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Numbers 23:9

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Numbers 23:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For I see them from atop the rocky cliffs, and I watch them from the hills. Behold, a people dwelling apart, not reckoning themselves among the nations.

King James Version KJV

For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

American Standard Version ASV

For from the top of the rocks I see him, And from the hills I behold him: Lo, it is a people that dwelleth alone, And shall not be reckoned among the nations.

Bible in Basic English BBE

From the top of the rocks I see him, looking down on him from the hills: it is a people made separate, not to be numbered among the nations.

Free Bible Version FBV

For I'm looking down on them from the top of rocky crags; I'm watching them from the hills. I see a people who live on their own, different from the other nations.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For from the top of the rocks I did see him, and from the hils I did beholde him: lo, the people shall dwell by themselues, and shall not be reckened among the nations.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For from the top of rocks I see it, And from heights I behold it; Lo a people! alone it doth tabernacle, And among nations doth not reckon itself.

World English Bible WEB

For from the top of the rocks I see him. From the hills I see him. Behold, it is a people that dwells alone, and shall not be listed among the nations.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I shall see him from the tops of the rocks, and shall consider him from the hills. This people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

Translation for Translators T4T

I have seen them from the tops of the rocky peaks. I see that they are a group of people who live by themselves; they have separated themselves from other nations.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:9

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 23:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי מֵ/רֹ֤אשׁ צֻרִים֙ אֶרְאֶ֔/נּוּ וּ/מִ/גְּבָע֖וֹת אֲשׁוּרֶ֑/נּוּ הֶן עָם֙ לְ/בָדָ֣ד יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן וּ/בַ/גּוֹיִ֖ם לֹ֥א יִתְחַשָּֽׁב
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
מֵ/רֹ֤אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms
צֻרִים֙ tsûwr H6697 rock N-mp
אֶרְאֶ֔/נּוּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וּ/מִ/גְּבָע֖וֹת gibʻâh H1389 Gibeat Conj | Prep | N-fp
אֲשׁוּרֶ֑/נּוּ shûwr H7789 to see V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
הֶן hên H2005 look! Part
עָם֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms
לְ/בָדָ֣ד bâdâd H910 isolation Prep | N-ms
יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן shâkan H7931 to dwell V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּ/בַ/גּוֹיִ֖ם gôwy H1471 Gentile Conj | Prep | N-mp
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יִתְחַשָּֽׁב châshab H2803 to devise V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:9

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מֵ/רֹ֤אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | 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.
צֻרִים֙ tsûwr H6697 "rock" N-mp
A rock or boulder, often used to describe God as a refuge, like in Psalm 18:2.
Definition: 1) rock, cliff 1a) rocky wall, cliff 1b) rock (with flat surface) 1c) block of stone, boulder 1d) rock (specific) 1e) rock (of God) 1f) rock (of heathen gods) n pr dei 1g) Rock Aramaic equivalent: tur (טוּר "mountain" H2906)
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also H1049 (בֵּית צוּר). See also: Exodus 17:6; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 18:3.
אֶרְאֶ֔/נּוּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וּ/מִ/גְּבָע֖וֹת gibʻâh H1389 "Gibeat" Conj | Prep | N-fp
Gibeat refers to a small hill, with the name meaning hill, and is another spelling of Gibeah. It appears in various KJV translations as hill or little hill.
Definition: This name means hill Another spelling of giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeah" H1390H)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: hill, little hill. See also: Genesis 49:26; Isaiah 30:17; Psalms 65:13.
אֲשׁוּרֶ֑/נּוּ shûwr H7789 "to see" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs | Suff
To see or observe something, like a spy watching from a distance, as in the story of Moses sending scouts to Canaan. It can also mean to care for or regard someone, showing concern for their well-being. This word is used in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to see, behold, observe, regard 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to behold, observe 1a2) to regard 1a3) to watch, watch (stealthily), lie in wait
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: behold, lay wait, look, observe, perceive, regard, see. See also: Numbers 23:9; Job 34:29; Jeremiah 5:26.
הֶן hên H2005 "look!" Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
עָם֙ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לְ/בָדָ֣ד bâdâd H910 "isolation" Prep | N-ms
Isolation or separation is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It can describe a place or situation that is alone or desolate. The KJV translates it as alone, desolate, or solitary.
Definition: 1) isolation, withdrawal, separation 1a) an isolated city adv 2) alone 2a) security (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: alone, desolate, only, solitary. See also: Numbers 23:9; Jeremiah 15:17; Psalms 4:9.
יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן shâkan H7931 "to dwell" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to live or stay in a place, like when God dwells among his people. It appears in books like Exodus and Psalms, describing God's presence. It's about making a home or resting place.
Definition: 1) to settle down, abide, dwell, tabernacle, reside 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to settle down to abide 1a2) to abide, dwell, reside 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make settle down, establish 1b2) to make or cause to dwell 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to lay, place, set, establish, settle, fix 1c2) to cause to dwell or abide Aramaic equivalent: she.khan (שְׁכֵן "to dwell" H7932)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: abide, continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-er), have habitation, inhabit, lay, place, (cause to) remain, rest, set (up). See also: Genesis 3:24; Psalms 55:7; Psalms 7:6.
וּ/בַ/גּוֹיִ֖ם gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Conj | Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" 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.
יִתְחַשָּֽׁב châshab H2803 "to devise" V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.

Study Notes — Numbers 23:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Deuteronomy 33:28 So Israel dwells securely; the fountain of Jacob lives untroubled in a land of grain and new wine, where even the heavens drip with dew.
2 Deuteronomy 32:8 When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.
3 Exodus 33:16 For how then can it be known that Your people and I have found favor in Your sight, unless You go with us? How else will we be distinguished from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
4 Ezra 9:2 Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the people of the land. And the leaders and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!”
5 Esther 3:8 Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them.
6 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
7 Titus 2:14 He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
8 Ephesians 2:12–14 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility
9 Amos 9:9 “For surely I will give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is sifted in a sieve; but not a pebble will reach the ground.
10 Jeremiah 46:28 And you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid, declares the LORD, for I am with you. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have banished you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.”

Numbers 23:9 Summary

This verse, Numbers 23:9, tells us that God's people are special and set apart from the rest of the world. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, can see this and recognizes that God has a unique plan for them. As believers, we too are called to be separate from the world, as mentioned in Romans 12:2, and to live according to God's plan for us. By understanding our distinct identity in Christ, we can live out our faith in a way that honors God and reflects our status as His beloved children (1 John 3:1-3).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God's people to dwell apart from the nations?

According to Numbers 23:9, God's people are set apart and do not consider themselves part of the world's nations, reflecting a similar theme found in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, where believers are called to be separate from the world.

Is Balaam's statement about the people of Israel a blessing or a curse?

Balaam's statement in Numbers 23:9 is actually a blessing, as he recognizes the unique status of God's people, and he is unable to curse what God has not cursed, as mentioned in Numbers 23:8.

What is the significance of Balaam's vantage point from the rocky cliffs and hills?

Balaam's perspective from the rocky cliffs and hills in Numbers 23:9 allows him to see the people of Israel from a unique perspective, much like God's perspective, as described in Isaiah 40:22, where God sits above the circle of the earth, seeing all things.

How does this verse relate to the idea of God's sovereignty over His people?

Numbers 23:9 highlights God's sovereignty over His people, demonstrating that He has set them apart and is watching over them, as stated in Psalm 121:4, where God is the keeper of Israel, never slumbering or sleeping.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for me to dwell apart from the world, and how can I live out this calling in my daily life?
  2. In what ways can I, like Balaam, recognize and acknowledge the unique status of God's people, and what impact might this have on my relationships with others?
  3. How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's perspective on my life and the world around me, and what role does faith play in this process?
  4. What are some ways that I can, like the people of Israel, be distinct from the world while still engaging with it, and what biblical principles can guide me in this pursuit?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:9

For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him,.... That is, Israel in their camps; Balaam being at this time on the top of a rock, or on an high hill, from whence he had a

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:9

For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:9

From the top of the rocks, upon which I now stand, I see the people, according to thy desire, , but cannot improve that sight to the end for which thou didst design it, to wit, to curse them. This people are of a distinct kind from others, God’ s peculiar people, separated from all other nations, as in religion and laws, also in Divine protection; and therefore my enchantments cannot have that power against them which they have against other persons and people. See ,26.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:9

Numbers 23:9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.Ver. 9. From the top of the rocks I see him.] And have no power to hurt him. She heard me without daunting; I departed not without terror, when I opened the conspiracy against her life; howbeit, clothed with the best art I could; - said Parry the traitor concerning Queen Elizabeth. Achilles was said to be Styge armatus, but Israel was Deo armatus, and therefore extra iactum. Lo, the people shall dwell alone.] That they might have no meddling with the heathen. God would not have them lie near the sea coasts, for the Philistines lay between them and the sea, lest they should by commerce wax prouder, as Tyre did, and learn foreign fashions. See Esther 3:8. Hence Judea, though part of the continent, is called an "island." Camden’ s Elisab.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:9

(9) For from the top of the rocks I see him . . . —From the summit of the rocky mountain on which Balak had erected his seven altars, Balaam, according to one interpretation (see Numbers 22:41, and Note), had a full view of the outstretched camps of Israel. Lo, the people shall dwell alone . . . —Better, Lo, it is a people that dwelleth alone, and that is not numbered, &c. In the fact that the host of Israel dwelt by itself in a separate encampment, Balaam discerned a type of the essential separation of Israel from the surrounding nations. When Israel adopted the ways of the heathen nations it speedily lost its external independence. Hengstenberg observes upon the last clause of this verse as follows:—“How truly Balaam said that Israel ‘did not reckon itself with the heathen’ appears from the fact that while all the powerful empires of the ancient world—the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, and others—have utterly perished, Israel (which even under the Old Covenant was rescued from so many dangers that threatened its entire destruction, particularly in being brought back from exile) flourishes anew in the Church of the New Covenant, and continues also to exist in that part of it which, though at present rejected, is destined to restoration at a future period.” (History of Balaam, &c., p. 409.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 23:9

Verse 9. From the top of the rocks I see him] That is, from the high places of Baal where he went, Numbers 22:41, that he might the more advantageously see the whole camp of Israel. The people shall dwell alone] They shall ever be preserved as a distinct nation. This prophecy has been literally fulfilled through a period of 3300 years to the present day. This is truly astonishing.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:9

9. And reckoneth not itself among the nations] Israel felt themselves to be completely separate from, and superior to, other nations because they possessed Jehovah’s love and protection.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:9

For from the top of the rocks ... - The “for” indicates the constraint under which Balaam felt himself.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:9

9. From the top of the rocks — From which he thought that he might most effectually curse the people; but the sight of them did so amaze him that he blessed them.

Sermons on Numbers 23:9

SermonDescription
Brian Long (Remnant Meeting 2013) Testimonies by Pam, Brenda, Alan Message by Brian Long In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the journey of the prayer meeting over the past five years. They express the struggle of trying to settle down and take root, only to be upr
Horatius Bonar The Vision From the Rocks. by Horatius Bonar Horatius Bonar reflects on the vision of Israel from the rocks, emphasizing the contrast between the ruggedness of the present world and the glory of the promised land. He describe
George Warnock The General Plan of the Tabernacle by George Warnock George Warnock emphasizes the significance of the Tabernacle as the dwelling place of God among His people, illustrating how it symbolizes a new beginning and a holy nation set apa
Horatius Bonar Rev. 14:3. the Church Dwelling Alone by Horatius Bonar Horatius Bonar emphasizes the Church's unique position in the world, drawing parallels between Israel's separation and the Church's calling to dwell alone. He explains that the Chu
John Nelson Darby The Church in the Wilderness in the Vision of God by John Nelson Darby John Nelson Darby emphasizes the vision of God regarding the church in the wilderness, illustrating that despite Israel's failures, God sees them as a peculiar and beautiful people
T. Austin-Sparks Government by the Holy Spirit by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the significance of the Day of Pentecost, emphasizing the introduction of a new spiritual order by the Holy Spirit, which requires believers to prio
T. Austin-Sparks Abraham's Seed by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformative significance of Pentecost, marking the beginning of a new spiritual era governed by the Holy Spirit. He contrasts the spiritual life
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