Numbers 12:11 - Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, please don’t count this sin against us, in which we have done foolishly, and in which we have sinned.

Generated Verse: Numbers 12:11

What does "Numbers 12:11" mean?


This verse from Numbers 12:11 is Aaron's plea to Moses after Miriam, his sister, and he have criticized Moses for marrying a Cushite woman. Let's break down what it means:

"Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord...": This shows Aaron's respect and humility towards Moses, acknowledging Moses' leadership position. The phrase "Oh, my lord" is a formal address.

"...please don’t count this sin against us...": This is the core of the verse. Aaron is asking Moses not to hold their actions against them. He's pleading for forgiveness or leniency. He recognizes they've done something wrong that could have consequences. The word "count" implies that there could be a punishment that fits the crime.

"...in which we have done foolishly, and in which we have sinned.": This is Aaron's admission of guilt. He acknowledges that they acted unwisely ("foolishly") and that their actions were, in fact, sinful. The doubling of "foolishly" and "sinned" emphasizes the severity of their transgression. It wasn't just a mistake; it was a deliberate act that went against God's will (as represented by Moses' authority).

In essence, the verse is a heartfelt apology from Aaron to Moses. He acknowledges their wrongdoing, admits their foolishness, and begs for forgiveness, asking Moses not to punish them for their transgression.

Context is important:

To fully understand this verse, consider the broader context of Numbers 12:

The Sin: Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, primarily criticizing his marriage to a Cushite woman (although the real motivation might have been jealousy of Moses' exclusive authority).
God's Response: God heard their complaint and was angered. He summoned Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and affirmed Moses' unique position as a prophet and leader, chosen by God.
Miriam's Punishment: God struck Miriam with leprosy.
Aaron's Plea: Seeing Miriam's affliction and recognizing the gravity of their sin, Aaron makes this plea to Moses.

Therefore, Aaron's plea in verse 11 is not just a general apology but a desperate request born out of seeing the immediate and severe consequences of their actions, highlighting the seriousness of questioning divine leadership. It demonstrates the power of repentance and the need for forgiveness.

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