Numbers 22:9
Numbers 22:9 in Multiple Translations
Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?”
And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?
And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?
And God came to Balaam and said, Who are these men with you?
God came to Balaam and asked him, “Who are these men staying with you?”
Then God came vnto Balaam, and sayde, What men are these with thee?
And God cometh in unto Balaam, and saith, 'Who [are] these men with thee?'
God came to Balaam, and said, “Who are these men with you?”
And God came to Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?
What mean these men that are with thee?
During the night, God appeared to Balaam and asked him, “◄Who are/Tell me about► these men who are staying with you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:9
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 22:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
אֶל
בִּלְעָ֑ם
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
מִ֛י
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בִּלְעָ֑ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִ֛י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:9
וַ/יָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
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/יֹּ֕אמֶר
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.
מִ֛י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
הָ/אֲנָשִׁ֥ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הָ/אֵ֖לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | 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.
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Numbers 22:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 22:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 22:9
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:9
- Sermons on Numbers 22:9
Context — Balak Summons Balaam
7The 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.
8“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.
9Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?”
10And Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: 11‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 20:3 | One night, however, God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman.” |
| 2 | Numbers 22:20 | That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” |
| 3 | Genesis 16:8 | “Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I am running away from my mistress Sarai,” she replied. |
| 4 | Genesis 4:9 | And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” |
| 5 | Exodus 4:2 | And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 20:14–15 | Then the prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah and asked, “Where did those men come from, and what did they say to you?” “They came from a distant land,” Hezekiah replied, “from Babylon.” “What have they seen in your palace?” Isaiah asked. “They have seen everything in my palace,” answered Hezekiah. “There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.” |
| 7 | Genesis 3:9–11 | But the LORD God called out to the man, “Where are you?” “I heard Your voice in the garden,” he replied, “and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” “Who told you that you were naked?” asked the LORD God. “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” |
| 8 | Daniel 4:31–32 | While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you. You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.” |
| 9 | Matthew 24:24 | For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. |
| 10 | Daniel 2:45 | And just as you saw a stone being cut out of the mountain without human hands, and it shattered the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold, so the great God has told the king what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.” |
Numbers 22:9 Summary
In Numbers 22:9, God comes to Balaam and asks about the men with him, showing that God is interested in every aspect of our lives. This verse teaches us that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding and directing us, just as He did with Balaam. As we see in Psalm 139:1-6, God knows us intimately and desires to lead us in His ways. By seeking God's guidance, as Balaam did, we can align our lives with His will and purposes, as stated in Romans 12:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God come to Balaam and ask about the men with him?
God came to Balaam to know the intentions and identities of the men with him, as seen in Numbers 22:9, and to guide Balaam's response to their request, as He does with all believers, according to Proverbs 3:5-6.
Was Balaam a true prophet of God?
Balaam is a complex figure, and while he did receive messages from God, as in Numbers 22:9, his heart and actions were not always aligned with God's will, as seen in Numbers 22:10-11 and Deuteronomy 23:4-5.
What can we learn from God's interaction with Balaam in this verse?
We learn that God is actively involved in the lives of all people, not just believers, as seen in Numbers 22:9, and that He desires to guide and direct us, as stated in Psalm 32:8-11 and Jeremiah 29:11.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Numbers 22?
This verse sets the stage for Balaam's encounter with the princes of Moab and his subsequent interactions with God, as seen in Numbers 22:10-35, and ultimately, the blessing of Israel in Numbers 23-24, which fulfills God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3.
Reflection Questions
- What would I do if God spoke to me directly, as He did to Balaam in Numbers 22:9?
- How can I, like Balaam, be open to God's guidance and direction in my life, as promised in Psalm 119:105?
- What are some ways that God is currently speaking to me, and how can I be more attentive to His voice, as encouraged in Isaiah 30:21?
- How can I apply the principles of Numbers 22:9 to my relationships with others, seeking God's wisdom and guidance in my interactions with them, as taught in Colossians 3:12-14?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:9
And God came unto Balaam,.... In a dream very probably, as he did to Abimelech and Laban, Genesis 20:3: and said, what men are these with thee? who lodged with him that night.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:9
And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:9
God came unto Balaam, not to gratify his covetous desire, but to advance his own honour and service, even by the counsels of his enemies. He asketh not for his own information, but partly that Balaam by repeating the thing in God’ s presence might be convinced and ashamed of his sin and folly in offering his service in such a cursed business; and partly for a foundation to the following answer.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:9
Numbers 22:9 And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men [are] these with thee?Ver. 9. And God came to Balaam.] So he came to Abimelech, to Laban, &c. He never credited his word to these, as he did to the holy prophets, of whom it is said, "The word of the Lord came to them."
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 22:9
(9) What men are these with thee?—This inquiry, like that addressed to Elijah, “What doest thou here?” (1 Kings 19:9), or that to Hezekiah, “What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee?” and “What have they seen in thine house?” (Isaiah 39:3-4) was calculated to arouse the slumbering conscience of Balaam, and to open his eyes to a perception of his sin and of his danger.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:9
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.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:9
9. What men are these with thee — Says Calvin, “By asking the question, ‘Who are these men?’ God indirectly rebukes Balaam’s perverse inclination to go with the messengers.” But Knobel sees no
Sermons on Numbers 22:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Error of Balaam - Part 1 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Balaam from the book of Numbers in the Bible. Balaam, a prophet of God, misused his gifts and relationship with God for personal |
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Killing the Messenger Contentiously Contending -8 by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of receiving correction and admonition with humility, highlighting how some 'watchmen' with bad attitudes have discredited the ministry of dis |
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When God Speaks Discerning His Voice by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the critical need to discern God's voice amidst the chaos of competing influences in our lives. He illustrates this through the biblical accounts of Abraha |
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When God Speaks Discerning the Voice of God - Genesis 20 22 by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of discerning the voice of God amidst the noise of life, urging believers to cultivate a spiritual appetite through obedience to God's Word. |
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On Dreaming by John Newton | John Newton delves into the mysterious world of dreams, highlighting how our minds continue to work even as our bodies rest, suggesting a deeper spiritual connection. He emphasizes |
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Integrity of Heart by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and how he tried to cover up his sins until God exposed him. The preacher then shares a story about a little girl who had |
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Where Have We Come From? by Todd Atkinson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of maintaining a sense of community as a church grows larger. They emphasize the need to communicate in a more formal manner to |