Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.

NUMBERS 32:24KJV
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Numbers 32:24 (KJV)

What does Numbers 32:24 mean?

Numbers 32:24 tells the people to build cities for their children and enclosures for their sheep, and to follow through on what they have promised. The verse is a direct instruction to make practical preparations for their families and livestock, and to keep their word.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the tribes of Gad and Reuben. These tribes had asked to settle on the east side of the Jordan River because the land was good for livestock. Moses tells them to first provide secure places for their families ("cities for your little ones") and animals ("folds for your sheep"), and then to make sure they do what they have pledged—helping the rest of Israel conquer the land west of the Jordan.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 32:24

  • "Build" (בָּנָה, banah): This word means to construct or establish. Moses is telling them to actively create safe places, not just occupy them.
  • "Folds" (גְּדֵרָה, gederah): This refers to enclosures or pens for animals, showing the importance of caring for their livestock as well as their families.
  • "Do" (עָשָׂה, asah): This word means to act or accomplish. Moses stresses that they must carry out what they have said, not just make promises.
  • "Proceeded out of your mouth" (יָצָא מִפִּיכֶם, yatza mipikhem): This phrase highlights the seriousness of keeping one's word, especially public promises.

Why Numbers 32:24 matters

  • Numbers 32:24 clarifies that the tribes’ request to settle outside the main promised land comes with responsibilities—they must provide for their families and keep their commitments to the community.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of both practical action (building, preparing) and integrity (doing what you say).
  • This instruction connects to the wider story, where Moses negotiates with Gad and Reuben to ensure unity and shared responsibility among all the tribes of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“sheep” Hebrew H6792 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 8:7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

“folds” Hebrew H1448 · used in 10 verses

  • Numbers 32:16 And they came near unto him, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones:
  • 1 Chronicles 4:23 These were the potters, and those that dwelt among plants and hedges: there they dwelt with the king for his work.
  • Ezekiel 42:12 And according to the doors of the chambers that were toward the south was a door in the head of the way, even the way directly before the wall toward the east, as one entereth into them.

“ones” Hebrew H2945 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 34:29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.
  • Numbers 16:27 So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.
  • Joshua 1:14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them;