Numbers 11:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God will share Moses's spirit with seventy elders so they help bear the burden together.
The Context of Numbers 11:17
God offers a direct, spiritual solution: shared empowerment through his Spirit.
What Does Numbers 11:17 Mean?
God promises to come down and speak with Moses at the tabernacle. He will take the same spirit that enables Moses's leadership—the divine empowerment that allows him to judge, guide, and mediate—and distribute it among the seventy elders.
This is not dilution of authority but multiplication of it. The same spirit that equipped Moses becomes available to others, enabling them to share in the burdens of leadership. No longer will Moses carry the weight alone; seventy will join him in bearing the people's needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 11:17
What does Numbers 11:17 mean?
God will share Moses's spirit with seventy elders so they help bear the burden together.
What is the context of Numbers 11:17?
God offers a direct, spiritual solution: shared empowerment through his Spirit.