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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 12:8 I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/12-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/04_Num_12_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 12:8 - The Murmuring of Miriam and Aaron" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/12-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/12-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/12-7.htm" title="Numbers 12:7">◄</a> Numbers 12:8 <a href="/numbers/12-9.htm" title="Numbers 12:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/numbers/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/numbers/12.htm">New International Version</a> With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/numbers/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> I speak to him face to face, clearly, and not in riddles! He sees the LORD as he is. So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses?” <a href="/esv/numbers/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” <a href="/bsb/numbers/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?” <a href="/kjv/numbers/12.htm">King James Bible</a> With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? <a href="/nkjv/numbers/12.htm">New King James Version</a> I speak with him face to face, Even plainly, and not in dark sayings; And he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant Moses?” <a href="/nasb_/numbers/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> With him I speak mouth to mouth, That is, openly, and not using mysterious language, And he beholds the form of the LORD. So why were you not afraid To speak against My servant, against Moses?” <a href="/nasb/numbers/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> With him I speak mouth to mouth, Even openly, and not in dark sayings, And he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant, against Moses?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/numbers/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> With him I speak mouth to mouth, Even openly, and not in dark sayings, And he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant, against Moses?” <a href="/lsb/numbers/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> With him I speak mouth to mouth, Indeed clearly, and not in riddles, And he beholds the form of Yahweh. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant, against Moses?” <a href="/amp/numbers/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “With him I speak mouth to mouth [directly], Clearly and openly and not in riddles; And he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?” <a href="/csb/numbers/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I speak with him directly, openly, and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. So why were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? ” <a href="/hcsb/numbers/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I speak with him directly, openly, and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. So why were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?&#8221 <a href="/asv/numbers/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> with him will I speak mouth to mouth, even manifestly, and not in dark speeches; and the form of Jehovah shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses? <a href="/cev/numbers/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He sees me face to face, and everything I say to him is perfectly clear. You have no right to criticize my servant Moses." <a href="/erv/numbers/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> with him will I speak mouth to mouth, even manifestly, and not in dark speeches; and the form of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses? <a href="/gwt/numbers/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I speak with him face to face, plainly and not in riddles. He even sees the form of the LORD. Why weren't you afraid to criticize my servant Moses?" <a href="/gnt/numbers/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> So I speak to him face-to-face, clearly and not in riddles; he has even seen my form! How dare you speak against my servant Moses?" <a href="/isv/numbers/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> I speak to him audibly and in visions, not in mysteries. If he can gaze at the image of the LORD, why aren't you afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" <a href="/msb/numbers/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?? <a href="/net/numbers/12.htm">NET Bible</a> With him I will speak face to face, openly, and not in riddles; and he will see the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" <a href="/nheb/numbers/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> With him I will speak mouth to mouth, even openly, and not in riddles; and he shall see the LORD's form. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?" <a href="/wbt/numbers/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: why then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? <a href="/web/numbers/12.htm">World English Bible</a> With him, I will speak mouth to mouth, even plainly, and not in riddles; and he shall see Yahweh’s form. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I speak with him mouth to mouth, "" Even [by] an appearance, and not in riddles; And he beholds the form of YHWH attentively. Now why have you not been afraid "" To speak against My servant—against Moses?” <a href="/ylt/numbers/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> mouth unto mouth I speak with him, and by an appearance, and not in riddles; and the form of Jehovah he beholdeth attentively; and wherefore have ye not been afraid to speak against My servant -- against Moses?' <a href="/slt/numbers/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Mouth to mouth I will speak to him, and in appearance and not in enigmas; and the portion of Jehovah shall he behold: and wherefore were ye not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For I speak to him mouth to mouth: and plainly, and not by riddles and figures doth he see the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak ill of my servant Moses? <a href="/cpdv/numbers/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For I speak with him mouth to mouth, and plainly. And not through enigmas and figures does he perceive the Lord. Therefore, why were you not afraid to disparage my servant Moses?” <a href="/nabre/numbers/12.htm">New American Bible</a> face to face I speak to him, plainly and not in riddles. The likeness of the LORD he beholds. Why, then, do you not fear to speak against my servant Moses? <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> With him I speak face to face— clearly, not in riddles; and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> With him I will speak mouth to mouth, in a vision, and not in similes; and the glory of the LORD has he seen: why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? <a href="/hpbt/numbers/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> From mouth to mouth I am speaking with him in a vision and not in a likeness, and he saw the glory of LORD JEHOVAH; why were you not afraid to speak against my Servant Moshe?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> with him do I speak mouth to mouth, even manifestly, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD doth he behold; wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against My servant, against Moses?' <a href="/sep/numbers/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> I will speak to him mouth to mouth apparently, and not in dark speeches; and he has seen the glory of the Lord; and why were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? <a href="/parallel/numbers/12-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=3927" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/12.htm">The Murmuring of Miriam and Aaron</a> …7But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. 8<a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: ’ă·ḏab·ber- (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">I speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/bōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">with him</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: peh (N-ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">face</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: peh (N-ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">face,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: ū·mar·’eh (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision.">clearly</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2420.htm" title="2420: ḇə·ḥî·ḏōṯ (Prep-b:: N-fp) -- A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question. From chuwd; a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim.">in riddles;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5027.htm" title="5027: yab·bîṭ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To look. A primitive root; to scan, i.e. Look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care.">he sees</a> <a href="/hebrew/8544.htm" title="8544: ū·ṯə·mu·naṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Likeness, form. Or tmunah; from miyn; something portioned out, as a shape, i.e. phantom, or embodiment, or manifestation.">the form</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4069.htm" title="4069: ū·mad·dū·a‘ (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- Why? for what reason?. Or madduaa; from mah and the passive participle of yada'; what known?; i.e. why?.">Why then</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: yə·rê·ṯem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">were you unafraid</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: lə·ḏab·bêr (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">to speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: bə·‘aḇ·dî (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">against My servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: ḇə·mō·šeh (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Moses?”</a> 9So the anger of the LORD burned against them, and He departed.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/33-11.htm">Exodus 33:11</a> Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent. <a href="/deuteronomy/34-10.htm">Deuteronomy 34:10</a> Since that time, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face— <a href="/hebrews/3-5.htm">Hebrews 3:5-6</a> Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later. / But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast. <a href="/john/1-17.htm">John 1:17-18</a> For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. / No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. <a href="/exodus/24-10.htm">Exodus 24:10-11</a> and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. / But God did not lay His hand on the nobles of Israel; they saw Him, and they ate and drank. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a> Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. <a href="/john/14-9.htm">John 14:9</a> Jesus replied, “Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? <a href="/exodus/33-20.htm">Exodus 33:20-23</a> But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” / The LORD continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock, / and when My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/2-10.htm">1 Corinthians 2:10-11</a> But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. / For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. <a href="/john/5-37.htm">John 5:37</a> And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form, <a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Genesis 32:30</a> So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” <a href="/2_corinthians/3-12.htm">2 Corinthians 3:12-13</a> Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. / We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at the end of what was fading away. <a href="/john/6-46.htm">John 6:46</a> not that anyone has seen the Father except the One who is from God; only He has seen the Father. <a href="/exodus/3-6.htm">Exodus 3:6</a> Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. <a href="/matthew/11-27.htm">Matthew 11:27</a> All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?mouth<a href="/numbers/14-14.htm">Numbers 14:14</a> And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night.<a href="/exodus/33-11.htm">Exodus 33:11</a> And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.<a href="/deuteronomy/34-10.htm">Deuteronomy 34:10</a> And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,dark speeches<a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4</a> I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.<a href="/ezekiel/17-2.htm">Ezekiel 17:2</a> Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;<a href="/ezekiel/20-49.htm">Ezekiel 20:49</a> Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?similitude<a href="/exodus/24-10.htm">Exodus 24:10,11</a> And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness… <a href="/exodus/33-19.htm">Exodus 33:19,23</a> And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy… <a href="/exodus/34-5.htm">Exodus 34:5-7</a> And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD… were ye<a href="/exodus/34-30.htm">Exodus 34:30</a> And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come nigh him.<a href="/luke/10-16.htm">Luke 10:16</a> He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.<a href="/1_thessalonians/4-8.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:8</a> He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/26-6.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/philippians/2-27.htm">Apparently</a> <a href="/numbers/12-6.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/exodus/23-22.htm">Attentively</a> <a href="/acts/10-11.htm">Beholds</a> <a href="/numbers/6-2.htm">Clearly</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-56.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/numbers/12-1.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/numbers/11-15.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/daniel/8-23.htm">Riddles</a> <a href="/revelation/22-10.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/numbers/11-28.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">Similitude</a> <a href="/numbers/12-6.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/exodus/6-30.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/jude/1-15.htm">Speeches</a> <a href="/numbers/12-1.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/numbers/11-11.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/14-9.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-22.htm">Apparently</a> <a href="/joshua/22-10.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-42.htm">Attentively</a> <a href="/job/20-9.htm">Beholds</a> <a href="/numbers/15-3.htm">Clearly</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-23.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/numbers/13-32.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/numbers/13-33.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Riddles</a> <a href="/numbers/14-39.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-38.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-12.htm">Similitude</a> <a href="/numbers/14-15.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-14.htm">Speech</a> <a href="/job/6-26.htm">Speeches</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-24.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/numbers/14-3.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 12</div>1. <a href="/numbers/12-1.htm">God rebukes the sedition of Miriam and Aaron</a> 11. <a href="/numbers/12-11.htm">Miriam's leprosy is healed at the prayer of Moses</a> 14. <a href="/numbers/12-14.htm">God commands her to be shut out of the host</a> 16. <a href="/numbers/12-16.htm">The people encamp in the desert of Paran</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I speak with him face to face This phrase highlights the unique relationship between God and Moses. Unlike other prophets who received visions or dreams, Moses had direct communication with God. This is a significant distinction, as it underscores Moses' unparalleled role as a leader and prophet. The phrase "face to face" is metaphorical, indicating intimacy and clarity in communication, as God is spirit and does not have a physical form (<a href="/john/4-24.htm">John 4:24</a>). This direct communication is also seen in <a href="/exodus/33-11.htm">Exodus 33:11</a>, where it is stated that "the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend."clearly and not in riddles God's communication with Moses was straightforward and unambiguous, unlike the cryptic messages often given to other prophets. This clarity ensured that Moses could lead the Israelites with confidence and authority. In the ancient Near East, riddles and enigmatic sayings were common in prophetic messages, but Moses was given a clear understanding of God's will. This clarity is a testament to Moses' unique role and the trust God placed in him.he sees the form of the LORD While no one can see God's full glory and live (<a href="/exodus/33-20.htm">Exodus 33:20</a>), Moses was granted a unique vision of God's presence. This "form" is not a physical appearance but a manifestation of God's glory that Moses could perceive. It signifies a deeper revelation of God's nature and character, which was not afforded to others. This privilege set Moses apart and reinforced his authority among the Israelites.Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses? This rhetorical question is a rebuke to Aaron and Miriam, who challenged Moses' authority. It underscores the seriousness of their actions, as they were not merely opposing a leader but God's chosen servant. The term "My servant" emphasizes Moses' special status and the divine backing of his leadership. This incident serves as a warning against rebellion and disrespect towards those appointed by God. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching on respecting spiritual authority (<a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The central figure in this passage, Moses is God's chosen leader for the Israelites. He is described as having a unique relationship with God, speaking "face to face" with Him. 2. <a href="/topical/a/aaron_and_miriam.htm">Aaron and Miriam</a> Siblings of Moses who challenge his authority. Their actions prompt God's response in this passage. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The God of Israel, who defends Moses and emphasizes the special nature of His communication with him. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_tent_of_meeting.htm">The Tent of Meeting</a> While not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the place where Moses often met with God, symbolizing the intimate communication between them. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The broader community affected by the leadership and decisions of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_uniqueness_of_moses'_prophetic_role.htm">The Uniqueness of Moses' Prophetic Role</a> Moses' direct communication with God sets him apart from other prophets. This underscores the importance of respecting God's chosen leaders. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_jealousy_and_rebellion.htm">The Danger of Jealousy and Rebellion</a> Aaron and Miriam's challenge to Moses' authority serves as a warning against jealousy and rebellion against God's appointed leaders. <a href="/topical/t/the_fear_of_the_lord.htm">The Fear of the LORD</a> The passage highlights the necessity of fearing God and respecting His decisions, as seen in His defense of Moses. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_choosing_leaders.htm">God's Sovereignty in Choosing Leaders</a> God chooses whom He will to lead His people, and His choices should be respected and honored. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_humility.htm">The Importance of Humility</a> Moses' humility is a key aspect of his relationship with God, serving as a model for believers in their walk with the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 12</a> <a href="/q/why_does_the_torah_describe_moses'_death.htm">If Moses wrote the Torah, why does it describe his own death in Deuteronomy 34?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_exodus_33_11_align_with_33_20.htm">If Exodus 33:11 says Moses spoke with God “face to face,” how do we reconcile this with Exodus 33:20 where God says no one can see His face and live? </a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_discontent_over_moses's_wife.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence confirming discontent over Moses’s Cushite wife (Numbers 12:1), and why would such a marriage provoke divine anger? </a> <a href="/q/how_can_job_reason_with_god_if_exodus_33_20.htm">In Job 13:3, how can Job claim he wants to reason directly with God if Exodus 33:20 states no one can see God and live? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) With him will I speak.--Better, do I speak, mouth to mouth. Comp. <a href="/exodus/33-11.htm" title="And the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.">Exodus 33:11</a>.Even apparently.--The noun mareh, which is here used, is cognate with that which occurs with the preposition in <a href="/numbers/12-6.htm" title="And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known to him in a vision, and will speak to him in a dream.">Numbers 12:6</a>, and which is rendered "a vision." It differs from it only in punctuation, and is sometimes identical in meaning. It appears, however, here to denote an objective reality, as in <a href="/exodus/3-3.htm" title="And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.">Exodus 3:3</a>, where it is rendered sight. The clause might be rendered, and (as) an appearance, and not in riddles (or, enigmas).And the similitude of the Lord . . . --Or, and the form of Jehovah doth he behold. The word which is here rendered similitude (temunah) is the same which occurs in <a href="/exodus/20-4.htm" title="You shall not make to you any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.">Exodus 20:4</a>; <a href="/context/deuteronomy/4-15.htm" title="Take you therefore good heed to yourselves; for you saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spoke to you in Horeb out of the middle of the fire:">Deuteronomy 4:15-16</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/4-23.htm" title="Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD your God has forbidden you.">Deuteronomy 4:23</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/4-25.htm" title="When you shall beget children, and children's children, and you shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD your God, to provoke him to anger:">Deuteronomy 4:25</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/5-8.htm" title="You shall not make you any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:">Deuteronomy 5:8</a>; <a href="/psalms/17-15.htm" title="As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with your likeness.">Psalm 17:15</a>. It is sometimes rendered likeness, and sometimes similitude. The noun mareh, which is here rendered "apparently," and that which is rendered similitude, are found in conjunction in <a href="/job/4-16.htm" title="It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before my eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,">Job 4:16</a> : "I could not discern the form (or appearance), mareh, thereof: an image (or form), temunah, was before mine eyes." (Comp. <a href="/context/exodus/33-20.htm" title="And he said, You can not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.">Exodus 33:20-23</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Mouth to mouth. Equivalent to face to face in <a href="/exodus/33-11.htm">Exodus 33:11</a>. What the exact facts of the case were it is not possible to know, scarcely to imagine; but the words seem to imply a familiar speaking with an audible voice on the part of God, as distinguished from the internal voice, inaudible to the ear, with which he spake "in" the prophets. To assert that the revelations accorded to Moses were only subjective modifications of his own consciousness is to evacuate these strong words of any meaning whatever. Apparently. מַרְאֶה (Septuagint ἐν εἴδει) is an accusative in apposition to what goes before by way (apparently) of further definition. It is the same word translated "vision" in verse 6; but its meaning here must be determined by the expression "in riddles," which stands in antithesis to it. It was confessed]y the case with most prophetic utterances that the language in which they were couched was quite as much intended to conceal as to express their full meaning; but to Moses God spake without any such concealments. The similitude of the Lord shall he behold. מַרְאֶה. Not the essential nature of God, which no man can see, but a form (wholly unknown and unimaginable to us) in which it pleased him to veil his glory. The Septuagint has τὴν δόξαν Κυρίου εῖδε, referring, apparently, to the vision promised in <a href="/exodus/33-22.htm">Exodus 33:22</a>; and the Targum Palestine speaks here of the vision of the burning bush. The motive for this alteration is no doubt to be sought in a profound jealousy for the great truth declared in such texts as <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm">Deuteronomy 4:15</a>; <a href="/isaiah/40-18.htm">Isaiah 40:18</a>, and afterwards in <a href="/john/1-18.htm">John 1:18</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-16.htm">1 Timothy 6:16</a>. But the statement in the text is a general one, and can only mean that Moses habitually in his intercourse with God had before his eyes some visible manifestation of the invisible God, which helped to make that intercourse at once more awfully real and more intensely blessed. Such manifestation to the sense of sight must be distinguished both from the visionary (or subjective) sight of God in human figure accorded to Ezekiel (<a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm">Ezekiel 1:26</a>), to Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Isaiah 6:1</a>), to St. John (<a href="/revelation/4-2.htm">Revelation 4:2, 8</a>), and perhaps to others, and also from such theophanies in angel guise as are recorded in <a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Genesis 32:30</a>; <a href="/judges/13-9.htm">Judges 13:9, 2</a>, and elsewhere. On the other hand, the seventy elders seem to have seen the "Temunah" of the Lord upon that one occasion when they were called up into Mount Sinai (<a href="/exodus/24-10.htm">Exodus 24:10, 11</a>). Wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses! No doubt it was the double fact of their relationship to Moses after the flesh, and of their sharing with him in certain spiritual gifts and prerogatives, which made them oblivious of the great distinction which lifted him above their rivalry, and should have lifted him above their contradiction. That contradiction, however, served to bring out in the clearest way the singular and unapproached position of the mediator of Israel; and it serves still to enable us to estimate aright the peculiar dignity of his legislation and his writings. The substance of prophetic teaching may be of deeper interest and of wider import titan "the law," but this latter will still rank higher in the scale of inspiration, as having been more directly communicated front on high. Thus "the law" (as the Jews rightly taught) remained the body of Divine revelation until "that Prophet" came who was "like unto" Moses in the fact that he enjoyed constant, open, and direct communication with the Godhead. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/12-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>I speak אֲדַבֶּר־ (’ă·ḏab·ber-) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue with him בּ֗וֹ (bōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> face פֶּ֣ה (peh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to face, פֶּ֞ה (peh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to clearly וּמַרְאֶה֙ (ū·mar·’eh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4758.htm">Strong's 4758: </a> Sight, appearance, vision and not וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no in riddles; בְחִידֹ֔ת (ḇə·ḥî·ḏōṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2420.htm">Strong's 2420: </a> A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question he sees יַבִּ֑יט (yab·bîṭ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5027.htm">Strong's 5027: </a> To scan, look intently at, to regard the form וּתְמֻנַ֥ת (ū·ṯə·mu·naṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8544.htm">Strong's 8544: </a> Something portioned, out, as a, shape, phantom, embodiment, manifestation of the LORD. יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Why then וּמַדּ֙וּעַ֙ (ū·mad·dū·a‘) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4069.htm">Strong's 4069: </a> Why? for what reason? were you unafraid יְרֵאתֶ֔ם (yə·rê·ṯem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten to speak לְדַבֵּ֖ר (lə·ḏab·bêr) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue against My servant בְּעַבְדִּ֥י (bə·‘aḇ·dî) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant Moses?” בְמֹשֶֽׁה׃ (ḇə·mō·šeh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/12-8.htm">Numbers 12:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/12-8.htm">OT Law: Numbers 12:8 With him will I speak mouth (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/12-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 12:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 12:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/12-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 12:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 12:9" /></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>