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Numbers 23:24

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Numbers 23:24 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain.”

King James Version KJV

Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.

American Standard Version ASV

Behold, the people riseth up as a lioness, And as a lion doth he lift himself up: He shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, And drink the blood of the slain.

Bible in Basic English BBE

See, Israel comes up like a she-lion, lifting himself up like a lion: he will take no rest till he has made a meal of those he has overcome, drinking the blood of those he has put to death.

Free Bible Version FBV

Look! The Israelites go out hunting like a lioness; they chase like a lion. They don't rest until they eat their prey, and drink the blood of their dead victim.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Behold, the people shall rise vp as a lyon, and lift vp himselfe as a yong lyon: hee shall not lye downe, till he eate of the pray, and till he drinke the blood of the slayne.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Lo, the people as a lioness riseth, And as a lion he lifteth himself up, He lieth not down till he eateth prey, And blood of pierced ones doth drink.'

World English Bible WEB

Behold, a people rises up as a lioness. As a lion he lifts himself up. He shall not lie down until he eats of the prey, and drinks the blood of the slain.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he shall eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Behold the people shall rise up as a lioness, and shall lift itself up as a lion: it shall not lie down till it devour the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.

Translation for Translators T4T

They are very strong, like lionesses that are ready to attack other animals; they stand firm like lions. The lions refuse to rest until they have killed and eaten their prey, and drunk the blood of the animals they slaughtered.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:24

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 23:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הֶן עָם֙ כְּ/לָבִ֣יא יָק֔וּם וְ/כַ/אֲרִ֖י יִתְנַשָּׂ֑א לֹ֤א יִשְׁכַּב֙ עַד יֹ֣אכַל טֶ֔רֶף וְ/דַם חֲלָלִ֖ים יִשְׁתֶּֽה
הֶן hên H2005 look! Part
עָם֙ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms
כְּ/לָבִ֣יא lâbîyʼ H3833 lion Prep | N-cs
יָק֔וּם qûwm H6965 -kamai V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/כַ/אֲרִ֖י ʼărîy H738 lion Conj | Prep | N-ms
יִתְנַשָּׂ֑א nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יִשְׁכַּב֙ shâkab H7901 to lie down V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
יֹ֣אכַל ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
טֶ֔רֶף ṭereph H2964 prey N-ms
וְ/דַם dâm H1818 blood Conj | N-ms
חֲלָלִ֖ים châlâl H2491 slain Adj
יִשְׁתֶּֽה shâthâh H8354 to drink V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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 23:24

הֶן hên H2005 "look!" Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
עָם֙ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" 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.
כְּ/לָבִ֣יא lâbîyʼ H3833 "lion" Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for lion, this term refers to a fierce lioness. It's used in the Bible to describe powerful animals, like the ones in the stories of Daniel and David. The word is about strength and power.
Definition: lion
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: (great, old, stout) lion, lioness, young (lion). See also: Genesis 49:9; Isaiah 5:29; Psalms 57:5.
יָק֔וּם qûwm H6965 "-kamai" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וְ/כַ/אֲרִ֖י ʼărîy H738 "lion" Conj | Prep | N-ms
In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.
יִתְנַשָּׂ֑א nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
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.
יִשְׁכַּב֙ shâkab H7901 "to lie down" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
עַד 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.
יֹ֣אכַל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
טֶ֔רֶף ṭereph H2964 "prey" N-ms
This word refers to something that has been torn apart, like prey or food. In Genesis 49:27 and Isaiah 18:6, it describes the spoils of war or the leftovers of a predator's meal.
Definition: 1) prey, food, leaf 1a) prey 1b) food 1c) leaf
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: leaf, meat, prey, spoil. See also: Genesis 49:9; Isaiah 5:29; Psalms 76:5.
וְ/דַם dâm H1818 "blood" Conj | N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
חֲלָלִ֖ים châlâl H2491 "slain" Adj
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
יִשְׁתֶּֽה shâthâh H8354 "to drink" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.

Study Notes — Numbers 23:24

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 49:27 Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder.”
2 Genesis 49:9 Judah is a young lion— my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?
3 Numbers 24:17 I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.
4 Revelation 5:5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.”
5 Zechariah 12:6 On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among the sheaves; they will consume all the peoples around them on the right and on the left, while the people of Jerusalem remain secure there.
6 Numbers 24:8–9 God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows. He crouches, he lies down like a lion; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”
7 Psalms 17:12 like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.
8 Proverbs 30:30 a lion, mighty among beasts, refusing to retreat before anything;
9 Micah 5:8–9 Then the remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which tramples and tears as it passes through, with no one to rescue them. Your hand will be lifted over your foes, and all your enemies will be cut off.
10 Deuteronomy 33:20 Concerning Gad he said: “Blessed is he who enlarges the domain of Gad! He lies down like a lion and tears off an arm or a head.

Numbers 23:24 Summary

This verse, Numbers 23:24, is a powerful picture of the Israelites' strength and determination, trusting in God's power and provision. Just like a lioness or a lion, they rise up and pursue their goals with unwavering resolve, not resting until they achieve victory (as seen in Psalm 44:7). As believers, we can learn from this example, trusting in God's strength and guidance to overcome the challenges in our lives (Romans 8:37). By putting our faith in Him, we can rise up like lions and lionesses, confident in His power and protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the people to rise like a lioness and a lion?

This verse, Numbers 23:24, symbolizes the strength and ferocity of the Israelites, much like the powerful imagery found in Hosea 11:10, where God likens Himself to a lion, indicating His mighty power and protection over His people.

Is this verse talking about the Israelites being violent or aggressive?

While the language used in Numbers 23:24 may seem aggressive, it is actually a picture of the Israelites' unwavering determination and unrelenting pursuit of their goals, trusting in God's power and provision, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:18, where God reminds them that it is He who gives them the power to produce wealth.

How does this verse relate to the surrounding context?

The preceding verses, Numbers 23:22-23, highlight God's strength and protection over the Israelites, and Numbers 23:24 serves as a declaration of their unyielding resolve, much like the confidence expressed in Psalm 46:1, where God is proclaimed as their refuge and strength.

What can we learn from Balaam's prophecy in this verse?

Balaam's words in Numbers 23:24 demonstrate that even those who may not follow God can recognize His power and the strength He gives to His people, as seen in the declaration of Exodus 15:11, where the nations tremble at God's mighty deeds.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to rise up like a lioness or a lion, trusting in God's power and provision?
  2. How can I, like the Israelites, pursue my goals with unwavering determination, relying on God's strength and guidance?
  3. In what ways can I demonstrate the same confidence and trust in God's power as expressed in this verse, and how can I share that with others?
  4. What are some 'prey' or challenges in my life that I need to trust God to help me overcome, and how can I drink from the 'blood of the slain' - the victory and triumph that comes from trusting in Him?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:24

Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion,.... Or rather, "as the lioness" (n), which, as Aelianus says (o), is the strongest and most warlike beast, the most fierce and furious, as is

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:24

And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor: `Rise up, Balak, and hear! Hearken unto me, thou son of Zippori!

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:24

As a lion rouseth up himself to fight, or to go out to the prey; so shall Israel stir up themselves to warlike attempts against all their enemies, as occasion shall offer itself. He shall not lie down, i.e. not rest or cease from fighting and pursuing.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:24

Numbers 23:24 Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat [of] the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.Ver. 24. Behold the people.] This is chiefly true of God’ s peculiar people, subduing their spiritual enemies, being bold as lions.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:24

(24) As a great lion.—Better, as a lioness. (Comp. Genesis 49:9.) Balaam transfers to the whole nation that which Jacob had prophesied of Judah.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 23:24

Verse 24. Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion] לביא labi, the great, mighty, or old lion, the king of the forest, who is feared and respected by all the other beasts of the field; so shall Israel be the subduer and possessor of the whole land of Canaan. And as a young lion, ארי ari from ארה arah, to tear off, the predatory lion, or the lion in the act of seizing and tearing his prey; - the nations against whom the Israelites are now going shall be no more able to defend themselves against their attacks, than the feeblest beasts of the forest are against the attacks of the strong lion.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:24

24. Cf. Micah 5:8.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:24

24. As a great lion — Under the imagery of the king of the forest the invincibility of the Hebrew military power, or of Jehovah energizing obedient Israel, is strikingly set forth.

Sermons on Numbers 23:24

SermonDescription
George Verwer (Om Orientation) Real Christian Morals - Part 1 by George Verwer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of sexual immorality and its consequences. He starts by referencing the story of Reuben in Genesis 35, who committed immorality and
Harold Vaughan Mental Pollution by Harold Vaughan In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to resist the devil and overcome his attacks. He compares the inability to physically fight or outrun the devil to the need to empl
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 49:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17, which refers to a star. The preacher connects this prophecy to the coming of Christ, who is describ
Shane Idleman God Gives Us a Heads Up by Shane Idleman This sermon emphasizes the importance of God giving us a heads up about His plans, focusing on the need for practical application of spiritual principles in our daily lives. It hig
Robert Murray M'Cheyne A Faithful Ministry by Robert Murray M'Cheyne Robert Murray M'Cheyne reflects on his five years of ministry, emphasizing that faithful ministers preach Christ Jesus the Lord rather than themselves. He stresses the importance o
John Gill Shewing the Several Circumstances Which Attend the Messiah's Birth. by John Gill John Gill preaches on the various prophecies surrounding the birth of the Messiah, emphasizing how these prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus. He discusses the significance of the st
Arno Clemens Gaebelein The Day of Jehovah by Arno Clemens Gaebelein Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the consistent prophecy throughout the Bible regarding the future day of Jehovah, a day of wrath, judgment, and the manifestation of God's glo
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