Numbers 24:23
Numbers 24:23 in Multiple Translations
Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it?
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this?
Then he went on with his story and said, But who may keep his life when God does this?
Then Balaam gave another declaration, saying, “It's a tragedy! Who can survive when God does this?
Againe he vttered his parable, and sayd, Alas, who shall liue when God doeth this?
And he taketh up his simile, and saith: 'Alas! who doth live when God doth this?
He took up his parable, and said, “Alas, who shall live when God does this?
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!
And taking up his parable, again he said: Alas, who shall live when God shall do these things?
Balaam ended his prophecies by saying, “Also, ◄who can <survive/escape> when God does all these things?/no one will be able to <survive/escape> when God does all these things!► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:23
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 24:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֥א
מְשָׁל֖/וֹ
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
א֕וֹי
מִ֥י
יִחְיֶ֖ה
מִ/שֻּׂמ֥/וֹ
אֵֽל
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
א֕וֹי
ʼôwy
H188
woe!
Part
מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יִחְיֶ֖ה
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מִ/שֻּׂמ֥/וֹ
sûwm
H7760
to set
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֵֽל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
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 24:23
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.
א֕וֹי
ʼôwy
H188
"woe!"
Part
This word is an expression of sorrow or grief, like a cry of 'Oh no!' or 'Alas!' It's used in Isaiah and Jeremiah to lament the fate of God's people. The prophets use it to express deep emotional pain.
Definition: 1) woe! alas! oh! 1a) passionate cry of grief or despair
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: alas, woe. See also: Numbers 21:29; Jeremiah 6:4; Proverbs 23:29.
מִ֥י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יִחְיֶ֖ה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
מִ/שֻּׂמ֥/וֹ
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
אֵֽל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 24:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:23
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:23
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:23
- Sermons on Numbers 24:23
Context — Balaam’s Final Three Oracles
21Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff.
22Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.”
23Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it?
24Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.” 25Then Balaam arose and returned to his homeland, and Balak also went on his way.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 23:23 | For there is no spell against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What great things God has done!’ |
| 2 | Malachi 3:2 | But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 5:1 | Now Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in his master’s sight and highly regarded, for through him the LORD had given victory to Aram. And he was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. |
Numbers 24:23 Summary
This verse means that God is in control of everything, including who lives or dies. Balaam is saying that without God's permission, nothing can happen (as seen in Psalm 115:3, where it says God does whatever He pleases). This is a reminder that our lives are not our own, but are in God's hands (Psalm 31:15), and we can trust in His goodness and love for us. By acknowledging God's sovereignty, we can find peace and comfort in His plan and purpose for our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God has ordained something?
This refers to God's sovereign plan and purpose, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where He declares His plans to prosper us, not to harm us.
Is Balaam saying that only God can decide who lives or dies?
Yes, Balaam is acknowledging God's absolute authority over life and death, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:39, where God says, 'I put to death and I bring to life'
How does this verse relate to the concept of free will?
This verse highlights the tension between human free will and God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 11:33-36, where Paul praises God's wisdom and sovereignty over all things
What is the significance of Balaam's oracle in this context?
Balaam's oracle serves as a reminder of God's power and control over the nations, as seen in Isaiah 40:15-17, where God compares the nations to a drop in a bucket
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to acknowledge God's sovereignty and ordination?
- How can I trust in God's plan and purpose for my life, even when I don't understand what's happening?
- What are some ways I can surrender my will to God's will, and acknowledge His authority over my life?
- How can I use this verse to encourage others who are struggling with the concept of God's sovereignty?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:23
And he took up his parable, and said,.... Or delivered another prophecy, having made some little pause: alas, who shall live when God doeth this?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:23
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this! And he took up his parable, and said. [The Septuagint introduces this by: Kai idoon ton Oog , 'and when he looked on Og.'] Alas!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:23
How calamitous and miserable will the state of the world be, when the Assyrian, and after him the Chaldean, shall overrun and overturn all these parts of the world! who will be able to live and keep his heart from fainting under such grievous pressures? how few will then escape the destroying sword!
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:23
Numbers 24:23 And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!Ver. 23. Who shall live when, &c.] The Assyrian, that rod of God’ s wrath, that overflowing scourge, shall take all afore him, shall bereave millions of their lives, as Caesar is said to have done; and of Mohammed, the first Emperor of the Turks, it is storied that he had been in his time the death of eight hundred thousand men Turk. Hist.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:23
(23) When God doeth this.—These words may be rendered, since (or, from the time that) God sets (or, determines) it (or, this)—quando faciet ista Deus (Vulgate); or, because God determines it (or, this).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:23
Verse 23. Who shall live when God doeth this!] There are two senses in which these words may be taken: - 1. That the event is so distant that none then alive could possibly live to see it. 2. That the times would be so distressing and desolating that scarcely any should be able to escape. The words are very similar to those of our Lord, and probably are to be taken in the same sense: "Wo to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days."
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:23
23, 24. Balaam’s last prophetic message. This is the most obscure of all the poems. The translation is uncertain, and no historical event is known to which the words can refer. Kittim, derived from Kitti a town in Cyprus, was a name used for Greece; cf. Genesis 10:4 (where Kittim is reckoned as a son of Javan, i.e. Greece), 1Ma 1:1; 1Ma 8:5; it was also used sometimes for the Western maritime powers generally; cf. Jeremiah 2:10, Ezekiel 27:6. In Daniel 11:30 it is even referred to the Romans; cf. Vulg. ‘Italia’ in the present passage.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:23
When God doeth this - The eventual carrying away of the allies of Israel by Assyria presented itself to Balaam as the ruin of all peace and safety upon earth.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:23
THE FOURTH , Numbers 24:15-24.In these prophecies there is a gradual unfolding of the divine purposes respecting Israel and his foes. In the first, there is a denial of any ability to curse those blessed of Jehovah.
Sermons on Numbers 24:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Numbers 21-28 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker uses a football game as an analogy to explain how God sees our lives. He emphasizes that God's purposes remain steadfast and sure, even though it may ap |
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Jude: Last Days - Balaam 2 by Martin Geehan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the love of Christ to be present in the world. He believes that until people have Christ's love in their hearts towards one ano |
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(History of the Salvation Army) Sweeping Through the Land by H. Scotney | The video discusses the early efforts of the Salvation Army in using film and visual education for evangelism. It mentions the production of a full-length feature film in Paris, wh |
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Is Muhammad a True Prophet of God? by Sam Shamoun | Sam Shamoun presents six propositions that challenge the belief in Muhammad as a true prophet of God, urging Muslims to reflect on these claims. He argues that Muhammad's teachings |
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God Routs Fear by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that no enchantment or divination can harm God's people, as those blessed by God cannot be cursed by any evil force. He reassures believers that despite th |
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On Laying the Foundation of the New Chapel by John Wesley | John Wesley preaches on the laying of the foundation for the new chapel, reflecting on the extraordinary works of God in England and the revival of true religion. He emphasizes the |
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Strange Incense by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seventh seal in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and having a strong prayer life in |