Numbers 22:14
Numbers 22:14 in Multiple Translations
And the princes of Moab arose, returned to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.”
And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.
And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.
So the chiefs of Moab went back to Balak and said, Balaam will not come with us.
The Moabite leaders left. They returned to Balak, and told him, “Balaam refused to come back with us.”
So the princes of Moab rose vp, and went vnto Balak, and sayd, Balaam hath refused to come with vs.
and the princes of Moab rise, and come in unto Balak, and say, 'Balaam is refusing to come with us.'
The princes of Moab rose up, and they went to Balak, and said, “Balaam refuses to come with us.”
And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went to Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.
The princes returning, said to Balac: Balaam would not come with us.
So the men from Moab returned to King Balak and they reported to him, “Balaam refused to come with us.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:14
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 22:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּק֨וּמוּ֙
שָׂרֵ֣י
מוֹאָ֔ב
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
אֶל
בָּלָ֑ק
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
מֵאֵ֥ן
בִּלְעָ֖ם
הֲלֹ֥ךְ
עִמָּֽ/נוּ
וַ/יָּק֨וּמוּ֙
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
שָׂרֵ֣י
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
מוֹאָ֔ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בָּלָ֑ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מֵאֵ֥ן
mâʼên
H3985
to refuse
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
בִּלְעָ֖ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
הֲלֹ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Inf-a
עִמָּֽ/נוּ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:14
וַ/יָּק֨וּמוּ֙
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
שָׂרֵ֣י
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
מוֹאָ֔ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בָּלָ֑ק
Bâlâq
H1111
"Balak"
N-proper
Balak was a king of Moab who hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, as told in Numbers 22:2. His name means devastator, reflecting his role as a king who sought to harm God's people.
Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; son of: Zippor (H6834) Also named: Balak (Βαλάκ "Balak" G0904) § Balak = "devastator" a king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Balak. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 23:7; Micah 6:5.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
מֵאֵ֥ן
mâʼên
H3985
"to refuse"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say no or reject something. It is used in Exodus 23:5 to describe refusing to help someone in need. God commands people to not refuse help.
Definition: (Piel) to refuse
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 37:35; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 77:3.
בִּלְעָ֖ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
N-proper
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.
הֲלֹ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Inf-a
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
עִמָּֽ/נוּ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Numbers 22:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 22:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 22:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 22:14
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:14
Context — Balak Summons Balaam
12But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.”
13So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes, “Go back to your homeland, because the LORD has refused to let me go with you.”
14And the princes of Moab arose, returned to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.”
15Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers. 16They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 22:37 | And he said to Balaam, “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to richly reward you?” |
| 2 | Numbers 22:13 | So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes, “Go back to your homeland, because the LORD has refused to let me go with you.” |
Numbers 22:14 Summary
This verse tells us that the princes of Moab went back to King Balak and told him that Balaam refused to come with them. Balaam had already been told by God not to go with the princes, as seen in Numbers 22:12. This shows us the importance of obeying God's instructions, even if it's hard or unpopular. We can learn from Balaam's example and trust in God's sovereignty, like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, to guide us in our decisions and actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balaam refuse to go with the princes of Moab?
Balaam refused to go with the princes of Moab because God had instructed him not to go, as seen in Numbers 22:12, where God said, 'Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.'
What was the response of the princes of Moab when Balaam refused to go with them?
The princes of Moab arose, returned to Balak, and reported that Balaam refused to come with them, as stated in Numbers 22:14.
How did Balak respond to the news that Balaam refused to come?
Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers, to invite Balaam to come, as seen in Numbers 22:15.
What can we learn from Balaam's initial refusal to go with the princes of Moab?
We can learn the importance of obeying God's instructions, even if it means going against the requests of others, as Balaam did in Numbers 22:13, and as seen in other Bible verses such as Proverbs 3:5-6, where it says to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have been asked to do something that goes against God's will, and how did I respond?
- How can I be more like Balaam in this verse, obeying God's instructions even when it's difficult or unpopular?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's sovereignty, like Balaam did in this verse, and not try to take matters into my own hands?
- How can I apply the lesson of obedience from this verse to my daily life, and what are some areas where I need to be more obedient to God's will?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:14
And the princes of Moab rose up,.... And the princes of Midian also, immediately, without entering into a parley with him, to persuade him to go with them; perceiving by his answer that it would be
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:14
And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:14
Thus they lay the blame upon Balaam, which he imputed to God.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 22:14
(14) Balaam refuseth to come with us.—It does not appear that Balaam had told the messengers of Balak the ground of the Divine prohibition; viz., “for they are blessed.” Balak accordingly entertained the hope that stronger inducements would prevail with Balaam.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 22:14
Verse 14. Balaam refuseth to come with us.] "Observe," says Mr. Ainsworth, "Satan's practice against God's word, seeking to lessen the same, and that from hand to hand, till he bring it to naught. Balaam told the princes less than God told him, and they relate to Balak less than Balaam told them; so that when the answer came to the king of Moab, it was not the word of God, but the word of man; it was simply, Balaam refuseth to come, without ever intimating that God had forbidden him." But in this Balaam is not to blame; he told the messengers in the most positive manner, Jehovah refuseth to give me leave to go with you, Numbers 22:13; and more explicit he could not be.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:14
2–19. Balak king of Moab being frightened by the near proximity of the Israelites sent for Balaam a famous soothsayer to curse them, offering him liberal payment. Balaam came but refused to utter any oracle but that which Jehovah revealed to him. Zippor] The word denotes ‘a little bird,’ the fem. of which is seen in Ẓ ?ippôrah, Moses’ wife. The name may point to early totemistic beliefs (see Frazer, Totemism2, W. R. Smith, Rel. Sem. 2 124 ff.). the Amorites] Og, the king of Bashan, is not mentioned; see on Numbers 21:33-35.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:14
14. Balaam refuseth to come — Wicked men whittle down God’s truth to as small a point as possible.