Numbers 24:8
Numbers 24:8 in Multiple Translations
God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows.
God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
God bringeth him forth out of Egypt; He hath as it were the strength of the wild-ox: He shall eat up the nations his adversaries, And shall break their bones in pieces, And smite them through with his arrows.
It is God who has taken him out of Egypt; his horns are like those of the mountain ox; the nations warring against him will be his food, their bones will be broken, they will be wounded with his arrows.
God led them out of Egypt with great power, as strong as an ox, destroying enemy nations, breaking their bones, piercing them with arrows.
God brought him out of Egypt: his strength shalbe as an vnicorne: he shall eate the nations his enemies, and bruise their bones, and shoote them through with his arrowes.
God is bringing him out of Egypt; As the swiftness of a Reem is to him, He eateth up nations his adversaries, And their bones he breaketh, And [with] his arrows he smiteth,
God brings him out of Egypt. He has as it were the strength of the wild ox. He shall consume the nations his adversaries, shall break their bones in pieces, and pierce them with his arrows.
God brought him forth from Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of a unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
God hath brought him out of Egypt, whose strength is like to the rhinoceros. They shall devour the nations that are his enemies, and break their bones, and pierce them with arrows.
God brought the Israelis out of Egypt, leading them along with his great power [MTY] like a wild ox has. He devastates all the nations that oppose him; he breaks all those people’s bones into pieces, and shoots them with his arrows.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:8
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 24:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֵ֚ל
מוֹצִיא֣/וֹ
מִ/מִּצְרַ֔יִם
כְּ/תוֹעֲפֹ֥ת
רְאֵ֖ם
ל֑/וֹ
יֹאכַ֞ל
גּוֹיִ֣ם
צָרָ֗י/ו
וְ/עַצְמֹתֵי/הֶ֛ם
יְגָרֵ֖ם
וְ/חִצָּ֥י/ו
יִמְחָֽץ
אֵ֚ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
מוֹצִיא֣/וֹ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Hiphil | Suff
מִ/מִּצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
כְּ/תוֹעֲפֹ֥ת
tôwʻâphâh
H8443
peak
Prep | N-fp
רְאֵ֖ם
rᵉʼêm
H7214
wild ox
N-ms
ל֑/וֹ
Prep | Suff
יֹאכַ֞ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
גּוֹיִ֣ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
צָרָ֗י/ו
tsar
H6862
narrow
N-mp | Suff
וְ/עַצְמֹתֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
Conj | N-fp | Suff
יְגָרֵ֖ם
gâram
H1633
to reserve
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
וְ/חִצָּ֥י/ו
chêts
H2671
arrow
Conj | N-mp | Suff
יִמְחָֽץ
mâchats
H4272
to wound
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 24:8
אֵ֚ל
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.
מוֹצִיא֣/וֹ
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Hiphil | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מִ/מִּצְרַ֔יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Prep | N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
כְּ/תוֹעֲפֹ֥ת
tôwʻâphâh
H8443
"peak"
Prep | N-fp
The Hebrew word for peak refers to a lofty summit or eminence, and can also imply weariness or toil, as in obtaining treasure or achieving great strength.
Definition: 1) eminence, lofty horns, summit 1a) eminence (of towering horns, peaks, silver)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: plenty, strength. See also: Numbers 23:22; Job 22:25; Psalms 95:4.
רְאֵ֖ם
rᵉʼêm
H7214
"wild ox"
N-ms
The wild ox, or aurochs, was a large and powerful animal that is now extinct. The Bible describes it as a unicorn, although the exact meaning is not known, and it is mentioned in various passages as a symbol of strength.
Definition: probably the great aurochs or wild bulls which are now extinct. The exact meaning is not known.
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: unicorn. See also: Numbers 23:22; Job 39:10; Psalms 22:22.
ל֑/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
יֹאכַ֞ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
גּוֹיִ֣ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
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.
צָרָ֗י/ו
tsar
H6862
"narrow"
N-mp | Suff
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
וְ/עַצְמֹתֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
יְגָרֵ֖ם
gâram
H1633
"to reserve"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to break bones, often in the sense of gnawing or crunching them. It is a vivid and intense image used in some biblical passages.
Definition: 1) to cut off, reserve, lay aside, leave, save 1a) (Qal) to reserve
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: gnaw the bones, break. See also: Numbers 24:8; Ezekiel 23:34; Zephaniah 3:3.
וְ/חִצָּ֥י/ו
chêts
H2671
"arrow"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
יִמְחָֽץ
mâchats
H4272
"to wound"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to severely wound or shatter something, like in Psalm 38:5 where David describes his emotional pain. It implies a violent or forceful action, causing harm or destruction. In the Bible, it is often used to describe physical harm.
Definition: 1) to smite through, shatter, wound severely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shatter 1a2) shattering (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: dip, pierce (through), smite (through), strike through, wound. See also: Numbers 24:8; Job 26:12; Psalms 18:39.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 24:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:8
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:8
- Sermons on Numbers 24:8
Context — Balaam’s Third Oracle
6They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters.
7Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.
8God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 45:5 | Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet. |
| 2 | Psalms 2:9 | You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery. ” |
| 3 | Numbers 14:9 | Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!” |
| 4 | Jeremiah 50:17 | Israel is a scattered flock, chased away by lions. The first to devour him was the king of Assyria; the last to crush his bones was Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.” |
| 5 | Numbers 23:24 | Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain.” |
| 6 | Numbers 23:22 | God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 50:9 | For behold, I stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the land of the north. They will line up against her; from the north she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed. |
| 8 | Isaiah 38:13 | I composed myself until the morning. Like a lion He breaks all my bones; from day until night You make an end of me. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 32:23 | I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows against them. |
| 10 | Numbers 21:5 | and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!” |
Numbers 24:8 Summary
This verse is talking about how God brought the Israelites out of Egypt with great strength, like a powerful wild ox, and how He will help them defeat their enemies. It's a reminder that God is strong and powerful, and He will help us overcome any challenges we face, just like He did for the Israelites. As it says in Psalm 23:4, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me', and in Deuteronomy 31:6, 'Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you'
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'strength like a wild ox' mean in Numbers 24:8?
This phrase is a metaphor that describes the powerful strength God gave to the Israelites when He brought them out of Egypt, much like the strong and fierce nature of a wild ox, as seen in Psalm 92:10 where it says 'You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox'
Who are the 'hostile nations' mentioned in Numbers 24:8?
The hostile nations refer to the enemies of the Israelites, such as the Moabites and other neighboring countries, who opposed God's people, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 7:1-2 where it talks about the nations that God will drive out before them
What does it mean to 'crush their bones' and 'pierce them with arrows'?
These phrases are figurative expressions of God's judgment and victory over the enemies of His people, much like in Psalm 38:2 where it says 'Your hand has come down upon me'
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger prophecy about the Messiah and God's plan to bless and protect His people, as seen in Genesis 12:3 where God says 'I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has shown His strength and power in my life, and how can I trust Him to continue to do so?
- How can I apply the principle of God's protection and blessing to my relationships with others, and what does it mean to 'bless' or 'curse' someone?
- What are some 'hostile nations' or challenges in my life that I need to trust God to help me overcome, and how can I seek His strength and guidance?
- In what ways can I be a blessing to others, and how can I partner with God to bring His love and light to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:8
God brought him forth out of Egypt, he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn,.... Here he repeats what he had said in a former prophecy, [See comments on Numbers 23:22]: he shall eat up the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:8
God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:8
Shall break their bones, or, unbone, or, take out, i.e. shall eat the flesh to the very bones, and then break them also.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:8
Numbers 24:8 God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce [them] through with his arrows.Ver. 8. God brought him forth out of Egypt.] This he tells Balak, in answer to that complaint of his. Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, q.d., Come they are indeed, but not of themselves, but by God, who said, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:8
(8) God brought him forth out of Egypt.—(Comp. Numbers 23:22, and Note.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:8
Verse 8. God brought him forth out of Egypt] They were neither expelled thence, nor came voluntarily away. God alone, with a high hand and uplifted arm, brought them forth. Concerning the unicorn, See Clarke on Numbers 23:22.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:8
8. The first two lines are identical (with the exception of ‘him’ for ‘them’) with Numbers 23:22 ; and in both traditions the words follow a reference to Israel’s king, and precede the metaphor of the lion and lioness. And smite them through with his arrows] lit. ‘and (as for) his arrows he shall smite.’ ‘His arrows’ (ηִ ?φָּ ?ιε) should perhaps be either ‘his oppressors’ (μδֲ ?φָ ?ιε) or ‘his loins’ (ηֲ ?μָ ?φָ ?ιε). For the latter cf. Deuteronomy 33:11.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:8
8. Unicorn — This comparison is only an amplification of that in chap. xxiii, 22. See note. Eat up the nations — Destroy them. As an illustration take the seven nations of Canaan. Numbers 14:9; Deuteronomy 7:1.
Sermons on Numbers 24:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Healing Broken Hearts by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of Jesus to set people free from the bondage of sin. He highlights that sin often starts with a curious thought and can lead to de |
|
Psalm 45 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the beauty and majesty of Christ as the spiritual Bridegroom, emphasizing the believer's fervent commendation of Jesus and the eloquence in expressing due pra |
|
Be an Overcomer (Part 4) by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of continuous growth in the Christian faith. He highlights the tendency of some Christians to reach a certain point in their sp |
|
The Sickness, Death and Resurrection of Lazarus 1 of 4 (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Galilee. He emphasizes the importance of faith and how it is tested in times of trials. Th |
|
Message From Pslam 2 by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's actions are sovereign and cannot be changed by human advice. He highlights the grand fact that God has set his king on the holy h |
|
A Rod of Iron by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the triumphant ascension of Christ, illustrating how He has defeated the powers of darkness and now rules with a 'rod of iron.' He explains that Satan an |
|
Looking at God by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of 'lofty things' as described in the Bible, referring to proud obstacles or arrogant thoughts that exalt themselves against the knowledge of G |