Numbers 14:34

KJV

After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, [even] forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, [even] forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.

KJV (with Strong's)

After the number {H4557} of the days {H3117} in which ye searched {H8446} the land {H776}, even forty {H705} days {H3117}, each day {H3117} for a year {H8141}{H3117}{H8141}, shall ye bear {H5375} your iniquities {H5771}, even forty {H705} years {H8141}, and ye shall know {H3045} my breach of promise {H8569}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It will be a year for every day you spent reconnoitering the land that you will bear the consequences of your offenses - forty days, forty years. Then you will know what it means to oppose me!

Berean Standard Bible

In keeping with the forty days you spied out the land, you shall bear your guilt forty years—a year for each day—and you will experience My alienation.

American Standard Version

After the number of the days in which ye spied out the land, even forty days, for every day a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my alienation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 14:34 delivers God's solemn judgment upon the Israelites for their widespread unbelief and rebellion following the spies' report from Canaan. Because they succumbed to fear and refused to trust in divine provision, choosing instead to murmur against God and Moses, the Lord decreed a proportionate punishment: for every day the spies explored the land (40 days), the nation would wander in the wilderness for a year, totaling 40 years. This extended period would ensure that the rebellious generation, marked by their lack of faith, would perish before the new generation could enter the Promised Land, thereby experiencing the severe consequences of their unfaithfulness and God's righteous opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 14:34 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's wilderness journey, serving as the climax of the rebellion that began in [Numbers 13](/numbers/13 "Numbers 13 - The Spies Sent to Canaan"). Following the sending of twelve tribal leaders to scout Canaan for forty days, ten returned with a disheartening report, emphasizing the strength of the inhabitants and the fortified cities, causing the people to lose heart and weep all night ([Numbers 13:28-29](/numbers/13-28-29 "Numbers 13:28-29 - The Spies' Fearful Report")). Despite the courageous and faith-filled testimony of Caleb and Joshua, who urged trust in God's power to deliver the land ([Numbers 14:6-9](/numbers/14-6-9 "Numbers 14:6-9 - Caleb and Joshua's Plea for Faith")), the people rebelled, threatening to stone their faithful leaders and appoint a new one to lead them back to Egypt ([Numbers 14:1-4](/numbers/14-1-4 "Numbers 14:1-4 - Israel's Rebellion and Desire to Return to Egypt")). This profound act of distrust ignited God's wrath, leading to Moses' intercession for the nation ([Numbers 14:13-19](/numbers/14-13-19 "Numbers 14:13-19 - Moses Intercedes for Israel")), which, while averting immediate annihilation, resulted in the severe judgment pronounced in this verse, delaying their entry into the Promised Land for an entire generation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, recently delivered from slavery in Egypt and having received the covenant at Mount Sinai, were on the cusp of entering the land promised to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "God's Promise of the Land to Abraham")). Their journey through the wilderness was intended to be a relatively swift passage, a period of testing and preparation for life as God's covenant people in their own land. Culturally, the concept of a "promised land" was central to their identity and destiny, representing God's faithfulness and their inheritance. The act of sending spies was a common ancient Near Eastern practice before military campaigns, but Israel's response to the report, characterized by murmuring and a desire to return to the perceived security of Egypt, reflected a profound lack of faith in Yahweh, who had miraculously delivered them from Pharaoh and sustained them in the desert. This rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea was a critical failure to appropriate God's promises through faith, leading to a prolonged nomadic existence in the harsh wilderness, a direct consequence of their collective distrust.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the **consequences of unbelief and disobedience**, demonstrating that a lack of faith in God's power and promises leads to severe, long-lasting repercussions, preventing the immediate realization of divine blessing. Secondly, it highlights **divine justice and patience**, illustrating that God's judgment is proportionate to the offense—a "day for a year" principle also seen in [Ezekiel 4:6](/ezekiel/4-6 "Ezekiel 4:6 - The Day-for-a-Year Principle")—yet even in judgment, God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant remains, as He preserves a new generation to inherit the land. Thirdly, the phrase "ye shall know my breach of promise" speaks to the theme of **God's righteous opposition or reversal of purpose** due to human sin, not a failure of God's ultimate promise to give the land, but a withdrawal of the *immediate* blessing of entry. Finally, the 40 years of wandering serve as a **wilderness period of purification and training**, preparing the next generation to trust God and obey His commands, ensuring that only those committed to His covenant would enter the Promised Land, as detailed in the subsequent chapters of [Numbers](/numbers/15 "Numbers 15 - Laws and Offerings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Iniquities (Hebrew, _ʿâvôn_ H5771):** This term refers to moral evil, guilt, and the punishment or consequence of sin. Here, "bear your iniquities" signifies that the Israelites would suffer the just penalty for their rebellion and lack of faith. It encompasses both the act of sin (their murmuring and distrust) and the resulting punitive experience (the 40 years of wandering and death in the wilderness).
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ_ H3045):** This verb signifies a deep, experiential understanding, not merely intellectual assent. When God states, "ye shall know my breach of promise," it means the Israelites would come to personally and painfully experience the reality of God's altered plan for them, learning through hardship the severe consequences of their unfaithfulness. It implies a recognition of divine judgment through lived experience.
* **Breach of promise (Hebrew, _tᵉnûwʼâh_ H8569):** This unique Hebrew word, translated as "breach of promise" in the KJV, is derived from a root meaning "to alienate" or "to withdraw." It does not imply that God failed to keep His ultimate covenant promise to give the land. Instead, it signifies God's "withdrawal" or "reversal of purpose" concerning their *immediate* entry into Canaan. The Israelites would "know" or experientially understand God's turning away from His intended swift blessing due to their unfaithfulness, experiencing the harsh reality of His opposition and the consequences of their broken relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, [even] forty days":** This clause establishes the direct correlation between the duration of the spies' reconnaissance mission and the period of divine judgment. The forty days spent exploring the land, which should have confirmed God's faithfulness and the land's goodness, instead became the measure of their punishment due to their unbelief.
* **"each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, [even] forty years":** This is the core of the judgment. The "day for a year" principle is a divinely ordained correspondence, emphasizing the proportionality of God's justice. For every day of their faithless exploration, they would endure a year of wandering, collectively bearing the burden of their sin and its consequences for a full generation. This ensured that the rebellious generation would not enter the Promised Land.
* **"and ye shall know my breach of promise":** This final clause explains the experiential outcome of their punishment. They would "know" (experientially understand) God's withdrawal of His immediate favor and the reversal of His intended swift entry into Canaan. It is not that God broke His ultimate covenant to give them the land, but that their actions caused Him to "break" or "turn from" His immediate plan for them, leading to a profound and painful realization of the consequences of their rebellion and the severity of His righteous opposition.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 14:34 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Proportionate Judgment**, where the punishment precisely mirrors the duration of the offense ("each day for a year"). This numerical symmetry underscores God's meticulous justice and the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's sin and its consequences. The number **Forty** itself carries significant **Symbolism** in biblical literature, often representing periods of testing, purification, or judgment (e.g., the forty days of the flood, Moses on Sinai for forty days, Jesus' forty days in the wilderness). Here, it signifies a complete generation's purification and the full measure of their judgment. The unique and challenging phrase "breach of promise" (Hebrew _tᵉnûwʼâh_) functions as a **Lexical Uniqueness**, drawing attention to the severity of God's response and the profound relational shift caused by Israel's unbelief. Finally, the entire verse is a direct **Divine Pronouncement**, spoken by God Himself, which lends it ultimate authority and solemnity, emphasizing the unalterable nature of His decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 14:34 profoundly illustrates the gravity of unbelief and the unwavering nature of God's righteous character. It reveals that while God is merciful and slow to anger, His holiness demands a response to sin, especially when it involves a direct rejection of His promises and provision. The judgment of 40 years in the wilderness serves as a stark reminder that spiritual rebellion carries severe, generational consequences, preventing the immediate enjoyment of divine blessings. Yet, even within this judgment, God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is preserved, as a new, more obedient generation is prepared to inherit the land. This passage underscores that God's plans will ultimately prevail, but human sin can introduce significant delays and detours, demonstrating the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

* [Ezekiel 4:6](/ekiel/4-6 "Ezekiel 4:6 - The Day-for-a-Year Principle")
* [Psalm 95:8-11](/psalms/95-8-11 "Psalm 95:8-11 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")
* [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7-19 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - Warning Against Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 14:34 stands as a timeless warning and a profound lesson for believers today. It compels us to examine the state of our own faith, particularly when faced with challenges that seem insurmountable or when God's path diverges from our expectations. The Israelites' failure was not merely an isolated act of disobedience but a deep-seated lack of trust in God's power and goodness, leading to a prolonged period of difficulty and missed blessings. This passage challenges us to consider how our own unbelief, murmuring, or desire to retreat to familiar comforts might be hindering our spiritual progress or delaying the fulfillment of God's purposes in our lives. It reminds us that while God is gracious and forgiving, there are real, often long-term, consequences for persistent rebellion and a refusal to walk by faith. We are called to learn from their mistakes, to cultivate a heart of unwavering trust, and to press forward in obedience, confident that God's promises are true, even when the path is difficult.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my trust in God when faced with daunting obstacles or when His plan seems difficult to comprehend?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be experiencing a "wilderness" due to past disobedience, a lack of faith, or a reluctance to fully embrace God's leading?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart of unwavering faith and obedience, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or requires significant sacrifice?**

### FAQ

**What does "breach of promise" truly mean in Numbers 14:34?**

Answer: The King James Version's translation "breach of promise" can be misleading, suggesting God failed to keep His word. However, the Hebrew word _tᵉnûwʼâh_ (H8569) is unique and better understood as "alienation," "withdrawal," or "reversal of purpose." It does not mean God broke His covenant promise to ultimately give Israel the land of Canaan. Rather, it signifies that because of their profound unbelief and rebellion, God withdrew His *immediate* intention to bring them into the land. They would experientially "know" or understand that God had turned away from His initial plan for swift entry, and instead, they would face His righteous opposition and the severe consequences of their sin through the prolonged wilderness wandering. God's ultimate promise to Abraham's descendants remained, but their generation would not see its immediate fulfillment.

**Why exactly 40 years of wandering?**

Answer: The 40 years of wandering were a direct, proportionate judgment for the 40 days the spies spent exploring the land. The principle of "each day for a year" ([Numbers 14:34](/numbers/14-34 "Numbers 14:34 - The Day-for-a-Year Judgment")) established a clear correlation between the duration of their faithless reconnaissance and the length of their punishment. The number "forty" in the Bible often symbolizes a period of testing, purification, or judgment (e.g., the forty days of the flood, Moses' forty days on Mount Sinai, Jesus' forty days in the wilderness). This period ensured that the entire generation that had rebelled and demonstrated unbelief would perish in the wilderness, allowing a new generation, raised under God's direct guidance and discipline, to enter the Promised Land.

**Was God being unfair or unmerciful in this judgment?**

Answer: While the judgment of 40 years and the death of an entire generation seems severe, it must be understood within the context of God's holiness, justice, and His covenant relationship with Israel. God had miraculously delivered them from Egypt, sustained them in the wilderness, and entered into a special covenant with them at Sinai. Their rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea was not a minor transgression but a profound act of unbelief and rejection of His power and faithfulness, despite overwhelming evidence. God's justice is perfect; the punishment was proportionate to their sin. Furthermore, God demonstrated mercy by not annihilating the entire nation, as He initially threatened ([Numbers 14:12](/numbers/14-12 "Numbers 14:12 - God Threatens to Destroy Israel")). Moses' intercession highlights God's willingness to relent from total destruction, allowing a new generation to inherit the promise, thus balancing justice with ultimate covenant faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The wilderness wandering of Israel, culminating in the judgment of Numbers 14:34, profoundly foreshadows the necessity of faith and the ultimate rest found in Christ. The generation that perished in the wilderness failed to enter God's rest because of their unbelief ([Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - They Could Not Enter Because of Unbelief")). This serves as a powerful warning for all who hear the gospel: just as Israel's lack of faith prevented them from entering the physical land, so too can unbelief prevent individuals from entering God's spiritual rest. Jesus Christ, the true Israel, perfectly fulfilled the obedience that the nation failed to provide. He endured His own 40-day wilderness testing, overcoming temptation where Israel faltered ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness")). Unlike the first generation of Israelites, who murmured and rebelled, Christ consistently trusted and obeyed His Father, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus has opened the way for all who believe to enter into God's true and eternal rest, a rest that is not a geographical location but a spiritual reality found in Him ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains for the People of God")). He is the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing our iniquities so that we might receive His righteousness and enter into the promised inheritance of eternal life, not by our works or faithlessness, but by His finished work on our behalf ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 4:6

And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.

Numbers 13:25

And they returned from searching of the land after forty days.

Jeremiah 18:9

And [at what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant [it];

Jeremiah 18:10

If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.

Daniel 9:24

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Psalms 95:10

Forty years long was I grieved with [this] generation, and said, It [is] a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:

2 Chronicles 36:21

To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.