What does Numbers 11:23 mean?
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not." - Numbers 11:23

Numbers 11:23 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not." This verse comes from the Old Testament book of Numbers, which primarily focuses on the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, as well as the practical and spiritual challenges they faced along the way.
In this particular passage, the Israelites are in the wilderness, and they are grumbling and complaining about the lack of meat in their diet. They were reminiscing about the food they had in Egypt and complaining about their current situation. Moses, feeling overwhelmed by the people's complaints, pleads with God, expressing his own frustration and feeling unable to bear the burden of the people's complaints. In response, God reassures Moses that His power is not limited, and that He will provide for the people.
The central theme of this verse is the power and faithfulness of God. The question that God poses to Moses - "Is the LORD'S hand waxed short?" - is a rhetorical one, as it implies that God's power is still as strong as ever and can meet the needs of His people. This serves as a reminder to Moses and the Israelites that despite their current circumstances, God is still in control and capable of providing for them. This theme of God's omnipotence and faithfulness is a common motif throughout the Bible, and serves as a source of comfort and encouragement for believers.
In addition to the theme of God's power and faithfulness, this verse also touches on the concept of testing one's faith. God tells Moses, "thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not." This statement implies that God is challenging Moses to trust in His promises and see for himself that God will fulfill His word. This aspect of testing one's faith is a recurring theme in the Bible, as God often uses trials and challenges to strengthen the faith of His people.
The context of Numbers 11:23 is important to understand the significance of the passage. The Israelites were in a difficult and uncertain period of their journey, and their faith and patience were being tested. The grumbling and complaining of the people had worn down Moses, and he was feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of leading them. In response to this, God reassures Moses and the people that He is still in control and will provide for their needs. This context adds depth to the verse, as it highlights the human struggle of doubt and frustration, as well as the divine response of reassurance and provision.
Symbolically, this verse serves as a reminder of the unwavering nature of God's power and faithfulness. The question posed by God, "Is the LORD'S hand waxed short?" serves as a rhetorical device, emphasizing that God's power is not limited by human circumstances or doubts. This symbolizes the unchanging and unwavering nature of God, and serves as a source of hope and encouragement for believers. The testing of one's faith is also symbolically significant, as it represents the process of refining and strengthening one's trust in God's promises.
In conclusion, Numbers 11:23 in the King James Version of the Bible conveys the themes of God's power and faithfulness, the testing of one's faith, and the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. The verse serves as a source of encouragement and reassurance for believers, reminding them of the unchanging nature of God and His ability to provide for their needs. The symbolic significance of the verse further emphasizes these themes, adding depth and meaning to the passage.
Have questions about Numbers 11:23?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Numbers 11:23 Artwork
Numbers 11:23 - "And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not."
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not." - Numbers 11:23
Numbers 23:11 - "And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether."
Numbers 11. 4 to 6
Numbers 23:30
Numbers 23:1-13
Numbers 11
Numbers 8:23 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 16:23 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 33:23 - "And they went from Kehelathah, and pitched in mount Shapher."
Numbers 11:17
Numbers 11 quail
Numbers 11:15
Numbers 11:5
Numbers 3:23 - "The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward."
Balaam bless Israel twice in numbers 23
Genesis 23:11
luke 11:23
Numbers 11:16-26
Numbers 23:23 - "Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!"
Numbers 10:23 - "And over the host of the tribe of the children of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur."
luke 11:23
Deuteronomy 11:23
luke 11:23
luke 11:23
Numbers 23:28 - "And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon."
Numbers 2:23 - "And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred."
Numbers 34:23 - "The prince of the children of Joseph, for the tribe of the children of Manasseh, Hanniel the son of Ephod."
Numbers 1:11 - "Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni."
Numbers 26:11 - "Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not."