How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

NUMBERS 14:27KJV
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Numbers 14:27 (KJV)

What does Numbers 14:27 mean?

Numbers 14:27 records God expressing frustration with the Israelites, calling them an "evil congregation" because they keep complaining against Him. God says He has heard all their complaints, showing that their constant grumbling has not gone unnoticed.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses and Aaron during a crisis in the wilderness, after the Israelites have refused to enter the promised land out of fear. The word "murmur" refers to their ongoing complaints and distrust. God’s words highlight both His patience and the seriousness of the people's repeated lack of faith.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 14:27

  • "Evil" (רָע, ra‘, H7451) describes the congregation as not just troublesome but morally wrong in their attitude and actions, emphasizing the seriousness of their rebellion.
  • "Congregation" (עֵדָה, ‘edah, H5712) refers to the whole assembly of Israelites, showing that this is a widespread problem, not just a few individuals.
  • "Murmur" (לון, lun, H3885) and "murmurings" (תְּלוּנָּה, telunnah, H8519) both point to ongoing, repeated complaining, not just a single outburst. This word carries the sense of grumbling in a way that challenges authority.
  • "Heard" (שָׁמַע, shama‘, H8085) means more than just listening; it often includes the idea of paying attention and being ready to respond, so God is making it clear that He is fully aware of their attitude.

Why Numbers 14:27 matters

  • Numbers 14:27 makes it clear that God is not indifferent to persistent complaining or lack of trust; He notices and responds to the attitude of the whole group.
  • The verse helps explain why the Israelites face consequences later in the chapter, connecting their words and attitudes directly to God’s judgment.
  • This verse shows that the problem is not just fear or doubt, but a deeper, ongoing resistance to God’s leadership, which is a key theme in the wilderness narrative.

Where else these words appear

“murmurings” Hebrew H8519 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 16:7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the LORD; for that he heareth your murmurings against the LORD: and what are we, that ye murmur against us?
  • Exodus 16:9 And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings.
  • Numbers 17:5 And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.

“murmur” Hebrew H3885 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Joshua 4:3 And command ye them, saying, Take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night.
  • Job 17:2 Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?

“congregation” Hebrew H5712 · used in 140 verses

  • Exodus 12:3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
  • Numbers 15:25 And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance:
  • Numbers 31:16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.