Numbers 12 in the early church

175 passages quote, allude to, or echo Numbers 12, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15 · 16

Numbers 12:1

Then Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married, for he had taken a Cushite wife.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:1–15Fragment 31 · Irenaeus of Lyonsallusion, high confidenceca. 170–200
Num 12:1Against Heresies 4.20.12 · Irenaeus of Lyonsallusion, high confidenceca. 180–190
Num 12:1Homilies on Numbers 6.4 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:1Homilies on Numbers 7.1 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:1Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.114 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 12:1Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.115 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 12:1Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.117 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 12:1Homily on the Song of Songs 1 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 240–250
Num 12:1Commentary on Matthew, Latin Series 4 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 244–249 (Latin translation, 4th–5th century)
Num 12:1Martyrdom of Pionius and Companions 4 · Anonymousallusion, medium confidence250 (the text may be later)
Num 12:1Preparation for the Gospel 9.29.3 · Eusebius of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 313–324
Num 12:1–15Demonstration 9.8 · Aphrahatallusion, high confidence337-345
Num 12:1–8Demonstration 18.4 · Aphrahatallusion, low confidence337-345
Num 12:1Letter 22.1 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Num 12:1Letter 78.16 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Num 12:1Letter 78.26 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Num 12:1Apostolic Constitutions 6.1.2 · Anonymousallusion, high confidenceca. 380
Num 12:1Apology of the Prophet David 17 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
Num 12:1Apology of the Prophet David 18 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
Num 12:1–2On the Life of Moses 409 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, high confidenceca. 385–395
Num 12:1–13On the Life of Moses 411 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, high confidenceca. 385–395
Num 12:1Homilies on Matthew 40.2 · John Chrysostomallusion, high confidenceca. 390
Num 12:1–10Against Jovinianus 1.5 · Jeromeallusion, high confidence393
Num 12:1Against Faustus the Manichaean 22.5 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 398–400
Num 12:1–3Numbers, lines 252–277 · Cyprianus Gallusallusion, high confidenceearly 5th cent.
Num 12:1–10Sermon 48 · Peter Chrysologusallusion, high confidenceca. 425-450
Num 12:1On the Governance of God 1.53 · Salvian of Marseillesallusion, high confidenceca. 439-451
Num 12:1Part 2, chapter 9 · Quodvultdeus of Carthageallusion, high confidenceca. 445-450

Numbers 12:2

“Does the LORD speak only through Moses?” they said. “Does He not also speak through us?” And the LORD heard this.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:2Homilies on Numbers 6.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:2Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.115 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 12:2Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.117 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 12:2Apostolic Constitutions 6.2.6 · Anonymousallusion, high confidenceca. 380

Numbers 12:3

Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:3Homilies on Exodus 11.6 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:3Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.118 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 12:3Letter 55.16 · Cyprian of Carthagequotation, high confidence249/250–258
Num 12:3Demonstration 9.1 · Aphrahatquotation, high confidence337-345
Num 12:3Long recension, Ephesians 8 · Anonymousallusion, high confidencelater 4th century (probable)
Num 12:3Long recension, Magnesians 12 · Anonymousallusion, high confidencelater 4th century (probable)
Num 12:3Letter 2 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, medium confidenceca. 357–378
Num 12:3Homilies on the Psalms 33.2 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 360-378
Num 12:3Oration 14.2 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 362–383
Num 12:3Oration 18.21 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 362–383
Num 12:3Homilies 10.6 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 363-378
Num 12:3Homilies 18.1 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, medium confidenceca. 363-378
Num 12:3Letter 82.3 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Num 12:3Letter 129.1 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Num 12:3Apostolic Constitutions 7.7.3 · Anonymousallusion, medium confidenceca. 380
Num 12:3On the Soul and the Resurrection, Migne page 53 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, high confidenceca. 379–380
Num 12:3Liber Orsiesii 54 · Orsiesiusallusion, high confidenceca. 380-390
Num 12:3On the Duties of the Clergy 3.15 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386–390
Num 12:3Homilies on Matthew 56.2 · John Chrysostomallusion, medium confidenceca. 390
Num 12:3Homilies on Matthew 78.2 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
Num 12:3Tractates on Matthew 3.4 · Chromatius of Aquileiaquotation, high confidenceca. 388–407
Num 12:3Apology against Rufinus 3.41 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 401–402
Num 12:3Part 2, chapter 9 · Quodvultdeus of Carthagequotation, high confidenceca. 445-450

Numbers 12:4

And suddenly the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “You three, come out to the Tent of Meeting.” So the three went out,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:4Homilies on Numbers 6.4 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:4–11Numbers, lines 278–302 · Cyprianus Gallusallusion, high confidenceearly 5th cent.

Numbers 12:5

and the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the Tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them had stepped forward,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:5Homilies on Numbers 7.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:5Prophetic Extracts 1.12 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidencebefore 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Num 12:5Demonstration of the Gospel 5.14.1 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 314–324

Numbers 12:6

He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:6–8Against Marcion 4.22 · Tertullianquotation, high confidence207/208 (third edition, completed later)
Num 12:6Against Praxeas 14 · Tertullianquotation, high confidenceca. 213 or later
Num 12:6Homilies on Numbers 7.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:6Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.118 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 12:6Homilies 17.18 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence4th century (reworking earlier material)
Num 12:6Prophetic Extracts 1.12 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidencebefore 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Num 12:6On the Workmanship of God 18.9 · Lactantiusecho, low confidenceca. 303–305
Num 12:6Against the Arians 17 · Phoebadius of Agenallusion, high confidenceca. 357-358
Num 12:6Hexaemeron 1.1 · Basil of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 370
Num 12:6Letter 147.32 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 386–430
Num 12:6–8Hexameron (Exameron) 1.6 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-390
Num 12:6–8Literal Commentary on Genesis 12.27 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 401–415

Numbers 12:7

But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:71 Clement 17.5 · Clement of Romequotation, high confidenceca. 95–97 (range ca. 70–100)
Num 12:71 Clement 43.1 · Clement of Romequotation, medium confidenceca. 95–97 (range ca. 70–100)
Num 12:7Dialogue with Trypho 46.3 · Justin Martyrallusion, medium confidenceca. 155–160
Num 12:7Dialogue with Trypho 56.1 · Justin Martyrallusion, medium confidenceca. 155–160
Num 12:7Against Heresies 2.2.5 · Irenaeus of Lyonsallusion, medium confidenceca. 180–190
Num 12:7Against Heresies 3.6.5 · Irenaeus of Lyonsallusion, high confidenceca. 180–190
Num 12:7Miscellanies 4.17.106 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 198–203
Num 12:7Miscellanies 7.3.19 · Clement of Alexandriaallusion, medium confidenceca. 198–203
Num 12:7–8On Monogamy 6 · Tertullianallusion, medium confidenceca. 210–217
Num 12:7Fragments on Genesis, column 89 · Origenecho, low confidenceca. 220-254
Num 12:7Commentary on John 1.37 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 230–248
Num 12:7Exhortation to Martyrdom 46 · Origenecho, low confidence235
Num 12:7Homilies on Joshua 1.1 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:7Homilies on Numbers 7.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:7Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.118 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 12:7Commentary on the Song of Songs 3.189 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 12:7Against Celsus 7.41 · Origenecho, low confidenceca. 248
Num 12:7Homilies 2.52 · Anonymousecho, medium confidence4th century (reworking earlier material)
Num 12:7Homilies 17.18 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence4th century (reworking earlier material)
Num 12:7Prophetic Extracts 1.12 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidencebefore 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Num 12:7Against Marcellus 1.2.7 · Eusebius of Caesareaallusion, medium confidenceca. 336–337
Num 12:7On the Orthodox Faith against the Arians 8 · Gregory of Elviraquotation, high confidenceca. 360-392
Num 12:7Letter 185 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, medium confidenceca. 360–390
Num 12:7Oration 18.1 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, medium confidenceca. 362–383
Num 12:7Panarion (Adversus Haereses), Haer. 1-64 48.3.4 · Epiphanius of Salamisallusion, high confidence374-377
Num 12:7–8Apostolic Constitutions 8.46.5 · Anonymousallusion, high confidenceca. 380
Num 12:7Letter 147.32 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 386–430
Num 12:7On Joseph 49 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-390
Num 12:7Sermon 352.3 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 391-430
Num 12:7Confessions 12.32 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 397–401
Num 12:7Against Faustus the Manichaean 22.69 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 398–400
Num 12:7Tractates 9 · Gaudentius of Bresciaallusion, high confidenceca. 397-410
Num 12:7Tractates on the Gospel of John 3.16 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 406–420
Num 12:7Tractates on the Gospel of John 11.7 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 406–420

Numbers 12:8

I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:8Against Praxeas 14 · Tertullianquotation, high confidenceca. 213 or later
Num 12:8Homilies on Numbers 7.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:8Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.118 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 12:8Against Celsus 7.10 · Origenallusion, medium confidenceca. 248
Num 12:8Fragment Z IV (on Rev 22:3) · Dionysius of Alexandriaallusion, medium confidenceca. 248–265
Num 12:8Homilies 17.18 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence4th century (reworking earlier material)
Num 12:8Prophetic Extracts 1.12 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidencebefore 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Num 12:8Demonstration 18.5 · Aphrahatallusion, high confidence337-345
Num 12:8On the Decrees of Nicaea 7 · Athanasius of Alexandriaallusion, high confidenceca. 350–356
Num 12:8Against the Arians 17 · Phoebadius of Agenallusion, high confidenceca. 357-358
Num 12:8On the Orthodox Faith against the Arians 8 · Gregory of Elviraquotation, high confidenceca. 360-392
Num 12:8Hexaemeron 1.1 · Basil of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 370
Num 12:8Hexaemeron 6.1 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 370
Num 12:8Apostolic Constitutions 2.32.2 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Num 12:8Letter 147.32 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 386–430
Num 12:8Homilies on Matthew 78.2 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
Num 12:8Explanation of Twelve Psalms 61.33.1 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Num 12:8Homily 1 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, high confidenceca. 390–394
Num 12:8Homily 12 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, high confidenceca. 390–394
Num 12:8Sermon 23.14 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 391-430
Num 12:8Poem 15, lines 225–256 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 393–431
Num 12:8Literal Commentary on Genesis 12.26 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 401–415
Num 12:8Literal Commentary on Genesis 12.28 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 401–415
Num 12:8On the Governance of God 1.54 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

Numbers 12:9

So the anger of the LORD burned against them, and He departed.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:9Homilies on Numbers 7.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:9On the Governance of God 1.54 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

Numbers 12:10

As the cloud lifted from above the Tent, suddenly Miriam became leprous, white as snow. Aaron turned toward her, saw that she was leprous,

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:10Against Heresies 4.20.12 · Irenaeus of Lyonsallusion, medium confidenceca. 180–190
Num 12:10Homilies on Numbers 6.4 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:10Homilies on Numbers 7.1 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:10Homilies on Numbers 7.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:10Homilies on Numbers 7.3 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:10Commentary on the Song of Songs 2.114 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Num 12:10Lepr. 5 · Methodius of Olympusallusion, high confidencelate 3rd cent. (disputed)
Num 12:10Demonstration of the Gospel 3.2.20 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 314–324
Num 12:10–13Letter 143 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 360–390
Num 12:10Oration 36.3 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 362–383
Num 12:10Letter 78.16 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Num 12:10Apology of the Prophet David 17 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
Num 12:10Apology of the Prophet David 18 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 384-390
Num 12:10Exposition of Psalm 118 16.11.2 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386-397
Num 12:10Homilies on Matthew 26.7 · John Chrysostomallusion, high confidenceca. 390
Num 12:10On the Governance of God 1.53 · Salvian of Marseillesallusion, high confidenceca. 439-451
Num 12:10On the Governance of God 1.54 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451
Num 12:10–15Part 2, chapter 9 · Quodvultdeus of Carthageallusion, high confidenceca. 445-450

Numbers 12:11

and said to Moses, “My lord, please do not hold against us this sin we have so foolishly committed.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:11Homilies on Numbers 7.3 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:11–16Numbers, lines 303–327 · Cyprianus Gallusallusion, high confidenceearly 5th cent.

Numbers 12:12

Please do not let her be like a stillborn infant whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:12Homilies on Numbers 7.3 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)

Numbers 12:13

So Moses cried out to the LORD, “O God, please heal her!”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:13Homilies on Numbers 7.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:13Demonstration of the Gospel 3.2.21 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 314–324
Num 12:13Homilies 10.1 · Basil of Caesareaallusion, high confidenceca. 363-378
Num 12:13Letter 96.20 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Num 12:13On the Governance of God 1.54 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

Numbers 12:14

But the LORD answered Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:141 Clement 4.11 · Clement of Romeallusion, medium confidenceca. 95–97 (range ca. 70–100)
Num 12:14Fragment 31 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 170–200
Num 12:14Homilies on Numbers 7.1 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:14Homilies on Numbers 7.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:14Letter 77.5 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Num 12:14Apostolic Constitutions 2.16.3 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 380
Num 12:14–15Apostolic Constitutions 6.1.2 · Anonymousallusion, high confidenceca. 380
Num 12:14Homilies on Matthew 5.4 · John Chrysostomquotation, high confidenceca. 390
Num 12:14On the Governance of God 1.54 · Salvian of Marseillesquotation, high confidenceca. 439-451

Numbers 12:15

So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until she was brought in again.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:151 Clement 4.11 · Clement of Romeallusion, medium confidenceca. 95–97 (range ca. 70–100)
Num 12:15Eclogae on Exodus-Judges, column 573 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Num 12:15Homilies on Numbers 6.4 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:15Homilies on Numbers 7.1 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:15Letter 77.5 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419
Num 12:15Letter 78.16 · Jeromeallusion, high confidenceca. 370–419

Numbers 12:16

After that, the people set out from Hazeroth and camped in the Wilderness of Paran.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Num 12:16Homilies on Numbers 7.5 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Num 12:16Letter 78.17 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419