Numbers 20:20
Numbers 20:20 in Multiple Translations
But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.” And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand.
And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.
And he said, Thou shalt not pass through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.
But he said, You are not to go through. And Edom came out against them in his strength, with a great army.
But the king of Edom insisted, “You are forbidden to travel through our country!” He came out with his large and powerful army to meet the Israelites head-on.
Hee answered againe, Thou shalt not goe through. The Edom came out against him with much people, and with a mightie power.
And he saith, 'Thou dost not pass over;' and Edom cometh out to meet him with much people, and with a strong hand;
He said, “You shall not pass through.” Edom came out against him with many people, and with a strong hand.
And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with many people, and with a strong hand.
But he answered: Thou shalt not pass. And immediately he came forth to meet them with an infinite multitude, and a strong hand,
But the king replied, “No! Stay out of our country! We will not allow you to travel through our land!” Then he sent the strongest soldiers in his army to prevent the Israelis from entering his country.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 20:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 20:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
לֹ֣א
תַעֲבֹ֑ר
וַ/יֵּצֵ֤א
אֱדוֹם֙
לִ/קְרָאת֔/וֹ
בְּ/עַ֥ם
כָּבֵ֖ד
וּ/בְ/יָ֥ד
חֲזָקָֽה
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַעֲבֹ֑ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וַ/יֵּצֵ֤א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱדוֹם֙
ʼĔdôm
H123
Edom
N-proper
לִ/קְרָאת֔/וֹ
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בְּ/עַ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-ms
כָּבֵ֖ד
kâbêd
H3515
heavy
Adj
וּ/בְ/יָ֥ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Conj | Prep | N-cs
חֲזָקָֽה
châzâq
H2389
strong
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 20:20
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַעֲבֹ֑ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
וַ/יֵּצֵ֤א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֱדוֹם֙
ʼĔdôm
H123
"Edom"
N-proper
Edom was the twin brother of Jacob and the region where he lived. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and his story is told in Genesis 25. Edom is also another name for Esau.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.25; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Israel (H3478); married to Oholibamah (H0173), Judith (H3067), Adah (H5711H) and Mahalath (H4258); father of: Eliphaz (H0464), Reuel (H7467), Jeush (H3266), Jalam (H3281) and Korah (H7141); also called Edom at Gen.25.30; 36.1,8,19,21; 1x,54; Another name of e.sav (עֵשָׂו "Esau" H6215G) § Edom = "red" 1) Edom 2) Edomite, Idumean-descendants of Esau 3) land of Edom, Idumea-land south and south east of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: Edom, Edomites, Idumea. See also: Genesis 25:30; 1 Chronicles 1:54; Psalms 60:2.
לִ/קְרָאת֔/וֹ
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
בְּ/עַ֥ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Prep | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
כָּבֵ֖ד
kâbêd
H3515
"heavy"
Adj
Something or someone that is heavy or severe is what this word describes, like a heavy heart in Proverbs 12 or a difficult task, as in Matthew 23.
Definition: 1) heavy, great 1a) heavy 1b) massive, abundant, numerous 1c) heavy, dull 1d) hard, difficult, burdensome 1e) very oppressive, numerous, rich
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (so) great, grievous, hard(-ened), (too) heavy(-ier), laden, much, slow, sore, thick. See also: Genesis 12:10; Numbers 11:14; Psalms 38:5.
וּ/בְ/יָ֥ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Conj | Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
חֲזָקָֽה
châzâq
H2389
"strong"
Adj
Strong refers to something or someone powerful, but often in a bad sense, like being severe or hard, as translated in the KJV.
Definition: 1) strong, stout, mighty 1a) strong 1a1) severe, sharp, hot 1a2) firm, hard 1b) a strong one (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: harder, hottest, [phrase] impudent, loud, mighty, sore, stiff(-hearted), strong(-er). See also: Exodus 3:19; 1 Kings 18:2; Psalms 35:10.
Study Notes — Numbers 20:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Edom Refuses Passage
18But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.”
19“We will stay on the main road,” the Israelites replied, “and if we or our herds drink your water, we will pay for it. There will be no problem; only let us pass through on foot.”
20But Edom insisted, “You may not pass through.” And they came out to confront the Israelites with a large army and a strong hand.
21So Edom refused to allow Israel to pass through their territory, and Israel turned away from them. 22After they had set out from Kadesh, the whole congregation of Israel came to Mount Hor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 11:17 | Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel stayed in Kadesh. |
| 2 | Amos 1:11 | This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Edom, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and stifled all compassion; his anger raged continually, and his fury flamed incessantly. |
| 3 | Genesis 32:6 | When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau, and now he is coming to meet you—he and four hundred men with him.” |
| 4 | Judges 11:20 | But Sihon would not trust Israel to pass through his territory. So he gathered all his people, encamped in Jahaz, and fought with Israel. |
| 5 | Obadiah 1:10–15 | Because of the violence against your brother Jacob, you will be covered with shame and cut off forever. On the day you stood aloof while strangers carried off his wealth and foreigners entered his gate and cast lots for Jerusalem, you were just like one of them. But you should not gloat in that day, your brother’s day of misfortune, nor rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their destruction, nor boast proudly in the day of their distress. You should not enter the gate of My people in the day of their disaster, nor gloat over their affliction in the day of their disaster, nor loot their wealth in the day of their disaster. Nor should you stand at the crossroads to cut off their fugitives, nor deliver up their survivors in the day of their distress. For the Day of the LORD is near for all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your recompense will return upon your own head. |
| 6 | Numbers 20:18 | But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.” |
| 7 | Ezekiel 35:5–11 | Because you harbored an ancient hatred and delivered the Israelites over to the sword in the time of their disaster at the final stage of their punishment, therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will give you over to bloodshed and it will pursue you. Since you did not hate bloodshed, it will pursue you. I will make Mount Seir a desolate waste and will cut off from it those who come and go. I will fill its mountains with the slain; those killed by the sword will fall on your hills, in your valleys, and in all your ravines. I will make you a perpetual desolation, and your cities will not be inhabited. Then you will know that I am the LORD. Because you have said, ‘These two nations and countries will be ours, and we will possess them,’ even though the LORD was there, therefore as surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will treat you according to the anger and jealousy you showed in your hatred against them, and I will make Myself known among them when I judge you. |
| 8 | Genesis 27:41 | Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.” |
| 9 | Psalms 120:7 | I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war. |
Numbers 20:20 Summary
In Numbers 20:20, we see that Edom refused to let the Israelites pass through their land, even though the Israelites had offered to pay for any resources they used. This event shows that conflict and problems can arise when we don't trust God or respect others' boundaries, as also seen in Proverbs 22:1. We can learn from this event to trust God and act with integrity in our interactions with others, as commanded in Exodus 20:12 and Leviticus 19:18. By doing so, we can demonstrate God's character of justice and mercy to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Edom refuse to let the Israelites pass through their land?
Edom refused to let the Israelites pass through their land because they were afraid of the large number of Israelites and possibly feared they would take over their land, as seen in Numbers 20:20 where Edom insisted they may not pass through and came out to confront them with a large army.
Is this event related to any other events in the Bible?
Yes, this event is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, which is also described in Deuteronomy 2:4-7 and Judges 11:17-18, where we see the Israelites' interactions with other nations and their obedience to God's commands.
What can we learn from Edom's refusal to let the Israelites pass through?
We can learn that disobedience and lack of trust in God can lead to conflict and missed opportunities, as seen in Numbers 20:20 and also in the story of the Israelites' disobedience in Numbers 14:1-12, where they refused to trust God and enter the Promised Land.
How does this event relate to God's character?
This event shows that God is a God of justice and mercy, as He had commanded the Israelites to ask permission to pass through Edom and to pay for any resources they used, as seen in Numbers 20:19, demonstrating God's desire for His people to act with integrity and respect for others, as also seen in Exodus 20:12 and Leviticus 19:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of respecting others' boundaries and property, as seen in Numbers 20:19, to my own life?
- How can I trust God's sovereignty and provision when faced with obstacles or conflicts, as the Israelites did in Numbers 20:20?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be like Edom, refusing to let God work or move in a certain way, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
- How can I demonstrate God's character of justice and mercy in my interactions with others, as seen in Numbers 20:20 and other Bible verses?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:20
And he said, thou shall not go through,.... Which is an absolute and peremptory denial: and Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand; the king raised the militia of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:20
And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:20
14–21. Permission to pass through Edom refused. The Edomites occupied territory to the south of the Dead Sea, westward as far as Kadesh (Numbers 20:16) and southward as far as the eastern arm of the Red Sea (Numbers 21:4). The Israelites having failed long before to enter Canaan from the south, did not attempt it again (see, however, n. on Numbers 21:1-3), but proposed to enter it from the east. And if they could pass straight through Edom, their route would be greatly shortened. Edom’s refusal forced them to work round the south of the hostile country, and then northwards along its eastern border.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 20:20
The Israelites, without awaiting at Kadesh the return of their ambassador, commenced their eastward march.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:20
20. Edom came out against him — This show of strong resistance gave emphasis to the refusal. But there was no battle, because Israel turned southward to compass Edom.
Sermons on Numbers 20:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Punishment of a Privileged People by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the intensity of the message of punishment on a privileged people who have heard and rejected the Gospel. The book of Obadiah, with its brev |
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The Arab and the Jew by Art Katz | Art Katz addresses the deep-rooted enmity between Arabs and Jews, emphasizing that the current crisis in Israel must be viewed through a biblical lens. He argues that Israel's stru |
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(Genesis) Genesis 32:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with his brother Esau. Jacob, who had previously been deceitful, is now fearful and distressed upon heari |
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From the Hands of Esau by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with his brother Esau after many years of separation. Jacob, feeling guilty about his past actions, fear |
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Sanctification Three Ways by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the problem of sin as the root issue of the human race. He introduces a three-fold solution to this problem: justification, sanctification, an |
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Genesis 32:6 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the various motivations for prayer, illustrating how desperation, fear, great needs, and love can drive individuals to seek God. He highlights Jacob's recogn |
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Judgement Precipitated by the Ungodly by Aaron Dunlop | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three important lessons that can be learned from the text. Firstly, the world has a deep hatred for godly individuals, even if they may not p |