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Numbers 21:8 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."

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All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses, &#8220;Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, &#8220;Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, &#8220;Make a fiery <i>serpent,</i> and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, &#8220;Make a fiery <i>serpent,</i> and put it on a flag <i>pole;</i> and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, and looks at it, will live.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, &#8220Make 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.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, &#8220;Make a fiery <i>serpent,</i> and set it on a standard; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he shall live.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Yahweh said to Moses, &#8220;Make a fiery <i>serpent</i> and set it on a standard; and it will be that everyone who is bitten and looks at it, will live.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, &#8220;Make a fiery <i>serpent</i> [of bronze] and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten will live when he looks at it.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, &#8220;Make a snake image and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will recover.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, &#8220Make a snake image and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will recover.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />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." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/21.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake, and put it on a pole. Anyone who is bitten can look at it and live."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />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." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />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."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />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."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh said to Moses, &#8220;Make a venomous snake, and set it on a pole. It shall happen that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.&#8221; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And YHWH says to Moses, &#8220;Make a burning [serpent] for yourself, and set it on an ensign; and it has been, everyone who is bitten and has seen it&#8212;he has lived.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Lord said to him: &#8220;Make a bronze serpent, and place it as a sign. Whoever, having been struck, gazes upon it, shall live.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses, &#8220;Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.&#8221;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH said to Moshe: &#8220;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.&#8221;<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />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-<i>staff</i>; and it shall come to pass that whenever a serpent shall bite a man, every one <i>so</i> bitten that looks upon it shall live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/21-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=6577" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/21.htm">The Bronze Serpent</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">7</span>Then the people came to Moses and said, &#8220;We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD so He will take the snakes away from us.&#8221; So Moses interceded for the people. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah&#183;weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">Then the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way&#183;y&#333;&#183;mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: &#8217;el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: m&#333;&#183;&#353;eh (N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: &#8216;a&#774;&#183;&#347;&#234;h (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">&#8220;Make</a> <a href="/hebrew/l&#601;&#183;&#7733;&#257; (Prep:: 2ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8314.htm" title="8314: &#347;&#257;&#183;r&#257;p&#772; (N-ms) -- From saraph; burning, i.e. poisonous; specifically, a saraph or symbolical creature.">a fiery serpent</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: w&#601;&#183;&#347;&#238;m (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">and mount</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: &#8217;&#333;&#183;&#7791;&#333;w (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: &#8216;al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/5251.htm" title="5251: n&#234;s (N-ms) -- From nacac; a flag; also a sail; by implication, a flagstaff; generally a signal; figuratively, a token.">a pole.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: w&#601;&#183;h&#257;&#183;y&#257;h (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: k&#257;l- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">When anyone</a> <a href="/hebrew/5391.htm" title="5391: han&#183;n&#257;&#183;&#353;&#363;&#7733; (Art:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to strike with a sting; figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan.">who is bitten</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: w&#601;&#183;r&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#257;h (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">looks at it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: &#8217;&#333;&#183;&#7791;&#333;w (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: w&#257;&#183;&#7717;&#257;y (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">he will live.&#8221;</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze snake, he would live.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14-15</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-4.htm">2 Kings 18:4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-22.htm">Isaiah 45:22</a></span><br />Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-32.htm">John 12:32</a></span><br />And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-9.htm">1 Corinthians 10:9</a></span><br />We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-10.htm">Isaiah 11:10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-40.htm">John 6:40</a></span><br />For it is My Father&#8217;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.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-28.htm">John 8:28</a></span><br />So Jesus said, &#8220;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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-5.htm">Isaiah 53:5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21</a></span><br />God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-2.htm">Hebrews 12:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-20.htm">Psalm 107:20</a></span><br />He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the Pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/52-13.htm">Isaiah 52:13</a></span><br />Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-13.htm">Galatians 3:13</a></span><br />Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: &#8220;Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.&#8221;</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/106-43.htm">Psalm 106:43-45</a></b></br> Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked <i>him</i> with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity&#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/145-8.htm">Psalm 145:8</a></b></br> The LORD <i>is</i> gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/amos/9-3.htm">Bitten</a> <a href="/numbers/21-6.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/numbers/2-2.htm">Ensign</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-1.htm">Image</a> <a href="/numbers/15-2.htm">Live</a> <a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/numbers/13-23.htm">Pole</a> <a href="/numbers/20-11.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/exodus/7-15.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/exodus/7-12.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">Snakes</a> <a href="/numbers/10-22.htm">Standard</a> <a href="/genesis/49-6.htm">Wounded</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/21-9.htm">Bitten</a> <a href="/numbers/24-22.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/numbers/21-9.htm">Ensign</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-16.htm">Image</a> <a href="/numbers/21-9.htm">Live</a> <a href="/numbers/21-16.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/numbers/21-9.htm">Pole</a> <a href="/numbers/21-9.htm">Rod</a> <a href="/numbers/21-9.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/numbers/21-9.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-15.htm">Snakes</a> <a href="/numbers/21-9.htm">Standard</a> <a href="/numbers/21-30.htm">Wounded</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/21-1.htm">Israel destroys the Canaanites at Hormah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">The people murmuring are plagued with fiery serpents</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">They repenting are healed by a bronze serpent</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/21-10.htm">Various journeys of the Israelites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/21-21.htm">Sihon is overcome</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/21-33.htm">And Og</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/numbers/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>Then the LORD said to Moses</b><br>This phrase indicates direct divine communication, a common occurrence in the Pentateuch where God speaks to Moses as the leader of Israel. It underscores Moses' role as a mediator between God and the Israelites. This divine instruction follows a period of rebellion and complaint by the Israelites, highlighting God's continued guidance despite their disobedience.<p><b>Make a fiery serpent</b><br>The term "fiery serpent" refers to the bronze serpent Moses was instructed to create. The Hebrew word for "fiery" can also mean "burning," possibly describing the burning sensation of the snake bites or the appearance of the bronze. Serpents were common in the desert regions where the Israelites traveled, and their presence here serves as both a literal and symbolic representation of sin and judgment.<p><b>and mount it on a pole</b><br>The act of mounting the serpent on a pole elevates it for visibility, symbolizing the need for the Israelites to look up in faith for healing. This act of elevation prefigures the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as referenced in <a href="/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14-15</a>, where Jesus compares His being lifted up on the cross to the serpent in the wilderness.<p><b>When anyone who is bitten looks at it</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the condition of faith and obedience required for healing. The act of looking signifies trust in God's provision and acknowledgment of His power to save. It is a test of faith, as the Israelites must believe that simply looking at the bronze serpent will result in healing.<p><b>he will live</b><br>The promise of life upon looking at the serpent highlights God's mercy and the power of faith. It serves as a typology of salvation through Christ, where belief in Him leads to eternal life. This narrative foreshadows the New Testament message of salvation through faith, as seen in <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>. The physical healing of the Israelites points to the spiritual healing available through Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who provides a solution to the Israelites' plight.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to mediate His instructions and lead the people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/fiery_serpent.htm">Fiery Serpent</a></b><br>A bronze serpent created by Moses as instructed by God, symbolizing both judgment and healing.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, who were suffering from snake bites due to their complaints and rebellion.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a></b><br>The setting of this event, where the Israelites wandered and faced various trials.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_obedience.htm">Faith and Obedience</a></b><br>The act of looking at the bronze serpent required faith and obedience. It was not the serpent itself that healed, but the trust in God's promise. Similarly, our faith in Christ's work on the cross is what brings spiritual healing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_provision_in_judgment.htm">God's Provision in Judgment</a></b><br>Even in judgment, God provides a means of salvation. The bronze serpent was a symbol of the very thing that caused their suffering, yet it became the means of their healing. This points to Christ, who became sin for us to provide salvation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_idolatry.htm">The Danger of Idolatry</a></b><br>The bronze serpent later became an idol for the Israelites, showing how easily we can turn God's provisions into objects of worship. We must guard against allowing symbols of faith to replace our faith in God Himself.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_simplicity_of_salvation.htm">The Simplicity of Salvation</a></b><br>The instruction to simply "look" and live underscores the simplicity of the gospel message. Salvation is not about complex rituals but about faith in God's provision through Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_repentance.htm">The Necessity of Repentance</a></b><br>The Israelites' need to look at the serpent was a call to acknowledge their sin and turn back to God. Repentance is a crucial step in experiencing God's healing and restoration.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_jesus_statues.htm">What does the Bible say about Jesus statues?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_relics.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian relics?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_command_a_bronze_serpent.htm">Numbers 21:8-9 &#8211; Why would God command Moses to create a bronze serpent, seemingly at odds with prohibitions against idol-making in Exodus 20? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bronze_serpent_story.htm">What is the story of the Bronze Serpent?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">Make thee a fiery serpent.--</span>The single Hebrew word which is here employed is <span class= "ital">saraph </span>(a seraph), or <span class= "ital">burning one, </span>as in <a href="/numbers/21-6.htm" title="And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.">Numbers 21:6</a>, where the word <span class= "ital">nehashim</span>--<span class= "ital">serpents</span>--occurs also. The meaning is explained in the following verse, in which it is said that Moses made "a serpent of brass."<p><span class= "bld">Set it upon a pole.--</span>Better, <span class= "ital">a standard. </span>The LXX. have <span class= "greekheb">???????</span><span class= "ital">, </span>the Vulgate <span class= "ital">signum. </span>The Hebrew word (<span class= "ital">nes</span>) is the same which occurs in <a href="/exodus/17-15.htm" title="And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:">Exodus 17:15</a>, "Jehovah-nissi"--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>Jehovah is my standard or banner.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Make thee a fiery serpent.</span> A <span class="accented">saraph.</span> The Septuagint, not understanding the meaning of <span class="accented">saraph</span>, has simply <span class="greek">&#x1f44;&#x3c6;&#x3b9;&#x3bd;</span> (cf. <a href="/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14</a>). Set it upon a pole. <span class="hebrew">&#x5d2;&#x5b5;&#x5dd;</span> Septuagint <span class="greek">&#x3c3;&#x1f75;&#x3bc;&#x3b5;&#x3b9;&#x3bf;&#x3bd;</span>. Vulgate, <span class="latin">signum.</span> The same word is better translated "ensign" in such passages as <a href="/isaiah/11-10.htm">Isaiah 11:10</a>; "banner" in such as <a href="/psalms/60-4.htm">Psalm 60:4</a>; "standard" in such as <a href="/jeremiah/51-27.htm">Jeremiah 51:27</a>. 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. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/21-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1456;&#1492;&#1493;&#1464;&#1436;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(Yah&#183;weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1463;&#1497;&#1468;&#1465;&#1448;&#1488;&#1502;&#1462;&#1512;</span> <span class="translit">(way&#183;y&#333;&#183;mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1462;&#1500;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Moses,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1502;&#1465;&#1513;&#1473;&#1462;&#1431;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(m&#333;&#183;&#353;eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">&#8220;Make</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1506;&#1458;&#1513;&#1474;&#1461;&#1444;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8216;a&#774;&#183;&#347;&#234;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a snake</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1513;&#1474;&#1464;&#1512;&#1464;&#1428;&#1507;</span> <span class="translit">(&#347;&#257;&#183;r&#257;p&#772;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8314.htm">Strong's 8314: </a> </span><span class="str2">Burning, poisonous, a saraph, symbolical creature</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and mount</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1513;&#1474;&#1460;&#1445;&#1497;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;&#347;&#238;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1465;&#1514;&#1430;&#1493;&#1465;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;&#333;&#183;&#7791;&#333;w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1506;&#1463;&#1500;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8216;al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a pole.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1504;&#1461;&#1425;&#1505;</span> <span class="translit">(n&#234;s)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5251.htm">Strong's 5251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A flag, a sail, a flagstaff, a signal, a token</span><br /><br /><span class="word">When anyone</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1464;&#1500;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(k&#257;l-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who is bitten</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1492;&#1463;&#1504;&#1468;&#1464;&#1513;&#1473;&#1428;&#1493;&#1468;&#1498;&#1456;</span> <span class="translit">(han&#183;n&#257;&#183;&#353;&#363;&#7733;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article &#124; Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5391.htm">Strong's 5391: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usury</span><br /><br /><span class="word">looks at it,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1456;&#1512;&#1464;&#1488;&#1464;&#1445;&#1492;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#601;&#183;r&#257;&#183;&#8217;&#257;h)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he will live.&#8221;</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1464;&#1495;&#1464;&#1469;&#1497;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(w&#257;&#183;&#7717;&#257;y)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2425.htm">Strong's 2425: </a> </span><span class="str2">To live, to revive</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/21-8.htm">OT Law: Numbers 21:8 Yahweh said to Moses Make you (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/21-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 21:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 21:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/21-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 21:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 21:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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