Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” New Living Translation But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit upon them all!” English Standard Version But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” Berean Standard Bible But 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!” Berean Literal Bible And Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? If only he would make all people of YHWH prophets, and that YHWH would put His Spirit upon them.” King James Bible And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! New King James Version Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” New American Standard Bible But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? If only all the LORD’S people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” NASB 1995 But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’S people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” NASB 1977 But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” Legacy Standard Bible But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of Yahweh were prophets, that Yahweh would put His Spirit upon them!” Amplified Bible But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’S people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” Berean Annotated Bible But Moses (drawn out) replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s {YHWH} people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit {Ruachow} on them! Christian Standard Bible But Moses asked him, “Are you jealous on my account? If only all the LORD’s people were prophets and the LORD would place his Spirit on them! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible But Moses asked him, “Are you jealous on my account? If only all the LORD’s people were prophets and the LORD would place His Spirit on them!” American Standard Version And Moses said unto him, Art thou jealous for my sake? would that all Jehovah's people were prophets, that Jehovah would put his Spirit upon them! Contemporary English Version But Moses replied, "Are you concerned what this might do to me? I wish the LORD would give his Spirit to all his people so everyone could be a prophet." English Revised Version And Moses said unto him, Art thou jealous for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! GOD'S WORD® Translation But Moses asked him, "Do you think you need to stand up for me? I wish all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them." Good News Translation Moses answered, "Are you concerned about my interests? I wish that the LORD would give his spirit to all his people and make all of them shout like prophets!" International Standard Version "Are you jealous on account of me?" Moses asked in reply. "I wish all of the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!" NET Bible Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for me? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!" New Heart English Bible Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them." Webster's Bible Translation And Moses said to him, Enviest thou for my sake? I would that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut 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!” World English Bible Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all Yahweh’s people were prophets, that Yahweh would put his Spirit on them!” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Moses says to him, “Are you zealous for me? O that all YHWH’s people were prophets! That YHWH would put His Spirit on them!” Berean Literal Bible And Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? If only he would make all people of YHWH prophets, and that YHWH would put His Spirit upon them.” Young's Literal Translation And Moses saith to him, 'Art thou zealous for me? O that all Jehovah's people were prophets! that Jehovah would put His Spirit upon them!' Smith's Literal Translation And Moses will say to him, Thou envying for me; and who will give all the people of Jehovah prophets? when Jehovah will give his spirit upon them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut he said: Why hast thou emulation for me? O that all the people might prophesy, and that the Lord would give them his spirit! Catholic Public Domain Version But he said, “Why are you jealous on my behalf? Who decides that any of the people may prophesy and that God may give to them his Spirit?” New American Bible But Moses answered him, “Are you jealous for my sake? If only all the people of the LORD were prophets! If only the LORD would bestow his spirit on them!” New Revised Standard Version But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit on them!” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Moses said to him, Are you jealous for my sake? Would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Moshe said to him: “Do not be jealous for me; for who makes all the people of LORD JEHOVAH prophets? It is because LORD JEHOVAH puts his Spirit upon them.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Moses said unto him: 'Art thou jealous for my sake? would that all the LORD'S people were prophets, that the LORD would put His spirit upon them!' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Moses said to him, Art thou jealous on my account? and would that all the Lord's people were prophets; whenever the Lord shall put his spirit upon them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Seventy Elders Anointed…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!” 30Then Moses returned to the camp, along with the elders of Israel.… Cross References But Moses replied, Exodus 32:30-32 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. Now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.” / So Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made gods of gold for themselves. / Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.” Deuteronomy 5:5 At that time I was standing between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and would not go up the mountain. And He said: Deuteronomy 34:10 Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face— “Are you jealous on my account? Mark 9:38-40 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone else driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.” / “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied. “For no one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me. / For whoever is not against us is for us. Luke 9:49-50 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.” / “Do not stop him,” Jesus replied, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” John 3:26-30 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.” / John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. / You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ … I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets Joel 2:28-29 And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. / Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Acts 2:16-18 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: / ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. / Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!” Isaiah 44:3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. Ezekiel 37:14 I will put My Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.’” Acts 2:17-18 ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. / Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:5 I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified. Acts 10:44-46 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. / All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. / For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said, 1 Samuel 10:6 Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person. Treasury of Scripture And Moses said to him, Envy you for my sake? would God that all the LORD's people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit on them! Enviest 1 Corinthians 3:3,21 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? … 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. would Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. 1 Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Philippians 1:15-18 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: … that the Matthew 9:37,38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; … Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Jump to Previous Account Envy Jealous Jehovah's Prophets Sake Spirit Wish ZealousJump to Next Account Envy Jealous Jehovah's Prophets Sake Spirit Wish ZealousNumbers 11 1. The burning at Taberah quenched by Moses' prayer4. 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 But Moses replied Moses, as the leader of the Israelites, often found himself in situations where he had to address the concerns and complaints of the people. This response comes after Joshua, Moses' assistant, expressed concern about others prophesying. Moses' reply reflects his humility and understanding of God's broader plan. 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! Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and a prophet of God. He expresses a desire for all of God's people to be filled with the Spirit and to prophesy. 2. Eldad and Medad Two men who were among the seventy elders chosen to help Moses lead the people. They began to prophesy in the camp, which led to Joshua's concern. 3. Joshua Moses' assistant and future leader of Israel, who expresses concern over Eldad and Medad prophesying, fearing it might undermine Moses' authority. 4. The Israelites The people of God, who are in the wilderness journeying towards the Promised Land. They are the broader audience affected by the events and leadership decisions. 5. The Camp The setting where the Israelites are encamped in the wilderness, and where Eldad and Medad prophesy. Teaching Points Desire for Spiritual EmpowermentMoses' wish reflects a heart that desires spiritual empowerment for all believers. We should pray for and encourage the spiritual growth and empowerment of others in our community. Inclusivity in Ministry Moses' response to Joshua shows a desire for inclusivity in ministry. We should be open to God using anyone He chooses, regardless of their position or status. Jealousy in Ministry Joshua's initial reaction reflects a common human tendency towards jealousy in ministry. We must guard against jealousy and instead celebrate when God uses others. Prophetic Community Moses' vision is for a community where all are open to the Spirit's leading. We should strive to be a community that listens to and acts upon the Spirit's guidance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 11:29?2. How does Numbers 11:29 encourage us to support others' spiritual gifts today? 3. What does Moses' response in Numbers 11:29 reveal about humility in leadership? 4. How can we apply Moses' wish for all to prophesy in our church? 5. How does Numbers 11:29 connect with 1 Corinthians 14:1 on desiring spiritual gifts? 6. In what ways can we cultivate a spirit of encouragement like Moses'? 7. What does Numbers 11:29 reveal about Moses' leadership and humility? 8. How does Numbers 11:29 challenge the concept of spiritual exclusivity? 9. Why did Moses wish all the LORD's people were prophets in Numbers 11:29? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 11? 11. Who were Eldad and Medad in the Bible? 12. How are spirits transferred between entities? 13. Why does the “Spirit of God” in 1 Samuel 10:10 produce such immediate prophetic activity in Saul, yet seemingly not in others? 14. Numbers 11:17-25 discusses God's Spirit resting on the seventy elders; why is there limited mention of this event in subsequent biblical texts if it was so pivotal? What Does Numbers 11:29 Mean But Moses replied- Moses speaks with the settled authority of one whom God has called (Exodus 3:10–12). - His “reply” follows Joshua’s concern that Eldad and Medad were prophesying outside the tent (Numbers 11:27–28). - Moses’ calm response echoes his earlier intercession for Israel when God threatened judgment (Exodus 32:11–14). He consistently places God’s purpose above personal prestige. Are you jealous on my account? - Moses gently corrects Joshua’s protective instinct. Jealousy for a leader’s exclusive honor is misplaced when God is the true source of every gift (1 Corinthians 4:7). - Similar moments appear later: • John the Baptist refuses rivalry with Jesus, insisting, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:26–30). • Jesus rebukes His disciples for forbidding an outsider who cast out demons in His name (Mark 9:38–40). - Moses recognizes that guarding personal status can hinder God’s wider work. I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets - Moses longs for every Israelite to experience direct, Spirit-enabled communication with God, not just the seventy elders (Numbers 11:24–25). - This desire anticipates God’s promise through Joel: “I will pour out My Spirit on all people; your sons and daughters will prophesy” (Joel 2:28; fulfilled in Acts 2:16–18). - It also foreshadows the New Covenant reality where every believer receives spiritual gifts for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them! - The Spirit’s placement is God’s sovereign act, not earned by human effort (John 3:5–8). - In the Old Testament, the Spirit empowered select individuals—Bezalel for craftsmanship (Exodus 31:2–5), Samson for deliverance (Judges 14:6), David for kingship (1 Samuel 16:13). Moses envisions a broader outpouring. - Pentecost fulfills this hope: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). - Today, every believer is sealed with the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14), equipped to testify and serve. summary Numbers 11:29 reveals Moses’ humble heart and prophetic vision. He refuses exclusive honor, corrects misplaced jealousy, and yearns for a day when God’s Spirit rests on all His people. The verse points forward to the New Testament reality where, through Christ, the Spirit is poured out universally on believers, enabling each one to speak and serve for God’s glory. (29) Enviest thou for my sake?-Better, Art thou zealous for me? or, Art thou displeased on my account? (Comp. Numbers 25:13; 1Kings 19:10; 1Kings 19:14.)Verse 29. - Enviest thou for my sake? In this answer speaks for once "the meekest of men." It was his sad fate that his position as representative of God obliged him to see repressed with terrible visitations any rebellion against his sole and absolute authority. But he was devoid of personal ambition at all times, and at this time weary and disgusted with the responsibility of ruling such a people. How much more for the glory of God, and for his own peace, would it be if not only these, but all the people, shared the gifts of the Spirit! Mark 9:38, 39 presents a partial, but still a striking, parallel.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But Mosesמֹשֶׁ֔ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver replied, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Are you אַתָּ֖ה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you jealous הַֽמְקַנֵּ֥א (ham·qan·nê) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7065: To be, zealous, jealous, envious on my account? וּמִ֨י (ū·mî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix I wish that יִתֵּ֜ן (yit·tên) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 5414: To give, put, set all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the LORD’s יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel people עַ֤ם (‘am) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock were prophets נְבִיאִ֔ים (nə·ḇî·’îm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet and that כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the LORD יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel would place יִתֵּ֧ן (yit·tên) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set His Spirit רוּח֖וֹ (rū·ḥōw) Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit on them!” עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃ (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Links Numbers 11:29 NIVNumbers 11:29 NLT Numbers 11:29 ESV Numbers 11:29 NASB Numbers 11:29 KJV Numbers 11:29 BibleApps.com Numbers 11:29 Biblia Paralela Numbers 11:29 Chinese Bible Numbers 11:29 French Bible Numbers 11:29 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 11:29 Moses said to him Are you jealous (Nu Num.) |
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