But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

NUMBERS 33:55KJV
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Numbers 33:55 (KJV)

What does Numbers 33:55 mean?

Numbers 33:55 warns the Israelites that if they do not remove the people already living in the land, those remaining will become a constant source of trouble and pain for them, described as "pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides." The verse promises ongoing distress from these inhabitants if they are not driven out.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses as they prepare to enter the land of Canaan. The instruction is clear: the Israelites must drive out the current inhabitants to avoid future problems. The language of "pricks" and "thorns" uses vivid imagery to show that leaving these people in the land will lead to ongoing difficulties and conflict.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 33:55

  • "Drive out" (יָרַשׁ, yarash) means to dispossess or remove. The word carries a strong sense of taking over by force, not just living alongside.
  • "Pricks" (שִׂכִּים, sikim) and "thorns" (צְנִינִים, tzeninim) both refer to sharp objects that cause pain or irritation. The imagery emphasizes that the remaining inhabitants will be a constant source of discomfort and trouble.
  • "Vex" (צָרַר, tsarar) means to oppress, harass, or cause distress. This word highlights the active and ongoing nature of the problems the Israelites would face if they did not obey.

Why Numbers 33:55 matters

  • Numbers 33:55 clarifies that the command to remove the inhabitants was not just about land ownership, but about preventing ongoing spiritual and social trouble for the Israelites.
  • The verse uses strong, physical imagery to make the consequences memorable and concrete, showing that partial obedience would lead to real, lasting problems.
  • This warning connects to the broader narrative of Israel's history, where failure to fully follow this command led to repeated cycles of conflict and hardship in later generations.

Where else these words appear

“thorns” Hebrew H6796 · used in 2 verses

  • Joshua 23:13 Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

“sides” Hebrew H6654 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Joshua 12:9 The king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one;
  • 2 Samuel 13:34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.

“vex” Hebrew H6887 · used in 56 verses

  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
  • Psalms 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

“remain” Hebrew H3498 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 30:36 And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
  • Joshua 21:5 And the rest of the children of Kohath had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half tribe of Manasseh, ten cities.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs: