Numbers 27:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →After viewing the land, Moses will die and be gathered to his people, as Aaron was.
The Context of Numbers 27:13
God tells Moses he will die after seeing the land, as Aaron did.
What Does Numbers 27:13 Mean?
God's announcement is gentle but firm. The phrase 'gathered unto thy people' is a biblical way of describing death and entry into the world beyond. By invoking Aaron's death, God reminds Moses that the same fate has already come to his brother. Aaron died on Mount Hor forty years earlier (Numbers 33:38-39), and now Moses' turn has come.
The parallel to Aaron's death softens the pronouncement but does not diminish its finality. Both brothers, who led Israel from Egypt, will not cross the Jordan. Yet both will be remembered as faithful servants of God, and both will know that their work has borne fruit in a generation ready to inherit the promised land.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 27:13
What does Numbers 27:13 mean?
After viewing the land, Moses will die and be gathered to his people, as Aaron was.
What is the context of Numbers 27:13?
God tells Moses he will die after seeing the land, as Aaron did.