Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that Moses, despite being criticized and wronged by his own siblings, was profoundly meek, going so far as to record this remarkable humility about himself. This isn't a boast, but a testament to his character, showing why God intervened to defend him when Moses himself would not.
Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Miriam and Aaron, Moses' own siblings and prominent spiritual leaders, are upset because Moses married a Cushite woman and begin to criticize his leadership and God's unique appointment of him. This questioning of Moses’ authority and God’s choice leads to God’s direct intervention to defend His servant and punish Miriam.
How can a person accurately describe their own deepest character trait, especially one as humble as meekness? Moses does it here, and it's not what you might expect.
The verse states Moses was "very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth." This sounds like bragging, right? But let's unpack this.
A Divine Endorsement
Many scholars point out that this statement, appearing in the first person, is unusual. However, the context suggests it's not Moses boasting about himself. Instead, it serves as a crucial explanation for why Moses didn't react strongly to Miriam and Aaron's criticism.
Think about it: if someone publicly slandered you, your first instinct might be to defend yourself. But Moses, described as incredibly meek, didn't.
The Purpose of the Statement
This description isn't for Moses's ego; it's to show God's willingness to step in and defend His servant precisely because Moses wouldn't defend himself. It highlights Moses's character as divinely appointed and recognized, not self-proclaimed. It's a testament to his humility, allowing God to be his advocate.
Does being 'meek' mean being a doormat? Moses's life story, and this verse, challenge that idea, revealing a strength that's often misunderstood.
The word 'meek' here (in Hebrew, anav) doesn't mean spineless or lacking conviction. It speaks to a profound inner strength, a self-control that allows one to endure hardship and opposition without resorting to retaliation.
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More Than Just Gentle
Moses was chosen by God to lead a stubborn and often rebellious people. This required immense patience, resilience, and a willingness to bear heavy burdens.
Understand the original words
ʿānāw · Hebrew Adjective
Possessing a gentle, humble, and submissive disposition toward God, not indicating weakness but rather strength under control and reliance upon divine authority.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
God leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt through Moses, marking the beginning of their wilderness journey.
c. 1445 BC
The Golden Calf Incident
While Moses is on Mount Sinai receiving the Law, the Israelites fashion and worship a golden calf, leading to God's judgment and Moses' intercession.
c. 1445 BC
Spies Sent to Canaan
Moses sends twelve spies into the land of Canaan to explore it. Ten return with a negative report, causing rebellion among the people.
c. 1444 BC
Rebellion of Korah
Korah leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron's leadership, resulting in divine judgment and a clear affirmation of God's chosen leaders.
c. 1444 BC— this verse
Miriam and Aaron Criticize Moses
Miriam and Aaron question Moses' exclusive authority and his marriage to an Ethiopian woman, leading to God's direct intervention and discipline.
c. 1444 BC
Wilderness Wandering
Due to their rebellion after the spies' report, the Israelites are condemned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until the rebellious generation passes away.
Jesus describes Himself as 'gentle and lowly in heart,' echoing the profound humility and self-emptying that characterized Moses' leadership and service.
Galatians 5:22-23Meekness is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, highlighting that Moses' exceptional humility was not just a personal trait but a divinely cultivated character, reflecting God's work in him.
1 Peter 3:3-4Peter speaks of the 'imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit' as precious in God's sight, underscoring the spiritual value and divine approval of the meekness displayed by Moses.
Exodus 33:11This verse directly states that the Lord spoke with Moses 'face to face, as a man speaks to his friend,' illustrating the unique intimacy and trust that enabled Moses' humble service.
jfbNumbers 12:3: "(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)"
- the man Moses was very meek—(Ex 14:13; 32:12, 13; Nu 14:13; 21:7; De 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 am…
ellicottNumbers 12:3: "(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)"
(3) Now the man Moses was very meek . . . — These words have been urged by some as an argument against the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch generally, or of the Book of Numbers in particular, but whether they may or may not have been inserted by a later writer, this inference is altogether unfounded. It is possible that the writer of Deuteronomy 34:10 may have inserted these words in t…
This verse highlights that Moses, despite being criticized and wronged by his own siblings, was profoundly meek, going so far as to record this remarkable humility about himself. This isn't a boast, but a testament to his character, showing why God intervened to defend him when Moses himself would not.
Miriam and Aaron, Moses' own siblings and prominent spiritual leaders, are upset because Moses married a Cushite woman and begin to criticize his leadership and God's unique appointment of him. This questioning of Moses’ authority and God’s choice leads to God’s direct intervention to defend His servant and punish Miriam.
Miriam and Aaron, Moses' own siblings and prominent spiritual leaders, are upset because Moses married a Cushite woman and begin to criticize his leadership and God's unique appointment of him. This questioning of Moses’ authority and God’s choice leads to God’s direct intervention to defend His servant and punish Miriam.
"Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth." — This verse highlights that Moses, despite being criticized and wronged by his own siblings, was profoundly meek, going so far as to record this remarkable humility about himself. This isn't a boast,…
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Last reviewed October 2026