Numbers 22:3
Numbers 22:3 in Multiple Translations
and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.
And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
And in Moab there was great fear of the people, because their numbers were so great: and the feeling of Moab was bitter against the children of Israel.
The Moabites were terrified of the Israelites because there were so many of them. The Moabites dreaded the arrival of the Israelites
And the Moabites were sore afraide of the people, because they were many, and Moab fretted against the children of Israel.
and Moab is exceedingly afraid of the presence of the people, for it [is] numerous; and Moab is vexed by the presence of the sons of Israel,
Moab was very afraid of the people, because they were many. Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
And Moab was greatly afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
And that the Moabites were in great fear of him, and were not able to sustain his assault,
When he saw that the Israelis were very numerous, he and his people became terrified.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:3
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 22:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֨גָר
מוֹאָ֜ב
מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
הָ/עָ֛ם
מְאֹ֖ד
כִּ֣י
רַב
ה֑וּא
וַ/יָּ֣קָץ
מוֹאָ֔ב
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
בְּנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יָּ֨גָר
gûwr
H1481
to sojourn
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מוֹאָ֜ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
מְאֹ֖ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רַב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
וַ/יָּ֣קָץ
qûwts
H6973
to loathe
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מוֹאָ֔ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:3
וַ/יָּ֨גָר
gûwr
H1481
"to sojourn"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to fear or dread something, like the fear of God. It implies a sense of awe or reverence, like the fear that the disciples felt during the storm on the lake in Matthew 8:24. It can also mean to be a stranger or sojourner in a place.
Definition: 1) to sojourn, abide, dwell in, dwell with, remain, inhabit, be a stranger, be continuing, surely 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sojourn, dwell for a time 1a2) to abide, stay, temporarily dwell 1b) (Hithpolel) 1b1) to seek hospitality with 1b2) to assemble oneself
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: abide, assemble, be afraid, dwell, fear, gather (together), inhabitant, remain, sojourn, stand in awe, (be) stranger, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 12:10; 1 Kings 17:20; Psalms 5:5.
מוֹאָ֜ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
מִ/פְּנֵ֥י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָ/עָ֛ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
מְאֹ֖ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רַב
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.
ה֑וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
וַ/יָּ֣קָץ
qûwts
H6973
"to loathe"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to feel disgusted or anxious, like when the Israelites loathed the manna in Numbers 21:5. It can also mean to be grieved or abhor something, as in Psalm 119:163. It's about strong feelings of dislike.
Definition: 1) to be grieved, loathe, abhor, feel a loathing or abhorrence or sickening dread 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel a loathing at, abhor 1a2) to feel a sickening dread 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause sickening dread 1b2) to cause loathing
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: abhor, be distressed, be grieved, loathe, vex, be weary. See also: Genesis 27:46; Numbers 22:3; Proverbs 3:11.
מוֹאָ֔ב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Numbers 22:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 22:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 22:3
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:3
- Sermons on Numbers 22:3
Context — Balak Summons Balaam
1Then the Israelites traveled on and camped in the plains of Moab near the Jordan, across from Jericho.
2Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites,
3and Moab was terrified of the people because they were numerous. Indeed, Moab dreaded the Israelites.
4So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, “This horde will devour everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” Since Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time, 5he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 15:15 | Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, |
| 2 | Isaiah 23:5 | When the report reaches Egypt, they will writhe in agony over the news of Tyre. |
| 3 | Joshua 9:24 | The Gibeonites answered, “Your servants were told clearly that the LORD your God had commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and wipe out all its inhabitants before you. So we greatly feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we have done this. |
| 4 | Joshua 2:10–11 | For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. |
| 5 | Joshua 2:24 | “The LORD has surely delivered the entire land into our hands,” they said to Joshua. “Indeed, all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of us.” |
| 6 | Psalms 53:5 | There they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those who besieged you. You put them to shame, for God has despised them. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 2:25 | This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.” |
Numbers 22:3 Summary
This verse tells us that the Moabites were very scared of the Israelites because there were so many of them. The Moabites thought that the Israelites would destroy them, just like an ox eats all the grass in a field. This reminds us that we should trust in God, rather than being afraid of things that seem big and scary (as seen in Psalms 23:4 and 1 John 4:18). We can trust that God will take care of us, just like He took care of the Israelites in the wilderness (as described in Deuteronomy 8:2-5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Moab terrified of the Israelites?
Moab was terrified of the Israelites because of their large number, as stated in Numbers 22:3, and also because of their military victories, such as those described in Deuteronomy 2:26-37 and Numbers 21:21-35.
What does it mean that Moab dreaded the Israelites?
Moab's dread of the Israelites, as mentioned in Numbers 22:3, implies a deep-seated fear of their power and potential to destroy them, much like the fear expressed by the inhabitants of Canaan in Exodus 15:14-16 and Joshua 2:9-11.
How did the size of the Israelite population affect the Moabites?
The large size of the Israelite population, as noted in Numbers 22:3, led the Moabites to fear that they would be overwhelmed and destroyed, much like the grass of a field is consumed by an ox, as described in Numbers 22:4.
What can we learn from Moab's reaction to the Israelites?
Moab's reaction to the Israelites serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God, rather than fearing the strength and numbers of our enemies, as encouraged in Psalms 20:7 and 1 Samuel 17:45-47.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that make me feel overwhelmed or terrified, and how can I trust God to help me through them?
- How can I balance a healthy respect for the power of my enemies with a deep trust in God's power and protection?
- What are some ways that I can apply the lesson of trusting in God, rather than fearing my enemies, to my everyday life?
- How can I use my experiences of fear and trust to minister to others who may be going through similar struggles?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:3
And Moab was sore afraid of the people,.... Lest they should enter into their country and do to them as they had done to Sihon and Og, and their countries; on this account the king of Moab, his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:3
And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. And Moab was sore afraid of the people.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:3
As it was foretold both in general of all nations, , and particularly concerning Moab, .
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:3
Numbers 22:3 And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they [were] many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.Ver. 3. And Moab was distressed.] Or, Was irked, fretted, vexed. And yet Moab was allied to Israel, eased by them of a troublesome encroaching neighbour Sihon, and assured by them, that they would not meddle or molest them. But being of a different religion, they were carried with satanical malice against God’ s people, and sought their ruin. This is the guise of graceless and absurd men, acted and agitated by the devil.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 22:3
(3) And Moab was sore afraid of the people.—There was no ground for this apprehension, inasmuch as the Divine command given to Moses was “Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle” (Deuteronomy 2:9). It does not appear, however, that Balak was aware of the prohibition; and the recent conquests of the Israelites naturally filled the Moabites with alarm, especially inasmuch as when the Israelites sent to the King of Moab to ask permission to pass through his land he did not consent (Judges 11:17).
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:3
3. The two halves of the verse appear to be doublets, from E and J respectively.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:3
3. Moab was sore afraid — This fear was groundless, since Israel had circuitously passed by the Moabites and had now left them in the rear.
Sermons on Numbers 22:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Week of Meetings 06 Christ the Nazarene by David Clifford | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the importance of working together in pairs, as exemplified by Jesus sending out his disciples two by two. He then goes on to desc |
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Homily 12 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of living a life separate from the ways of the world, urging believers to walk in the path of God and not in the vanity of their minds lik |
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Psalm 53 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the prevalence of wickedness in the world, emphasizing the folly of denying God's existence and the inherent corruption in those who reject Him. He highlig |
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Trembling at God's Righteousness by Joshua Daniel | This sermon focuses on the importance of not deferring obedience to God, using the example of Felix delaying his decision to follow Christ. It emphasizes the need for humility, rig |
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Epistle 189 by George Fox | George Fox encourages his friends in New England and Virginia to remain steadfast in the truth and power of God, urging them to spread the gospel and confound deceit. He emphasizes |