Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Do not let her be like a stillborn infant coming from its mother’s womb with its flesh half eaten away.” New Living Translation Don’t let her be like a stillborn baby, already decayed at birth.” English Standard Version Let her not be as one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” Berean Standard Bible Please do not let her be like a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” King James Bible Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb. New King James Version Please do not let her be as one dead, whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb!” New American Standard Bible Oh, do not let her be like a dead person, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother’s womb!” NASB 1995 “Oh, do not let her be like one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes from his mother’s womb!” NASB 1977 “Oh, do not let her be like one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes from his mother’s womb!” Legacy Standard Bible Oh, do not let her be like one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes from his mother’s womb!” Amplified Bible Oh, do not let her be like one dead, already half decomposed when he comes from his mother’s womb.” Christian Standard Bible Please don’t let her be like a dead baby whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Please don’t let her be like a dead baby whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” American Standard Version Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb. Contemporary English Version Don't let Miriam's flesh rot away like a child born dead!" English Revised Version Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb. GOD'S WORD® Translation Don't let her be like a stillborn baby that's not completely developed." Good News Translation Don't let her become like something born dead with half its flesh eaten away." International Standard Version Please don't let her be like one of the living dead, who is born with a congenital skin disease." NET Bible Do not let her be like a baby born dead, whose flesh is half-consumed when it comes out of its mother's womb!" New Heart English Bible Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother's womb." Webster's Bible Translation Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed at the time of his birth. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BiblePlease do not let her be like a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” World English Bible Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionplease do not let her be as [one] dead, when in his coming out from the womb of his mother—the half of his flesh is consumed.” Young's Literal Translation let her not, I pray thee, be as one dead, when in his coming out from the womb of his mother -- the half of his flesh is consumed.' Smith's Literal Translation Now shall she not be as the dead, which in his coming forth from the womb of his mother, and his flesh shall be half consumed? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLet her not be as one dead, and as an abortive that is cast forth from the mother's womb. Lo, now one half of her flesh is consumed with the leprosy. Catholic Public Domain Version Do not let this one be like one who is dead, or like an abortion that has been cast from the womb of her mother. Behold, half of her flesh is already consumed by leprosy.” New American Bible Do not let her be like the stillborn baby that comes forth from its mother’s womb with its flesh half consumed.” New Revised Standard Version Do not let her be like one stillborn, whose flesh is half consumed when it comes out of its mother’s womb.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLet her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother's womb. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And do not let us be as a dead person who goes out from the belly of her mother and the body of her flesh is consumed!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Let her not be as it were like death, as an abortion coming out of his mother's womb, when the disease devours the half of the flesh. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Murmuring of Miriam and Aaron…11and said to Moses, “My lord, please do not hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed. 12Please do not let her be like a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” 13So Moses cried out to the LORD, “O God, please heal her!”… Cross References Leviticus 13:45-46 A diseased person must wear torn clothes and let his hair hang loose, and he must cover his mouth and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ / As long as he has the infection, he remains unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp. 2 Kings 5:1-14 Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. / At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken a young girl from the land of Israel, and she was serving Naaman’s wife. / She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.” ... Job 18:13 It devours patches of his skin; the firstborn of death devours his limbs. Isaiah 1:6 From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores neither cleansed nor bandaged nor soothed with oil. Isaiah 53:3-4 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. Lamentations 4:8 But now their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick. Zechariah 14:12 And this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes all the peoples who have warred against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. Matthew 8:2-3 Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 11:5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Mark 1:40-42 Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” / And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed. Luke 5:12-13 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell facedown and begged Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him. Luke 17:12-19 As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers. They stood at a distance / and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” / When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were on their way, they were cleansed. ... John 11:39 “Take away the stone,” Jesus said. “Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.” Acts 10:9-16 The next day at about the sixth hour, as the men were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray. / He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. / He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. ... Romans 6:13 Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. Treasury of Scripture Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother's womb. as one dead Psalm 88:4,5 I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength: … Ephesians 2:1-5 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; … Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; of whom Job 3:16 Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never saw light. Psalm 58:8 As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun. 1 Corinthians 15:8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. Jump to Previous Birth Body Consumed Dead Eaten Half Infant Stillborn Time Wasted WombJump to Next Birth Body Consumed Dead Eaten Half Infant Stillborn Time Wasted WombNumbers 12 1. God rebukes the sedition of Miriam and Aaron11. Miriam's leprosy is healed at the prayer of Moses 14. God commands her to be shut out of the host 16. The people encamp in the desert of Paran Please do not let her be like a stillborn infant This plea is made by Aaron to Moses concerning their sister Miriam, who has been struck with leprosy as a punishment from God. The imagery of a stillborn infant is powerful and evokes a sense of helplessness and tragedy. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a stillborn child was seen as a profound loss, both emotionally and socially. This phrase underscores the severity of Miriam's condition and the urgency of Aaron's request for her healing. The plea reflects a deep familial bond and a recognition of the dire consequences of sin. whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in the Book of Numbers, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the one through whom God communicates His will. In this chapter, he is the subject of criticism from his siblings, Miriam and Aaron. 2. Miriam Moses' sister, who, along with Aaron, speaks against Moses because of his Cushite wife. As a result of her actions, she is struck with leprosy. 3. Aaron Moses' brother and the high priest, who also criticizes Moses. Unlike Miriam, Aaron is not struck with leprosy but pleads with Moses for Miriam's healing. 4. God The ultimate authority who responds to the criticism against Moses by defending him and punishing Miriam with leprosy. 5. The Wilderness of Paran The setting for this event, where the Israelites are encamped during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinMiriam's leprosy serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin, particularly the sin of speaking against God's chosen leaders. It underscores the importance of respecting God's appointed authorities. Intercession and Mercy Aaron's plea to Moses and Moses' subsequent intercession for Miriam highlight the power and importance of intercessory prayer. It shows that even when we fall short, there is room for repentance and seeking God's mercy. God's Sovereignty and Justice God's response to Miriam and Aaron's criticism of Moses demonstrates His sovereignty and justice. He defends His chosen servant and administers discipline, reminding us that God sees and judges all actions. The Importance of Humility This passage teaches the value of humility and warns against pride and jealousy. Miriam and Aaron's criticism stemmed from a lack of humility, which led to their downfall. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 12:12?2. How does Numbers 12:12 illustrate the consequences of speaking against God's chosen leaders? 3. What can we learn about God's justice and mercy from Numbers 12:12? 4. How does Numbers 12:12 connect to respecting authority in Romans 13:1-2? 5. How should we respond when witnessing others' rebellion, as seen in Numbers 12:12? 6. What actions can we take to prevent jealousy and division within our church community? 7. What does Numbers 12:12 reveal about God's view on sin and punishment? 8. How does Numbers 12:12 reflect the cultural context of ancient Israel? 9. What theological implications arise from Miriam's punishment in Numbers 12:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 12? 11. Does the harsh divine reaction in Numbers 12:9-10 conflict with other biblical portrayals of God's mercy, suggesting an inconsistency in the text's depiction of God's character? 12. Why does Numbers 12:1-2 single out Miriam for punishment while Aaron seems to escape similar consequences for the same complaint? 13. How does Numbers 12:10's sudden, miraculous onset of leprosy align with medical understanding of the disease's gradual development? 14. How credible is it that an apparently contagious disease is healed precisely in seven days (Numbers 12:14-15) without leaving lasting physical complications? What Does Numbers 12:12 Mean Please do not let her be• Aaron, aware that leprosy has struck Miriam because they both spoke against Moses (Numbers 12:1–10), turns instantly from complaint to humble pleading. The word “please” signals urgent dependence on God’s mercy, echoing Moses’ earlier cries for Israel in Exodus 32:11–14 and foreshadowing believers’ calls to the interceding Christ (Hebrews 7:25). • “Do not let her be” confesses helplessness. Aaron offers no excuse, only a petition that judgment not run its full course—much like David’s plea after his sin (2 Samuel 24:10–14) and the prodigal’s confession in Luke 15:18–19. • The request goes through Moses because God has publicly affirmed Moses’ unique prophetic role (Numbers 12:6–8). Here we glimpse a picture of gospel reality: a mediator stands between guilt and grace (1 Timothy 2:5). like a stillborn infant • Aaron chooses a shocking image. A stillborn child never breathes the air of the covenant community; likewise, Miriam now stands cut off from fellowship (Leviticus 13:45–46). • Job uses the same picture to describe utter hopelessness (Job 3:16). Ecclesiastes 6:3 and Psalm 58:8 do as well. Aaron fears Miriam’s fate may be final—death without burial or blessing. • Spiritually, leprosy illustrates sin’s power to isolate (Isaiah 59:2). Only supernatural intervention can restore life and communion (Ephesians 2:1–5). whose flesh is half consumed • Leprosy was “a living death.” Leviticus 13:10–11 describes diseased flesh as raw and deteriorating. Aaron sees Miriam already “white as snow” (Numbers 12:10) and pictures the next grisly stage. • The phrase shows the seriousness of despising God’s chosen servant; rebellion corrodes quickly, just as Gehazi’s greed left him “white as snow” forever (2 Kings 5:27). • The New Testament mirrors this warning: sin, if unchecked, “gives birth to death” (James 1:15). Only the Lord’s touch can halt the decay (Luke 5:12–13). when he comes out of his mother’s womb • The sight of a deformed newborn is Aaron’s nightmare image: fresh life already ruined. It magnifies the disgrace of Miriam’s sudden ruin and underscores urgency—she must be healed before the next breath. • Scripture often marks birth as potential and blessing (Psalm 22:9–10; John 3:6). To see life spoiled at delivery heightens the tragedy of sin’s consequences. • The plea anticipates new-birth language fulfilled in Christ. Just as Miriam needs a recreated body, every sinner needs to be “born again… through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). summary Aaron’s sentence-long cry lays bare guilt, dread, and faith. He asks that Miriam not remain in her leprous “living death,” comparing her condition to a stillborn child whose body is already deteriorating at birth. The image underlines the horror of sin’s effects and the necessity of immediate, divine intervention. By turning to Moses, Aaron acknowledges God-appointed mediation—a hint of the perfect Mediator to come. Numbers 12:12 therefore calls readers to recognize sin’s deadly seriousness, cherish God’s mercy, and run to the One who alone can reverse decay and restore life. (12) Let her not be as one dead.--This is another of the places in which the Scribes are said to have altered the text. The original is said to have been as follows:--Let her not be as one dead, who proceeded from the womb of our mother, and half of our flesh be consumed. The leper was "as one dead" in two respects--(1) as being shut out from inter course with his brethren; and (2) as causing ceremonial defilement in the case of those who were brought into contact with him, similar to that which was caused by touching a dead body. "He was," as Archbishop Trench has remarked, "a dreadful parable of death" (On the Miracles, p. 214). In the most severe types of leprosy there was, as the same writer has observed, "a dissolution, little by little, of the whole body, so that one limb after another actually decayed and fell away" (Ibid, p. 213).Verse 12. - As one dead. Rather, "as the dead thing," i.e. the still-born child, in which death and decay have anticipated life. Such was the frightful effect of leprosy in its last stages.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Pleaseנָ֥א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not let her be תְהִ֖י (ṯə·hî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be like a stillborn infant כַּמֵּ֑ת (kam·mêṯ) Preposition-k, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill whose אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that flesh בְשָׂרֽוֹ׃ (ḇə·śā·rōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1320: Flesh, body, person, the pudenda of a, man is half חֲצִ֥י (ḥă·ṣî) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2677: The half, middle consumed וַיֵּאָכֵ֖ל (way·yê·’ā·ḵêl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 398: To eat when he comes out בְּצֵאתוֹ֙ (bə·ṣê·ṯōw) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim of his mother’s אִמּ֔וֹ (’im·mōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 517: A mother, ) womb.” מֵרֶ֣חֶם (mê·re·ḥem) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7358: The womb Links Numbers 12:12 NIVNumbers 12:12 NLT Numbers 12:12 ESV Numbers 12:12 NASB Numbers 12:12 KJV Numbers 12:12 BibleApps.com Numbers 12:12 Biblia Paralela Numbers 12:12 Chinese Bible Numbers 12:12 French Bible Numbers 12:12 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 12:12 Let her not I pray be as (Nu Num.) |
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