Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Numbers 12:3

Next

(Now the man Moses [was] very meek, above all the men which [were] upon the face of the earth.)

(Now the man {H376} Moses {H4872} was very {H3966} meek {H6035}{H6035}, above all the men {H120} which were upon the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}.)

Now this man Moshe was very humble, more so than anyone on earth.

Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.

Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth.

Commentary

Commentary on Numbers 12:3 KJV

Numbers 12:3 is a parenthetical statement inserted by the narrator, providing crucial insight into Moses' character at a pivotal moment. This verse follows directly after Miriam and Aaron begin to speak against Moses, challenging his authority and his marriage to a Cushite woman (Numbers 12:1-2). The narrator’s interjection here explains why God Himself intervenes so swiftly and decisively on Moses’ behalf.

Context

The book of Numbers chronicles Israel's journey through the wilderness, a period marked by frequent rebellion and challenges to God's appointed leadership. Moses, as God's chosen leader, bore immense responsibility and faced constant pressure. In this specific incident, his own siblings, Miriam and Aaron, question his unique prophetic standing, saying, "Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us?" (Numbers 12:2). It is precisely at this moment of personal attack that the divine commentary on Moses' character is offered, setting the stage for God's direct and powerful response.

Key Themes

  • Moses' Meekness and Humility: The primary theme is Moses' unparalleled meekness. In biblical terms, "meekness" (Hebrew: anav, עָנָו) does not imply weakness or timidity, but rather strength under control, humility, and a profound dependence on God. It signifies a spirit that is not quick to defend itself, but rather submits to God's will and trusts Him for vindication. This characteristic made Moses uniquely suited to lead a rebellious people and to commune directly with God, as seen in Numbers 12:8.
  • Divine Vindication: Because Moses did not defend himself against Miriam and Aaron's accusations, God Himself stepped in to defend His servant's honor and authority. This highlights a powerful principle: when we humble ourselves and trust God, He will often fight our battles for us.
  • Authentic Leadership: Moses' leadership was not built on self-assertion or human ambition, but on a deep, humble reliance on God. His meekness allowed him to be a pure vessel for God's will, demonstrating that true authority comes from God, not from human pride or power.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "meek" is anav (עָנָו). This term conveys a sense of humility, lowliness, and submission to God. It can also imply being afflicted or oppressed, suggesting that Moses' character was shaped by his experiences and his constant reliance on God in challenging circumstances. This word contrasts sharply with the pride and self-assertion displayed by Miriam and Aaron.

Practical Application

Numbers 12:3 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Embrace Humility: Like Moses, we are called to cultivate a spirit of meekness. This means being teachable, not quick to take offense, and willing to defer to God's wisdom and timing. Jesus Himself declared, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" and invited us to "learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart."
  • Trust God for Vindication: When we are unjustly criticized or attacked, this verse reminds us not to retaliate or defend ourselves with pride. Instead, we can trust that God, who sees all things, will defend His own and bring justice in His perfect timing (1 Peter 5:6).
  • Leadership by Character: For those in positions of influence, Moses' example underscores that true leadership is rooted in character, particularly humility and dependence on God, rather than self-promotion or dominance.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 11:29 (10 votes)

    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

  • James 3:13 (6 votes)

    ¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:5 (5 votes)

    ¶ For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

  • Matthew 5:5 (5 votes)

    Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:11 (5 votes)

    ¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

  • Psalms 147:6 (3 votes)

    The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.

  • Numbers 20:10 (3 votes)

    And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?