Numbers 23:29
Numbers 23:29 in Multiple Translations
Then Balaam said, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”
And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.
And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.
And Balaam said to Balak, Make me seven altars here and get seven oxen and seven male sheep ready for me.
Balaam told Balak, “Build seven altars for me here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me to sacrifice.”
Then Balaam sayde vnto Balak, Make me here seuen altars, and prepare me here seuen bullocks, and seuen rammes.
and Balaam saith unto Balak, 'Build for me in this [place] seven altars, and make ready for me in this [place] seven bullocks and seven rams;'
Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars for me here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me here.”
And Balaam said to Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.
Balaam said to him: Build me here seven altars, and prepare as many calves, and the same number of rams.
Balaam again told Balak, “Build me seven altars again and kill seven young bulls and seven rams for a sacrifice.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:29
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 23:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
בִּלְעָם֙
אֶל
בָּלָ֔ק
בְּנֵה
לִ֥/י
בָ/זֶ֖ה
שִׁבְעָ֣ה
מִזְבְּחֹ֑ת
וְ/הָכֵ֥ן
לִ/י֙
בָּ/זֶ֔ה
שִׁבְעָ֥ה
פָרִ֖ים
וְ/שִׁבְעָ֥ה
אֵילִֽים
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּלְעָם֙
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בָּלָ֔ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
בְּנֵה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לִ֥/י
Prep | Suff
בָ/זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Prep | Pron
שִׁבְעָ֣ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
מִזְבְּחֹ֑ת
mizbêach
H4196
altar
N-mp
וְ/הָכֵ֥ן
kûwn
H3559
to establish
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
בָּ/זֶ֔ה
zeh
H2088
this
Prep | Pron
שִׁבְעָ֥ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
פָרִ֖ים
par
H6499
bullock
N-mp
וְ/שִׁבְעָ֥ה
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Conj | Adj
אֵילִֽים
ʼayil
H352
ram
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:29
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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.
בִּלְעָם֙
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
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.
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.
בְּנֵה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
לִ֥/י
""
Prep | Suff
בָ/זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
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.
מִזְבְּחֹ֑ת
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.
וְ/הָכֵ֥ן
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
בָּ/זֶ֔ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
שִׁבְעָ֥ה
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.
פָרִ֖ים
par
H6499
"bullock"
N-mp
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.
וְ/שִׁבְעָ֥ה
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Conj | 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.
אֵילִֽים
ʼayil
H352
"ram"
N-mp
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Balaam’s Second Oracle
27“Please come,” said Balak, “I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you curse them for me from there.”
28And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland.
29Then Balaam said, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”
30So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and he offered a bull and a ram on each altar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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 23:29 Summary
In this verse, Balaam is asking for seven altars to be built so that he can offer sacrifices to God and seek His message, similar to the sacrifices described in Exodus 29:38-42. This shows that Balaam is trying to follow God's instructions and seek His will, even if he is not always successful. We can learn from Balaam's example by seeking to follow God's will and by using rituals and practices to help us to do so, as seen in Psalm 119:1-8. By seeking God's message and guidance, we can find direction and purpose in our lives, just like Balaam was trying to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balaam ask for seven altars to be built?
Balaam asked for seven altars to be built as part of his ritual to seek a message from God, as seen in Numbers 23:29, similar to the sacrifices and rituals described in Leviticus 1:1-7 and Exodus 29:38-42.
What is the significance of the number seven in this context?
The number seven is often associated with completeness or perfection in the Bible, as seen in Genesis 2:2-3, and Balaam may have chosen this number to emphasize the thoroughness of his ritual.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Balaam and Balak?
This verse is part of the larger story of Balaam and Balak, where Balak is trying to get Balaam to curse the Israelites, but Balaam is seeking to follow God's instructions, as seen in Numbers 22:12 and Numbers 23:12.
What can we learn from Balaam's actions in this verse?
We can learn that even those who are not fully following God can still recognize the importance of ritual and sacrifice, as seen in Hebrews 10:1-4, but it is also important to remember that true faith and obedience come from the heart, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:22-23.
Reflection Questions
- How do I seek God's message and guidance in my own life, and what rituals or practices help me to do so?
- What are some ways that I can, like Balaam, recognize the importance of seeking God's will, even if I am not always successful in following it?
- How can I, like Balak, be careful not to try to manipulate or control God's message or will, but instead seek to humbly follow and obey?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek completeness or perfection, and how can I, like Balaam, use rituals or practices to help me to do so?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:29
And Balaam said unto Balak,.... Being willing to try again what could be done, and to gratify the king, and especially to get the wages of unrighteousness, if possible, which he dearly loved, as the