Numbers 21:22

Numbers 21:22 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Let us pass through your land. We will not cut through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway until we have passed through your territory.”

King James Version KJV

Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king’s high way, until we be past thy borders.

American Standard Version ASV

Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn aside into field, or into vineyard; we will not drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king’s highway, until we have passed thy border.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let me go through your land: we will not go into field or vine-garden, or take the water of the springs; we will go by the highway till we have gone past the limits of your land.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Please allow us to travel through your country. We won't cross any of your fields or vineyards, or drink water from any of your wells. We will stay on the King's Highway until we have passed through your country.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Let me goe through thy land: we wil not turne aside into the fieldes, nor into the vineyardes, neither drinke of the waters of ye welles: we will goe by the kings way, vntill we be past thy countrey.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Let me pass through thy land, we do not turn aside into a field, or into a vineyard, we do not drink waters of a well; in the king's way we go, till that we pass over thy border.'

World English Bible WEB

“Let me pass through your land. We will not turn away into field or vineyard. We will not drink of the water of the wells. We will go by the king’s highway, until we have passed your border.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the king's high -way, until we have past thy borders.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I beseech thee that I may have leave to pass through thy land: we will not go aside into the fields or the vineyards, we will not drink waters of the wells, we will go the king’s highway, till we be past thy borders.

Translation for Translators T4T

“Allow us to travel through your country. We will stay on the king’s highway, the main road that goes from the south to the north, until we have finished traveling through your land. We will not walk through any field or vineyard, or drink water from your wells.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 21:22

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 21:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אֶעְבְּרָ֣ה בְ/אַרְצֶ֗/ךָ לֹ֤א נִטֶּה֙ בְּ/שָׂדֶ֣ה וּ/בְ/כֶ֔רֶם לֹ֥א נִשְׁתֶּ֖ה מֵ֣י בְאֵ֑ר בְּ/דֶ֤רֶךְ הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ נֵלֵ֔ךְ עַ֥ד אֲשֶֽׁר נַעֲבֹ֖ר גְּבֻלֶֽ/ךָ

אֶעְבְּרָ֣ה ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-1cs

בְ/אַרְצֶ֗/ךָ ʼerets H776 land Prep | N-cs | Suff

לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Part

נִטֶּה֙ nâṭâh H5186 to stretch V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

בְּ/שָׂדֶ֣ה sâdeh H7704 field Prep | N-ms

וּ/בְ/כֶ֔רֶם kerem H3754 vineyard Conj | Prep | N-cs

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

נִשְׁתֶּ֖ה shâthâh H8354 to drink V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

מֵ֣י mayim H4325 Water (Gate) N-mp

בְאֵ֑ר bᵉʼêr H875 well N-fs

בְּ/דֶ֤רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

נֵלֵ֔ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

עַ֥ד ʻad H5704 till Prep

אֲשֶֽׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

נַעֲבֹ֖ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

גְּבֻלֶֽ/ךָ gᵉbûwl H1366 border N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 21:22

אֶעְבְּרָ֣ה ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-1cs

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.

בְ/אַרְצֶ֗/ךָ ʼerets H776 "land" Prep | N-cs | Suff

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

לֹ֤א 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.

נִטֶּה֙ nâṭâh H5186 "to stretch" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.

Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away

Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.

בְּ/שָׂדֶ֣ה sâdeh H7704 "field" Prep | N-ms

A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.

Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)

Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.

וּ/בְ/כֶ֔רֶם kerem H3754 "vineyard" Conj | Prep | N-cs

A vineyard, or kerem, was a garden or plot of land used for growing vines and other crops. In the Bible, vineyards were often used as a symbol of prosperity and abundance, as seen in the book of Isaiah and the parables of Jesus.

Definition: vineyard

Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: vines, (increase of the) vineyard(-s), vintage. See also H1021 (בֵּית הַכֶּרֶם). See also: Genesis 9:20; Nehemiah 5:11; Psalms 107:37.

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.

נִשְׁתֶּ֖ה shâthâh H8354 "to drink" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.

Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)

Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.

מֵ֣י mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

בְאֵ֑ר bᵉʼêr H875 "well" N-fs

A well or pit, like a water source, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a spring, and is often translated as a well or pit in the Bible.

Definition: well, pit, spring

Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: pit, well. See also: Genesis 14:10; Genesis 29:3; Psalms 55:24.

בְּ/דֶ֤רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

נֵלֵ֔ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

עַ֥ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

אֲשֶֽׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: 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

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

נַעֲבֹ֖ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp

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.

גְּבֻלֶֽ/ךָ gᵉbûwl H1366 "border" N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a boundary or border, like the borders of the Promised Land in Numbers 34:1-12. It can also mean a region or territory, as in the borders of Israel in 1 Kings 8:65.

Definition: : boundary 1) border, territory 1a) border 1b) territory (enclosed within boundary) 1c) region, territory (of darkness) (fig.) Also means: ge.vul (גְּבוּל ": area" H1366H)

Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: border, bound, coast, [idiom] great, landmark, limit, quarter, space. See also: Genesis 10:19; Joshua 19:33; Psalms 78:54.

Study Notes — Numbers 21:22

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 21:22 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:22
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:22
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:22
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:22
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:22

Context — The Defeat of Sihon

20and from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah overlooks the wasteland. 21Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying,

22“Let us pass through your land. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway until we have passed through your territory.”

23But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. Instead, he gathered his whole army and went out to confront Israel in the wilderness. When he came to Jahaz, he fought against Israel. 24And Israel put him to the sword and took possession of his land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok—but only up to the border of the Ammonites, because it was fortified.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 20:17	Please let us pass through your land. We will not cut through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will stay on the King’s Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.”

Numbers 21:22 Summary

[The Israelites asked Sihon, the king of the Amorites, if they could pass through his land on their way to their destination. They promised to stay on the main road and not damage any of his property, which shows that they were trying to be respectful and peaceful. This is similar to the principle of loving our neighbors as ourselves, as taught in Mark 12:31. By being considerate of others and respecting their boundaries, we can avoid conflict and build stronger relationships, just like the Israelites were trying to do in Numbers 21:22.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Israelites ask to pass through Sihon's land instead of going around it?

The Israelites asked to pass through Sihon's land because it was the most direct route to their destination, and they had been traveling through the wilderness for a long time, as seen in Numbers 20:1-13. They also wanted to avoid any potential conflicts by taking the main road, as stated in Numbers 21:22.

What is the King's Highway mentioned in this verse?

The King's Highway was a major trade route that connected the regions of the ancient Near East, as mentioned in Genesis 14:5 and Numbers 20:17. It was likely a well-maintained and heavily used road, making it the most practical choice for the Israelites to travel on.

Why did the Israelites promise not to cut through any fields or vineyards?

The Israelites promised not to cut through any fields or vineyards as a sign of respect for Sihon's property and a gesture of goodwill, similar to the principles outlined in Exodus 20:15 and 22:5. By making this promise, they hoped to avoid any potential conflicts and show that they came in peace.

How does this verse relate to the concept of being a good neighbor?

This verse demonstrates the importance of being a good neighbor by respecting the property and boundaries of others, as taught in Mark 12:31 and Romans 13:9-10. The Israelites' request to pass through Sihon's land and their promise to respect his property show that they valued being good neighbors and avoiding conflict whenever possible.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways we can apply the principle of respecting others' property and boundaries in our own lives?
How can we balance our own needs and desires with the need to be considerate of others, as the Israelites did in this verse?
What are some potential consequences of not respecting others' property and boundaries, and how can we avoid them?
In what ways can we demonstrate respect and kindness to those around us, even if we are just 'passing through' their lives?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:22

Let me pass through thy land,.... Through some part of it, which would have been a shorter way to the river Jordan, over which Israel was to pass into the land of Canaan; the terms proposed, or

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:22

And Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, Israel sent messengers unto Sihon ... - (see the notes at Numbers 20:17-19.) The place from which the messengers were sent was

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:22

They spoke what they seriously intended and would have done, if he had given them quiet passage; but withal they knew that Sihon would not do it, and that he would withstand them, and that they should subdue him and take his land, as God had told them before they sent this message, as appears from ,26,27; and accordingly God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, for this end, that he might deliver him into Israel’ s hand there, . And no wonder, for he and his people were Amorites, and therefore devoted to destruction, as all that people were.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:22

Numbers 21:22 Let me pass through thy land: we will not turn into the fields, or into the vineyards; we will not drink [of] the waters of the well: [but] we will go along by the king’ s [high] way, until we be past thy borders.Ver. 22. Let me pass.]

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:22

22. the king’s way] See on Numbers 20:17. until we have passed through thy territory] And similarly in the next verse.

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