And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.

NUMBERS 20:19KJV
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Numbers 20:19 (KJV)

What does Numbers 20:19 mean?

Numbers 20:19 shows the Israelites promising the king of Edom that they will travel only along the main road through his land, and if they or their animals drink any water, they will pay for it. The Israelites assure him that they will pass through on foot without causing any trouble or taking anything else.

In this verse, the Israelites are speaking to the king of Edom as they seek permission to pass through his territory on their journey to the Promised Land. They emphasize their intention to be respectful and not take anything without paying for it, even offering to pay for any water their cattle might drink. This careful negotiation highlights their desire to avoid conflict and respect Edom’s property.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 20:19

  • "Way" (מְסִלָּה, mesillah): This word refers to a main road or highway, suggesting the Israelites are asking to use a well-traveled, established route rather than wandering through fields or private land.
  • "Cattle" (מִקְנֶה, miqneh): The mention of their livestock emphasizes the practical needs of the group and their willingness to pay for any resources used, not just for themselves but also for their animals.
  • "Drink" (שָׁתָה, shatah): The verb here covers both people and animals, showing the Israelites’ attention to detail in their offer to compensate for any water consumed.
  • "Pay" (נָתַן, natan; מָכַר, makar): Two words are used for “pay,” one meaning to give and another meaning to sell, highlighting the fairness and transparency of the Israelites’ proposal—they are willing to buy what they use rather than take it.

Why Numbers 20:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Israelites were not seeking to invade or take advantage of Edom, but were willing to pay for any resources used, countering any suspicion of theft or disrespect.
  • The negotiation shows the Israelites’ desire for peaceful passage and their respect for the rights of others, even in a time of need.
  • This request and the response from Edom (which is refusal) set the stage for the ongoing tension between Israel and Edom in the surrounding narrative.

Where else these words appear

“pay” Hebrew H4377 · used in 3 verses

  • Nehemiah 13:16 There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
  • Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

“way” Hebrew H4546 · used in 26 verses

  • Judges 5:20 They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera.
  • 2 Kings 18:17 And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field.
  • Isaiah 19:23 In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

“cattle” Hebrew H4735 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 4:20 And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.
  • Exodus 9:3 Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.
  • Judges 18:21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them.