BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Numbers 20  › Numbers 20:18

Numbers 20:18

← Numbers 20:17 Numbers 20:19 →

Numbers 20:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But Edom answered, “You may not travel through our land, or we will come out and confront you with the sword.”

King James Version KJV

And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.

American Standard Version ASV

And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against thee.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Edom said, You are not to go through my land, for if you do I will come out against you with the sword.

Free Bible Version FBV

But the king of Edom replied, “You are forbidden to travel through our country, otherwise we will come out and stop you by force.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Edom answered him, Thou shalt not passe by mee, least I come out against thee with the sword.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Edom saith unto him, 'Thou dost not pass over through me, lest with sword I come out to meet thee.'

World English Bible WEB

Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against you.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Edom said to him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Edom answered them: Thou shalt not pass by me: if thou dost I will come out armed against thee.

Translation for Translators T4T

But the king of Edom refused. He replied, “Stay out of my country! If you try to enter it, I will send my army to attack you!”

Study Highlights

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

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 20:18

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 20:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָי/ו֙ אֱד֔וֹם לֹ֥א תַעֲבֹ֖ר בִּ֑/י פֶּן בַּ/חֶ֖רֶב אֵצֵ֥א לִ/קְרָאתֶֽ/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָי/ו֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
אֱד֔וֹם ʼĔdôm H123 Edom N-proper
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
תַעֲבֹ֖ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בִּ֑/י Prep | Suff
פֶּן pên H6435 lest Conj
בַּ/חֶ֖רֶב chereb H2719 sword Prep | N-fs
אֵצֵ֥א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לִ/קְרָאתֶֽ/ךָ qirʼâh H7125 befall Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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 20:18

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר 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.
אֵלָי/ו֙ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
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.
אֱד֔וֹם ʼĔdôm H123 "Edom" N-proper
Edom was the twin brother of Jacob and the region where he lived. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and his story is told in Genesis 25. Edom is also another name for Esau.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.25; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Israel (H3478); married to Oholibamah (H0173), Judith (H3067), Adah (H5711H) and Mahalath (H4258); father of: Eliphaz (H0464), Reuel (H7467), Jeush (H3266), Jalam (H3281) and Korah (H7141); also called Edom at Gen.25.30; 36.1,8,19,21; 1x,54; Another name of e.sav (עֵשָׂו "Esau" H6215G) § Edom = "red" 1) Edom 2) Edomite, Idumean-descendants of Esau 3) land of Edom, Idumea-land south and south east of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: Edom, Edomites, Idumea. See also: Genesis 25:30; 1 Chronicles 1:54; Psalms 60:2.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַעֲבֹ֖ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בִּ֑/י "" Prep | Suff
פֶּן pên H6435 "lest" Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
בַּ/חֶ֖רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" Prep | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
אֵצֵ֥א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
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.
לִ/קְרָאתֶֽ/ךָ qirʼâh H7125 "befall" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.

Study Notes — Numbers 20:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Numbers 20:18 Summary

In Numbers 20:18, Edom refuses to let the Israelites pass through their land, even though the Israelites promised to stay on the main road and not cause any trouble (Numbers 20:17). This shows that Edom was not willing to trust God or show kindness to the Israelites, and instead chose to respond with hostility and aggression. We can learn from this example to always try to show kindness and hospitality to others, just like God shows us kindness and love (as seen in John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:4-5). By choosing to respond with love and kindness, rather than aggression and hostility, we can reflect the character of God and bring glory to Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Edom refuse to let the Israelites pass through their land?

Edom refused to let the Israelites pass through their land because they were likely afraid of being overtaken or harmed, as seen in Numbers 20:18, and this decision was also influenced by their lack of faith and trust in God, as seen in Deuteronomy 2:29 and Judges 11:17-18.

Was Edom's response to the Israelites' request justified?

Edom's response was not justified, as they had been given the opportunity to show kindness and hospitality to the Israelites, but instead chose to respond with hostility and aggression, as seen in Numbers 20:18 and contrasted with the example of Rahab in Joshua 2:1-14.

What can we learn from Edom's refusal to help the Israelites?

We can learn that our refusal to help others or show them kindness can have serious consequences, and that we should strive to be like the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, who showed kindness and compassion to someone in need, rather than responding with hostility and aggression like Edom in Numbers 20:18.

How does this verse relate to the concept of hospitality in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of showing hospitality to strangers and travelers, as seen in Hebrews 13:2 and Matthew 25:31-46, and demonstrates the negative consequences of refusing to do so, as seen in the example of Edom in Numbers 20:18.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I can show kindness and hospitality to others, like the Israelites requested from Edom, and how can I apply this principle in my own life?
  2. How can I avoid responding to difficult situations with aggression and hostility, like Edom did, and instead choose to respond with patience and understanding, as seen in Proverbs 15:1?
  3. What are some times in my life when I have been like Edom, refusing to help or show kindness to someone in need, and how can I learn from those experiences to become more like Christ, who showed kindness and compassion to all people, as seen in Matthew 9:36-38?
  4. How can I balance the need to protect myself and my loved ones with the need to show kindness and hospitality to others, as seen in the example of the Israelites and Edom in Numbers 20:18, and what principles from Scripture can guide me in making these decisions?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 20:18

And Edom said unto him,.... The king of Edom replied to Israel, represented by the messengers sent in their name: thou shall not pass by me; through my country: lest I come out against thee with the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 20:18

And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 20:18

i.e. Through my country, as thou desirest; I will not suffer time to do so: which was an act of common policy to secure themselves from so numerous a host.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 20:18

Numbers 20:18 And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.Ver. 18. Thou shalt not pass.] As fearing what so great an army once got in might do; they are not usually so easily removed. It was therefore great injustice in Pope Julius, to excommunicate and depose John, king of Navarre, as a heretic, and public enemy to the see apostolic, because being himself a peer of the realm of France, and having a great part of his patrimony in that country, he would not suffer the Spaniard, the Pope’ s champion, to lead an army through his country against the French, his liege lord, and deliver to him three of the strongest castles he had in his kingdom. Guicciard., lib. ii.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 20:18

14–21. Permission to pass through Edom refused. The Edomites occupied territory to the south of the Dead Sea, westward as far as Kadesh (Numbers 20:16) and southward as far as the eastern arm of the Red Sea (Numbers 21:4). The Israelites having failed long before to enter Canaan from the south, did not attempt it again (see, however, n. on Numbers 21:1-3), but proposed to enter it from the east. And if they could pass straight through Edom, their route would be greatly shortened. Edom’s refusal forced them to work round the south of the hostile country, and then northwards along its eastern border.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 20:18

18. Thou shalt not pass by me — Literally, in me. This refusal was dictated partly by the hereditary grudge cherished by Esau against Jacob, (Genesis 27:41,) and partly by fear of so great a multitude passing through his country.
← Numbers 20:17 Numbers 20:19 →

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate