Numbers 14:9 Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!"

◄ Numbers 14:9 ►

New International Version
Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”

New Living Translation
Do not rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”

English Standard Version
Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”

Berean Standard Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!”

King James Bible
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

New King James Version
Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”

New American Standard Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection is gone from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”

NASB 1995
“Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”

NASB 1977
“Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they shall be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But as for you, only do not rebel against Yahweh; and do not fear the people of the land, for they are our bread. Their protection has been removed from them, and Yahweh is with us; do not fear them.”

Amplified Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”

Christian Standard Bible
Only don’t rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Don’t be afraid of them! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Only don’t rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land, for we will devour them. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us. Don’t be afraid of them!”

American Standard Version
Only rebel not against Jehovah, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is removed from over them, and Jehovah is with us: fear them not.

Contemporary English Version
So don't rebel. We have no reason to be afraid of the people who live there. The LORD is on our side, and they won't stand a chance against us!

English Revised Version
Only rebel not against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is removed from over them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't rebel against the LORD, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. We will devour them like bread. They have no protection, and the LORD is with us. So don't be afraid of them."

Good News Translation
Do not rebel against the LORD and don't be afraid of the people who live there. We will conquer them easily. The LORD is with us and has defeated the gods who protected them; so don't be afraid."

International Standard Version
However, don't rebel against the LORD or be afraid of the people who live in the land, because we'll gobble them right up. Their defenses will collapse, because the LORD is with us. You are not to be afraid of them."

Majority Standard Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!?

NET Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection has turned aside from them, but the LORD is with us. Do not fear them!"

New Heart English Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD, neither fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is removed from over them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them."

Webster's Bible Translation
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense has departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

World English Bible
Only don’t rebel against Yahweh, neither fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us. Their defense is removed from over them, and Yahweh is with us. Don’t fear them.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
only, do not rebel against YHWH: and you, do not fear the people of the land, for they [are] our bread; their defense has turned aside from off them, and YHWH [is] with us; do not fear them.”

Young's Literal Translation
only, against Jehovah rebel not ye: and ye, fear not ye the people of the land, for our bread they are; their defence hath turned aside from off them, and Jehovah is with us; fear them not.'

Smith's Literal Translation
But against Jehovah ye shall not rebel, and ye shall not be afraid of the people of the land; for they our bread: for their shadow removed from them and Jehovah with us; ye shall not be afraid of them.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Be not rebellious against the Lord: and fear ye not the people of this land, for we are able to eat them up as bread. All aid is gone from them: the Lord is with us, fear ye not.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Do not choose to be rebellious against the Lord. And do not fear the people of this land, for, like bread, so are we able to devour them. All protection has withdrawn from them. The Lord is with us. Do not be afraid.”

New American Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD! You need not be afraid of the people of the land, for they are but food for us! Their protection has left them, but the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”

New Revised Standard Version
Only, do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they are no more than bread for us; their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Only do not rebel against the LORD, neither be afraid of the people of the land; for their conquest will be as easy as eating bread; their strength has left them, and the LORD is with us; fear them not.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Only do not rebel against LORD JEHOVAH and do not be afraid of the people of the land, because they are our bread, for their strength itself has passed away from them and LORD JEHOVAH is with us; you shall not be afraid of them.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Only rebel not against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us; their defence is removed from over them, and the LORD is with us; fear them not.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Only depart not from the Lord; and fear ye not the people of the land, for they are meat for us; for the season of prosperity is departed from them, but the Lord is among us: fear them not.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The People Rebel
…8If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. 9Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!” 10But the whole congregation threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Psalm 118:6
The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Hebrews 13:5-6
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” / So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Deuteronomy 7:18-19
But do not be afraid of them. Be sure to remember what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt: / the great trials that you saw, the signs and wonders, and the mighty hand and outstretched arm by which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear.

1 Samuel 17:45-47
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

Matthew 28:20
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Exodus 23:22
But if you will listen carefully to his voice and do everything I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.

Isaiah 8:10
Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”

1 John 4:4
You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

Treasury of Scripture

Only rebel not you against the LORD, neither fear you the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.

only rebel

Deuteronomy 9:7,23,24
Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD…

Isaiah 1:2
Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Isaiah 63:10
But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

neither

Deuteronomy 7:18
Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;

Deuteronomy 20:3
And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;

are bread

Numbers 24:8
God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.

Deuteronomy 32:42
I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenges upon the enemy.

Psalm 14:4
Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.

defence.

Psalm 91:1
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 121:5
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

Isaiah 30:2,3
That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! …

the Lord

Genesis 48:21
And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

Exodus 33:16
For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 7:21
Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible.

fear them not

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Numbers 14

1. The people murmur at the news
6. Joshua and Caleb labor to still them
11. God threatens them
13. Moses intercedes with God, and obtains pardon
26. The Murmurers are debarred from entering into the land
36. The men who raised the evil report die by a plague
40. The people that would invade the land against the will of God are smitten

Berean Study Bible

Only do not rebel against the LORD
This phrase serves as a stern warning against disobedience to God. The Hebrew word for "rebel" is "מָרָה" (marah), which implies a willful defiance or resistance against authority. In the context of Numbers 14, the Israelites are on the brink of entering the Promised Land, yet their fear and lack of faith lead them to consider returning to Egypt. This rebellion is not just against Moses and Aaron but directly against God, who has demonstrated His power and faithfulness repeatedly. Historically, this moment is pivotal as it reflects the recurring theme of Israel's struggle with faith and obedience, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament.

And do not be afraid of the people of the land
The command to not fear is a recurring biblical exhortation, often linked with trust in God. The Hebrew word for "afraid" is "יָרֵא" (yare), which can mean to fear, revere, or be in awe. Here, it specifically addresses the Israelites' fear of the Canaanites. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Canaanites were indeed formidable, with fortified cities and advanced military capabilities. However, the call is to trust in God's promise and power rather than be intimidated by human strength.

because we will devour them
The imagery of devouring suggests complete victory and consumption. The Hebrew word "לָחַם" (lacham) is often used in the context of warfare and battle. This phrase is a bold declaration of faith, asserting that with God's help, the Israelites will overcome their enemies. It reflects the confidence that comes from knowing God's promises and His past deliverance.

Their protection has been removed
The phrase indicates a divine intervention where the Canaanites' defenses are rendered ineffective. The Hebrew word for "protection" is "צֵל" (tsel), meaning shadow or covering. This suggests that any perceived strength or security the Canaanites have is nullified by God's will. Historically, this reflects the belief that God controls the fate of nations and can alter the course of history according to His purposes.

and the LORD is with us
This assurance of God's presence is central to the faith of Israel. The Hebrew name for God here is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness. Theologically, this is a reminder that God's presence is the ultimate source of strength and courage. Throughout Scripture, the presence of God is synonymous with blessing, guidance, and protection.

Do not be afraid of them!
The repetition of the command not to fear underscores its importance. The Israelites are called to a higher perspective, one that sees beyond the immediate threats to the reality of God's sovereignty. This echoes the biblical principle that faith in God should dispel fear, as seen in passages like Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 27:1. The historical context of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a testament to the power of faith over fear, a lesson that continues to inspire believers today.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(9) Their defence is departed from them.--Literally, their shadow. This is a natural and frequently recurring figure of speech in the East, where protection from the scorching rays of the sun is a boon of incalculable worth. (Comp. Genesis 19:8; Psalm 17:8; Psalm 91:1; Isaiah 25:4; Isaiah 30:2.) The measure of the iniquity of the Canaanites was now full, and they were ripe for

destruction. (Comp. Genesis 15:16; Leviticus 18:25; Leviticus 20:23.) . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. - They are bread for us. "They are our food," i.e., we shall easily devour them (cf. Numbers 24:8; Psalm 14:4). Perhaps it has the further significance that their enemies would be an absolute advantage to them, because they would (however unwillingly) supply them with the necessaries of life. So apparently the Septuagint: μὴ φοβηθῆτε τὸν λαὸν τῆς γῆς ὅτι κατάβρωμα ὑμῖν ἐστιν. <ΒΤΤ·Ξομμενταρψ Ωορδ>Their defense is departed from them. Literally, "their shadow," that which shielded them for a while from the fierce blast of Divine wrath. This "shadow" was not positively the Divine protection (as in Psalm 91:1, and elsewhere), but negatively that Providence which left them a space wherein to walk in their own ways (cf. τὸ κατέχον of 2 Thessalonians 2:6).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Only
אַ֣ךְ (’aḵ)
Adverb
Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely

do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

rebel
תִּמְרֹדוּ֒ (tim·rō·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 4775: To rebel

against the LORD,
בַּֽיהוָה֮ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

be afraid
תִּֽירְאוּ֙ (tî·rə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

of the people
עַ֣ם (‘am)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

of the land,
הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

for
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they will be like bread for us.
לַחְמֵ֖נוּ (laḥ·mê·nū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

Their protection
צִלָּ֧ם (ṣil·lām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6738: A shadow

has been removed,
סָ֣ר (sār)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

and the LORD
וַֽיהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is with us.
אִתָּ֖נוּ (’it·tā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

Do not
אַל־ (’al-)
Adverb
Strong's 408: Not

be afraid of them!”
תִּירָאֻֽם׃ (tî·rā·’um)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

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OT Law: Numbers 14:9 Only don't rebel against Yahweh neither fear (Nu Num.)