Numbers 23:14
Numbers 23:14 in Multiple Translations
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.
¶ And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.
And he took him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered up a bullock and a ram on every altar.
So he took him into the country of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and there they made seven altars, offering an ox and a male sheep on every altar.
He took him to the field of Zophim at the top of Mount Pisgah. There he built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
And he brought him into Sede-sophim to the top of Pisgah, and built seuen altars, and offred a bullocke, and a ramme on euery altar.
and he taketh him [to] the field of Zophim, unto the top of Pisgah, and buildeth seven altars, and offereth a bullock and a ram on the altar.
He took him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.
And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.
And when he had brought him to a high place, upon the top of mount Phasga, Balaam built seven altars, and laying on every one a calf and a ram,
So Balak took Balaam to a field on the top of Pisgah Mountain. There, again he built seven altars and offered a young bull and a ram as a sacrifice on each altar.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:14
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 23:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקָּחֵ֨/הוּ֙
שְׂדֵ֣ה
צֹפִ֔ים
אֶל
רֹ֖אשׁ
הַ/פִּסְגָּ֑ה
וַ/יִּ֨בֶן֙
שִׁבְעָ֣ה
מִזְבְּחֹ֔ת
וַ/יַּ֛עַל
פָּ֥ר
וָ/אַ֖יִל
בַּ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
וַ/יִּקָּחֵ֨/הוּ֙
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
שְׂדֵ֣ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
N-ms
צֹפִ֔ים
Tsôphîym
H6839
Zophim
V-Qal
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
רֹ֖אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
הַ/פִּסְגָּ֑ה
Piçgâh
H6449
Pisgah
Art | N-proper
וַ/יִּ֨בֶן֙
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שִׁבְעָ֣ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
מִזְבְּחֹ֔ת
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-mp
וַ/יַּ֛עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
פָּ֥ר
par
H6499
bullock
N-ms
וָ/אַ֖יִל
ʼayil
H352
ram
Conj | N-ms
בַּ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:14
וַ/יִּקָּחֵ֨/הוּ֙
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
שְׂדֵ֣ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
צֹפִ֔ים
Tsôphîym
H6839
"Zophim"
V-Qal
Tsophim is a place east of the Jordan River where Balaam gave his oracles. It's also translated as watchers, likely due to its high location. This site is mentioned in the context of Balaam's prophecies.
Definition: § Zophim = "watchers" a spot on or near the top of Pisgah, the site of Balaam's oracles
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Zophim. See also: Numbers 23:14.
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.
רֹ֖אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הַ/פִּסְגָּ֑ה
Piçgâh
H6449
"Pisgah"
Art | N-proper
Pisgah is a mountain in Moab where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death, as told in Deuteronomy 34:1. The name means cleft, possibly referring to the mountain's unique geography.
Definition: § Pisgah = "cleft" mountain in Moab on the northeast shore of the Dead Sea; site uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Pisgah. See also: Numbers 21:20; Deuteronomy 4:49; Joshua 13:20.
וַ/יִּ֨בֶן֙
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
שִׁבְעָ֣ה
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
מִזְבְּחֹ֔ת
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
N-mp
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
וַ/יַּ֛עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
פָּ֥ר
par
H6499
"bullock"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a young bull or ox, often used as a sacrifice in the Bible. In Exodus, a bullock is used as an offering to God. The word describes a strong and powerful animal.
Definition: young bull, steer, bullock
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] young) bull(-ock), calf, ox. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 22:13.
וָ/אַ֖יִל
ʼayil
H352
"ram"
Conj | N-ms
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.
בַּ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Prep | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 23:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:14
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:14
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:14
- Sermons on Numbers 23:14
Context — Balaam’s Second Oracle
12But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”
13Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.”
14So 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.
15Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.” 16And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 46:6 | They pour out their bags of gold and weigh out silver on scales; they hire a goldsmith to fashion it into a god, so they can bow down and worship. |
| 2 | Numbers 23:29 | Then Balaam said, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 1:10–11 | Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! “What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. |
| 4 | Hosea 12:11 | Is there iniquity in Gilead? They will surely come to nothing. Do they sacrifice bulls in Gilgal? Indeed, their altars will be heaps of stones in the furrows of the field. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 3:27 | Go to the top of Pisgah and look to the west and north and south and east. See the land with your own eyes, for you will not cross this Jordan. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 34:1 | Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho. And the LORD showed him the whole land—from Gilead as far as Dan, |
| 7 | Numbers 21:20 | and from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah overlooks the wasteland. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 4:49 | including all the Arabah on the east side of the Jordan and as far as the Sea of the Arabah, below the slopes of Pisgah. |
| 9 | Numbers 23:1–2 | Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.” So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar. |
Numbers 23:14 Summary
In Numbers 23:14, Balak takes Balaam to a special place to try to get him to curse the Israelites, but this action shows that Balak is trying to control God's power for his own benefit. This is similar to the warning in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 against seeking guidance from mediums or diviners, and instead, we should seek God's guidance and wisdom, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can avoid the temptation to manipulate or control His power, and instead, seek to worship Him alone, as commanded in Exodus 20:3-5. This verse reminds us to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, rather than trying to control or manipulate Him, and to seek His guidance in all areas of our lives, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of building seven altars in Numbers 23:14?
The purpose of building seven altars was to prepare for a ritual sacrifice to appease God and to seek a favorable response from Balaam, as seen in the context of Numbers 23:13, where Balak asks Balaam to curse the Israelites from a different location.
Why did Balak take Balaam to the field of Zophim?
Balak took Balaam to the field of Zophim to get a different perspective on the Israelites, hoping that Balaam would curse them, as mentioned in Numbers 23:13, and this location was likely chosen for its strategic vantage point, similar to the mountain tops used for worship in other biblical accounts, such as Exodus 24:12-18.
What can we learn from Balaam's actions in this verse?
We can learn that even those who claim to speak for God, like Balaam, can be influenced by worldly pressures and desires, as seen in Numbers 22:18, where Balaam is tempted by Balak's offer, and this serves as a reminder to seek God's guidance and wisdom above human counsel, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the broader biblical theme of idolatry?
This verse relates to the theme of idolatry because Balak's attempt to use Balaam to curse the Israelites represents a form of idolatrous worship, seeking to manipulate God's power for human gain, which is contrary to the biblical command to worship God alone, as stated in Deuteronomy 6:13-15 and Exodus 20:3-5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to manipulate God or seek His favor through my own efforts, rather than trusting in His sovereignty?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking God's guidance and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, to my own decision-making processes?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to compromise my values or faith, similar to Balaam's temptation in Numbers 22:18, and how can I seek God's strength to resist those temptations?
- In what ways can I use my own 'mountain top' experiences, like the field of Zophim, to seek a deeper understanding of God's perspective and guidance, as encouraged in Psalm 46:10 and Matthew 5:14-16?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:14
And he brought him into the field of Zophim,.... Or Sede Tzophim, as Hillerus (i) reads it, so called from the watch tower, and watchmen in it: Jarchi says, it was a high place, where a watchman
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:14
And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:14
Zophim, a place so called from the spies and watches which were kept there. Pisgah, a high hill in the land of Moab, so called 34:1.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:14
(14) The field of Zophim.—i.e., of watchers. Tne spot seems to be identified with that from which Moses afterwards surveyed the promised land (Deuteronomy 3:27), and which is described in Deuteronomy 34:1 as “the mountain of Nebo,” or Mount Nebo. It is possible, however, that Pisgah may have had more than one of such summits.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:14
14. to the field of Zophim] The site is unknown. Ẓ ?ôphim means ‘watchers,’ and it was evidently high ground which afforded an extensive outlook. the top of the Pisgah] See on Numbers 21:20. There were probably many places in the mountains of Moab which would be useful as posts for sentinels. This one is defined as lying somewhere among the western headlands.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:14
The field of Zophim - Or, “of watchers.” It lay upon the top of Pisgah, north of the former station, and nearer to the Israelite camp; the greater part of which was, however, probably concealed from
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:14
14. The field of Zophim was the cultivated field of the watchmen on the slope or top of the range of Pisgah. Mr. Porter identifies it with the ruins of Main, at the foot of Attarus, which he calls Pisgah.
Sermons on Numbers 23:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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We Glorify christ... by David Platt | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the mission and vision of their faith community, which is to glorify Christ by making disciples of all nations. They emphasize the importance |
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Drawing Nigh to God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of patiently waiting for God's word. He refers to Isaiah 50:4-7, which speaks of Christ having the tongue of the learned and |
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Obedience of Faith by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the idea of God experiencing human emotions such as sadness, weariness, and discouragement. He emphasizes that Jesus, as the embodiment of Go |
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Grave Warnings! by David Daniel | David Daniel emphasizes the sacredness of entering the house of the Lord, warning against the dangers of familiarity that can lead to contempt. He urges believers to approach worsh |
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Trust Is the Answer by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of trusting in the name of the Lord and staying upon God, even in times of darkness and uncertainty. She emphasizes the power of |
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Change Our Heart's - Part 3 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining God's glory before the people. He warns that neglecting to do so will result in God bringing judgment upon thos |
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Joshua by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker begins by reminding the audience of the history of Israel, a nation that was held captive in Egypt for 400 years. Despite being descendants of Abraham, |