And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.

NUMBERS 27:20KJV
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Numbers 27:20 (KJV)

What does Numbers 27:20 mean?

Numbers 27:20 means that Moses is to give some of his own authority and dignity to Joshua, so that all the Israelites will recognize Joshua’s leadership and follow him. God is instructing Moses to publicly honor Joshua, making it clear to everyone that Joshua is now the chosen leader.

In this verse, God is speaking to Moses as Moses prepares to pass on leadership before his death. The “honour” Moses is to give Joshua is not just respect, but a visible sign of leadership that the whole community (“congregation of the children of Israel”) will see. This public act is meant to ensure the people will listen to and obey Joshua as they did Moses.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 27:20

  • “honour” (כָּבוֹד, kavod): This word often means “glory,” “weight,” or “importance.” Here, it refers to the visible authority and respect that Moses carried, which is now to be shared with Joshua so the people recognize his new role.
  • “congregation” (עֵדָה, edah): This term means the assembled community of Israel, emphasizing that the transfer of leadership is meant to be witnessed by everyone, not done in secret.
  • “obedient” (שָׁמַע, shama): This word means “to hear” or “to listen,” but often carries the sense of “to obey.” The verse highlights that the goal is for the people to heed Joshua’s leadership as they did Moses.

Why Numbers 27:20 matters

  • Numbers 27:20 shows that leadership transition in Israel was meant to be public and clear, preventing confusion or disputes about authority.
  • The verse highlights that true leadership among God’s people involved both God’s choice and the recognition of the community, not just private appointment.
  • This moment connects to the larger story of Moses preparing the people for life after his death, showing care for the community’s future stability and unity.

Where else these words appear

“honour” Hebrew H1935 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.
  • Psalms 21:5 His glory is great in thy salvation: honour and majesty hast thou laid upon him.
  • Isaiah 30:30 And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

“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 15:24 Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.
  • 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.