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Numbers 12:8

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I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”

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Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 8

In the foregoing chapter we had the vexation which the people gave to Moses; in this we have his patience tried by his own relations. I. Miriam and Aaron, his own brother and sister, affronted him (Num 12:1-3). II. God called them to an account for it (Num 12:4-9). III. Miriam was smitten with a leprosy for it (Num 12:10). IV. Aaron submits, and Moses meekly intercedes for Miriam (Num 12:11-13). V. She is healed, but put to shame for seven days (Num 12:14-16). And this is recorded to show that the best persons and families have both their follies and their crosses.

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Original language

The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).

Strong's Concordancev. 8

דָבַר (dâbar, H1696) — perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a… פֶּה (peh, H6310) — the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech);… מַרְאֶה (marʼeh, H4758) — a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape… חִידָה (chîydâh, H2420) — a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim תְּמוּנָה (tᵉmûwnâh, H8544) — something portioned (i.e. fashioned) out, as ashape, i.e. (indefinitely) phantom, or… יְהֹוָה (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) — Jehovah, Jewish national name of God נָבַט (nâbaṭ, H5027) — to scan, i.e. look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care יָרֵא (yârêʼ, H3372) — to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten עֶבֶד (ʻebed, H5650) — a servant מֹשֶׁה (Môsheh, H4872) — Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Deuteronomy 34:10rank 14

Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face—

I Corinthians 13:12rank 10

Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Exodus 33:11rank 8

Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent.

Luke 10:16rank 7

Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”

Exodus 33:23rank 7

Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back; but My face must not be seen.”

John 15:15rank 6

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.

II Peter 2:10rank 5

Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.

Psalms 17:15rank 4

As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied in Your presence.

I Thessalonians 4:8rank 4

Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.

John 15:24rank 4

If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father.

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