Numbers 21:8
New International Version
The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.”

New Living Translation
Then the LORD told him, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!”

English Standard Version
And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.”

King James Bible
And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.

New King James Version
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.”

New American Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and put it on a flag pole; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, and looks at it, will live.”

NASB 1995
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live.”

NASB 1977
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he shall live.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Yahweh said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a standard; and it will be that everyone who is bitten and looks at it, will live.”

Amplified Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent [of bronze] and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten will live when he looks at it.”

Christian Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake image and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will recover.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake image and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will recover.”

American Standard Version
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a standard: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he seeth it, shall live.

Contemporary English Version
and the LORD answered, "Make a snake out of bronze and place it on top of a pole. Anyone who gets bitten can look at the snake and be saved from death."

English Revised Version
And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a standard: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he seeth it, shall live.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake, and put it on a pole. Anyone who is bitten can look at it and live."

Good News Translation
Then the LORD told Moses to make a metal snake and put it on a pole, so that anyone who was bitten could look at it and be healed.

International Standard Version
Then the LORD instructed Moses, "Make a poisonous serpent out of brass and fasten it to a pole. Anyone who has been bitten and who looks at it will live."

Majority Standard Bible
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.”

NET Bible
The LORD said to Moses, "Make a poisonous snake and set it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live."

New Heart English Bible
The LORD said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard: and it shall happen, that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the LORD said to Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.

World English Bible
Yahweh said to Moses, “Make a venomous snake, and set it on a pole. It shall happen that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And YHWH says to Moses, “Make a burning [serpent] for yourself, and set it on an ensign; and it has been, everyone who is bitten and has seen it—he has lived.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Make for thee a burning serpent, and set it on an ensign; and it hath been, every one who is bitten and hath seen it -- he hath lived.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah will say to Moses, Make to thee a burning, and put it up for a signal: and it was every one being bitten, and he saw it and lived.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord said to him: Make brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign: whosoever being struck shall look on it, shall live.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord said to him: “Make a bronze serpent, and place it as a sign. Whoever, having been struck, gazes upon it, shall live.”

New American Bible
and the LORD said to Moses: Make a seraph and mount it on a pole, and everyone who has been bitten will look at it and recover.

New Revised Standard Version
And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the LORD said to Moses, Make a fiery serpent of brass, and set it upon a pole; and it shall come to pass that every one who is bitten by a serpent, when he looks upon it, shall live.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH said to Moshe: “Make for yourself a destructive serpent of brass, and set it for a sign, and everyone whom a Serpent will bite shall look at it and he shall live.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the LORD said unto Moses: 'Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole; and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he seeth it, shall live.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Moses prayed to the Lord for the people; and the Lord said to Moses, Make thee a serpent, and put it on a signal-staff; and it shall come to pass that whenever a serpent shall bite a man, every one so bitten that looks upon it shall live.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Bronze Serpent
7Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD so He will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses interceded for the people. 8Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.” 9So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze snake, he would live.…

Cross References
John 3:14-15
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, / that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.

2 Kings 18:4
He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also demolished the bronze snake called Nehushtan that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it.

Isaiah 45:22
Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

John 12:32
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.”

1 Corinthians 10:9
We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes.

Isaiah 11:10
On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.

John 6:40
For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

John 8:28
So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me.

Isaiah 53:5
But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

2 Corinthians 5:21
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Psalm 107:20
He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the Pit.

Isaiah 52:13
Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.

Romans 8:3
For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,

Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”


Treasury of Scripture

And the LORD said to Moses, Make you a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looks on it, shall live.

Psalm 106:43-45
Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity…

Psalm 145:8
The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

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Bitten Burning Ensign Image Live Moses Pole Rod Serpent Snake Snakes Standard Wounded
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Bitten Burning Ensign Image Live Moses Pole Rod Serpent Snake Snakes Standard Wounded
Numbers 21
1. Israel destroys the Canaanites at Hormah
4. The people murmuring are plagued with fiery serpents
7. They repenting are healed by a bronze serpent
10. Various journeys of the Israelites
21. Sihon is overcome
33. And Og














Then the LORD said to Moses
This phrase underscores the direct communication between God and Moses, a recurring theme in the Pentateuch. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness. This divine instruction highlights God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate guide and protector of Israel. Historically, Moses is seen as a mediator between God and the Israelites, and this passage reinforces his leadership and prophetic role.

Make a fiery serpent
The Hebrew term for "fiery serpent" is "saraph," which can mean "burning" or "fiery." This could refer to the burning sensation of the snake's bite or the appearance of the serpent itself. The serpent, often a symbol of sin and judgment, here becomes an instrument of healing, foreshadowing the paradox of the cross in Christian theology. Archaeologically, serpents were common symbols in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with both danger and healing.

and mount it on a pole
The act of mounting the serpent on a pole is significant. The Hebrew word for "pole" is "nes," which can also mean "banner" or "standard." This act of elevation is symbolic, drawing the eyes of the Israelites upward, away from their immediate suffering, and towards God's provision. This anticipates the New Testament imagery of Christ being lifted up on the cross, as referenced in John 3:14-15.

When anyone who is bitten
This phrase acknowledges the reality of the Israelites' suffering due to their disobedience and the presence of venomous snakes. The bite represents the consequences of sin, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The universality of the offer—"anyone who is bitten"—emphasizes God's grace and the availability of salvation to all who turn to Him in faith.

looks at it
The act of looking is an expression of faith and obedience. In Hebrew, the word "nabat" implies a deliberate, attentive gaze. This simple act of looking signifies trust in God's promise and provision. It is not the serpent itself that heals, but the faith in God's word and His power to save. This prefigures the Christian doctrine of salvation by faith, where belief in Christ's redemptive work brings spiritual healing.

he will live
The promise of life is central to this verse. The Hebrew word "chayah" means to live or to revive, indicating not just physical survival but a restoration to fullness of life. This assurance of life through faith in God's provision is a powerful foreshadowing of the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ. In a broader biblical context, it reflects God's desire for His people to choose life and blessing through obedience and faith.

(8) Make thee a fiery serpent.--The single Hebrew word which is here employed is saraph (a seraph), or burning one, as in Numbers 21:6, where the word nehashim--serpents--occurs also. The meaning is explained in the following verse, in which it is said that Moses made "a serpent of brass."

Set it upon a pole.--Better, a standard. The LXX. have ???????, the Vulgate signum. The Hebrew word (nes) is the same which occurs in Exodus 17:15, "Jehovah-nissi"--i.e., Jehovah is my standard or banner.

Verse 8. - Make thee a fiery serpent. A saraph. The Septuagint, not understanding the meaning of saraph, has simply ὄφιν (cf. John 3:14). Set it upon a pole. גֵם Septuagint σήμειον. Vulgate, signum. The same word is better translated "ensign" in such passages as Isaiah 11:10; "banner" in such as Psalm 60:4; "standard" in such as Jeremiah 51:27. The "pole" may have been the tallest and most conspicuous of those military standards which were planted (probably on some elevation) as rallying points for the various camps; or it may have been one loftier still, made for the occasion.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the LORD
יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Moses,
מֹשֶׁ֗ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

“Make
עֲשֵׂ֤ה (‘ă·śêh)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

a snake
שָׂרָ֔ף (śā·rāp̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8314: Burning, poisonous, a saraph, symbolical creature

and mount
וְשִׂ֥ים (wə·śîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

it
אֹת֖וֹ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

a pole.
נֵ֑ס (nês)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5251: A flag, a sail, a flagstaff, a signal, a token

When anyone
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who is bitten
הַנָּשׁ֔וּךְ (han·nā·šūḵ)
Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 5391: To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usury

looks at it,
וְרָאָ֥ה (wə·rā·’āh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

he will live.”
וָחָֽי׃ (wā·ḥāy)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2425: To live, to revive


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OT Law: Numbers 21:8 Yahweh said to Moses Make you (Nu Num.)
Numbers 21:7
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