Numbers 23:27
Numbers 23:27 in Multiple Translations
“Please come,” said Balak, “I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you curse them for me from there.”
¶ And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence.
And Balak said unto Balaam, Come now, I will take thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence.
Then Balak said to Balaam, Come now, I will take you to another place; it may be that God will let you put a curse on them from there.
“Please come with me and I will take you somewhere else,” Balak said. “Maybe God would let you curse them for me from there.”
Againe Balak sayd vnto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I wil bring thee vnto another place, if so be it wil please God, that thou mayest thence curse them for my sake.
And Balak saith unto Balaam, 'Come, I pray thee, I take thee unto another place; it may be it is right in the eyes of God — to pierce it for me from thence.'
Balak said to Balaam, “Come now, I will take you to another place; perhaps it will please God that you may curse them for me from there.”
And Balak said to Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee to another place; perhaps it will please God that thou mayest from thence curse them for me.
And Balac said to him: Come and I will bring thee to another place; if peradventure it please God that thou mayest curse them from thence.
Then King Balak said to Balaam, “Come with me; I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God to allow you to curse them from that place.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:27
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 23:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
בָּלָק֙
אֶל
בִּלְעָ֔ם
לְכָ/ה
נָּא֙
אֶקָּ֣חֲ/ךָ֔
אֶל
מָק֖וֹם
אַחֵ֑ר
אוּלַ֤י
יִישַׁר֙
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
וְ/קַבֹּ֥ת/וֹ
לִ֖/י
מִ/שָּֽׁם
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּלָק֙
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בִּלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
לְכָ/ה
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
נָּא֙
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
אֶקָּ֣חֲ/ךָ֔
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-1cs | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מָק֖וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms
אַחֵ֑ר
ʼachêr
H312
another
Adj
אוּלַ֤י
ʼûwlay
H194
perhaps
Adv
יִישַׁר֙
yâshar
H3474
to smooth
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
וְ/קַבֹּ֥ת/וֹ
qâbab
H6895
to curse
Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff
לִ֖/י
Prep | Suff
מִ/שָּֽׁם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:27
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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.
בָּלָק֙
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.
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.
בִּלְעָ֔ם
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.
לְכָ/ה
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 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) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
נָּא֙
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.
אֶקָּ֣חֲ/ךָ֔
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
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.
מָק֖וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
אַחֵ֑ר
ʼachêr
H312
"another"
Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
אוּלַ֤י
ʼûwlay
H194
"perhaps"
Adv
Ulay means perhaps or if not, used to express uncertainty or doubt. It appears in various forms, such as peradventure or unless. It helps to convey tentative ideas.
Definition: 1) perhaps, peradventure 2) if peradventure 3) unless 4) suppose
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: if so be, may be, peradventure, unless. See also: Genesis 16:2; 1 Samuel 14:6; Isaiah 37:4.
יִישַׁר֙
yâshar
H3474
"to smooth"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To be straight or smooth is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe something as right or pleasant. It is used in Proverbs 11:5 to describe a righteous person, and in Psalm 23:3 to describe a path that is straight and right.
Definition: 1) to be right, be straight, be level, be upright, be just, be lawful, be smooth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go straight 1a2) to be pleasing, be agreeable, be right (fig.) 1a3) to be straightforward, be upright 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make right, make smooth, make straight 1b2) to lead, direct, lead straight along 1b3) to esteem right, approve 1c) (Pual) to be made level, be laid smoothly out 1d) (Hiphil) to make straight, look straight
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: direct, fit, seem good (meet), [phrase] please (will), be (esteem, go) right (on), bring (look, make, take the) straight (way), be upright(-ly). See also: Numbers 23:27; Psalms 5:9; Psalms 119:128.
בְּ/עֵינֵ֣י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | 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.
וְ/קַבֹּ֥ת/וֹ
qâbab
H6895
"to curse"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms | Suff
To curse means to speak badly of someone, as seen in Job 1:5 and 2:5. It involves using words to harm or malign, similar to stabbing with words.
Definition: 1) to curse, utter a curse against 1a) (Qal) to curse
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, curse. See also: Numbers 22:11; Numbers 23:13; Job 5:3.
לִ֖/י
""
Prep | Suff
מִ/שָּֽׁם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 23:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:27
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:27
- Sermons on Numbers 23:27
Context — Balaam’s Second Oracle
25Now Balak said to Balaam, “Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!”
26But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?”
27“Please come,” said Balak, “I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you curse them for me from there.”
28And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland. 29Then Balaam said, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 11:29 | For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. |
| 2 | Proverbs 21:30 | There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. |
| 3 | Numbers 23:19–20 | God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. |
| 4 | Job 23:13 | But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires. |
| 5 | Proverbs 19:21 | Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. |
| 6 | Isaiah 46:10–11 | I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it. |
| 7 | Isaiah 14:27 | The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back? |
| 8 | Numbers 23:13 | Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.” |
| 9 | Malachi 3:6 | “Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed. |
Numbers 23:27 Summary
In this verse, Balak is trying to find a way to get Balaam to curse the Israelites, and he thinks that moving to a different location might make a difference. However, as we see in Numbers 23:26, Balaam is committed to following God's instructions, and God's decisions are not based on where we are or what we do. This reminds us that God is a God of unchanging character and purpose, and we can trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Psalms 103:19. By seeking to understand and align with God's will, we can find peace and guidance in our lives, just as we are encouraged to do in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balak think moving to a different location would change God's mind about cursing the Israelites?
Balak may have believed that a different location would bring a different outcome, but as Balaam had already stated, he could only do what the Lord said, as seen in Numbers 23:26, and God's decisions are not based on geography, as noted in Psalms 139:7-10.
What was Balak's motivation for wanting Balaam to curse the Israelites?
Balak's motivation was likely driven by a desire to protect his own people and territory from the growing Israelite nation, as seen in Numbers 22:2-4, and he saw Balaam's supposed ability to curse as a means to achieve this goal, much like the desire for power and control seen in 1 Samuel 15:23.
Is it possible for God to change His mind based on our actions or location?
According to Scripture, God's mind is not changed by human actions or location, as stated in Numbers 23:19 and 1 Samuel 15:29, He is a God of unchanging character and purpose, and His decisions are based on His own sovereignty and wisdom.
What can we learn from Balak's persistence in seeking a curse on the Israelites?
We can learn that persistence in seeking something that goes against God's will can lead to further hardness of heart and separation from God, as seen in the example of Pharaoh in Exodus 7-12, and that it is essential to seek God's will and align our desires with His, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to persuade God to do something that may not be in His will?
- How can I, like Balaam, remain committed to following God's instructions, even when faced with opposition or temptation?
- What are some ways that I can seek to understand and align with God's will, rather than trying to manipulate circumstances to achieve my own desires?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and unchanging character, even when faced with uncertain or challenging situations?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:27
And Balak said unto Balaam, come, I pray thee,.... Come along with me: I will bring thee unto another place: if not better for the view of the people, yet a more religious place, on which account the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:27
And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:27
Numbers 23:27 And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence.Ver. 27. Peradventure it will please God.] Heb., It will be right in the eyes of God. Never think it, man. "He is not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness."
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:27
(27) Peradventure it will please God . . . —Here Balak makes mention of God as Elohim. He appears to be satisfied that Balaam was hindered by God from uttering the curses which he desired him to pronounce upon Israel (comp. Numbers 24:11). Or the words may have been spoken ironically (comp. Numbers 24:11, and Note).
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:27
27. This verse is a connecting link, added by the compiler, between the E and the J narrative. The words ‘I will take thee unto another place’ cannot be from J , for he has not yet related that Balaam was taken to any place; but the whole of ch. 24 is from J .
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:27
27. Peradventure it will please God — “It was the opinion of the heathen that what was not obtained through the first, second, or third victim might nevertheless be secured through a fourth.” — Clericus.
Sermons on Numbers 23:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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In Tribute to Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 2 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this video, a woman from Milton, Massachusetts shares her testimony of experiencing a miraculous healing. She had been in pain for many years but during a church service, she fe |
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The Fire of God by Art Katz | In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a series of university meetings where he preached the gospel. Despite facing opposition and being seen as a traitor by some, the sp |
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Five Principles of Revival by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God in bringing about revival. He emphasizes that revival is initiated, controlled, and concluded by the Lord, |
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Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 1 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own journey of being chosen by God and the impact it had on his life. He emphasizes that when God calls someone, it is part of a pre-exi |
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God's Severe Mercy by Dana Congdon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 107 and Romans chapters 14 and 15. The Psalm emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for His enduring mercy. The speaker |
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(Romans) Romans 15:30-16:27 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping our minds innocent of evil in a world filled with wickedness. He encourages listeners to avoid watching or reading |
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Pursuing Christ by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, Paul encourages believers to have the mind of Christ and to be open to God's revelation. He emphasizes that each person's journey with God is unique and that compar |