Numbers 23:15
Numbers 23:15 in Multiple Translations
Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.”
And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the Lord yonder.
And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt-offering, while I meet Jehovah yonder.
Then he said to Balak, Take your place here by your burned offering, while I go over there to the Lord.
Balaam told Balak, “Wait here beside your burnt offering while I meet the Lord over there.”
After, he sayde vnto Balak, Stande here by thy burnt offring, and I wil meete the Lord yonder.
And he saith unto Balak, 'Station thyself here by thy burnt-offering, and I — I meet [Him] there;'
He said to Balak, “Stand here by your burnt offering, while I meet God over there.”
And he said to Balak, Stand here by thy burnt-offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.
He said to Balac: Stand here by thy burnt offering while I go to meet him.
Then Balaam said to the king, “Stand here close to your burned offerings, while I go and talk with Yahweh.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:15
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 23:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
אֶל
בָּלָ֔ק
הִתְיַצֵּ֥ב
כֹּ֖ה
עַל
עֹלָתֶ֑/ךָ
וְ/אָנֹכִ֖י
אִקָּ֥רֶה
כֹּֽה
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בָּלָ֔ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
הִתְיַצֵּ֥ב
yâtsab
H3320
to stand
V-Hithpael-Impv-2ms
כֹּ֖ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עֹלָתֶ֑/ךָ
ʻôlâh
H5930
burnt offering
N-fs | Suff
וְ/אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Conj | Pron
אִקָּ֥רֶה
qârâh
H7136
to meet
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:15
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
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.
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.
בָּלָ֔ק
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.
הִתְיַצֵּ֥ב
yâtsab
H3320
"to stand"
V-Hithpael-Impv-2ms
To stand or place something firmly is what this word means, and it's used in the Bible to describe presenting oneself or standing firm in faith, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself 1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up). See also: Exodus 2:4; 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 2:2.
כֹּ֖ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עֹלָתֶ֑/ךָ
ʻôlâh
H5930
"burnt offering"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.
Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.
וְ/אָנֹכִ֖י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Conj | Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
אִקָּ֥רֶה
qârâh
H7136
"to meet"
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to lay beams, or to build with beams. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle. The word is used to describe a building process.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, befall, happen, come to meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to encounter, meet 1a2) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to encounter, meet (without pre-arrangement) 1b2) to chance to be present 1b3) to come to meet 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet, appoint
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, lay (make) beams, befall, bring, come (to pass unto), floor, (hap) was, happen (unto), meet, send good speed. See also: Genesis 24:12; 1 Samuel 28:10; Psalms 104:3.
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 23:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:15
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:15
- Sermons on Numbers 23:15
Context — Balaam’s Second Oracle
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.” 17So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. “What did the LORD say?” Balak asked.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 23:3 | “Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height, |
| 2 | Numbers 22:8 | “Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. |
Numbers 23:15 Summary
In Numbers 23:15, Balaam tells Balak to stay beside the burnt offering while he goes to meet the Lord. This shows that Balaam was seeking a message from God, just like prophets did in the Old Testament (as seen in 1 Samuel 3:1-10 and Ezekiel 1:1-3). Balaam wanted to hear from the Lord and receive guidance on what to say to Balak. This verse reminds us to seek God's guidance in our own lives, just like Balaam did, and to be open to His message, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:12-13 and Psalm 119:105.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balaam tell Balak to stay beside the burnt offering?
Balaam instructed Balak to stay beside the burnt offering while he went to meet the Lord, indicating that Balaam was seeking a word from God, as seen in Numbers 23:15, and this was a common practice in the Old Testament, as referenced in Leviticus 1:3-4 and Deuteronomy 33:10.
What was Balaam's intention when he said 'I meet the LORD over there'?
Balaam's intention was to seek a message from the Lord, as he had done previously, and to receive guidance on what to say to Balak, as seen in Numbers 22:8-12 and Numbers 23:3-6.
Was Balaam a true prophet of God or just a diviner?
While Balaam is often viewed as a false prophet, Numbers 23:15 suggests that he did have a genuine encounter with the Lord, and his words were used by God to bless Israel, as seen in Numbers 24:1-10, similar to the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-5.
What can we learn from Balaam's actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of seeking God's guidance and direction, as Balaam did, and being obedient to His will, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can seek the Lord's guidance in my own life, just like Balaam did in Numbers 23:15?
- How can I, like Balaam, be open to the Lord's message and direction, even if it's not what I want to hear, as seen in Numbers 22:32-33?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of seeking God's will, as Balaam did, to my own decision-making process, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 16:9?
- What are some potential consequences of not seeking the Lord's guidance, as Balak failed to do, and how can I avoid those consequences in my own life, as warned in Numbers 22:22-35 and 1 Samuel 15:23?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:15
And he said unto Balak, stand here by thy burnt offering,.... As he had before directed him, Numbers 23:3 while I meet the Lord yonder; pointing to some place at a little distance, where he expected
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:15
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 23:15
To consult him, and to receive an answer from him, if peradventure those renewed sacrifices will melt him into some compliance with our desires.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:15
11–17. Balak was angry that Jehovah did not put a curse into Balaam’s mouth, and begged him to try again on another spot. The seven-fold sacrifice was again offered.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:15
15. Stand here — Rather, Do thou stand thus, as thou art. While I meet — In the Hebrew this verb meet has no object. It is technically used for going out for auguries, (Numbers 24:1,) or for the words of Jehovah.
Sermons on Numbers 23:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Error of Balamm - Part 2 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Balaam and Balak from the Bible. Balaam is asked by Balak to curse the enemies of Israel, but instead, he blesses them as directe |
|
How to Hear From God by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of hearing from God amidst the distractions of modern life, urging believers to seek a desolate place free from competing voices. He highlig |