Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.

NUMBERS 14:19KJV
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Numbers 14:19 (KJV)

What does Numbers 14:19 mean?

Numbers 14:19 shows Moses pleading with God to forgive the Israelites for their wrongdoing, asking God to pardon them because of His great mercy, just as He has forgiven them many times since they left Egypt. Moses appeals to God’s consistent character of mercy rather than the people’s worthiness.

In this verse, Moses is speaking directly to God after the Israelites have rebelled by refusing to enter the promised land. The people’s lack of trust has angered God, and Moses steps in as an intercessor, asking for pardon (forgiveness) for the people’s iniquity (wrongdoing). Moses points to God’s history of mercy, reminding God of His ongoing forgiveness from the time the Israelites left Egypt up to this moment.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 14:19

  • "Pardon" (סָלַח, sālaḥ): This word means to forgive or let go of guilt. Moses is not just asking for a light punishment but for God to truly release the people from the weight of their wrongdoing.
  • "Iniquity" (עָוֹן, ʿāwōn): This refers to serious moral failure or guilt, not just a minor mistake. Moses is acknowledging the depth of the people’s wrongs.
  • "Mercy" (חֶסֶד, ḥesed): This word is often understood as steadfast love, kindness, or loyal love. Moses appeals to God’s loyal, covenant love, not just general kindness.
  • "Forgiven" (נָשָׂא, nāśā’): This verb means to lift up or carry away, picturing forgiveness as God lifting the burden of guilt off the people.

Why Numbers 14:19 matters

  • Numbers 14:19 clarifies that Moses bases his request for forgiveness on God’s character, not on the people’s actions or promises to do better.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of the Israelites’ repeated failures, yet also shows that God’s mercy has been a constant since the Exodus.
  • This moment is a turning point in the story, showing Moses as a mediator and setting the stage for how God will respond to the people’s rebellion.

Where else these words appear

“now” Hebrew H2008 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 15:16 But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
  • Genesis 44:28 And the one went out from me, and I said, Surely he is torn in pieces; and I saw him not since:
  • 2 Kings 8:7 And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither.

“greatness” Hebrew H1433 · used in 13 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:24 O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?
  • Deuteronomy 32:3 Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
  • Isaiah 10:12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, that when the Lord hath performed his whole work upon mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the stout heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his high looks.

“Pardon” Hebrew H5545 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 34:9 And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.
  • Numbers 15:28 And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth by ignorance before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:30 Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest;(for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)