9 The spelling of the word is a Kethib-Qere reading with only a slight difference between the two. The word עָנָו (’anav) means “humble.” The word may reflect a trustful attitude (as in Pss 25:9, 37:11), but perhaps here the idea of “more tolerant” or “long-suffering.” The point is that Moses is not self-assertive. God singled out Moses and used him in such a way as to show that he was a unique leader. For a suggestion that the word means “miserable,” see C. Rogers, “Moses: Meek or Miserable?” 29 (1986): . Humility is a quality missing today in many leaders. Far too many are self-promoting, or competitive, or even pompous. The statement in this passage would have been difficult for Moses to write—and indeed, it is not impossible that an editor might have added it. One might think that for someone to claim to be humble is an arrogant act. But the statement is one of fact—he was not self-assertive (until Num 20 when he strikes the rock).

In other versions

Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.

(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)

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

(Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.)

Now the man, Moses, was more humble than any other person on the face of the earth,

(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

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