Numbers 12:3

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Numbers 12:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth.
Numbers 12:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Numbers 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now the man Moses [was] very meek, etc.] So that they might say anything against him, and he not be affronted, nor resent any injury; and this therefore is introduced as a reason why the Lord undertook the cause, and vindicated him, resenting the obloquies of Miriam and Aaron against him; because he knew he was so exceeding meek, that he himself would pass it by without taking notice of it, though he might hear it: hence the Targum of Jonathan “and he cared not for their words;” they gave him no concern or uneasiness, so meek, mild, and gentle was he: and this is to be considered; not as a self-commendation of Moses, but as a testimony of his character by God himself, by whom he was inspired…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“the man Moses was very meek-- (Exo 14:13; Exo 32:12-13; Num 14:13; Num 21:7; Deu 9:18). This observation might have been made to account for Moses taking no notice of their angry reproaches and for God's interposing so speedily for the vindication of His servant's cause. The circumstance of Moses recording an eulogium on a distinguishing excellence of his own character is not without a parallel among the sacred writers, when forced to it by the insolence and contempt of opponents (Co2 11:5; Co2 12:11-12). But it is not improbable that, as this verse appears to be a parenthesis, it may have been inserted as a gloss by Ezra or some later prophet. Others, instead of "very meek," suggest "very…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Miriam, as a prophetess (compare Exodus 15:20-21) no less than as the sister of Moses and Aaron, took the first rank among the women of Israel; and Aaron may be regarded as the ecclesiastical head of the whole nation. But instead of being grateful for these high dignities they challenged the special vocation of Moses and the exclusive authority which God had assigned to him. Miriam was the instigator, from the fact that her name stands conspicuously first Numbers 12:1, and that the punishment Numbers 12:10 fell on her alone. She probably considered herself as supplanted, and that too by a foreigner. Aaron was misled this time by the urgency of his sister, as once before Exodus 32:0 by that…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Meek - This is added as the reason why Moses took no notice of their reproach, and why God did so severely plead his cause. Thus was he fitted for the work he was called to, which required all the meekness he had. And this is often more tried by the unkindness of our friends, than by the malice of our enemies. Probably this commendation was added, as some other clauses were, by some succeeding prophet. How was Moses so meek, when we often read of his anger? But this only proves, that the law made nothing perfect. Numbers 12:4”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:3 Moses’ incomparable humility contrasts his godly character (see also Prov 3:34; Matt 5:5) with Miriam and Aaron’s jealousy. • This parenthetical comment, a simple statement of the truth from God’s perspective, could be the words of Moses or of a later editor.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“very: Psa 147:6, Psa 149:4; Mat 5:5, Mat 11:29, Mat 21:5; Co2 10:1; Th1 2:7; Jam 3:13; Pe1 3:4 above: Num 11:10-15, Num 20:10-12; Psa 106:32, Psa 106:33; Co2 11:5, Co2 12:11; Jam 3:2, Jam 3:3 Numbers 12:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification