And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.

NUMBERS 12:11KJV
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Numbers 12:11 (KJV)

What does Numbers 12:11 mean?

Numbers 12:11 shows Aaron urgently pleading with Moses not to hold their wrongdoing against them after they acted foolishly and sinned. Aaron is admitting guilt and asking Moses to forgive both himself and Miriam for their actions.

Aaron is speaking directly to Moses after God punished Miriam with leprosy for criticizing Moses. Aaron, realizing the seriousness of their mistake, addresses Moses respectfully and begs him not to let their sin remain on them. This verse highlights Aaron’s deep regret and his recognition that they have acted both foolishly and sinfully.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 12:11

  • "Alas" (בִּי, bî) is a Hebrew word expressing deep distress or urgent appeal, showing Aaron’s desperation and humility as he begs Moses for help.
  • "Foolishly" (נָבַל, naval) often means to act senselessly or without wisdom; Aaron admits their actions were not just wrong but also thoughtless and reckless.
  • "Sin" (חַטָּאת, chattat) is the standard Hebrew word for missing the mark or wrongdoing; Aaron uses it to acknowledge both moral failure and offense against God.

Why Numbers 12:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Aaron is not only apologizing for himself but also interceding for Miriam, showing a sense of shared responsibility.
  • The language Aaron uses emphasizes the seriousness of their offense and his humility before Moses, which helps explain why Moses responds with compassion in the next verse.
  • Numbers 12:11 connects to the broader theme of leadership and respect in the wilderness journey, highlighting the consequences of challenging God’s chosen leader.

Where else these words appear

“foolishly” Hebrew H2973 · used in 4 verses

  • Isaiah 19:13 The princes of Zoan are become fools, the princes of Noph are deceived; they have also seduced Egypt, even they that are the stay of the tribes thereof.
  • Jeremiah 5:4 Therefore I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, nor the judgment of their God.
  • Jeremiah 50:36 A sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote: a sword is upon her mighty men; and they shall be dismayed.

“Alas” Hebrew H994 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 43:20 And said, O sir, we came indeed down at the first time to buy food:
  • Exodus 4:13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
  • Judges 13:8 Then Manoah intreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.

“lay” Hebrew H7896 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  • Job 14:13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!
  • Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.