Numbers 22:40
Numbers 22:40 in Multiple Translations
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him.
And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
And Balak made offerings of oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam and the chiefs who were with him.
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he shared the meat with Balaam and the leaders who were with him.
Then Balak offred bullockes, and sheepe, and sent thereof to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
and Balak sacrificeth oxen and sheep, and sendeth to Balaam, and to the princes who [are] with him;
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes who were with him.
And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
And when Balac had killed oxen and sheep, he sent presents to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
There Balak killed some cattle and sheep as sacrifices, and offered parts of the meat to Balaam and the leaders who were with him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:40
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 22:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּזְבַּ֥ח
בָּלָ֖ק
בָּקָ֣ר
וָ/צֹ֑אן
וַ/יְשַׁלַּ֣ח
לְ/בִלְעָ֔ם
וְ/לַ/שָּׂרִ֖ים
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
אִתּֽ/וֹ
וַ/יִּזְבַּ֥ח
zâbach
H2076
to sacrifice
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּלָ֖ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
בָּקָ֣ר
bâqâr
H1241
cattle
N-cs
וָ/צֹ֑אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Conj | N-cs
וַ/יְשַׁלַּ֣ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/בִלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
Prep | N-proper
וְ/לַ/שָּׂרִ֖ים
sar
H8269
ruler
Conj | Prep | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אִתּֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:40
וַ/יִּזְבַּ֥ח
zâbach
H2076
"to sacrifice"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To sacrifice means to slaughter an animal, usually for a religious offering, as seen in the Bible's instructions for worship. This term is used in many contexts, including sacrifices for eating or in divine judgment. It's often translated as 'kill' or 'offer' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice 1a2) to slaughter for eating 1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment 1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Kings 8:62; Psalms 4:6.
בָּלָ֖ק
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.
בָּקָ֣ר
bâqâr
H1241
"cattle"
N-cs
Domesticated cattle or oxen, used for work or sacrifice, like the animals used in the temple sacrifices in 1 Kings 8:63.
Definition: 1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox 1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll) 1b) herd (particular one) 1c) head of cattle (individually)
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beeve, bull ([phrase] -ock), [phrase] calf, [phrase] cow, great (cattle), [phrase] heifer, herd, kine, ox. See also: Genesis 12:16; Deuteronomy 8:13; Psalms 66:15.
וָ/צֹ֑אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Conj | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וַ/יְשַׁלַּ֣ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
לְ/בִלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
Prep | 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.
וְ/לַ/שָּׂרִ֖ים
sar
H8269
"ruler"
Conj | Prep | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אִתּֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
Study Notes — Numbers 22:40
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 22:40 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:40
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:40
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:40
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 22:40
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 22:40
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:40
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:40
- Sermons on Numbers 22:40
Context — The Angel and Balaam’s Donkey
38“See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.”
39So Balaam accompanied Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.
40Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him.
41The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal. From there he could see the outskirts of the camp of the people.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 23:14 | So Balak took him to the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, where he built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar. |
| 2 | Proverbs 1:16 | For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. |
| 3 | Numbers 23:2 | So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar. |
| 4 | Genesis 31:54 | Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain. |
| 5 | Numbers 23:30 | So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and he offered a bull and a ram on each altar. |
Numbers 22:40 Summary
[In this verse, Balak is trying to get God to do what he wants by offering sacrifices, but this is not how God works, as we see in 1 Samuel 15:22-23, where obedience is more important than sacrifice. Instead, God wants us to trust and obey Him, even when things don't go our way, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are called to trust in the Lord with all our heart.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Balak's sacrifices in Numbers 22:40?
Balak's sacrifices were likely an attempt to appease God and gain His favor, as seen in other instances in the Bible, such as Genesis 8:20 and Exodus 10:25, where sacrifices were offered to seek God's blessing or forgiveness.
Who were the princes that accompanied Balak and received portions of the sacrifice?
The princes who accompanied Balak were likely high-ranking officials or nobles in the Moabite kingdom, similar to those mentioned in Numbers 25:18, who played important roles in the kingdom's affairs and would have been involved in significant events such as this sacrifice.
Was Balaam's participation in the sacrifice a form of idolatry?
While Balaam was a prophet of God, his participation in the sacrifice could be seen as a compromise, as he was involved in a pagan ritual, which is warned against in Deuteronomy 12:30-31, where God commands the Israelites not to imitate the idolatrous practices of the surrounding nations.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Balaam and Balak?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the story, as it shows Balak's attempts to persuade Balaam to curse the Israelites, and Balaam's willingness to participate in pagan rituals, which ultimately leads to his downfall, as seen in Numbers 23:1-12, where Balaam's attempts to curse the Israelites are thwarted by God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that we, like Balak, may try to manipulate or control God's actions or blessings in our lives?
- How can we, like Balaam, be tempted to compromise our faith or values in order to gain favor or acceptance from others?
- What are some modern-day equivalents of the sacrifices and rituals described in this verse, and how can we avoid participating in or supporting them?
- How can we, like the Israelites, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with opposition or uncertainty, as seen in Numbers 23:19-20?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:40
And Balak offered oxen and sheep,.... Or "slew" (w) them, either for sacrifice; and if so Balak was the sacrificer, as it was common for kings to be priests; and then Balaam, who was sent for, was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:40
And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him. Balak offered oxen and sheep - made preparations for a grand entertainment to Balaam and the princes of Midian.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:40
Or, killed, either for sacrifice, or rather for a feast; for the sacrifices were offered after this, ,2. Sent to Balaam, to invite him to the feast. The king had left the princes to accompany him and attend upon him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 22:40
(40) And Balak offered . . . —Better, and Balak slew (or, slaughtered in sacrifice), &c. The word rendered offered does not necessarily denote anything more than to slay. It is very commonly used, however, to denote slaying in sacrifice; and it is most probable that Balak made a sacrificial feast, and sent portions of the flesh to Balaam and the princes who were with him. Kings not unfrequently acted as priests of old, as, e.g., Melchizedek. (Comp. Rex Anius, rex idem hominum Phoebique sacerdos, Aen. 3:80.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 22:40
Verse 40. And Balak offered oxen, &c.] This was to gain the favour of his gods, and perhaps to propitiate Jehovah, that the end for which he had sent for Balaam might be accomplished.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:40
40. and sent to Balaam &c.] When the animals had been slaughtered for sacrifice, Balak caused portions of the flesh to be brought to Balaam and the Moabite princes who had accompanied him. Cf. 1 Samuel 9:23 f.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:40
40. Balak offered oxen and sheep — These clean animals indicate that the king offered a propitiatory sacrifice to Jehovah, the God of Balaam, for the favourable issue of their undertaking.
Sermons on Numbers 22:40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Pure by Faith by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of letting go of religious traditions and embracing the freedom found in Christ. He highlights how Jesus faced opposition from |
|
The Assassins (Sacarii) by Robert Wurtz II | Robert Wurtz II delves into the historical context of the Zealots and the Sacarii, highlighting their brutal actions and motivations driven by greed and desire for spoils rather th |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 31:20-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob fleeing from Laban. Jacob had secretly left Laban's house without informing him and traveled a great distance to Mount Gi |