Numbers 23:4
Numbers 23:4 in Multiple Translations
and God met with him. “I have set up seven altars,” Balaam said, “and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.”
And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram.
And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared the seven altars, and I have offered up a bullock and a ram on every altar.
And God came to Balaam, and Balaam said to him, I have made ready seven altars, offering an ox and a male sheep on every altar.
God met with him there, and Balaam said. “I have built seven altars and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.”
And God met Balaam, and Balaam sayd vnto him, I haue prepared seuen altars, and haue offred vpon euery altar a bullocke and a ramme.
And God cometh unto Balaam, and he saith unto Him, 'The seven altars I have arranged, and I offer a bullock and a ram on the altar;'
God met Balaam, and he said to him, “I have prepared the seven altars, and I have offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.”
And God met Balaam: and he said to him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram.
And when he was gone with speed, God met him. And Balaam speaking to him, said: I have erected seven altars, and have laid on everyone a calf and a ram.
and God appeared to him there. Balaam said to him, “We have built seven altars, and I have killed and burned a young bull and a ram as a sacrifice to you on each altar.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:4
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 23:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקָּ֥ר
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
אֶל
בִּלְעָ֑ם
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
אֵלָ֗י/ו
אֶת
שִׁבְעַ֤ת
הַֽ/מִּזְבְּחֹת֙
עָרַ֔כְתִּי
וָ/אַ֛עַל
פָּ֥ר
וָ/אַ֖יִל
בַּ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
וַ/יִּקָּ֥ר
qârâh
H7136
to meet
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בִּלְעָ֑ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שִׁבְעַ֤ת
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
הַֽ/מִּזְבְּחֹת֙
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Art | N-mp
עָרַ֔כְתִּי
ʻârak
H6186
to arrange
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וָ/אַ֛עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs
פָּ֥ר
par
H6499
bullock
N-ms
וָ/אַ֖יִל
ʼayil
H352
ram
Conj | N-ms
בַּ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:4
וַ/יִּקָּ֥ר
qârâh
H7136
"to meet"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to lay beams, or to build with beams. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle. The word is used to describe a building process.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, befall, happen, come to meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to encounter, meet 1a2) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to encounter, meet (without pre-arrangement) 1b2) to chance to be present 1b3) to come to meet 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet, appoint
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, lay (make) beams, befall, bring, come (to pass unto), floor, (hap) was, happen (unto), meet, send good speed. See also: Genesis 24:12; 1 Samuel 28:10; Psalms 104:3.
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/יֹּ֣אמֶר
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.
אֵלָ֗י/ו
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.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שִׁבְעַ֤ת
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
הַֽ/מִּזְבְּחֹת֙
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Art | N-mp
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
עָרַ֔כְתִּי
ʻârak
H6186
"to arrange"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to value or arrange things in order. It is used in various contexts, like setting up an army for battle or estimating the value of something, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
Definition: 1) to arrange, set or put or lay in order, set in array, prepare, order, ordain, handle, furnish, esteem, equal, direct, compare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to arrange or set or lay in order, arrange, state in order, set forth (a legal case), set in place 1a2) to compare, be comparable
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: put (set) (the battle, self) in array, compare, direct, equal, esteem, estimate, expert (in war), furnish, handle, join (battle), ordain, (lay, put, reckon up, set) (in) order, prepare, tax, value. See also: Genesis 14:8; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Psalms 5:4.
וָ/אַ֛עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
פָּ֥ר
par
H6499
"bullock"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a young bull or ox, often used as a sacrifice in the Bible. In Exodus, a bullock is used as an offering to God. The word describes a strong and powerful animal.
Definition: young bull, steer, bullock
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] young) bull(-ock), calf, ox. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 22:13.
וָ/אַ֖יִל
ʼayil
H352
"ram"
Conj | N-ms
A strong tree, like an oak or a ram, symbolizes strength and power, as seen in 1 Kings 7:2 where Solomon builds a house with strong pillars. It can also refer to a chief or leader, like in 1 Chronicles 12:14 where the leaders of the tribes are listed.
Definition: 1) ram 1a) ram (as food) 1b) ram (as sacrifice) 1c) ram (skin dyed red, for tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: mighty (man), lintel, oak, post, ram, tree. See also: Genesis 15:9; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 66:15.
בַּ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Prep | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 23:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:4
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:4
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:4
- Sermons on Numbers 23:4
Context — Balaam’s First Oracle
2So Balak did as Balaam had instructed, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
3“Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height,
4and God met with him. “I have set up seven altars,” Balaam said, “and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.”
5Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message.” 6So he returned to Balak, who was standing there beside his burnt offering, with all the princes of Moab.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 23:16 | And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.” |
| 2 | Ephesians 2:9 | not by works, so that no one can boast. |
| 3 | Luke 18:12 | I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’ |
| 4 | John 16:2 | They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. |
| 5 | 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.” |
| 6 | Matthew 20:12 | ‘These men who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.’ |
| 7 | Numbers 23:1 | Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me seven altars here, and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams.” |
| 8 | Romans 3:27 | Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith. |
| 9 | Numbers 22:9 | Then God came to Balaam and asked, “Who are these men with you?” |
| 10 | Isaiah 58:3–4 | “Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers. You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high. |
Numbers 23:4 Summary
In Numbers 23:4, we see that Balaam set up seven altars and offered sacrifices to God, and God met with him to give him a message. This shows us that God is willing to communicate with people, even if they are not perfect, as we see in the story of Balaam. We can learn from this that we should seek God's guidance and wisdom in our lives, and be willing to listen to His voice, just like Balaam did in this verse (see also Jeremiah 29:12-13). By seeking God and offering our lives as sacrifices of praise and worship, we can experience God's presence and guidance in our lives, just like the Psalmist in Psalms 119:145-152.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balaam set up seven altars in Numbers 23:4?
Balaam set up seven altars to offer sacrifices to God, following the instructions he had given to Balak, as seen in Numbers 23:1-2, in an attempt to appease God and receive a message to deliver to Balak, similar to the instructions given in Leviticus 1:1-7 for burnt offerings.
What does it mean that God met with Balaam in Numbers 23:4?
When it says God met with Balaam, it means that God chose to communicate with Balaam, similar to how He communicated with prophets like Moses in Exodus 33:7-11, and this meeting was a pivotal moment in the story as God would give Balaam a message to deliver to Balak.
Why did Balaam offer a bull and a ram on each altar?
Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar as a form of sacrifice, following the pattern of sacrifice seen in the law, such as in Deuteronomy 12:6, in an attempt to seek God's favor and guidance, although his intentions were not entirely pure, as seen in the context of Numbers 22:7-21.
What can we learn from Balaam's actions in Numbers 23:4?
We can learn that even those who do not follow God wholeheartedly can still be used by Him to accomplish His purposes, as seen in the story of Balaam, but it is also important to note that Balaam's actions were not entirely pure, and we should strive to follow God with a pure heart, as encouraged in Matthew 5:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can seek God's guidance and wisdom in my life, just like Balaam sought God's guidance in Numbers 23:4?
- How can I ensure that my intentions are pure when seeking to follow God's will, unlike Balaam's mixed motives?
- What are some things that I can learn from the way God communicates with Balaam in this verse, and how can I apply those lessons to my own life?
- In what ways can I offer sacrifices of praise and worship to God, just like Balaam offered sacrifices on the altars, as seen in Hebrews 13:15?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:4
And God met Balaam,.... Not in a kind and gracious manner; not out of any respect to him and his offerings; not to indulge him with any spiritual communion with him; nor to communicate his mind and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:4
And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:4
God met Balaam, not to comply with Balaam’ s charms, nor to gratify, but to oppose, his wicked desires, and to fierce him against his own inclination and interest to utter the following words. A bullock and a ram, which I pray thee accept, and give me leave to curse thy people, as their abundant wickedness deserves.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:4
Numbers 23:4 And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon [every] altar a bullock and a ram.Ver. 4. I have prepared seven altars.] He boasts of his devotions, and so thinks to demerit God’ s favour. So those hypocrites in Isaiah. Non sic deos coluimus, ut ille nos vinceret, We have not so served the gods, as that the enemy should have the better of us, said the Emperor Antonius, the philosopher.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:4
1–6. Balaam demanded a seven-fold sacrifice, in order to propitiate God, that He might be willing to give His prophet a message. Balak complied with the request, hoping that the message might be a curse.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 23:4
God met Balaam - God served His own purposes through the arts of Balaam, and manifested His will through the agencies employed to seek it, dealing thus with Balaam in an exceptional manner.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:4
4. God met Balaam — Not in the flight of birds or in any natural sign of doubtful signification, but by a distinct and unequivocal message which he was commanded to declare to Balak.
Sermons on Numbers 23:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Unpredestined by S.I. Emery | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the condemnation that comes when people choose darkness over light. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and not just giving advice. |
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Faith, Works & the Holy Spirit by Dave Hunt | Dave Hunt addresses the spiritual climate in various countries, highlighting the challenges faced by Christians in Eastern Europe with the temptation of materialism and the rise of |
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What Man Thinks - God Says by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody emphasizes the contrast between human perceptions and divine truths, illustrating that our self-assessments often fall short of God's standards. He points out that while |
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Holiness: How to Get It by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes that holiness is the state of being like Jesus in moral and spiritual nature, achieved through complete deliverance from sin and the perfection of s |
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Created in Him by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound concept of creation in the Bible, particularly focusing on spiritual creation through Christ. He explains that believers are made new creatures a |
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Subject to Bad Days by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that Jesus remains faithful and caring through our difficult seasons, reminding us that we carry the treasure of His presence within our frail, earthly b |
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Salvation-Crystal Clear by Jerry Mawhorr | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the sinfulness of mankind in order to grasp the concept of salvation. He uses a story of a bus driver's fata |