Numbers 23:20
Numbers 23:20 in Multiple Translations
I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it.
Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
Behold, I have received commandment to bless: And he hath blessed, and I cannot reverse it.
See, I have had orders to give blessing: and he has given a blessing which I have no power to take away.
Look, I have been ordered to give a blessing. God has blessed, and I can't change that.
Behold, I haue receiued commandement to blesse: for he hath blessed, and I cannot alter it.
Lo, to bless I have received: Yea, He blesseth, and I [can] not reverse it.
Behold, I have received a command to bless. He has blessed, and I can’t reverse it.
Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed, and I cannot reverse it.
I was brought to bless, the blessing I am not able to hinder.
He commanded me to request him to bless the Israelis, So he has blessed them, and I cannot change that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:20
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 23:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִנֵּ֥ה
בָרֵ֖ךְ
לָקָ֑חְתִּי
וּ/בֵרֵ֖ךְ
וְ/לֹ֥א
אֲשִׁיבֶֽ/נָּה
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
בָרֵ֖ךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Ptc
לָקָ֑חְתִּי
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וּ/בֵרֵ֖ךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אֲשִׁיבֶֽ/נָּה
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:20
הִנֵּ֥ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
בָרֵ֖ךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Ptc
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
לָקָ֑חְתִּי
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
וּ/בֵרֵ֖ךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֲשִׁיבֶֽ/נָּה
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 23:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:20
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:20
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:20
- Sermons on Numbers 23:20
Context — Balaam’s Second Oracle
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.
21He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them. 22God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 10:27–29 | My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. |
| 2 | Numbers 22:12 | But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” |
| 3 | Genesis 12:2 | I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. |
| 4 | Genesis 22:17 | I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. |
| 5 | Isaiah 43:13 | Even from eternity I am He, and none can deliver out of My hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” |
| 6 | Numbers 22:18 | But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. |
| 7 | Romans 8:38–39 | For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
| 8 | 1 Peter 1:5 | who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. |
| 9 | Numbers 22:38 | “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.” |
Numbers 23:20 Summary
[This verse means that when God decides to bless someone or something, His decision is final and cannot be changed, as seen in Numbers 23:20. This is because God is a faithful and trustworthy God who keeps His promises, as stated in Numbers 23:19 and Hebrews 6:18. We can trust that God's plans for us are good and unchangeable, giving us confidence and hope in His sovereignty, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 11:29.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God has blessed and it cannot be changed?
This means that when God gives a blessing, it is a permanent and unalterable decision, as seen in Numbers 23:20, and is rooted in His nature as a God who does not lie or change His mind, as stated in Numbers 23:19 and supported by Malachi 3:6.
Can Balaam's statement be applied to our lives today?
Yes, as believers, we can trust that God's blessings and plans for us are unchangeable, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 11:29, giving us confidence and hope in His sovereignty.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the ability to bless or not bless, as seen in Isaiah 46:10 and Psalm 115:3, demonstrating His ultimate authority and power.
What does this teach us about God's character?
This verse teaches us that God is a faithful and trustworthy God who keeps His promises, as seen in Numbers 23:19 and Hebrews 6:18, and is consistent in His actions and words, as stated in Psalm 119:89 and Matthew 24:35.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's unchangeable blessings and plans?
- How can I apply the truth of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to my daily life and decisions?
- In what ways can I surrender to God's will and trust in His blessings, even when I don't understand His ways?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of trusting in God's character and nature, rather than my own abilities or circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:20
Behold, I have received [commandment] to bless,.... The people of Israel, to pronounce a blessing upon them, to declare them a happy people: and he hath blessed, and I cannot reverse it; God has
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:20
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 23:20
Or, I have received a blessing, to wit, a sentence of blessing, which God hath put into my mind and mouth, and which I cannot forbear to utter. Heb. I have received to bless. The infinitive put for the noun, as is frequent.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:20
Numbers 23:20 Behold, I have received [commandment] to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.Ver. 20. Behold, I have, &c.] A bad man may bless by command from God, and he say Amen to it. The precious stone Lyncuris may issue out of the body of the lynx, an unclean and spotted beast.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:20
20. And if he blesseth, then I cannot reverse it] It is not necessary to read, with LXX. , ‘and I will bless.’
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:20
I have received commandment to bless - literally, “I have received to bless.” The reason of his blessing lay in the augury which he acknowledged, and in the divine overruling impulse which he could
Sermons on Numbers 23:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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Heaven's View of Our Failures by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Balaam and the Israelites in the book of Numbers. Balaam, a prophet, sees a vision from God and falls down in awe. He describes |
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The Lord Will Fight for You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and having faith in Him. He encourages the congregation to look back on their lives and see the many times |
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Another Jesus by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of being invited to speak at a ministry conference without knowing much about it. He emphasizes the importance of coming to Jesus |
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Holy Spirit, Why Some Can't Receive Him by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being able to hear and recognize the voice of God. He compares Christians to a generation that is odd and different from th |
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How Far Are You Prepared to Trust God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to make serious changes in their lives if they want to get closer to God. He criticizes the influence of negative medi |
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Life of Elijah - Part 3 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of individuals who were at the end of their rope and on the verge of quitting. However, in these moments of despair, God showed His kindn |