Numbers 22:16
Numbers 22:16 in Multiple Translations
They came to Balaam and said, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me,
And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:
And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:
And they came to Balaam and said, Balak, son of Zippor, says, Let nothing keep you from coming to me:
When they arrived they told Balaam, “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: ‘Please don't let anything stop you from coming to see me,
Who came to Balaam, and sayde to him, Thus saith Balak the sonne of Zippor, Bee not thou staied, I pray thee, from comming vnto me.
and they come in unto Balaam, and say to him, 'Thus said Balak son of Zippor, Be not, I pray thee, withheld from coming unto me,
They came to Balaam, and said to him, “Balak the son of Zippor says, ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me,
And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming to me:
Who, when they were come to Balaam, said: Thus saith Balac the son of Sephor, Delay not to come to me:
They went to Balaam and told him this: “This is what King Balak says: ‘Please do not allow anything to hinder you from coming here.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:16
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 22:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
אֶל
בִּלְעָ֑ם
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְרוּ
ל֗/וֹ
כֹּ֤ה
אָמַר֙
בָּלָ֣ק
בֶּן
צִפּ֔וֹר
אַל
נָ֥א
תִמָּנַ֖ע
מֵ/הֲלֹ֥ךְ
אֵלָֽ/י
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בִּלְעָ֑ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
ל֗/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כֹּ֤ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בָּלָ֣ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
צִפּ֔וֹר
Tsippôwr
H6834
Zippor
N-proper
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
תִמָּנַ֖ע
mânaʻ
H4513
to withhold
V-Niphal-Juss-2ms
מֵ/הֲלֹ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֵלָֽ/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:16
וַ/יָּבֹ֖אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
בִּלְעָ֑ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
N-proper
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.
Definition: 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
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.
וַ/יֹּ֣אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
ל֗/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כֹּ֤ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
אָמַר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
בָּלָ֣ק
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.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
צִפּ֔וֹר
Tsippôwr
H6834
"Zippor"
N-proper
Zippor was a Moabite man, father of Balak, the king of Moab during the exodus, and his name means sparrow, as seen in Numbers 22:2.
Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; father of: Balak (H1111) § Zippor = "sparrow" father of Balak the king of Moab at the time of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Zippor. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 22:16; Judges 11:25.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
תִמָּנַ֖ע
mânaʻ
H4513
"to withhold"
V-Niphal-Juss-2ms
To withhold means to hold something back or keep it from someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe God withholding something from people, or people withholding things from each other.
Definition: 1) to withhold, hold back, keep back, refrain, deny, keep restrain, hinder 1a) (Qal) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold. See also: Genesis 30:2; Proverbs 1:15; Psalms 21:3.
מֵ/הֲלֹ֥ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 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) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
אֵלָֽ/י
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 22:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Balak Summons Balaam
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!’” 18But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.Numbers 22:16 Summary
In this verse, Balak, the king of Moab, sends a second group of princes to ask Balaam to come and curse the Israelites. This shows how much Balak wants to stop the Israelites, who are on their way to the Promised Land, as described in Numbers 22:1-14. But Balaam will eventually say that he can only do what God tells him to do, as seen in Numbers 22:18, which is an important lesson for us today: we should always try to obey God, even when it's hard or when others are trying to persuade us to do something else, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 12:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Balak and why does he want Balaam to come to him?
Balak is the son of Zippor and the king of Moab, and he wants Balaam to come to him so that he can ask for his help in cursing the Israelites, as seen in Numbers 22:17, a task that Balaam will eventually refuse to do, citing his obedience to the command of the LORD his God, as stated in Numbers 22:18.
What is the significance of the princes of Moab coming to Balaam a second time?
The second group of princes sent by Balak is more numerous and distinguished than the first, indicating the importance Balak places on Balaam's visit and the potential curse he could pronounce, a fact that is highlighted in Numbers 22:15 and further emphasized in Numbers 22:16 where they ask Balaam to let nothing hinder him from coming to Balak.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Israelites and their journey?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land, as described in the book of Numbers, and it shows how the surrounding nations, such as Moab, react to the Israelites' presence, often with fear and hostility, as seen in other passages like Exodus 17:8-16 where the Amalekites attack the Israelites.
What can we learn from Balaam's initial response to Balak's request?
Although Balaam's initial response is not given in this verse, in Numbers 22:18, Balaam states that he cannot do anything beyond the command of the LORD his God, which highlights the importance of obedience to God, a principle that is also emphasized in other passages like Deuteronomy 13:4 and Matthew 4:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that we, like Balak, might try to use our wealth or influence to get what we want, and how can we instead trust in God's sovereignty?
- How can we, like Balaam, remain faithful to God's commands even when faced with tempting offers or pressures from others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:13?
- What are some modern-day 'curses' that we might be tempted to pronounce on others, and how can we instead choose to bless and pray for those around us, as encouraged in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:28?
- In what ways can we, as believers, be a blessing to those around us, just as the Israelites were to be a blessing to the nations, as stated in Genesis 12:2-3 and reiterated in Galatians 3:8-9?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:16
And they came to Balaam,.... Though men of such rank and dignity, they did not decline the embassy, being sent by their king; nor did they think it below them to wait upon this soothsayer: and said
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:16
And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:16
No counsel nor suggestion either of God or man.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:16
2–19. Balak king of Moab being frightened by the near proximity of the Israelites sent for Balaam a famous soothsayer to curse them, offering him liberal payment. Balaam came but refused to utter any oracle but that which Jehovah revealed to him. Zippor] The word denotes ‘a little bird,’ the fem. of which is seen in Ẓ ?ippôrah, Moses’ wife. The name may point to early totemistic beliefs (see Frazer, Totemism2, W. R. Smith, Rel. Sem. 2 124 ff.). the Amorites] Og, the king of Bashan, is not mentioned; see on Numbers 21:33-35.