, fear ye not.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Do not choose to be rebellious against the Lord. And do not fear the people of this land, for, like bread, so are we able to devour them. All protection has withdrawn from them. The Lord is with us. Do not be afraid.”

New American Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD! You need not be afraid of the people of the land, for they are but food for us! Their protection has left them, but the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”

New Revised Standard Version
Only, do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they are no more than bread for us; their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD, neither be afraid of the people of the land; for their conquest will be as easy as eating bread; their strength has left them, and the LORD is with us; fear them not.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Only do not rebel against LORD JEHOVAH and do not be afraid of the people of the land, because they are our bread, for their strength itself has passed away from them and LORD JEHOVAH is with us; you shall not be afraid of them.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Only rebel not against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us; their defence is removed from over them, and the LORD is with us; fear them not.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Only depart not from the Lord; and fear ye not the people of the land, for they are meat for us; for the season of prosperity is departed from them, but the Lord is among us: fear them not.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The People Rebel
8If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. 9Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!” 10But the whole congregation threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting.…

Cross References
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Hebrews 13:5-6
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” / So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Deuteronomy 7:18-19
But do not be afraid of them. Be sure to remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt: / the great trials that you saw, the signs and wonders, and the mighty hand and outstretched arm by which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.

1 Samuel 17:45-47
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Exodus 23:22
But if you will listen carefully to his voice and do everything I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.

Isaiah 8:10
Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”

1 John 4:4
You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?


Treasury of Scripture

Only rebel not you against the LORD, neither fear you the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

only rebel

Deuteronomy 9:7,23,24
Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD…

Isaiah 1:2
Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Isaiah 63:10
But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

neither

Deuteronomy 7:18
Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;

Deuteronomy 20:3
And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;

are bread

Numbers 24:8
God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.

Deuteronomy 32:42
I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

Psalm 14:4
Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.

defence.

Psalm 91:1
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 121:5
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

Isaiah 30:2,3
That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! …

the Lord

Genesis 48:21
And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

Exodus 33:16
For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 7:21
Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible.

fear them not

Jump to Previous
Afraid Bread Defence Defense Departed Prey Protection Rebel Removed Strength Swallow Turned
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Afraid Bread Defence Defense Departed Prey Protection Rebel Removed Strength Swallow Turned
Numbers 14
1. The people murmur at the news
6. Joshua and Caleb labor to still them
11. God threatens them
13. Moses intercedes with God, and obtains pardon
26. The Murmurers are debarred from entering into the land
36. The men who raised the evil report die by a plague
40. The people that would invade the land against the will of God are smitten














Only do not rebel against the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God, a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Rebellion against the LORD is seen as a grave sin, as it reflects a lack of trust and faith in His promises. In the context of Numbers 14, the Israelites are on the brink of entering the Promised Land, and their rebellion is a refusal to trust in God's plan. This echoes the rebellion of Adam and Eve in Genesis, where disobedience led to separation from God. The call to not rebel is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience is a sign of faithfulness.

and do not be afraid of the people of the land
Fear is a natural human response, but in the biblical context, it often signifies a lack of faith in God's power and promises. The "people of the land" refers to the inhabitants of Canaan, who were perceived as giants and formidable foes. This phrase encourages the Israelites to trust in God's strength rather than their own. It parallels the exhortation in Joshua 1:9, where God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous. The call to not fear is a reminder that God is sovereign over all nations and peoples.

for they will be like bread for us
This metaphor suggests that the Canaanites will be easily defeated and consumed, much like bread is eaten. It conveys confidence in God's promise to give the Israelites victory. The imagery of bread also connects to the provision of manna in the wilderness, symbolizing God's sustenance and faithfulness. This phrase foreshadows the eventual conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership, where God's promise is fulfilled.

Their protection has been removed
This indicates that the divine favor or protection that the Canaanites might have had is no longer present. In the ancient Near Eastern context, cities and peoples were often thought to be under the protection of their gods. The removal of protection signifies that the true God, the LORD, has determined their defeat. This aligns with the biblical theme that God is the ultimate authority over all spiritual and earthly powers.

and the LORD is with us
The presence of the LORD with the Israelites is a central theme in their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. It reassures them of divine support and guidance. This presence is symbolized by the Ark of the Covenant and the pillar of cloud and fire. The assurance of God's presence is a source of strength and courage, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like David, who declared in Psalm 23:4 that he would fear no evil because God was with him. This presence is ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, meaning "God with us."

Do not be afraid of them!
The repetition of the command to not fear underscores its importance. Fear can paralyze and prevent the fulfillment of God's promises. This command is a call to faith and action, trusting in God's power rather than succumbing to human weakness. It reflects the biblical principle that faith in God casts out fear, as seen in 1 John 4:18. The exhortation to not fear is a timeless message for believers facing challenges, reminding them of God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The people of God who were delivered from Egypt and are now on the brink of entering the Promised Land.

2. Joshua and Caleb
Two of the twelve spies sent to scout the land of Canaan. They are the only ones who trust in God's promise and encourage the Israelites to take possession of the land.

3. The Promised Land (Canaan)
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It represents God's faithfulness and provision.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who has promised to give the land of Canaan to the Israelites.

5. The Canaanites
The inhabitants of the land of Canaan, perceived as giants and formidable foes by the other ten spies.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Promises
Just as Joshua and Caleb trusted in God's promise to give them the land, we are called to trust in God's promises in our lives. His word is reliable and true.

Do Not Fear
Fear can paralyze and prevent us from stepping into God's plans. We are encouraged to overcome fear by focusing on God's presence and power.

Rebellion Against God
Rebellion is a serious offense against God. It stems from disbelief and distrust. We must guard our hearts against rebellion by cultivating faith and obedience.

God's Presence is Our Assurance
The assurance of God's presence should embolden us to face challenges. Knowing that God is with us provides the courage to move forward in faith.

Spiritual Warfare
The removal of the Canaanites' protection signifies spiritual realities. We are reminded that our battles are not just physical but spiritual, and God has already secured the victory.(9) Their defence is departed from them.--Literally, their shadow. This is a natural and frequently recurring figure of speech in the East, where protection from the scorching rays of the sun is a boon of incalculable worth. (Comp. Genesis 19:8; Psalm 17:8; Psalm 91:1; Isaiah 25:4; Isaiah 30:2.) The measure of the iniquity of the Canaanites was now full, and they were ripe for

destruction. (Comp. Genesis 15:16; Leviticus 18:25; Leviticus 20:23.) . . .

Verse 9. - They are bread for us. "They are our food," i.e., we shall easily devour them (cf. Numbers 24:8; Psalm 14:4). Perhaps it has the further significance that their enemies would be an absolute advantage to them, because they would (however unwillingly) supply them with the necessaries of life. So apparently the Septuagint: μὴ φοβηθῆτε τὸν λαὸν τῆς γῆς ὅτι κατάβρωμα ὑμῖν ἐστιν. <ΒΤΤ·Ξομμενταρψ Ωορδ>Their defense is departed from them. Literally, "their shadow," that which shielded them for a while from the fierce blast of Divine wrath. This "shadow" was not positively the Divine protection (as in Psalm 91:1, and elsewhere), but negatively that Providence which left them a space wherein to walk in their own ways (cf. τὸ κατέχον of 2 Thessalonians 2:6).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Only
אַ֣ךְ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

rebel
תִּמְרֹדוּ֒ (tim·rō·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 4775: To rebel

against the LORD,
בַּֽיהוָה֮ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

be afraid
תִּֽירְאוּ֙ (tî·rə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

of the people
עַ֣ם (‘am)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

of the land,
הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

for
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they will be like bread for us.
לַחְמֵ֖נוּ (laḥ·mê·nū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

Their protection
צִלָּ֧ם (ṣil·lām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6738: A shadow

has been removed,
סָ֣ר (sār)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

and the LORD
וַֽיהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is with us.
אִתָּ֖נוּ (’it·tā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

be afraid of them!”
תִּירָאֻֽם׃ (tî·rā·’um)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten


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OT Law: Numbers 14:9 Only don't rebel against Yahweh neither fear (Nu Num.)
Numbers 14:8
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