Numbers 22:40 — Word Study
WLCוַיִּזְבַּ֥ח בָּלָ֖ק בָּקָ֣ר וָצֹ֑אן וַיְשַׁלַּ֣ח לְבִלְעָ֔ם וְלַשָּׂרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתּֽוֹ׃
BSABalakBâlâq [a king of Moab] sacrificedzâbach▸ [offered as a religious sacrifice, slaughtered] cattlebâqâr [domesticated oxen or livestock] and sheeptsôʼn [a flock of sheep or goats] and he gave [portions]shâlach▸ [sent, offered, parts of the meat] to BalaamBilʻâm [a prophet from Mesopotamia] and the princessar [rulers, leaders] whoʼăsher were with himʼêth [near, accompanying]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיִּזְבַּ֥ח | and he sacrificed | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| בָּלָ֖ק | Balak | Noun proper masculine |
| בָּקָ֣ר | cattle | Noun common, both singular absolute |
| וָצֹ֑אן | and sheep | Conjunction, noun common both singular absolute |
| וַיְשַׁלַּ֣ח | and he sent | Verb, Piel, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לְבִלְעָ֔ם | to Balaam | Preposition, noun proper masculine |
| וְלַשָּׂרִ֖ים | and to the leaders | Conjunction, preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| אֲשֶׁ֥ר | who | Particle |
| אִתּֽוֹ׃ | [were] with him | Preposition, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him. |
| KJV | And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him. |
| ASV | And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him. |
| YLT | and Balak sacrificeth oxen and sheep, and sendeth to Balaam, and to the princes who [are] with him; |
| WEB | Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes who were with him. |
| BBE | And Balak made offerings of oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam and the chiefs who were with him. |
Where they part company is in the translation of וַיְשַׁלַּ֣ח — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured around a main action with additional details about the recipients of the portions.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
subjectבָּלָק
verbזָבַח
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Numbers 22:40
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Balak's Sacrificegenerated
Numbers 22:40 describes Balak, the king of Moab, as he sacrifices cattle and sheep. This act is part of his attempt to gain favor with Balaam, a prophet he hired to curse the Israelites. The context shows the tension between Israel and Moab, highlighting Balak's desperation to undermine Israel's strength.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 23:2–14 | So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar. |
| 2 | Genesis 31:54 | Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain. |
| 3 | Proverbs 1:16 | For their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed blood. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — זָבַח, vai.yiz.Bachgenerated
The Hebrew word זָבַח (zavach) is a primitive root meaning to slaughter, particularly in the context of sacrifice. It encompasses various forms of slaughter, including for eating and divine judgment, and is used in both the Qal and Piel stems. The term is significant in sacrificial practices, indicating the seriousness of Balak's actions.
In this verse, Balak's sacrifice of cattle and sheep illustrates his attempt to appease the divine and secure Balaam's blessing against Israel. The act of sacrificing is not merely ritualistic but is deeply tied to the cultural and religious practices of the time.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the word sacrificed for זָבַח.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb יִּזְבַּ֥ח (yizbach), and he sacrificed, governs the structure of the verse, with several phrases providing details about the actions taken. The sequence of actions is clear: first, the sacrifice is made, followed by the sending of portions.
The order of the Hebrew words emphasizes Balak's actions, placing the verb at the forefront. This structure highlights the importance of the sacrificial act in the narrative.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates זָבַח as ἔθυσεν (ethyusen), meaning 'he offered a sacrifice.' This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, emphasizing the ritual aspect of the action.
The Greek term used suggests a formal offering, reinforcing the significance of Balak's actions as a religious endeavor rather than a mere act of slaughter.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Numbers 22:40 tells us that Balak, the king of Moab, sacrificed cattle and sheep. He gave portions of these sacrifices to Balaam, the prophet, and to the leaders who were with him. This act was part of Balak's plan to seek Balaam's help in cursing the Israelites.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Balak sacrificed to seek favor from Balaam and to gain a blessing against the Israelites, reflecting the importance of sacrifices in ancient Near Eastern culture.
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia known for his ability to bless or curse, and he was hired by Balak to curse the Israelites.
The cattle and sheep represent offerings to God, indicating Balak's attempt to use religious means to achieve his goals against Israel.
This verse connects to the larger narrative of Israel's journey and the opposition they faced from neighboring nations, illustrating the lengths to which Balak would go to undermine them.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What can we learn about the significance of sacrifices in our own lives?
- How do we approach God when seeking guidance or help, similar to how Balak approached Balaam?
- What does this passage teach us about the relationship between power and faith?
- In what ways can we recognize and resist attempts to undermine our faith, as seen in Balak's actions?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Numbers 22:40 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd Balak offered oxen and sheep,.... Or "slew" (w) them, either for sacrifice; and if so Balak was the sacrificer, as it was common for kings to be priests; and then Balaam, who was sent for, was
Read John Gill on Numbers 22 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him. Balak offered oxen and sheep - made preparations for a grand entertainment to Balaam and the princes of Midian.
Read Robert Jamieson on Numbers 22 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleOr, killed, either for sacrifice, or rather for a feast; for the sacrifices were offered after this, ,2. Sent to Balaam, to invite him to the feast. The king had left the princes to accompany him and attend upon him.
Read Matthew Poole on Numbers 22 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(40) And Balak offered . . . —Better, and Balak slew (or, slaughtered in sacrifice), &c. The word rendered offered does not necessarily denote anything more than to slay. It is very commonly used, however, to denote slaying in sacrifice; and it is most probable that Balak made a sacrificial feast, and sent portions of the flesh to Balaam and the princes who were with him. Kings not unfrequently acted as priests of old, as, e.g., Melchizedek. (Comp. Rex Anius, rex idem hominum Phoebique sacerdos, Aen. 3:80.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Numbers 22 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 40. And Balak offered oxen, &c.] This was to gain the favour of his gods, and perhaps to propitiate Jehovah, that the end for which he had sent for Balaam might be accomplished.
Read AdamClarke on Numbers 22 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges40. and sent to Balaam &c.] When the animals had been slaughtered for sacrifice, Balak caused portions of the flesh to be brought to Balaam and the Moabite princes who had accompanied him. Cf. 1 Samuel 9:23 f.
Read Cambridge on Numbers 22 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible40. Balak offered oxen and sheep — These clean animals indicate that the king offered a propitiatory sacrifice to Jehovah, the God of Balaam, for the favourable issue of their undertaking.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Numbers 22 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him.
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes who were with him.
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he gave portions to Balaam and the princes who were with him.
And Balak sacrificed bulls and sheep, and sent some to Balaam, and to the princes who were with him.
Tyndale line
And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
And Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
Then Balak offred bullockes, and sheepe, and sent thereof to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
Strictly literal
And Balak offered oxen and small cattle, and sent to Balaam and to the princes that were with him.
and Balak sacrificeth oxen and sheep, and sendeth to Balaam, and to the princes who [are] with him;
and Balak sacrifices oxen and sheep, and sends [some] to Balaam and to the princes who [are] with him;
And Balak slew oxen and sheep, and sent to Bil'am and to the princes that were with him.
Then Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep and gave some meat to Balaam and the leaders who were with him.
From the Latin
And when Balac had killed oxen and sheep, he sent presents to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
Simplified
Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and he shared the meat with Balaam and the leaders who were with him.
And Balak made offerings of oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam and the chiefs who were with him.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text states that Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep and sent portions to Balaam and the princes with him. The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in meaning, though its word order and articles differ due to translation choices. The Samaritan Pentateuch also aligns perfectly with the Masoretic Text, word for word. The Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q27) include fragments that match the Masoretic Text but require editorial restoration for completeness, confirming the same essential content.
וַיִּזְבַּ֥ח בָּלָ֖ק בָּקָ֣ר וָצֹ֑אן וַיְשַׁלַּ֣ח לְבִלְעָ֔ם וְלַשָּׂרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתּֽוֹ׃
9 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ויזבח בלק בקר וצאן וישׁלח לבלעם ולשׂרים אשׁר אתו
Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.
[ויזבח] [בלק] [בקר] [וצואן] [וישלח] [לבלעם] [ולשרים] [אשר] [את׳ו]
nothing on the leather here — 9 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Numbers 22:40
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word זָבַח (zavach) is a primitive root meaning to slaughter, particularly in the context of sacrifice. It encompasses various forms of slaughter, including for eating and divine judgment, and is used in both the Qal and Piel stems. The entries highlight its significance in sacrificial practices, but do not present any notable disagreements among lexicons.
זָבַח 134 vb. slaughter for sacrifice
Qal 112
slaughter for sacrifice
slaughter for eating
slaughter for divine judgment
Pi. 22 sacrifice
base
H2076 זָבַח slaughter for sacrifice .. slaughter for sacrifice
. slaughter for eating
. slaughter for divine judgment
. sacrifice
2076 zabach zaw-bakh'
a primitive root; to slaughter an animal (usually in
sacrifice):--kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay.
זָבַח (za.vach) — to sacrifice.
1) to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to slaughter for sacrifice
1a2) to slaughter for eating
1a3) to slaughter in divine judgment
1b) (Piel) to sacrifice, offer sacrifice
Aramaic equivalent: de.vach (דְּבַח "to sacrifice" H1684)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
בָּלָק (Balaq) refers to Balak, a Moabite king known for hiring Balaam to curse Israel. The name is derived from a root meaning 'waster' or 'devastator.' He is first mentioned in Numbers 22:2, and his lineage is noted as the son of Zippor.
בָּלָק n.pr.m. (devastator) king of Moab
base
H1111 בָּלָק
1111 Balaq baw-lawk'
from 1110; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king:--Balak.
see HEBREW for 01110
בָּלָק (ba.laq) — Balak.
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
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
Balak
Empty; spoiler, a son of Zippor, and king of the Moabites (Num. 22:2, 4). From fear of the Israelites, who were encamped near the confines of his territory, he applied to Balaam (q.v.) to curse them; but in vain (Josh. 24:9).
(spoiler), son of Zippor, king of the Moabites, who hired Balaam to curse the Israelites; but his designs were frustrated int he manner recorded in (Numbers 22:24) (B.C. 1451.)
King of Moab, when the Israelites were drawing near the promised land. He was filled with terror lest they should attack and destroy him, as they had Sihon and Og, and implored the soothsayer Balaam to come and curse them. His fears and his devices were both in vain, De 2:9. See BALAAM. He found he had nothing to fear from Israel if at peace with them, and nothing to hope if at war with them.
בָּקַר (baqar) refers to cattle, specifically oxen and herds, and can denote individual animals or a collective group. It is derived from a root meaning related to cattle and encompasses various forms such as beef cattle and oxen used for plowing. The term appears in contexts discussing livestock in the Old Testament.
בָּקַר 182 n.m. cattle, herd, ox
base
H1241 בָּקַר cattle, herd, ox
1241 baqar baw-kawr'
from 1239; beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of
either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd:--
beeve, bull (+ -ock), + calf, + cow, great (cattle), + heifer,
herd, kine, ox.
see HEBREW for 01239
בָּקָר (ba.qar) — cattle.
1) cattle, herd, oxen, ox
1a) cattle (generic pl. but sing. in form-coll)
1b) herd (particular one)
1c) head of cattle (individually)
N-cs — Noun common · both singular absoluteHNcbsa
kat'-'-l (behemah, "a dumb beast"; miqneh, "a possession" from qanah, "to acquire" (compare Arabic qana', "to acquire," and Greek kienos, "beast," and plural ktenea, "flocks," from ktaomai, "to acquire," flocks being both with the Homeric peoples and with the patriarchs an important form of property; compare English "fee"); tso'n "small cattle," "sheep" or goats (compare Arabic da'n, "sheep"); seh, a single sheep or goat (compare Arabic shah); mela'khah, "property," from la'akh, "to minister" (compare Arabic malakah and mulk, "property," from malak, "to possess"); meri' "fatling" (1Ki 19); thremma (Joh 4:12), "cattle," i.e. "that which is nourished," from trepho, "to nourish"; baqar, "kine," "oxen" (compare Arabic baqar, "cattle"); shor, tor (Da 4:25), tauros (
Cattle
Abounded in the Holy Land. To the rearing and management of them the inhabitants chiefly devoted themselves (Deut. 8:13; 12:21; 1 Sam. 11:5; 12:3; Ps. 144:14; Jer. 3:24). They may be classified as,
(1.) Neat cattle. Many hundreds of these were yearly consumed in sacrifices or used for food. The finest herds were found in Bashan, beyond Jordan (Num. 32:4). Large herds also pastured on the wide fertile plains of Sharon. They were yoked to the plough (1 Kings 19:19), and were employed for carrying burdens (1 Chr.…
[BULL, BULLOCK].
צֹאן (tso'n) refers to small cattle, specifically sheep and goats, and is used to denote a flock or flocks. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a multitude. The term appears in contexts such as Psalm 144:13, where it emphasizes the collective nature of these animals.
צֹאן 273 n.coll.f. small cattle, sheep and goats, flock, flocks
base
H6629 צֹאן small cattle, sheep and goats, flock, flocks
6629 tso'n tsone
or tsaown (Psalm 144:13) {tseh-one'}; from an unused root
meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock (of sheep or
goats); also figuratively (of men):--(small) cattle, flock
(+ -s), lamb (+ -s), sheep((-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds)).
צֹאן (tson) — flock.
1) small cattle, sheep, sheep and goats, flock, flocks
1a) small cattle (usually of sheep and goats)
1b) of multitude (simile)
1c) of multitude (metaphor)
צֹאן (tson) — Sheep (Gate).
This name means sheep and goats
Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Conj | N-cs — Conjunction · noun common both singular absoluteHC/Ncbsa
shep:
1. Names:
The usual Hebrew word is tso'n, which is often translated "flock," e.g. "Abel .... brought of the firstlings of his flock" (Ge 4:4); "butter of the herd, and milk of the flock" (De 32:14). The King James Version and the English Revised Version have "milk of sheep." Compare Arabic da'n. The Greek word is probaton. For other names, see notes under CATTLE; EWE; LAMB; RAM.
2. Zoology:
The origin of domestic sheep is unknown. There are 11 wild species, the majority of which are found in Asia, and it is conceivable that they may have spread from the highlands of Central Asia to the other portions of their habitat. In North America is found the "bighorn," which is very closely related to a Kamschatkan species. One species, the urial or sha, is found in India. The Barbary…
Sheep
Are of different varieties. Probably the flocks of Abraham and Isaac were of the wild species found still in the mountain regions of Persia and Kurdistan. After the Exodus, and as a result of intercourse with surrounding nations, other species were no doubt introduced into the herds of the people of Israel. They are frequently mentioned in Scripture. The care of a shepherd over his flock is referred to as illustrating God’s care over his people (Ps. 23:1, 2; 74:1; 77:20; Isa. 40:11; 53:6; John 10:1-5, 7-16).
“The sheep of Palestine are longer in the head than ours, and have tails from 5 inches broad at the narrowest part to 15 inches at the widest, the weight being in proportion, and ranging generally from 10 to 14 lbs.…
Sheep were an important part of the possessions of the ancient Hebrews and of eastern nations generally. The first mention of sheep occurs in (Genesis 4:2) They were used in the sacrificial offering,as, both the adult animal, (Exodus 20:24) and the lamb. See (Exodus 29:28; Leviticus 9:3; 12:6) Sheep and lambs formed an important article of food. (1 Samuel 25:18) The wool was used as clothing. (Leviticus 13:47) "Rams skins dyed red" were used as a covering for the tabernacle. (Exodus 25:5) Sheep and lambs were…
Of the Syrian sheep, according to Dr. Russell, there are two varieties; the one called Bedaween sheep, which differ in no respect from the larger kinds of sheep among us, except that their tails are somewhat longer and thicker; the others are those often mentioned by travellers on account of their extraordinary tails; and this species is by far the most numerous. The tail of one of these animals is very broad and large, terminating in a small appendage that turns back upon it. It is of a substance between fat and marrow, and is not eaten separately, but mixed with the lean meat in many of their dishes, and also often used instead of butter. A common sheep of this sort, without the head, feet, skin, and entrails, weighs from sixty to eighty pounds, of which the tail itself is usually ten or fifteen pounds, and when the animal is fattened, twice or thrice that weight, and very…
The Hebrew word שָׁלַח (shalach) is a primitive root meaning 'to send' with a wide range of applications. It can refer to sending away, stretching out (especially a hand), or letting go. The entries indicate various forms, including sending off, casting out, and setting free. Notably, it can also imply divorce or being sent away in a marital context.
שָׁלַח 814 vb. send
Qal
send: human subj.
send: subj. י׳ (God)
stretch out, esp. acc. hand
rarely send away: human subj.
let loose
Niph. letters were sent
Pi.
send off, away, human subj.
send away, subj. י׳
give over
cast out
send out, forth
let go, set free
shoot forth branches
let down
shoot
Phrases
Pu. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)
Hiph. and I (י׳) will send
base
H7971 שָׁלַח send .. send: human subj.
. send: subj. י׳ (God)
. stretch out, esp. acc. hand
. rarely send away: human subj.
. let loose
. letters were sent
. . send off, away, human subj.
. . send away, subj. י׳
. give over
. cast out
. send out, forth
. let go, set free
. shoot forth branches
. let down
. shoot
. Phrases
. be sent off (started on journey); be put away, divorced, of wife; be impelled(?)
. and I (י׳) will send
7971 shalach shaw-lakh'
a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great
variety of applications):--X any wise, appoint, bring (on the
way), cast (away, out), conduct, X earnestly, forsake, give
(up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose),
push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send
(away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread,
stretch forth (out).
שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: depart.
: depart/send
1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to send
1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct
1a3) to send away
1a4) to let loose
1b) (Niphal) to be sent
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out
1c2) to let go, set free
1c3) to shoot forth (of branches)
1c4) to let down
1c5) to shoot
1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled
1e) (Hiphil) to send
שָׁלַח (sha.lach) — to send: let go.
: let_go/free
1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to send
1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct
1a3) to send away
1a4) to let loose
1b) (Niphal) to be sent
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out
1c2) to let go, set free
1c3) to shoot forth (of branches)
1c4) to let down
1c5) to shoot
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Piel · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vpw3ms
בִּלְעָם (Bil`am) refers to both a Mesopotamian prophet known for his prophetic abilities and a town in Manasseh. The name is interpreted as meaning 'not of the people.' The entries indicate that it is derived from two Hebrew roots, but there is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
base
H1109a בִּלְעָם Balaam H1109b בִּלְעָם town in Manasseh
1109 Bil`am bil-awm'
probably from 1077 and 5971; not (of the) people, i.e.
foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in
Palestine:--Balaam, Bileam.
see HEBREW for 01077
see HEBREW for 05971
בִּלְעָם (bil.am) — Balaam.
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
בִּלְעָם (bil.am) — Bileam.
Balaam = "not of the people"
a town in Manasseh
Another name of yiv.le.am (יִבְלְעָם "Ibleam" H2991)
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun proper masculineHR/Npm
Balaam
Lord of the people; foreigner or glutton, as interpreted by others, the son of Beor, was a man of some rank among the Midianites (Num. 31:8; comp. 16). He resided at Pethor (Deut. 23:4), in Mesopotamia (Num. 23:7). It is evident that though dwelling among idolaters he had some knowledge of the true God; and was held in such reputation that it was supposed that he whom he blessed was blessed, and he whom he cursed was cursed. When the Israelites were encamped on the plains of Moab, on the east of Jordan, by Jericho, Balak sent for Balaam “from Aram, out of the mountains of the east,” to curse them; but by the remarkable interposition of God he was utterly unable to fulfil Balak’s wish, however desirous he was to do so. The…
(B.C. 1451), the son of beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy. (Numbers 22:5) He is mentioned in conjunction with the five kings of Midian, apparently as a person of the same rank. (Numbers 31:8) cf. Numb 31:16 He seems to have lived at Pethor, (23:4; Numbers 22:5) on the river Euphrates, in Mesopotamia. Such was his reputation that when the Israelites were encamped in the plains of Moab, Balak, the king of Moab, sent for Balaam to curse them. Balaam at first was prohibited by God from going. He was again sent for by the king and again refused, but was at length allowed to go. He yielded to the temptations of riches and honor which Balak set before him; but God’s anger was kindled at this manifestation of determined…
A celebrated diviner, of the city Pethor, on the Euphrates, Nu 22:5. Balak, king of Moab, having seen the multitudes of Israel, and fearing they would attack his country, sent for Balaam, who was famous for his supposed supernatural powers, to come and curse them. Balaam, though eager for gain, was led to ask counsel of God, who forbade his going. Balak afterwards sent other deputies, whom Balaam finally accompanied without the approval of God, who sent an angel to meet and warn him in the way. Here occurred the miracle of Balaam’s ass, Nu 22:22,35. But instead of cursing, he was constrained by the Spirit of God to bless the children of Israel. This he did a second and a third time, to the extreme mortification of Balak, who dismissed him in great anger. Balaam subsequently…
שַׂר (sar) refers to a leader or ruler, encompassing a range of meanings from prince and chief to official and captain. It denotes various ranks, including military commanders and religious leaders, and can also imply a noble or merchant of high status. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to rule'.
שַׂר 420 n.m. chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince
base
H8269 שַׂר chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince
8269 sar sar
from 8323; a head person (of any rank or class):--captain
(that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper,
lord, ((-task- ))master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward.
see HEBREW for 08323
שַׂר (sar) — ruler.
1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain
1a) chieftain, leader
1b) vassal, noble, official (under king)
1c) captain, general, commander (military)
1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes)
1e) heads, princes (of religious office)
1f) elders (of representative leaders of people)
1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity)
1h) patron-angel
1i) Ruler of rulers (of God)
1j) warden
Conj | Prep | N-mp — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHC/Rd/Ncmpa
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.
אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.
base
בַאֲשֶׁר
in (that) which
adv. in (the place) where
conj. in that, inasmuch as
on account of whom?
base
מֵאֲשֶׁר
from (or than) that which
adv. from (the place) where
conj. from (the fact) that …, since
base
כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when
according to that which, according as, as
with a causal force, in so far as, since
with a temporal force, when
base
H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which
. adv. in (the place) where
. conj. in that, inasmuch as
. on account of whom?
H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which
. adv. from (the place) where
. conj. from (the fact) that …, since
H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as
. with a causal force, in so far as, since
. with a temporal force, when
834 'aher ash-er'
a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)
when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X
alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +
from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,
wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where
(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +
whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is
indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun
expletively, used to show the connection.
אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.
A: 1) (relative part.)
1a) which, who
1b) that which
2) (conj)
2a) that (in obj clause)
2b) when
2c) since
2d) as
2e) conditional if
B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
D: Kaph+
1) (conj.), according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since
1c) with a temporal force: when
בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.
1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.
1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.
conj
1) according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
Rel — ParticleHTr
The Hebrew word אֵת (eth) is a preposition indicating nearness or proximity, often translated as 'with' or 'near.' It conveys a sense of companionship or association, distinguishing itself from similar terms by expressing closer relationships. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, including possession and memory, but do not provide specific verse references.
אֵת, prep. with—prep. denoting proximity
Of companionship, together with
Of localities
אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially
in one's possession or keeping
in one's knowledge or memory
מֵאֵת from proximity with
Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.
base
H854 אֵת with—prep. denoting proximity . Of companionship, together with
. Of localities
. אֵת פּ׳ denotes specially . in one's possession or keeping
. in one's knowledge or memory
. מֵאֵת from proximity with
Note. אֵת expresses closer association than עִם: hence while מֵעִם sts. denotes hardly more than from the surroundings or belongings of, מֵאֵת expresses from close proximity to.
854 'eth ayth
probably from 579; properly, nearness (used only as a
preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by,
at, among, etc.:--against, among, before, by, for, from,
in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional
prefix.
see HEBREW for 0579
אֵת (et) — with.
1) with, near, together with
1a) with, together with
1b) with (of relationship)
1c) near (of place)
1d) with (poss.)
1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp3ms