Numbers 11:28
New International Version
Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ aide since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”

New Living Translation
Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses’ assistant since his youth, protested, “Moses, my master, make them stop!”

English Standard Version
And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, “My lord Moses, stop them.”

Berean Standard Bible
Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”

King James Bible
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

New King James Version
So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, “Moses my lord, forbid them!”

New American Standard Bible
Then Joshua the son of Nun, the personal servant of Moses from his youth, responded and said, “My lord Moses, restrain them!”

NASB 1995
Then Joshua the son of Nun, the attendant of Moses from his youth, said, “Moses, my lord, restrain them.”

NASB 1977
Then Joshua the son of Nun, the attendant of Moses from his youth, answered and said, “Moses, my lord, restrain them.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Joshua the son of Nun, the attendant of Moses from his youth, said, “Moses, my lord, restrain them.”

Amplified Bible
Then Joshua the son of Nun, the attendant of Moses from his youth, said, “My lord Moses, stop them!”

Christian Standard Bible
Joshua son of Nun, assistant to Moses since his youth, responded, “Moses, my lord, stop them! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Joshua son of Nun, assistant to Moses since his youth, responded, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”

American Standard Version
And Joshua the son of Nun, the minister of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

Contemporary English Version
Joshua was there helping Moses, as he had done since he was young. And he said to Moses, "Sir, you must stop them!"

English Revised Version
And Joshua the son of Nun, the minister of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Joshua, son of Nun, who had been Moses' assistant ever since he was a young man, spoke up and said, "Stop them, sir!"

Good News Translation
Then Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses' helper since he was a young man, spoke up and said to Moses, "Stop them, sir!"

International Standard Version
In response, Nun's son Joshua, Moses' attendant and one of his choice men, exclaimed, "My master Moses! Stop them!"

Majority Standard Bible
Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!”

NET Bible
Joshua son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his choice young men, said, "My lord Moses, stop them!"

New Heart English Bible
Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered, "My lord Moses, forbid them."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord, Moses, forbid them.

World English Bible
Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered, “My lord Moses, forbid them!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Joshua son of Nun, minister of Moses, [one] of his young men, answers and says, “My lord Moses, restrain them.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Joshua son of Nun, minister of Moses, one of his young men, answereth and saith, 'My lord Moses, restrain them.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joshua, son of Nun, serving Moses from his chosen, will answer and say, My lord Moses, restrain them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Forthwith Josue the son of Nun, the minister of Moses, and chosen out of many, said: My lord Moses forbid them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Promptly, Joshua the son of Nun, the minister of Moses and chosen from many, said: “My lord Moses, prohibit them.”

New American Bible
Joshua, son of Nun, who from his youth had been Moses’ aide, said, “My lord, Moses, stop them.”

New Revised Standard Version
And Joshua son of Nun, the assistant of Moses, one of his chosen men, said, “My lord Moses, stop them!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Joshua the son of Nun, who had ministered to Moses from his youth, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Husha Bar Nun the Servant of Moshe from his childhood answered and said to him: “My Lord Moshe, forbid them.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Joshua the son of Nun, the minister of Moses from his youth up, answered and said: 'My lord Moses, shut them in.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joshua the son of Naue, who attended on Moses, the chosen one, said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Seventy Elders Anointed
27A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 28Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” 29But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!”…

Cross References
Exodus 24:13
So Moses set out with Joshua his attendant and went up on the mountain of God.

Deuteronomy 34:9
Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.

Joshua 1:1
Now after the death of His servant Moses, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying,

Exodus 33:11
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.

1 Samuel 3:1
And the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. Now in those days the word of the LORD was rare, and visions were scarce.

1 Kings 19:19-21
So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.

2 Kings 2:3-5
Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.” / And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the LORD has sent me on to Jericho.” But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went to Jericho. / Then the sons of the prophets at Jericho came up to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”

2 Kings 2:15
When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.

1 Chronicles 17:25
For You, my God, have revealed to Your servant that You will build a house for him. Therefore Your servant has found the courage to pray before You.

Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”

Jeremiah 1:6-7
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” / But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak.

Matthew 4:19-20
“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” / And at once they left their nets and followed Him.

Matthew 20:26-28
It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— / just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:43-45
But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. / For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Luke 9:54-55
When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” / But Jesus turned and rebuked them.


Treasury of Scripture

And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

Joshua

Exodus 17:9
And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

My Lord

Mark 9:38,39
And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us…

Luke 9:49,50
And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us…

John 3:26
And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

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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














Joshua son of Nun
The name "Joshua" is derived from the Hebrew "Yehoshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." Joshua, the son of Nun, is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for his unwavering faith and leadership. As Moses' successor, he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. His lineage, being from the tribe of Ephraim, highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Joseph. Joshua's role as a leader and warrior is a foreshadowing of Christ, who leads His people into spiritual rest and victory.

the attendant to Moses
The Hebrew word for "attendant" is "mesharet," which implies a servant or minister. Joshua's role as Moses' attendant since youth signifies his close relationship and loyalty to Moses. This position allowed Joshua to learn directly from Moses, preparing him for future leadership. It reflects the biblical principle of discipleship, where close association with a godly leader can prepare one for future service in God's kingdom.

since youth
This phrase indicates that Joshua had been serving Moses from a young age, suggesting a long period of mentorship and preparation. It emphasizes the importance of training and nurturing young believers in the faith, equipping them for future roles in God's service. The concept of starting young in service to God is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in the lives of Samuel, David, and Timothy.

spoke up and said
The act of speaking up shows Joshua's boldness and concern for maintaining order and respect for Moses' leadership. In the Hebrew context, speaking up often implies taking a stand or making a declaration. Joshua's willingness to voice his concerns reflects his protective nature and his desire to uphold the authority of God's chosen leader.

Moses, my lord
The term "my lord" is a respectful address, acknowledging Moses' authority and leadership. In Hebrew, "adonai" is used, which is a term of respect and honor. Joshua's use of this term demonstrates his humility and recognition of Moses' God-given position. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and honoring those whom God has placed in leadership over us.

stop them
Joshua's plea to "stop them" refers to his concern over the prophesying of Eldad and Medad, who were not with the other elders at the tent of meeting. This reaction highlights a common human tendency to protect established structures and authority. However, it also serves as a lesson in understanding that God's Spirit can work in unexpected ways and through unexpected people. Moses' response to Joshua's plea teaches us about the inclusivity of God's work and the importance of being open to His Spirit moving beyond our expectations.

(28) My lord Moses, forbid them.--The motive which prompted Joshua in making this request appears to have been similar to that which led St. John to forbid the man to cast out devils who did not follow with the Apostles (Mark 9:38-39; Luke 9:49-50). But as the man did not cast out devils in his own name, but in that of Christ, so in this case Eldad and Medad prophesied in virtue of the spirit which rested upon them from above, of which the Holy Ghost, not Moses, was the giver. The motives which deterred Eldad and Medad from going to the tent of meeting are unknown. The history teaches the freeness and the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit's influences, as afterwards did that of Cornelius, when the Holy Ghost fell upon him and upon those who were with him, previously to the reception of baptism, and they spoke with tongues and magnified God (Acts 10:44-48).

Verse 28. - Joshua the son of Nun. See on Exodus 17:9. As before, he is called Joshua by anticipation. One of his young men. This implies that there were others who to some extent shared his duties towards Moses; but that Joshua stood in a peculiar relation to his master is evident from Exodus 24:13 and Exodus 32:17, as well as from this passage itself. My lord Moses, forbid them. Probably he did not know that they had been enrolled, and he was naturally jealous for the honour of Moses - a jealousy which was not at all unnecessary, as the events of the next chapter proved. The prophesying of Eldad and Medad in the camp might well seem like the setting up of an independent authority, not in harmony with that of Moses.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Joshua
יְהוֹשֻׁ֣עַ (yə·hō·wō·šu·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3091: Joshua -- 'the LORD is salvation', Moses' successor, also the name of a number of Israelites

son
בִּן־ (bin-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Nun,
נ֗וּן (nūn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5126: Nun -- father of Joshua

the attendant
מְשָׁרֵ֥ת (mə·šā·rêṯ)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to

to Moses
מֹשֶׁ֛ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

since youth,
מִבְּחֻרָ֖יו (mib·bə·ḥu·rāw)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 979: Youth

spoke up
וַיַּ֜עַן (way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

and said,
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר (way·yō·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Moses,
מֹשֶׁ֖ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

my lord,
אֲדֹנִ֥י (’ă·ḏō·nî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

stop them!”
כְּלָאֵֽם׃ (kə·lā·’êm)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3607: To shut up, restrain, withhold


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OT Law: Numbers 11:28 Joshua the son of Nun the minister (Nu Num.)
Numbers 11:27
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