Numbers 24:11
Numbers 24:11 in Multiple Translations
Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would richly reward you, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”
Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.
Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honor; but, lo, Jehovah hath kept thee back from honor.
Go back quickly to the place you came from: it was my purpose to give you a place of honour, but now the Lord has kept you back from honour.
Leave right now! Go home! I promised to pay you well, but the Lord has made sure you wouldn't receive any payment.”
Therefore nowe flee vnto thy place: I thought surely to promote thee vnto honour, but loe, the Lord hath kept thee backe from honour.
and now, flee for thyself unto thy place; I have said, I do greatly honour thee, and lo, Jehovah hath kept thee back from honour.'
Therefore, flee to your place, now! I thought to promote you to great honor; but, behold, the LORD has kept you back from honor.”
Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee to great honor; but lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honor.
Return to thy place. I had determined indeed greatly to honour thee, but the Lord hath deprived thee of the honour designed for thee.
So now, get out of here! Go back home! I said that I would pay you a lot of money if you cursed them, but Yahweh has prevented you from getting any pay!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:11
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 24:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֖ה
בְּרַח
לְ/ךָ֣
אֶל
מְקוֹמֶ֑/ךָ
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙
כַּבֵּ֣ד
אֲכַבֶּדְ/ךָ֔
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
מְנָעֲ/ךָ֥
יְהוָ֖ה
מִ/כָּבֽוֹד
וְ/עַתָּ֖ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
בְּרַח
bârach
H1272
to flee
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְ/ךָ֣
Prep | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מְקוֹמֶ֑/ךָ
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms | Suff
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כַּבֵּ֣ד
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Piel-Ptc
אֲכַבֶּדְ/ךָ֔
kâbad
H3513
to honor
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
מְנָעֲ/ךָ֥
mânaʻ
H4513
to withhold
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ/כָּבֽוֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 24:11
וְ/עַתָּ֖ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
בְּרַח
bârach
H1272
"to flee"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.
לְ/ךָ֣
""
Prep | Suff
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.
מְקוֹמֶ֑/ךָ
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms | Suff
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
אָמַ֨רְתִּי֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
כַּבֵּ֣ד
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Piel-Ptc
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
אֲכַבֶּדְ/ךָ֔
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
וְ/הִנֵּ֛ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | 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.
מְנָעֲ/ךָ֥
mânaʻ
H4513
"to withhold"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To withhold means to hold something back or keep it from someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe God withholding something from people, or people withholding things from each other.
Definition: 1) to withhold, hold back, keep back, refrain, deny, keep restrain, hinder 1a) (Qal) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold. See also: Genesis 30:2; Proverbs 1:15; Psalms 21:3.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ/כָּבֽוֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
Prep | N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 24:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:11
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:11
- Sermons on Numbers 24:11
Context — Balak Dismisses Balaam
9He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”
10Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.
11Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”
12Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me 13that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I must speak whatever the LORD says.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 22:17 | for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!’” |
| 2 | Numbers 22:37 | And he said to Balaam, “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to richly reward you?” |
| 3 | Hebrews 11:24–26 | By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. |
| 4 | Philippians 3:8 | More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ |
| 5 | 2 John 1:8 | Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded. |
| 6 | 1 Peter 5:2–3 | Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. |
| 7 | Matthew 19:28–30 | Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. |
| 8 | Acts 8:20 | But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! |
Numbers 24:11 Summary
In this verse, Balak is angry with Balaam because he blessed Balak's enemies instead of cursing them, and he tells Balaam to leave. But Balaam had already said that he could only speak what the LORD commanded him to say, and he trusted in the LORD's plan and provision. This reminds us that our reward comes from the LORD, and not from earthly sources, as seen in Matthew 6:19-21. We can trust in the LORD's sovereignty and provision, and stand firm in our commitment to obeying Him, even when faced with opposition or disappointment, just like the apostle Paul did in Acts 20:24.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balak tell Balaam to flee at once to his home?
Balak told Balaam to flee because he was angry that Balaam had blessed his enemies instead of cursing them, as he had been hired to do, and he realized that the LORD had denied Balaam's reward, as seen in Numbers 24:11 and Numbers 24:10.
What had Balak promised Balaam as a reward for cursing his enemies?
The Bible does not specify exactly what Balak promised Balaam, but it is implied that it was a rich reward, as Balak said he would 'richly reward' Balaam in Numbers 24:11, similar to how the LORD blesses those who obey Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
Why did the LORD deny Balaam's reward?
The LORD denied Balaam's reward because Balaam was trying to curse God's people, and the LORD was determined to bless them instead, as seen in Numbers 24:9, and as He had previously promised to bless those who bless Abraham's descendants, in Genesis 12:3.
How did Balaam respond to Balak's anger and command to flee?
Balaam stood firm and reminded Balak that he had already told him that he could only speak what the LORD commanded him to say, as seen in Numbers 24:12-13, and that he could not be swayed by promises of wealth or reward, similar to how the apostle Peter refused to be swayed by worldly gain, in Acts 3:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to take matters into my own hands, rather than trusting in the LORD's plan and provision, like Balak did in this verse?
- How can I, like Balaam, stand firm in my commitment to obeying the LORD, even when faced with opposition or disappointment, and trust in His promise to bless those who obey Him, as seen in Jeremiah 32:40?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in the LORD's sovereignty and provision, rather than relying on my own strength or resources, and remember that the LORD is my rock and my salvation, as seen in Psalm 18:2?
- How can I, like Balaam, remember that my reward comes from the LORD, and not from earthly sources, and trust in His promise to reward those who diligently seek Him, as seen in Hebrews 11:6?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:11
Therefore now flee thou to thy place,.... His own country, from whence Balak had sent for him, and he came; begone directly, make all haste away; he speaks as one so provoked, that he could not bear
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:11
Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour. Therefore now flee thou to thy place - (see the note at Numbers 22:5).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:11
Flee thou to thy place, whence I sent for thee, . The Lord, whose commands thou hast preferred before my desires and interest; and therefore seek thy recompence from him, and not from me.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:11
(11) The Lord hath kept thee back from honour.—These words may have been spoken ironically, or Balak may have been convinced of the supernatural influence under which the words of Balaam were uttered. (See Numbers 23:27, and Note.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:11
Verse 11. Lo, the Lord hath kept thee back from honour.] A bitter and impious sarcasm. "Hadst thou cursed this people, I would have promoted thee to great honour; but thou hast chosen to follow the directions of Jehovah rather than mine, and what will he do for thee?"
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:11
10–14. Balak, in anger, bade Balaam flee back to his land. Balaam replied, as before, that he was bound to utter the message which Jehovah gave him, and, instead of departing at once, uttered four further declarations.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:11
11. Now flee — Away with you immediately! Here is no threat, but rather disgust. Balaam did not obey. Numbers 31:8. The Lord hath kept thee back — A piece of stinging irony, scoffing at Balaam’s trust in Jehovah.
Sermons on Numbers 24:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Hebrews - Part 37): Faith Is a Pertubing Thing by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a moral rebound. He talks about his own past of indulging in drinking and reckless behavior, even on Christmas Eve. Howev |
|
Decision Indecision - Moses by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wholehearted commitment to God. He states that partial faithfulness is not acceptable to God, using the example of faithfu |
|
Daughters of Sarah by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a characteristic situation where God's people are focused on worldly matters instead of the needs of the world. He warns that grie |
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The Man God Tore Apart - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the pastor discusses the troubled state of the world and predicts that it will become even more troubled in the next 10 years. He emphasizes that there are three ty |
|
(Genesis) - Part 27 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph from the Bible. He highlights Joseph's attitude of not dwelling on the evil done to him by his brothers and Potiphar's wi |
|
Hebrews: Availability of Christ by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, Stephen Kong discusses the urgent and definite message found in the book of Hebrews. He emphasizes that we are living in a time of great shaking, both physically an |
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Seek Only God's Approval Part One by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker challenges the audience to give up their money and pursue a deeper relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of knowing God intimately and enc |