VOOZH about

URL: https://biblehub.com/numbers/14-37.htm

⇱ Numbers 14:37 those men who had brought out the bad report about the land--were struck down by a plague before the LORD.

Bible > Numbers > Chapter 14 > Verse 37
◄ Numbers 14:37 ►
New International Version
these men who were responsible for spreading the bad report about the land were struck down and died of a plague before the LORD.

New Living Translation
were struck dead with a plague before the LORD.

English Standard Version
the men who brought up a bad report of the land—died by plague before the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
those men who had brought out the bad report about the land—were struck down by a plague before the LORD.

King James Bible
Even those men that did bring up the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.

New King James Version
those very men who brought the evil report about the land, died by the plague before the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
those men who brought the bad report of the land also died by a plague in the presence of the LORD.

NASB 1995
even those men who brought out the very bad report of the land died by a plague before the LORD.

NASB 1977
even those men who brought out the very bad report of the land died by a plague before the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
even those men who brought out the very bad report of the land died by a plague before Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
even those [ten] men who brought back the very bad report of the land died by a plague before the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
those men who spread the negative report about the land were struck down by the LORD.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
those men who spread the negative report about the land were struck down by the LORD.

American Standard Version
even those men that did bring up an evil report of the land, died by the plague before Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
So he sent a deadly disease that killed those men,

English Revised Version
even those men that did bring up an evil report of the land, died by the plague before the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They died because they had returned and made the whole community complain about Moses by spreading lies about the land.

International Standard Version
and who produced an evil report about the land, died of pestilence in the LORD's presence.

NET Bible
those men who produced the evil report about the land, died by the plague before the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
even those men who brought up an evil report of the land, died by the plague before the LORD.

Webster's Bible Translation
Even those men that brought the evil report upon the land, died by the plague before the LORD.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
those men who had brought out the bad report about the land—were struck down by a plague before the LORD.

World English Bible
even those men who brought up an evil report of the land, died by the plague before Yahweh.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
even the men bringing out an evil account of the land, they die by the plague before YHWH;

Young's Literal Translation
even the men bringing out an evil account of the land die by the plague before Jehovah;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the men bringing forth evil slander of the land shall die by the blow before Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Died and were struck in the sight of the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
suffered death and were struck down in the sight of the Lord.

New American Bible
these men who had spread discouraging reports about the land were struck down by the LORD and died.

New Revised Standard Version
the men who brought an unfavorable report about the land died by a plague before the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
These men who published an evil report of the land died by a sudden plague before the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the men that put out the evil report about the land died in a sudden plague before LORD JEHOVAH.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
even those men that did bring up an evil report of the land, died by the plague before the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
the men that spoke evil reports against the land, even died of the plague before the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Plague on the Ten Spies
36So the men Moses had sent to spy out the land, who had returned and made the whole congregation grumble against him by bringing out a bad report about the land— 37those men who had brought out the bad report about the land— were struck down by a plague before the LORD. 38Of those men who had gone to spy out the land, only Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh remained alive.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 1:35-36
“Not one of the men of this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your fathers, / except Caleb son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land on which he has set foot, because he followed the LORD wholeheartedly.”

Hebrews 3:17-19
And with whom was God angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? / And to whom did He swear that they would never enter His rest? Was it not to those who disobeyed? / So we see that it was because of their unbelief that they were unable to enter.

1 Corinthians 10:10
And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel.

Psalm 106:26-27
So He raised His hand and swore to cast them down in the wilderness, / to disperse their offspring among the nations and scatter them throughout the lands.

Jude 1:5
Although you are fully aware of this, I want to remind you that after Jesus had delivered His people out of the land of Egypt, He destroyed those who did not believe.

Joshua 5:6
For the Israelites had wandered in the wilderness forty years, until all the nation’s men of war who had come out of Egypt had died, since they did not obey the LORD. So the LORD vowed never to let them see the land He had sworn to their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey.

1 Corinthians 10:5
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the wilderness.

Deuteronomy 2:14-15
The time we spent traveling from Kadesh-barnea until we crossed over the Brook of Zered was thirty-eight years, until that entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them. / Indeed, the LORD’s hand was against them, to eliminate them from the camp, until they had all perished.

Hebrews 4:2
For we also received the good news just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, since they did not share the faith of those who comprehended it.

Psalm 95:10-11
For forty years I was angry with that generation, and I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known My ways.” / So I swore on oath in My anger, “They shall never enter My rest.”

Ezekiel 20:15-16
Moreover, with an uplifted hand I swore to them in the wilderness that I would not bring them into the land that I had given them—a land flowing with milk and honey, the glory of all lands— / because they kept rejecting My ordinances, refusing to walk in My statutes, and profaning My Sabbaths; for their hearts continually went after their idols.

Acts 7:36-39
He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness. / This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’ / He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us. ...

Deuteronomy 9:23
And when the LORD sent you out from Kadesh-barnea, He said, “Go up and possess the land that I have given you.” But you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You neither believed Him nor obeyed Him.

Hebrews 3:10-11
Therefore I was angry with that generation, and I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known My ways.’ / So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’”

Nehemiah 9:26-27
But they were disobedient and rebelled against You; they flung Your law behind their backs. They killed Your prophets, who had admonished them to return to You. They committed terrible blasphemies. / So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies.


Numbers 14:12
I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.

Numbers 16:49
Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.

Numbers 25:9
And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

Jump to Previous
Account Bad Death Die Died Disease Evil Plague Report Responsible Spreading Struck
Jump to Next
Account Bad Death Die Died Disease Evil Plague Report Responsible Spreading Struck
Numbers 14
1. The people murmur at the news
6. Joshua and Caleb labor to still them
11. God threatens them
13. Moses intercedes with God, and obtains pardon
26. The Murmurers are debarred from entering into the land
36. The men who raised the evil report die by a plague
40. The people that would invade the land against the will of God are smitten














those men who had brought out the bad report about the land—
The "bad report" refers to the negative account given by ten of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land (Numbers 13:31-33). These men, except for Joshua and Caleb, focused on the formidable inhabitants and fortified cities, instilling fear and doubt among the Israelites. This act of disbelief and rebellion against God's promise is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, demonstrating a lack of faith and trust in God's power and plan. Theologically, this serves as a warning against the consequences of unbelief and disobedience. The spies' report contrasts with the faith-filled perspective of Joshua and Caleb, who trusted in God's ability to deliver the land to them.

were struck down by a plague before the LORD.
The phrase "struck down by a plague" indicates a direct and immediate divine judgment. In the Old Testament, plagues are often used as instruments of God's wrath and correction (e.g., Exodus 7-12, the plagues of Egypt). This particular judgment underscores the seriousness of their sin and the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate rebellion and disbelief. The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes that this act of judgment was not random but was executed in the presence of God, highlighting His sovereignty and justice. This event serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of leading others into sin and the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. It also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and separation from God for those who reject His promises, pointing to the need for redemption through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Spies
Twelve men were sent by Moses to scout the Promised Land. Ten of these spies returned with a negative report, causing fear and rebellion among the Israelites.

2. The Bad Report
The ten spies exaggerated the challenges of conquering the land, focusing on the strength of its inhabitants and the fortified cities, which led to a lack of faith among the people.

3. The Plague
As a direct consequence of their actions, the ten spies who spread the bad report were struck down by a plague from the LORD, demonstrating God's judgment on their lack of faith and disobedience.

4. The Israelites
The community that was influenced by the negative report, leading them to grumble against Moses and Aaron and express a desire to return to Egypt.

5. The Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God had promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was a land of abundance, but the Israelites' entry was delayed due to their lack of faith.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Unbelief
Unbelief can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the fate of the ten spies. It is crucial to trust in God's promises and not be swayed by fear or doubt.

The Power of Influence
The negative report of the ten spies influenced an entire nation. Believers should be mindful of the impact their words and actions can have on others.

Faith in God's Promises
Despite challenges, believers are called to have faith in God's promises. The Israelites' failure to trust God serves as a cautionary tale for us today.

Obedience to God
Obedience is a key aspect of faith. The Israelites' disobedience resulted in a delay of God's blessings. We should strive to obey God's commands, trusting in His timing and plan.

God's Righteous Judgment
God's judgment on the ten spies serves as a reminder of His holiness and justice. It is important to live in a way that honors God and aligns with His will.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 14:37?

2. How does Numbers 14:37 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands?

3. What lessons can we learn about faithfulness from Numbers 14:37?

4. How does Numbers 14:37 connect with the theme of divine justice in Scripture?

5. In what ways can we apply the warning in Numbers 14:37 today?

6. How does Numbers 14:37 encourage us to trust in God's promises?

7. Why did God punish the spies with a plague in Numbers 14:37?

8. How does Numbers 14:37 reflect God's justice and mercy?

9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Numbers 14:37?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 14?

11. What is the main theme of the Book of Numbers?

12. What did the twelve spies report about Canaan?

13. Why are the census figures in 1 Chronicles 21:5 different from those in 2 Samuel 24:9?

14. What miracles are described in the Bible?
What Does Numbers 14:37 Mean
Those men

- The text narrows the focus to the specific ten scouts from Numbers 13 who returned in fear and unbelief.

- They are distinguished from Joshua and Caleb, who “followed the LORD fully” (Numbers 14:24).

- God often singles out leaders for accountability (James 3:1; Ezekiel 34:10) because their influence shapes a community’s response to Him.

Who had brought out the bad report about the land

- The “bad report” (Numbers 13:32) was not merely negative opinion—it contradicted God’s promise first given in Genesis 12:7 and reiterated in Exodus 3:8.

- Their words spread panic (Deuteronomy 1:28), breeding rebellion (Numbers 14:1-4).

- Scripture warns that unbelief expressed through speech can poison others (Hebrews 3:12-13; Proverbs 18:21).

Were struck down

- Divine judgment falls swiftly: “I the LORD speak the truth; I declare what is right” (Isaiah 45:19).

- This act demonstrates God’s holiness and the seriousness of leading Israel into unbelief (Hebrews 10:26-31).

- God had offered forgiveness to the nation (Numbers 14:20), yet the unrepentant leaders received immediate consequence—underscoring that grace never nullifies justice (Galatians 6:7).

By a plague

- Similar sudden judgments appear in Numbers 16:46-49 and 25:8-9, reminding Israel that sin can invite physical calamity.

- Plagues signify God’s direct intervention, contrasting natural causes (2 Samuel 24:15-17).

- The severity teaches the fear of the LORD, a prerequisite for wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

Before the LORD

- “Before” indicates the action happened in God’s presence—there is no hiding place from His sight (Psalm 139:7-12).

- Corporate life unfolds coram Deo, “before God,” shaping the community’s awareness of accountability (Acts 5:1-11).

- The event publicly re-affirmed Moses’ leadership and God’s word, restoring order after the revolt (Numbers 14:10-11).

summary

Numbers 14:37 shows that the ten faithless spies, who undermined God’s promise with a fearful report, suffered immediate judgment through a divinely sent plague. Their fate highlights the weight of leadership influence, the peril of unbelief, and the certainty that life is lived before an all-seeing, holy God.

(37) By the plague.--The word maggephah, which is here rendered plague, denotes a stroke. In Exodus 9:14 it is used of the ten plagues of Egypt. In Numbers 16:48-49, it is used of the plague which broke out after the insurrection of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and in Numbers 25:9-18 of that which broke out after the Israelites had joined in the idolatrous and lascivious rites of the Moabites and Midianites. In 1Samuel 4:17, 2Samuel 17:9; 2Samuel 18:7, it is used of destruction by the sword. It appears to denote in this place sudden death, inflicted by the immediate visitation of the Lord. . . . Verse 37. - Died by the plague before the Lord. Septuagint, ἐν τῇ πληγῇ. "Plague" has here its older signification of "stroke," or visitation of God. We are not told what death they died, but it was sudden and exceptional enough to mark it as the direct consequence of their sinful conduct.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
those men who had spread
מוֹצִאֵ֥י (mō·w·ṣi·’ê)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

the bad
רָעָ֑ה (rā·‘āh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

report
דִבַּת־ (ḏib·baṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1681: Whispering, defamation, evil report

about the land
הָאָ֖רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

were struck down
וַיָּמֻ֙תוּ֙ (way·yā·mu·ṯū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

by a plague
בַּמַּגֵּפָ֖ה (bam·mag·gê·p̄āh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4046: A blow, slaughter, plague, pestilence

before
לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the LORD.
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH


Links
Numbers 14:37 NIV
Numbers 14:37 NLT
Numbers 14:37 ESV
Numbers 14:37 NASB
Numbers 14:37 KJV

Numbers 14:37 BibleApps.com
Numbers 14:37 Biblia Paralela
Numbers 14:37 Chinese Bible
Numbers 14:37 French Bible
Numbers 14:37 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Numbers 14:37 Even those men who did bring up (Nu Num.)