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◄ Numbers 11:15►

New International Version
If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me—if I have found favor in your eyes—and do not let me face my own ruin.”

New Living Translation
If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!”

English Standard Version
If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.”

Berean Standard Bible
If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.”

King James Bible
And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

New King James Version
If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now—if I have found favor in Your sight—and do not let me see my wretchedness!”

New American Standard Bible
So if You are going to deal with me this way, please kill me now, if I have found favor in Your sight, and do not let me see my misery.”

NASB 1995
“So if You are going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once, if I have found favor in Your sight, and do not let me see my wretchedness.”

NASB 1977
“So if Thou art going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once, if I have found favor in Thy sight, and do not let me see my wretchedness.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So if You are going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once, if I have found favor in Your sight, and do not let me see my wretchedness.”

Amplified Bible
So if this is the way You are going to deal with me, please kill me at once, if I have found favor in your sight, and do not let me see my wretchedness.”

Christian Standard Bible
If you are going to treat me like this, please kill me right now if I have found favor with you, and don’t let me see my misery anymore.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If You are going to treat me like this, please kill me right now. If You are pleased with me, don’t let me see my misery anymore.”

American Standard Version
And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favor in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

Contemporary English Version
If this is the way you're going to treat me, just kill me now and end my miserable life!

English Revised Version
And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If this is how you're going to treat me, why don't you just kill me? I can't face this trouble anymore."

Good News Translation
If you are going to treat me like this, have pity on me and kill me, so that I won't have to endure your cruelty any longer."

International Standard Version
If this is how you treat me, please kill me right now, if I've found favor in your eyes, because I don't want to keep staring at all of this misery!"

NET Bible
But if you are going to deal with me like this, then kill me immediately. If I have found favor in your sight then do not let me see my trouble."

New Heart English Bible
If you treat me this way, please kill me right now, if I have found favor in your sight; and do not let me see my wretchedness."

Webster's Bible Translation
And if thou dealest thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favor in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
If this is how You are going to treat me, please kill me right now—if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.”

World English Bible
If you treat me this way, please kill me right now, if I have found favor in your sight; and don’t let me see my wretchedness.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and if thus You are doing to me—please slay me; slay, if I have found grace in your eyes, and do not let me look on my affliction.”

Young's Literal Translation
and if thus Thou art doing to me -- slay me, I pray Thee; slay, if I have found grace in thine eyes, and let me not look on mine affliction.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And if so thou doest to me, killing, kill me now, if I found grace in thine eyes; and I shall not look upon my evil.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But if it seem unto thee otherwise, I beseech thee to kill me, and let me find grace in thy eyes, that I be not afflicted with so great evils.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But if it seems to you otherwise, I beg you to put me to death, and so may I find grace in your eyes, lest I be afflicted with such evils.”

New American Bible
If this is the way you will deal with me, then please do me the favor of killing me at once, so that I need no longer face my distress.”

New Revised Standard Version
If this is the way you are going to treat me, put me to death at once—if I have found favor in your sight—and do not let me see my misery.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And if thou deal thus with me, kill me right away, if I have found favor in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
If you do so to me, kill me please, if I have found mercy in your eyes, and I shall not see my misery.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And if Thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray Thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in Thy sight; and let me not look upon my wretchedness.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if thou doest thus to me, slay me utterly, if I have found favour with thee, that I may not see my affliction.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Complaint of Moses
…14I cannot carry all these people by myself; it is too burdensome for me.15If this is how You are going to treat me,please kill me right now —if I have found favor in Your eyes—and let me not see my own wretchedness.”

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Exodus 32:32
Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.”

1 Kings 19:4
while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”

Jonah 4:3
And now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

Job 6:8-9
If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope: / that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!

Jeremiah 20:14-18
Cursed be the day I was born! May the day my mother bore me never be blessed. / Cursed be the man who brought my father the news, saying, “A son is born to you,” bringing him great joy. / May that man be like the cities that the LORD overthrew without compassion. May he hear an outcry in the morning and a battle cry at noon, ...

2 Corinthians 1:8-9
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. / Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead.

Philippians 1:21-24
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. / But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. / I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. ...

Matthew 26:38-39
Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” / Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”

2 Kings 2:9-10
After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” “Please, let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. / “You have requested a difficult thing,” said Elijah. “Nevertheless, if you see me as I am taken from you, it will be yours. But if not, then it will not be so.”

Deuteronomy 1:12
But how can I bear your troubles, burdens, and disputes all by myself?

Psalm 55:6-8
I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and find rest. / How far away I would flee! In the wilderness I would remain. Selah / I would hurry to my shelter, far from this raging tempest.”

1 Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Lamentations 3:1-18
I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of God’s wrath. / He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness instead of light. / Indeed, He keeps turning His hand against me all day long. ...

2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. / But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.

Treasury of Scripture

And if you deal thus with me, kill me, I pray you, out of hand, if I have found favor in your sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

kill me

1 Kings 19:4
But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for Iam not better than my fathers.

Job 3:20-22
Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitterin soul; …

Job 6:8-10
Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grantme the thing that I long for! …

let me not

Jeremiah 15:18
Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable,which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar,and as watersthat fail?

Jeremiah 20:18
Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

Zephaniah 3:15
The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel,even the LORD,is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.

my wretchedness.

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Numbers 11

1.The burning at Taberah quenched by Moses' prayer
4.The people crave meat, and loathe manna
10.Moses complains of his charge
16.God promises to divide his burden unto seventy elders,
18.and to give the people meat for a month
21.Moses' faith is staggered
31.Quails are given in wrath at Kibroth Hattaavah

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

If this is how You are going to treat me
Moses is speaking directly to God, expressing his frustration and despair. This moment reflects the intense burden of leadership Moses feels as he leads the Israelites through the wilderness. The Israelites' constant complaints and lack of faith weigh heavily on him. This phrase highlights the human side of Moses, showing that even great leaders can feel overwhelmed. It echoes the sentiments of other biblical figures who have questioned God's plans, such as Elijah in1 Kings 19:4.

please kill me right now
Moses is so overwhelmed by the situation that he would rather die than continue under such pressure. This is a hyperbolic expression of his despair, similar to the feelings expressed by Job inJob 6:8-9. It underscores the severity of his emotional state and the depth of his distress. The wilderness journey was not only physically demanding but also spiritually and emotionally taxing for Moses.

if I have found favor in Your eyes
Moses appeals to his relationship with God, acknowledging that his life and leadership are dependent on God's grace. This phrase is reminiscent of other biblical figures who sought God's favor, such as Noah inGenesis 6:8 and Mary inLuke 1:30. It reflects a deep understanding of the covenant relationship between God and His chosen leaders.

and let me not see my own wretchedness
Moses is aware of his limitations and weaknesses. He does not want to continue in a state where his inadequacies are constantly exposed. This phrase can be seen as a plea for God to either relieve him of his duties or provide the strength and support he needs. It highlights the theme of human frailty and the need for divine assistance, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Moses' acknowledgment of his own wretchedness points to the need for a savior, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who bears the burdens of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. InNumbers 11:15, Moses is expressing his deep frustration and sense of being overwhelmed by the burden of leadership.

2.The Israelites
The people of God who are journeying through the wilderness. They are complaining about their hardships and the lack of variety in their diet, which adds to Moses' burden.

3.The Wilderness
The setting of this event, where the Israelites are wandering after their exodus from Egypt. It is a place of testing and reliance on God.

4.God
The ultimate authority and provider, who hears Moses' plea and responds to the needs of His people.

5.The Tent of Meeting
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the place where Moses often goes to meet with God and seek guidance.

Teaching Points

The Weight of Leadership
Leadership, especially spiritual leadership, can be overwhelming. Moses' plea inNumbers 11:15 shows that even the most faithful leaders can feel crushed by their responsibilities.

Honesty in Prayer
Moses' candid conversation with God demonstrates that we can bring our deepest frustrations and feelings to God in prayer. God desires honesty and transparency in our relationship with Him.

God's Provision in Desperation
When we reach the end of our strength, God provides solutions and support. This passage encourages believers to trust in God's provision and timing.

The Importance of Community Support
Just as God later instructs Moses to appoint seventy elders to share the burden, we are reminded of the importance of community and shared responsibilities in the body of Christ.

Relying on God's Strength
Human strength is limited, but God's strength is perfect in our weakness. This passage encourages believers to rely on God's strength rather than their own.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Numbers 11:15?

2.How does Moses' plea in Numbers 11:15 reflect human limitations and reliance on God?

3.What does Moses' request reveal about his leadership challenges in Numbers 11:15?

4.How can we apply Moses' honesty with God to our prayer life today?

5.In what ways does Numbers 11:15 connect to Jesus' invitation to cast burdens on Him?

6.How does Moses' despair in Numbers 11:15 teach us about seeking God's strength?

7.Why does Moses ask God to take his life in Numbers 11:15?

8.How does Numbers 11:15 reflect Moses' leadership struggles?

9.What does Numbers 11:15 reveal about human limitations in spiritual leadership?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 11?

11.What distinguishes mortal sin from venial sin?

12.(2 Samuel 23:8 vs 1 Chronicles 11:11) Why do the records conflict on the number of enemies killed (eight hundred vs three hundred)?

13.Numbers 15:15-16: How does one law for both Israelites and foreigners reconcile with other passages that treat outsiders differently?

14.Numbers 11:14-15 describes Moses' despair; how consistent is this with the idea of Moses as a faith-driven leader elsewhere in the Torah?

What Does Numbers 11:15 Mean

If this is how You are going to treat me

• Moses speaks in raw honesty after hearing Israel’s grumbling about manna (Numbers 11:1–10).

• He feels overwhelmed by a burden God never asked him to shoulder alone (compareExodus 18:17–18).

• His lament echoes earlier prophets who voiced despair when ministry felt impossible—Jeremiah 20:7–9;Jonah 4:1–3.

• The verse shows God permits transparent lament; He records it faithfully without rebuke at this moment (Psalm 62:8).

please kill me right now

• Moses dramatizes his exhaustion with a request for death, recalling Elijah’s plea in1 Kings 19:4 after spiritual victory turned to crisis.

• The statement is not suicidal rebellion but a surrender of life to the One who gave it (Job 6:8–9).

• It underscores that spiritual leaders can reach breaking points; God’s solution will be shared leadership, not condemnation (Numbers 11:16-17).

if I have found favor in Your eyes

• Moses knows he stands under God’s grace (Exodus 33:17). His appeal is grounded in relationship, not entitlement.

• He trusts that the same God who showed favor at the burning bush and at Sinai will respond compassionately now (Psalm 30:7).

• This clause reveals that candid prayer can coexist with deep confidence in divine goodness (Hebrews 4:16).

and let me not see my own wretchedness

• “Wretchedness” points to the crushing awareness of inadequacy when comparing personal strength to the task (2 Corinthians 3:5).

• Moses would rather die than witness continued personal failure in leading a complaining people—paralleling Paul’s groan inRomans 7:24.

• God answers by lifting, not eliminating, Moses’ calling: seventy elders share the Spirit, reducing the sense of wretched isolation (Numbers 11:24-29).

summary

Numbers 11:15 captures a pivotal moment when Moses, fatigued and frustrated, pours out a desperate plea. His words teach that God welcomes honest lament; leaders can confess limits; grace remains the basis of every appeal; and the Lord’s answer is not death but provision—distributing the load so His servant can continue faithfully.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(15)Kill me, I pray thee, out of hand.--Or,Make an utter end of me.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 15. -Kill me, I pray thee, out ofhand,or "quite." Hebrew,תָרֹג, inf. abs.And let me not see my wretchedness. Let me not live to see the total failure of my hopes and efforts.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

If
וְאִם־(wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

this is how
כָּ֣כָה ׀(kā·ḵāh)
Adverb
Strong's 3602:Just so

You
אַתְּ־(’at-)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and you

are going to treat
עֹ֣שֶׂה(‘ō·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make

me,
לִּ֗י(lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

please
נָא֙(nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994:I pray', 'now', 'then'

kill me right now—
הָרֹ֔ג(hā·rōḡ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 2026:To smite with deadly intent

if
אִם־(’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

I have found
מָצָ֥אתִי(mā·ṣā·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

favor
חֵ֖ן(ḥên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2580:Graciousness, subjective, objective

in Your eyes—
בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ(bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountain

and let me not
וְאַל־(wə·’al-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 408:Not

see
אֶרְאֶ֖ה(’er·’eh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular
Strong's 7200:To see

my own wretchedness.”
בְּרָעָתִֽי׃(bə·rā·‘ā·ṯî)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, evil

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OT Law: Numbers 11:15 If you deal thus with me please (Nu Num.)