Numbers 24:20
Numbers 24:20 in Multiple Translations
Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.”
¶ And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.
And he looked on Amalek, and took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; But his latter end shall come to destruction.
Then, turning his eyes to Amalek, he went on with his story and said, Amalek was the first of the nations, but his part will be destruction for ever.
Balaam turned his attention to the Amalekites and gave this declaration about them, saying, “Amalek was first among the nations, but they will end up being destroyed.”
And when he looked on Amalek, he vttered his parable, and sayd, Amalek was the first of the nations: but his latter ende shall come to destruction.
And he seeth Amalek, and taketh up his simile, and saith: 'A beginning of the Goyim [is] Amalek; And his latter end — for ever he perisheth.'
He looked at Amalek, and took up his parable, and said, “Amalek was the first of the nations, but his latter end shall come to destruction.”
And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations, but his latter end shall be that he shall perish for ever.
And when he saw Amalec, he took up his parable, and said: Amalec the beginning of nations, whose latter ends shall be destroyed.
Then Balaam looked out over where the Amalek people-group lived, and he prophesied this: “The Amalek people-group were the greatest nation, but they will be wiped out.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:20
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 24:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּרְא֙
אֶת
עֲמָלֵ֔ק
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֥א
מְשָׁל֖/וֹ
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
רֵאשִׁ֤ית
גּוֹיִם֙
עֲמָלֵ֔ק
וְ/אַחֲרִית֖/וֹ
עֲדֵ֥י
אֹבֵֽד
וַ/יַּרְא֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֲמָלֵ֔ק
ʻĂmâlêq
H6002
Amalek
N-proper
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מְשָׁל֖/וֹ
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רֵאשִׁ֤ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
first
N-fs
גּוֹיִם֙
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
עֲמָלֵ֔ק
ʻĂmâlêq
H6002
Amalek
N-proper
וְ/אַחֲרִית֖/וֹ
ʼachărîyth
H319
end
Conj | N-fs | Suff
עֲדֵ֥י
ʻad
H5703
perpetuity
Prep
אֹבֵֽד
ʼôbêd
H8
destruction
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 24:20
וַ/יַּרְא֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
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.
עֲמָלֵ֔ק
ʻĂmâlêq
H6002
"Amalek"
N-proper
Amalek was a descendant of Esau and the ancestor of a tribe in southern Canaan. The Amalekites were enemies of the Israelites, as seen in the story of Exodus and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the Edomites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.36.12; son of: Eliphaz (H0464) and Timna (H8555); brother of: Teman (H8487), Omar (H0201), Zepho (H6825), Gatam (H1609), Kenaz (H7073) and Korah (H7141H) § Amalek = "dweller in a valley" 1) son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timnah, grandson of Esau, and progenitor of a tribe of people in southern Canaan 2) descendants of Amalek
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Amalek. See also: Genesis 36:12; Judges 10:12; Psalms 83:8.
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.
מְשָׁל֖/וֹ
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
N-ms | Suff
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
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.
רֵאשִׁ֤ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
"first"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the beginning or first part of something, like the firstfruits of a harvest. It is used in Exodus 23:19 to describe the best of the harvest. The idea is to give God the best.
Definition: : beginning 1) first, beginning, best, chief 1a) beginning 1b) first 1c) chief 1d) choice part Also means: re.shit (רֵאשִׁית ": best" H7225H)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing. See also: Genesis 1:1; Job 42:12; Psalms 78:51.
גּוֹיִם֙
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
עֲמָלֵ֔ק
ʻĂmâlêq
H6002
"Amalek"
N-proper
Amalek was a descendant of Esau and the ancestor of a tribe in southern Canaan. The Amalekites were enemies of the Israelites, as seen in the story of Exodus and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the Edomites living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.36.12; son of: Eliphaz (H0464) and Timna (H8555); brother of: Teman (H8487), Omar (H0201), Zepho (H6825), Gatam (H1609), Kenaz (H7073) and Korah (H7141H) § Amalek = "dweller in a valley" 1) son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timnah, grandson of Esau, and progenitor of a tribe of people in southern Canaan 2) descendants of Amalek
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: Amalek. See also: Genesis 36:12; Judges 10:12; Psalms 83:8.
וְ/אַחֲרִית֖/וֹ
ʼachărîyth
H319
"end"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.
עֲדֵ֥י
ʻad
H5703
"perpetuity"
Prep
This Hebrew word means forever or eternity, describing something that has no end, like God's existence. It's used in the Bible to talk about things that last forever. In Genesis, it describes God's eternal nature.
Definition: 1) perpetuity, for ever, continuing future 1a) ancient (of past time) 1b) for ever (of future time) 1b1) of continuous existence 1c) for ever (of God's existence)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: eternity, ever(-lasting, -more), old, perpetually, [phrase] world without end. See also: Exodus 15:18; Psalms 111:3; Psalms 9:6.
אֹבֵֽד
ʼôbêd
H8
"destruction"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means destruction or being completely ruined, and it's used in the Bible to describe something that's been totally wiped out. In the KJV, it's often translated as 'perish'.
Definition: destruction
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: perish. See also: Numbers 24:20; Numbers 24:24.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 24:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:20
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:20
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:20
- Sermons on Numbers 24:20
Context — Balaam’s Final Three Oracles
18Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.
19A ruler will come from Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city.”
20Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.”
21Next he saw the Kenites and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Your dwelling place is secure, and your nest is set in a cliff. 22Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 17:14 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” |
| 2 | Judges 6:3 | Whenever the Israelites would plant their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 4:43 | and struck down the remnant of the Amalekites who had escaped. And they have lived there to this day. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 27:8–9 | Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. (From ancient times these people had inhabited the land extending to Shur and Egypt.) Whenever David attacked a territory, he did not leave a man or woman alive, but he took the flocks and herds, the donkeys, camels, and clothing. Then he would return to Achish, |
| 5 | Esther 3:1 | After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him to a position above all the princes who were with him. |
| 6 | Exodus 17:8 | After this, the Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 14:48 | He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers. |
| 8 | Exodus 17:16 | “Indeed,” he said, “a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.” |
| 9 | Esther 7:9–10 | Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 30:17 | And David struck them down from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not a man escaped, except four hundred young men who fled, riding off on camels. |
Numbers 24:20 Summary
This verse tells us that even though Amalek was a strong and important nation at first, they would eventually be destroyed. This is because they opposed God and His people, and God judges those who do so, as seen in Exodus 17:8-16. It reminds us that God is in control of all nations and will judge those who reject Him, as stated in Psalm 135:6. We can learn from Amalek's example to trust in God's power and provision, and to be humble and obedient to Him, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 8:2-5 and Psalm 37:3-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balaam prophesy about Amalek's destruction?
Balaam saw the future judgment of God on Amalek, as God had previously commanded the Israelites to utterly destroy them in Deuteronomy 25:19, and this prophecy was a declaration of that judgment.
What does it mean that Amalek was 'first among the nations'?
This phrase likely refers to Amalek's role as a prominent and powerful nation at the time, but despite their initial strength, they would ultimately face destruction, as seen in their defeat by the Israelites in Exodus 17:8-16.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the prophecy in Numbers 24?
This verse is part of a larger prophecy by Balaam, where he speaks about the future of various nations, including Edom, Israel, and the Kenites, and it serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all nations, as stated in Psalm 135:6.
What can we learn from Amalek's fate?
Amalek's destruction serves as a warning to all nations that reject God and oppose His people, as seen in the example of Amalek's attack on the Israelites in Deuteronomy 25:17-18, and it reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character and His relationship with nations?
- How can I apply the lesson of Amalek's fate to my own life and the world around me?
- What does it mean to be 'first among nations' in God's eyes, and how does this relate to humility and trust in Him?
- How does this prophecy point to the ultimate triumph of God's people, as seen in Revelation 21:1-4?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:20
And when he looked on Amalek,.... The country of Amalek, which lay to the south of the land of Canaan, Numbers 13:29 and which Balaam had a view of from the mountain of Peor, where he now was: and he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:20
And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever. Amalek was the first of the nations.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:20
He looked from the top of Pisgah, which was exceeding high, and gave him the prospect of parts of all these kingdoms. The first, Heb. the first-fruits; so called either, 1. Because they were the first of all the neighbouring nations which were embodied together in one government. Or, 2. Because they were the most powerful and eminent of them, as is implied above, , the best things in each kind being oft signified by the name of first-fruits. Or, 3. Because he was the first who fought against Israel, and was vanquished by them, in that famous battle Exodus 17, which victory was an earnest and first-fruits of that large harvest of victories which the Israelites should in due time get over all their enemies, and, among others, over Amalek himself, . That he perish for ever: he began with God and with Israel. but God will end with him; and the firm purpose and will of God is, that he shall be utterly destroyed, ; so that Saul lost his kingdom for not executing this decree and God’ s command pursuant thereunto, 1 Samuel 15.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:20
Numbers 24:20 And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek [was] the first of the nations; but his latter end [shall be] that he perish for ever.Ver. 20. First of the nations.] Or, Principal See Numbers 24:7.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:20
(20) And when he looked on Amalek . . . —From the. mountain of Peor, on which Balaam then stood, he had a view of the country of the Amalekites, which lay to the south of the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:29; Genesis 36:12). Amalek was the first of the nations.—The ancestor of the Amalekites was Eliphaz, the son of Esau (Genesis 36:12). It has been supposed that the Amalekites separated themselves at a very early period from the rest of the Edomites. The word reshith, which is here rendered “first,” may denote priority in rank, but more frequently denotes priority in time. The corresponding word in the second clause of the verse, aharith (latter end), may be thought to denote that the reference is to time, not to rank. On the other hand, the reference in Numbers 24:7 to the kings of the Amalekites may be urged in favour of the reference to rank. Some understand the allusion to be to the fact that the Amalekites were the first nation which attacked Israel when they had come out of Egypt (Exodus 17:8). It is possible, however, that there may be a reference both to time and to rank. (Comp. Amos 6:1.) But his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.—Or, come to destruction.
More literally, But his latter end shall be even to one perishing—i.e., he shall come to the position of one who is perishing. The destruction of the Amalekites began in the reign of Saul (1 Samuel 14:48; 1 Samuel 15:7), was continued by David (1 Samuel 27:8; 1 Samuel 30:17; 2 Samuel 8:12), and was completed by Hezekiah (1 Chronicles 4:42-43).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:20
Verse 20. Amalek was the first of the nations] The most ancient and most powerful of all the nations or states then within the view of Balaam; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever, or his posterity אחריתו acharitho, shall be destroyed, or shall utterly fail. This oracle began to be fulfilled by Saul, 1 Samuel 15:7-8, who overthrew the Amalekites, and took their king, Agag, prisoner. Afterwards they were nearly destroyed by David, 1 Samuel 27:8, and they were finally exterminated by the sons of Simeon in the days of Hezekiah, 1 Chronicles 4:41-43; since that time they have ceased to exist as a people, and now no vestige of them remains on the face of the earth; so completely is their posterity cut off, according to this prophecy. The marginal reading does not appear to give the proper sense.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:20
20. The utterance on Amalek. And he saw Amalek] The country of the Amalekites and that of the Kenites (Numbers 24:21) might be just visible from the Moabite hills, lying far to the south and south-west. the first of the nations] i.e. the choicest; Heb. rê’shîth. Cf. Numbers 18:12. There is no historical evidence that the Amalekites ever occupied a high position among the nations (see on Numbers 24:7).
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:20
When he looked - i. e., in spirit, as he saw the Star Numbers 24:17. Amalek was the first of the nations - Rather, is pre-eminent among the neighboring nations: compare the same expression in Amos 6:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:20
20. Amalek was the first of the nations — Not (as the Chaldee) in age, power, and renown, but as the first of the Gentiles that came into conflict against Israel as the people of God. Exodus 17:8-13.
Sermons on Numbers 24:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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All Satan's Apples Have Worms by John R. Rice | John R. Rice preaches about the consequences of following Satan's deceitful promises, using the story of the prodigal son to illustrate how all of the Devil's apples have worms. He |
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It Ends With Me! Breaking Bloodline Curses by Vlad Savchuk | Vlad Savchuk delivers a powerful message on breaking generational curses, emphasizing that many struggles stem from ancestral demons that are passed down through family lines. He p |
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Studies in Esther - Part 2 by Major Ian Thomas | Major Ian Thomas explores the transformation of King Ahasuerus in the book of Esther, illustrating the struggle between the sin principle represented by Haman and the righteousness |
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(Heavenly Life) Home and Church by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the need to live a heavenly life by surrendering completely to God, letting go of self-centeredness, and embracing God's love. It highlights the importance o |
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The Need to Die - Part 3 by Carter Conlon | This sermon delves into the significance of the first battle faced by the Israelites in Exodus 17, highlighting the struggle against one's own nature, symbolized by Amalek, the gra |
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Desert Survival Series Pt 26- Moses the Servant of God by Don Courville | In this sermon on Exodus chapter 17, the preacher focuses on the victory of the Israelites over the Amalekites. Moses instructs Joshua to choose men to fight against Amalek, and as |
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The Spirit of Truth by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of the corporate spirit and disobedience among congregations. He refers to the visual expression of disobedience registered in the |