Numbers 14:20 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God grants Moses' petition and announces He has pardoned the people.
The Context of Numbers 14:20
God grants Moses' intercession, sparing the people's lives.
What Does Numbers 14:20 Mean?
God responds immediately and affirmatively: 'I have pardoned.' The people's lives are spared; the threatened plague and destruction are reversed. God's mercy has prevailed through the intercession of Moses, whose faithful and wise appeal has honored both God's justice and His compassion.
The phrase 'according to thy word' acknowledges that Moses has spoken truly and persuasively. His intercession has been heard, not because the people deserve it, but because the petition appealed rightly to God's nature and promise.
Numbers 14:20 in the Original Language
salach (סָלַח), 'pardoned'—to forgive or release from guilt; implies a full removal of the charge or consequence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 14:20
What does Numbers 14:20 mean?
God grants Moses' petition and announces He has pardoned the people.
What is the context of Numbers 14:20?
God grants Moses' intercession, sparing the people's lives.