New International VersionThe LORD replied to Moses, “If her father had spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Confine her outside the camp for seven days; after that she can be brought back.”
New Living TranslationBut the LORD said to Moses, “If her father had done nothing more than spit in her face, wouldn’t she be defiled for seven days? So keep her outside the camp for seven days, and after that she may be accepted back.”
English Standard VersionBut the LORD said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut outside the camp seven days, and after that she may be brought in again.”
Berean Standard BibleBut the LORD answered Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.”
King James BibleAnd the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.
New King James VersionThen the LORD said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut out of the camp seven days, and afterward she may be received again.”
New American Standard BibleBut the LORD said to Moses, “If her father had only spit in her face, would she not be put to shame for seven days? Have her shut outside the camp for seven days, and afterward she may be received again.”
NASB 1995But the LORD said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not bear her shame for seven days? Let her be shut up for seven days outside the camp, and afterward she may be received again.”
NASB 1977But the LORD said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not bear her shame for seven days? Let her be shut up for seven days outside the camp, and afterward she may be received again.”
Legacy Standard BibleBut Yahweh said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not bear her dishonor for seven days? Let her be shut up for seven days outside the camp, and afterward she may be received again.”
Amplified BibleBut the LORD said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not bear her shame for seven days? Let her be shut up outside the camp for seven days, and afterward she may return.”
Christian Standard BibleThe LORD answered Moses, “If her father had merely spit in her face, wouldn’t she remain in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe LORD answered Moses, “If her father had merely spit in her face, wouldn’t she remain in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.”
American Standard VersionAnd Jehovah said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut up without the camp seven days, and after that she shall be brought in again.
Contemporary English VersionBut the LORD replied, "Miriam would be disgraced for seven days if her father had punished her by spitting in her face. So make her stay outside the camp for seven days, before coming back."
English Revised VersionAnd the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut up without the camp seven days, and after that she shall be brought in again.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe LORD replied to Moses, "If her own father had spit in her face, wouldn't she be excluded from the community for seven days? She must be put in isolation outside the camp for seven days. Then she can be brought back."
Good News TranslationThe LORD answered, "If her father had spit in her face, she would have to bear her disgrace for seven days. So let her be shut out of the camp for a week, and after that she can be brought back in."
International Standard VersionBut the LORD told Moses, "If her father had merely spit in her face, wouldn't she be humiliated? She is to be placed in isolation for seven days. After that, she may be brought in."
NET BibleThe LORD said to Moses, "If her father had only spit in her face, would she not have been disgraced for seven days? Shut her out from the camp seven days, and afterward she can be brought back in again."
New Heart English BibleThe LORD said to Moses, "If her father had but spit in her face, shouldn't she be ashamed seven days? Let her be shut up outside of the camp seven days, and after that she shall be brought in again."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd the LORD said to Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received again. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut the LORD answered Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.”
World English BibleYahweh said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, shouldn’t she be ashamed seven days? Let her be shut up outside of the camp seven days, and after that she shall be brought in again.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH says to Moses, “But [if] her father had but spat in her face—is she not ashamed [for] seven days? She is shut out [for] seven days at the outside of the camp, and afterward she is gathered.”
Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'And her father had but spat in her face -- is she not ashamed seven days? she is shut out seven days at the outside of the camp, and afterwards she is gathered.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jehovah will say to Moses, And her father spitting, spit in her face, shall she not be ashamed seven days? She shall be shut seven days without the camp, and afterward she shall be taken back. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord answered him: If her father had spitten upon her face, ought she not to have been ashamed for seven days at least? Let her be separated seven days without the camp, and after wards she shall be called again.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd the Lord answered him: “If her father had spit on her face, should she not have been filled with shame for at least seven days? Let her be separated, outside the camp, for seven days, and after that, she will be called back.”
New American BibleBut the LORD answered Moses: Suppose her father had spit in her face, would she not bear her shame for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; afterwards she may be brought back.
New Revised Standard VersionBut the LORD said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not bear her shame for seven days? Let her be shut out of the camp for seven days, and after that she may be brought in again.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD said to Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? Let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her come in again.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd LORD JEHOVAH said to Moshe: “If her father had spit in her face, it would have been fitting for her that she would be ashamed seven days; she shall dwell seven days outside of the camp and then she shall enter.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the LORD said unto Moses: 'If her father had but spit in her face, should she not hide in shame seven days? let her be shut up without the camp seven days, and after that she shall be brought in again.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the Lord said to Moses, If her father had only spit in her face, would she not be ashamed seven days? let her be set apart seven days without the camp, and afterwards she shall come in.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Murmuring of Miriam and Aaron… 13So Moses cried out to the LORD, “O God, please heal her!” 14But the LORDansweredMoses,“If her fatherhad butspitin her face,would she nothave been in disgracefor sevendays?Let her be confinedoutsidethe campfor sevendays;after thatshe may be brought back in.”15So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until she was brought in again.…
Cross References Deuteronomy 24:9Remember what the LORD your God did to Miriam on the journey after you came out of Egypt.
Leviticus 13:46As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp.
2 Kings 5:1-14Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. / At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. / She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.” ...
2 Chronicles 26:19-21Uzziah, 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 14:8The one being cleansed must wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and bathe with water; then he will be ceremonially clean. Afterward, he may enter the camp, but he must remain outside his tent for seven days.
Job 42:7-8After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, He said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and your two friends. For you have not spoken about Me accurately, as My servant Job has. / So now, take seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. Then My servant Job will pray for you, for I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken accurately about Me, as My servant Job has.”
2 Samuel 24:13-15So Gad went and said to David, “Do you choose to endure three years of famine in your land, three months of fleeing the pursuit of your enemies, or three days of plague upon your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should reply to Him who sent me.” / David answered Gad, “I am deeply distressed. Please, let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.” / So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel from that morning until the appointed time, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died.
Isaiah 53:4Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.
Matthew 8:2-4Suddenly 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. / Then Jesus instructed him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses, as a testimony to them.”
Luke 17:12-19As 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. ...
Mark 1:40-45Then 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. ...
Matthew 15:28“O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
John 9:1-3Now as Jesus was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth, / and His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” / Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him.
Acts 10:9-16The next day at about the sixth hour, as the men were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray. / He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. / He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. ...
1 Corinthians 5:5hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.
Treasury of Scripture And the LORD said to Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. spit Deuteronomy 25:9
Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house. Job 30:10
They abhor me, they flee far from me, and spare not to spit in my face. Isaiah 50:6
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. let her be Numbers 5:2,3
Command the children of Israel, that they put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue, and whosoever is defiled by the dead: … Leviticus 13:45,46
And the leper in whom the plagueis, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean… Leviticus 14:8
And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days. Jump to Previous AfterwardAshamedBearCampConfineDisgraceHideReceivedSevenShameShamedShouldn'tShutSpatSpitTent-CircleJump to Next AfterwardAshamedBearCampConfineDisgraceHideReceivedSevenShameShamedShouldn'tShutSpatSpitTent-CircleNumbers 12 1.God rebukes the sedition of Miriam and Aaron11.Miriam's leprosy is healed at the prayer of Moses14.God commands her to be shut out of the host16.The people encamp in the desert of ParanBut the LORD answered MosesThis phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Moses, highlighting Moses' unique role as a prophet and leader of Israel. In the context of Numbers 12, God is addressing a situation involving Miriam and Aaron's challenge to Moses' authority. This divine response underscores the seriousness of the situation and God's defense of His chosen leader. If her father had but spit in her face
Spitting in someone's face was a cultural expression of severe disgrace and rejection in ancient Near Eastern societies. This act symbolized shame and dishonor, often used in familial or community contexts to express disapproval. The reference to a father suggests a familial authority and the gravity of Miriam's offense against Moses, who was not only her brother but also God's appointed leader. would she not have been in disgrace for seven days?
The seven-day period reflects a common biblical theme of completeness and purification. In Levitical law, seven days often marked the duration for purification rituals (Leviticus 12:2, 14:8). This period of disgrace serves as a temporary but significant consequence for Miriam's actions, emphasizing the need for repentance and restoration. Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days
Being sent outside the camp was a form of social and religious exclusion, often used for those who were ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 13:46). This confinement underscores the seriousness of Miriam's sin and the need for purification before rejoining the community. It also reflects the holiness of the camp, where God's presence dwelt, and the necessity of maintaining purity within it. after that she may be brought back in
This phrase indicates the possibility of restoration and forgiveness after a period of discipline. It highlights God's mercy and the opportunity for reconciliation after repentance. The reintegration into the community signifies the end of disgrace and the restoration of relationships, both with God and with the people. This concept of restoration is echoed in the New Testament, where repentance leads to forgiveness and reconciliation with God (1John 1:9). Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness. 2. MiriamThe sister of Moses and Aaron, who, along with Aaron, spoke against Moses, questioning his unique relationship with God. 3. AaronThe brother of Moses and Miriam, who also participated in speaking against Moses. 4. The LORD (Yahweh)The God of Israel, who defends Moses and punishes Miriam for her rebellion. 5. The Camp of IsraelThe community of Israelites journeying through the wilderness, representing the people of God. Teaching Points The Seriousness of RebellionMiriam's punishment underscores the gravity of speaking against God's appointed leaders. It serves as a reminder to respect and support those whom God has placed in authority. The Role of IntercessionMoses' intercession for Miriam highlights the power and importance of praying for those who have wronged us, demonstrating love and forgiveness. God's Discipline as RestorationThe seven-day confinement was not only a punishment but also a period of restoration, showing that God's discipline aims to bring us back into right relationship with Him. Community and ConsequencesMiriam's isolation affected the entire community, illustrating how individual actions can have broader implications for the people of God. The Importance of HumilityThe incident calls believers to examine their own hearts for pride and to cultivate humility, recognizing that all authority is ultimately under God's sovereignty. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 12
How credible is it that an apparently contagious disease is healed precisely in seven days (Numbers 12:14–15) without leaving lasting physical complications?
What is the main theme of the Book of Numbers?
Does the strict tribal arrangement in Numbers 2 align with known nomadic practices from the same era, or does it suggest an anachronistic editorial insertion?
Why does Numbers 12:1–2 single out Miriam for punishment while Aaron seems to escape similar consequences for the same complaint?(14) If her father had but spit in her face.--Or, in her presence.Spitting in the presence of any one, much more spitting in the face of any one, is regarded in the East as an indication of the utmost degree of abhorrence and indignation. Comp. Deuteronomy 25:9; Job 30:10; Isaiah 1:6; Matthew 26:67. Seven days.--This was the time during which the person suspected of being leprous was to be shut up in the first instance (Leviticus 13:4;Leviticus 13:21, &c.); and this was also the time during which the leper, when cleansed, was to "tarry abroad out of his tent," after he had come into the camp, before the appointed sacrifices were offered on his behalf (Leviticus 14:8;Leviticus 14:10). It was thus that she who had placed herself on a level with the divinely-appointed head and ruler of her nation was to be excluded for seven days from any part or lot in the privileges which were enjoyed by the humblest member of the congregation. . . . Verse 14. - The Lord said unto Moses. Presumably in the tabernacle, whither Moses would have returned to supplicate God. If her father had but spit in her face. The "but" is superfluous, and obscures the sense; the act mentioned is referred to not as something trifling, but as something in its way very serious. The Septuagint renders it correctly εἰ ὁ πατὴρ...πτύων ἐνέπτυσεν. The Targums have, "if her father had corrected her." Probably they used this euphemism from a sense of a certain want of dignity and propriety in the original expression, considered as coming from the mouth of God. The act in question was, however, not uncommon in itself, and in significance clearly marked (see Deuteronomy 25:9). It was the distinctive note of public disgrace inflicted by one who had a right to inflict it. In the case of a father, it meant that he was thoroughly ashamed of his child, and judged it best (which would be only in extreme cases) to put his child to shame before all the world. So public a disgrace would certainly be felt in patriarchal times as a most severe calamity, and entailed by ordinary custom (as we learn here) retirement and mourning for seven days at least. How much more, when her heavenly Father had been driven to inflict a public disgrace upon her for perverse behavior, should the shame and the sorrow not be lightly put away,, but patiently endured for a decent period! (cf. Hebrews 12:9).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew But the LORDיְהוָ֜ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelansweredוַיֹּ֨אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayMoses,מֹשֶׁ֗ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver“If her fatherוְאָבִ֙יהָ֙(wə·’ā·ḇî·hā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1:Fatherhad butיָרֹ֤ק(yā·rōq)Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 3417:To spitspitיָרַק֙(yā·raq)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3417:To spitin her face,בְּפָנֶ֔יהָ(bə·p̄ā·ne·hā)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6440:The facewould she notהֲלֹ֥א(hă·lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nohave been in disgraceתִכָּלֵ֖ם(ṯik·kā·lêm)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3637:To wound, to taunt, insultfor sevenשִׁבְעַ֣ת(šiḇ·‘aṯ)Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7651:Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite numberdays?יָמִ֑ים(yā·mîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A dayLet her be confinedתִּסָּגֵ֞ר(tis·sā·ḡêr)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5462:To shut up, to surrenderoutsideמִח֣וּץ(mi·ḥūṣ)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2351:Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoorsthe campלַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה(lam·ma·ḥă·neh)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4264:An encampment, an armyfor sevenשִׁבְעַ֤ת(šiḇ·‘aṯ)Number - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7651:Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite numberdays;יָמִים֙(yā·mîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A dayafter thatוְאַחַ֖ר(wə·’a·ḥar)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 310:The hind or following partshe may be brought back in.”תֵּאָסֵֽף׃(tê·’ā·sêp̄)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 622:To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove
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OT Law: Numbers 12:14 Yahweh said to Moses If her father (Nu Num.) |
