Numbers 22:15
Numbers 22:15 in Multiple Translations
Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers.
¶ And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.
And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.
So Balak sent more chiefs, greater in number and of higher position than the others.
Then Balak sent even more leaders who were more prestigious than before.
Balak yet sent againe moe princes, and more honourable then they.
And Balak addeth yet to send princes, more numerous and honoured than these,
Balak again sent princes, more, and more honorable than they.
And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honorable than they.
Then he sent many more and more noble than he had sent before:
But Balak sent another group of leaders to Balaam. It was a group that was larger and they were more important than the men in the first group.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:15
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 22:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥סֶף
ע֖וֹד
בָּלָ֑ק
שְׁלֹ֣חַ
שָׂרִ֔ים
רַבִּ֥ים
וְ/נִכְבָּדִ֖ים
מֵ/אֵֽלֶּה
וַ/יֹּ֥סֶף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
בָּלָ֑ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
שְׁלֹ֣חַ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Inf-a
שָׂרִ֔ים
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
רַבִּ֥ים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
וְ/נִכְבָּדִ֖ים
kâbad
H3513
to honor
Conj | V-Niphal
מֵ/אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Prep | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:15
וַ/יֹּ֥סֶף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
בָּלָ֑ק
Bâlâq
H1111
"Balak"
N-proper
Balak was a king of Moab who hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, as told in Numbers 22:2. His name means devastator, reflecting his role as a king who sought to harm God's people.
Definition: 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
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Balak. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 23:7; Micah 6:5.
שְׁלֹ֣חַ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Inf-a
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : 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
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] 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). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
שָׂרִ֔ים
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 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
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
רַבִּ֥ים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
וְ/נִכְבָּדִ֖ים
kâbad
H3513
"to honor"
Conj | V-Niphal
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
מֵ/אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Prep | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
Study Notes — Numbers 22:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 22:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:15
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:15
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 22:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:15
Context — Balak Summons Balaam
13So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes, “Go back to your homeland, because the LORD has refused to let me go with you.”
14And the princes of Moab arose, returned to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.”
15Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first messengers.
16They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me, 17for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 10:7–8 | When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants. He explained what had happened and sent them to Joppa. |
| 2 | Numbers 22:7–8 | The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak. “Spend the night here,” Balaam replied, “and I will give you the answer that the LORD speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. |
Numbers 22:15 Summary
This verse shows how Balak, the king of Moab, tried to persuade Balaam to curse the Israelites by sending a more impressive group of princes to him. This shows how determined Balak was to get what he wanted, even if it meant going against God's will. We can learn from this verse that trying to oppose God's will can lead to more and more trouble, as seen in Numbers 22:22-35. By trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7, we can avoid the mistakes that Balak made and live in obedience to God's will.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balak send new princes to Balaam after the first ones were refused?
Balak sent new princes because he was determined to have Balaam curse the Israelites, and he thought that a more impressive delegation would persuade Balaam to change his mind, as seen in Numbers 22:15. This shows the persistence of Balak in his pursuit of evil intentions, similar to the persistence of the wicked in Psalm 37:7.
What does the fact that the new princes were more numerous and more distinguished than the first ones reveal about Balak's character?
The fact that Balak sent more numerous and more distinguished princes reveals that he was willing to use his wealth and influence to get what he wanted, even if it meant trying to intimidate or impress Balaam, as seen in Numbers 22:15. This is similar to the way that the wicked try to use their power and wealth to oppose God's people, as seen in Psalms 37:12.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Balaam and Balak in the book of Numbers?
This verse is a key part of the story of Balaam and Balak, as it shows how Balak's persistence and Balaam's willingness to reconsider his decision ultimately lead to a confrontation between Balaam and God, as seen in Numbers 22:22-35. This story serves as a warning about the dangers of trying to oppose God's will, as seen in Numbers 22:32-33.
What can we learn from Balak's actions in this verse about the nature of sin and temptation?
Balak's actions in this verse show how sin and temptation can lead people to become more and more entrenched in their evil desires, as seen in Numbers 22:15. This is similar to the way that sin can lead people to become more and more hardened in their hearts, as seen in Romans 1:21 and Hebrews 3:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have tried to persuade God or others to do something that is not in line with His will, and how can I learn from Balak's mistakes in this area?
- How can I be more discerning about the influences and pressures that are trying to shape my decisions and actions, and how can I seek God's guidance in these areas, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to use my own power or influence to get what I want, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?
- How can I be more aware of the ways that sin and temptation can lead me to become more and more entrenched in my own desires, and how can I seek God's help in resisting these temptations, as seen in James 1:13-15?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:15
And Balak sent yet again princes more, and more honourable than they.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:15
And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:15
Numbers 22:15 And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.Ver. 15. And Balak sent yet again.] So unweariable are wicked men in pursuing and practising their evil designs. This is check to our dulness for the good of our souls. Oh, how soon said and sated are we! Felix trembles, and yet at the same instant covets and expects a bribe from Paul, who had some occasion to expect repentance of Felix.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:15
15. Balak treats the prophet’s reason for not coming as a mere excuse. Balaam, being a famous diviner, required, as he thought, to be treated with greater respect.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 22:15
Balak, like the ancient pagan world generally, not only believed in the efficacy of the curses and incantations of the soothsayers, but regarded their services as strictly venal.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:15
THE SECOND MESSAGE TO BALAAM, Numbers 22:15-35. 15. Princes, more, and more honourable — Balak was encouraged to send the second embassy because of the implied wish of Balaam to accompany the first