Numbers 9:21
New International Version
Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out.

New Living Translation
Sometimes the cloud stayed only overnight and lifted the next morning. But day or night, when the cloud lifted, the people broke camp and moved on.

English Standard Version
And sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning. And when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they set out.

Berean Standard Bible
Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they would set out. Whether it was by day or by night, when the cloud was taken up, they would set out.

King James Bible
And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.

New King James Version
So it was, when the cloud remained only from evening until morning: when the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they would journey; whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud was taken up, they would journey.

New American Standard Bible
If sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning, when the cloud was lifted in the morning they would set out; or if it remained in the daytime and at night, whenever the cloud was lifted, they would set out.

NASB 1995
If sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning, when the cloud was lifted in the morning, they would move out; or if it remained in the daytime and at night, whenever the cloud was lifted, they would set out.

NASB 1977
If sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning, when the cloud was lifted in the morning, they would move out; or if it remained in the daytime and at night, whenever the cloud was lifted, they would set out.

Legacy Standard Bible
If sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning, when the cloud was lifted in the morning, they would move out; or if it remained in the daytime and at night, whenever the cloud was lifted, they would set out.

Amplified Bible
If sometimes the cloud remained [over the tabernacle] from evening only until morning, when the cloud was lifted in the morning, they would journey on; whether in the daytime or at night, whenever the cloud was lifted, they would set out.

Christian Standard Bible
Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning; when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out. Or if it remained a day and a night, they moved out when the cloud lifted.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning; when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out. Or if it remained a day and a night, they moved out when the cloud lifted.

American Standard Version
And sometimes the cloud was from evening until morning; and when the cloud was taken up in the morning, they journeyed: or if it continued by day and by night, when the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.

English Revised Version
And sometimes the cloud was from evening until morning; and when the cloud was taken up in the morning, they journeyed: or if it continued by day and by night, when the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Sometimes the [column of] smoke stayed only from evening until morning. When the smoke moved in the morning, they broke camp. Day or night, when the smoke moved, they broke camp.

Good News Translation
Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning, and they moved on as soon as the cloud lifted. Whenever the cloud lifted, they moved on.

International Standard Version
There were times when the cloud remained from evening until morning, but when the cloud ascended in the morning, they would journey. Whether by day or by night, they would travel whenever the cloud ascended.

Majority Standard Bible
Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they would set out. Whether it was by day or by night, when the cloud was taken up, they would set out.

NET Bible
And when the cloud remained only from evening until morning, when the cloud was taken up the following morning, then they traveled on. Whether by day or by night, when the cloud was taken up they traveled.

New Heart English Bible
Sometimes the cloud was from evening until morning; and when the cloud was taken up in the morning, they traveled: or by day and by night, when the cloud was taken up, they traveled.

Webster's Bible Translation
And so it was, when the cloud abode from evening to the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.

World English Bible
Sometimes the cloud was from evening until morning; and when the cloud was taken up in the morning, they traveled; or by day and by night, when the cloud was taken up, they traveled.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And so when the cloud is from evening until morning, when the cloud has gone up in the morning, then they have journeyed; whether by day or by night, when the cloud has gone up, then they have journeyed.

Young's Literal Translation
And so when the cloud is from evening till morning, when the cloud hath gone up in the morning, then they have journeyed; whether by day or by night, when the cloud hath gone up, then they have journeyed.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it is when the cloud shall be from evening to morning, and the cloud went up in the morning, and they shall remove: either day or by night, and the cloud went up and they removed.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If the cloud tarried from evening until morning, and immediately at break of day left the tabernacle, they marched forward: and if it departed after a day and a night, they took down their tents.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If the cloud remained from evening until morning, and immediately, at first light, it left the tabernacle, they set out. And if it withdrew after a day and a night, they dismantled their tents.

New American Bible
If it happened the cloud remained there only from evening until morning, when the cloud rose in the morning, they would break camp. Whether the cloud lifted during the day or the night they would then break camp.

New Revised Standard Version
Sometimes the cloud would remain from evening until morning; and when the cloud lifted in the morning, they would set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they would set out.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And sometimes the cloud was upon the tabernacle from evening to morning; and when the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed; whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And there was a time when the cloud was on the Tabernacle from evening and unto the morning, and the cloud went up at dawn, and they picked up; whether the cloud went up day or night, they also were picking up.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And sometimes the cloud was from evening until morning; and when the cloud was taken up in the morning, they journeyed; or if it continued by day and by night, when the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it shall come to pass, whenever the cloud shall remain from the evening till the morning, and in the morning the cloud shall go up, then shall they remove by day or by night.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Cloud Above the Tabernacle
20Sometimes the cloud remained over the tabernacle for only a few days, and they would camp at the LORD’s command and set out at the LORD’s command. 21Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they would set out. Whether it was by day or by night, when the cloud was taken up, they would set out. 22Whether the cloud lingered for two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle; but when it was lifted, they would set out.…

Cross References
Exodus 13:21-22
And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. / Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people.

Exodus 40:36-38
Whenever the cloud was lifted from above the tabernacle, the Israelites would set out through all the stages of their journey. / If the cloud was not lifted, they would not set out until the day it was taken up. / For the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel through all their journeys.

Nehemiah 9:19
You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go.

Psalm 78:14
He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night.

Psalm 105:39
He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night.

Deuteronomy 1:33
who went before you on the journey, in the fire by night and in the cloud by day, to seek out a place for you to camp and to show you the road to travel.

1 Corinthians 10:1-2
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and that they all passed through the sea. / They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

Isaiah 4:5
Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy,

Exodus 14:19-20
And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, / so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.

Exodus 33:9-10
As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses. / When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his own tent.

1 Kings 8:10-11
And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.

Ezekiel 10:3-4
Now when the man went in, the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple, and a cloud filled the inner court. / Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and stood over the threshold of the temple. The temple was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.

Revelation 7:15
For this reason, they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Matthew 17:5
While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”


Treasury of Scripture

And so it was, when the cloud stayed from even to the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.

abode.

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Abode Cloud Continued Daytime Evening Journey Journeyed Lifted Morning Move Night Resting Sometimes Traveled Whenever Whether
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Abode Cloud Continued Daytime Evening Journey Journeyed Lifted Morning Move Night Resting Sometimes Traveled Whenever Whether
Numbers 9
1. The Passover is again commanded
6. A second Passover for the unclean or absent
15. The cloud directs the removals and encampments of the Israelites














Sometimes the cloud remained
The "cloud" here refers to the divine presence of God, manifesting as a cloud over the tabernacle. In Hebrew, the word for cloud is "עָנָן" (anan), which signifies not just a physical cloud but a symbol of God's guidance and protection. This cloud was a visible sign of God's presence among His people, a constant reminder that He was with them. The fact that it "remained" indicates God's sovereign choice in guiding His people, teaching them to rely on His timing and wisdom.

only from evening till morning
This phrase highlights the unpredictability of God's guidance. The Hebrew words for "evening" (עֶרֶב, erev) and "morning" (בֹּקֶר, boqer) emphasize the natural cycle of day and night, suggesting that God's presence and guidance are not bound by human schedules or expectations. It teaches the Israelites—and us—that God's timing is perfect, even if it seems brief or inconvenient.

and when it lifted in the morning
The lifting of the cloud signifies a divine signal for the Israelites to move. The Hebrew root for "lifted" (עָלָה, alah) conveys the idea of ascending or going up, symbolizing a transition or a new phase in their journey. This movement was not arbitrary but orchestrated by God, reminding believers that our steps are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23).

they set out
The phrase "set out" (נָסַע, nasa) in Hebrew implies a journey or departure. It reflects obedience and readiness to follow God's lead. The Israelites' willingness to move at God's command is a model of faith and trust, illustrating the importance of being prepared to act when God directs.

Whether by day or by night
This phrase underscores the constancy and reliability of God's guidance. The Hebrew words for "day" (יוֹם, yom) and "night" (לַיְלָה, laylah) indicate that God's presence is not limited by time. It reassures believers that God is with us in all circumstances, providing guidance and protection regardless of the time or situation.

whenever the cloud lifted
The repetition of the cloud lifting emphasizes the importance of divine timing. The Israelites had to be vigilant and attentive to God's signals, ready to move at a moment's notice. This teaches us the value of spiritual alertness and the need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives.

they set out
The repetition of this phrase reinforces the theme of obedience and trust. The Israelites' journey was a physical manifestation of their faith in God's promises. For modern believers, it serves as a reminder to walk by faith, trusting in God's plan and timing, even when the path is uncertain.

(21) By day or by night.--It is obvious from this verse that there must have been sentinels constantly watching by night as well as by day, whose office it was to give notice when the cloud was removed. (Comp. Psalm 134:1.)

Verse 21. - From even unto the morning. Allowing but a single night's rest.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Sometimes
וְיֵ֞שׁ (wə·yêš)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is

the cloud
הֶֽעָנָן֙ (he·‘ā·nān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud

remained
יִהְיֶ֤ה (yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

only from evening
מֵעֶ֣רֶב (mê·‘e·reḇ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6153: Evening

until
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

morning,
בֹּ֔קֶר (bō·qer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

and when [it]
הֶֽעָנָ֛ן (he·‘ā·nān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud

lifted
וְנַעֲלָ֧ה (wə·na·‘ă·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

in the morning,
בַּבֹּ֖קֶר (bab·bō·qer)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

they would set out.
וְנָסָ֑עוּ (wə·nā·sā·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey

Whether
א֚וֹ (’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176: Desire, if

[it was] by day
יוֹמָ֣ם (yō·w·mām)
Adverb
Strong's 3119: Daytime, by day

or by night,
וָלַ֔יְלָה (wā·lay·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

when the cloud
הֶעָנָ֖ן (he·‘ā·nān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6051: A cloud, the nimbus, thunder-cloud

was taken up,
וְנַעֲלָ֥ה (wə·na·‘ă·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

they would set out.
וְנָסָֽעוּ׃ (wə·nā·sā·‘ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5265: To pull up, the tent-pins, start on a, journey


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OT Law: Numbers 9:21 Sometimes the cloud was from evening until (Nu Num.)
Numbers 9:20
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