Numbers 23:18
Numbers 23:18 in Multiple Translations
Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.
And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:
And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; Hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:
And in the words which the Lord had given him he said, Up! Balak, and give ear; give attention to me, O son of Zippor:
This is the prophecy that Balaam delivered: “Stand up, Balak, and pay attention! Listen to me, son of Zippor!
And he vttered his parable, and sayde, Rise vp, Balak, and heare: hearken vnto me, thou sonne of Zippor.
And he taketh up his simile, and saith: 'Rise, Balak, and hear; Give ear unto me, son of Zippor!
He took up his parable, and said, “Rise up, Balak, and hear! Listen to me, you son of Zippor.
And he took up his parable, and said, Rise, Balak, and hear; hearken to me, thou son of Zippor:
But he taking up his parable, said: Stand, O Balac, and give ear: hear, thou son of Sephor:
Then Balaam told him this message: “Balak, listen carefully; hear what I have to say, you son of Zippor [DOU]!
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:18
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 23:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֥א
מְשָׁל֖/וֹ
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ק֤וּם
בָּלָק֙
וּֽ/שֲׁמָ֔ע
הַאֲזִ֥ינָ/ה
עָדַ֖/י
בְּנ֥/וֹ
צִפֹּֽר
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מְשָׁל֖/וֹ
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
ק֤וּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
בָּלָק֙
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
וּֽ/שֲׁמָ֔ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הַאֲזִ֥ינָ/ה
ʼâzan
H238
to listen
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
עָדַ֖/י
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep | Suff
בְּנ֥/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
צִפֹּֽר
Tsippôwr
H6834
Zippor
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:18
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
מְשָׁל֖/וֹ
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
N-ms | Suff
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
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.
ק֤וּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
בָּלָק֙
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.
וּֽ/שֲׁמָ֔ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
הַאֲזִ֥ינָ/ה
ʼâzan
H238
"to listen"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To listen or hear is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying obedience or paying attention to what is being said, as in 1 Kings 3:9.
Definition: 1) to hear, listen 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to hear, listen, give ear 1a2) to be obedient, harken 1a3) to hear or listen to prayers (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give (perceive by the) ear, hear(-ken). See H239 (אָזַן). See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 77:2; Psalms 5:2.
עָדַ֖/י
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
בְּנ֥/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
צִפֹּֽר
Tsippôwr
H6834
"Zippor"
N-proper
Zippor was a Moabite man, father of Balak, the king of Moab during the exodus, and his name means sparrow, as seen in Numbers 22:2.
Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; father of: Balak (H1111) § Zippor = "sparrow" father of Balak the king of Moab at the time of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Zippor. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 22:16; Judges 11:25.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 23:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:18
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:18
- Sermons on Numbers 23:18
Context — Balaam’s Second Oracle
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.
18Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.
19God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? 20I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 3:20 | Then Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in the coolness of his upper room. “I have a word from God for you,” Ehud said, and the king rose from his seat. |
Numbers 23:18 Summary
In Numbers 23:18, Balaam is calling King Balak to listen to a message from the Lord. This shows us the importance of listening to God's voice and being obedient to His instructions, just like we see in other parts of the Bible, such as in Deuteronomy 13:4 or Luke 11:28. We can learn from Balaam's example by being open to hearing God's message and by being faithful to share it with others, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20. By doing so, we can be vessels for God's love and truth to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balaam call Balak to listen to him in Numbers 23:18?
Balaam called Balak to listen because he was about to speak a message from the Lord, as instructed in Numbers 23:16. This message was important for Balak to hear and understand.
What is the significance of Balaam addressing Balak as the son of Zippor?
By addressing Balak as the son of Zippor, Balaam was acknowledging Balak's lineage and position as the king of Moab, similar to how Jesus acknowledged people's identities and roles in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 9:18-26.
How does this verse relate to the concept of prophecy in the Bible?
This verse is an example of prophecy in the Bible, where a person, in this case Balaam, speaks a message from God to someone else, as seen in other prophetic passages like Isaiah 6:1-13 or Jeremiah 1:4-10.
What can we learn from Balaam's actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of obedience to God's instructions, as Balaam returned to Balak and spoke what the Lord told him, demonstrating obedience similar to that of Abraham in Genesis 22:1-14 or Moses in Exodus 3:1-4:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have been called to listen to someone or something, and how did I respond?
- How can I, like Balaam, be a vessel for God's message to others, and what are some ways I can prepare myself for this role?
- In what ways can I acknowledge and respect the positions and roles of others, as Balaam did with Balak, and how can this impact my relationships with them?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more obedient to God's instructions, and how can I take steps to increase my obedience?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:18
And he took up his parable,.... Pronounced the word put into his mouth, and said, rise up Balak, and hear; not from his seat, as Eglon a successor of his did, Jude 3:20 for he was now standing by his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:18
And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor: `Rise up, Balak, and hear! Hearken unto me, thou son of Zippori!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:18
Rise up: this word implies, either, 1. The reverence wherewith he should hear and receive God’ s message, as Eglon did, , which might have been probable, if Balak had been now sitting, as Ehud there was; but he was standing, : or rather, 2. The diligent attention required; Rouse up thyself, and carefully mind what I say.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:18
Numbers 23:18 And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:Ver. 18. Rise up, Balak.] The greatest potentate must reverently attend to the word of God. Ehud, though a fat unwieldy man, stood up to hear a message from God. So did Constantine the Great, and our Edward VI, hear sermons standing, and usually uncovered. Euseb. Act. and Mon.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:18
18–24. Balaam’s second prophetic message. This consists of eleven, or (see on Numbers 23:23) more probably ten, couplets. Balaam declares that God will never change His mind (as Balak had thought, Numbers 23:13), and that He had bidden him to bless and not curse (Numbers 23:18 b–20). Israel is without calamity, and is victorious (Numbers 23:21). God brings him triumphantly from Egypt, and all men must tell of His doings (Numbers 23:22 a, Numbers 23:23b). Israel is as strong as the wild ox, and as fierce as a lion (Numbers 23:22 b, Numbers 23:24).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:18
18. Rise up, Balak, and hear — The king, who was already in an erect bodily attitude, is called to elevate his thoughts for the reception of the divine revelation. He is called to a hearing with an alert and minute attention.
Sermons on Numbers 23:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Our Daily Homily - Judges by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the persistent nature of evil habits in our lives, likening them to the Canaanites who resisted being dislodged from the land. He reminds us that as believers |
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The Success of the Gospel by the Divine Power Upon the Souls of Men by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the success of the gospel by the divine power upon the souls of men, emphasizing the ongoing war between Jesus Christ and the rebellious sons of men. H |