Numbers 24:22
Numbers 24:22 in Multiple Translations
Yet Kain will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive.”
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
Nevertheless Kain shall be wasted, Until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
But still the Kenites will be wasted, till Asshur takes you away prisoner.
But Kain will be burned down when Assyria conquers you.”
Neuerthelesse, the Kenite shalbe spoyled vntill Asshur cary thee away captiue.
But the Kenite is for a burning; Till when doth Asshur keep thee captive?'
Nevertheless Kain shall be wasted, until Asshur carries you away captive.”
Nevertheless, the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asher shall carry thee away captive.
And thou be chosen of the stock of Cin, how long shalt thou be able to continue? For Assur shall take thee captive.
but you will be wiped out when the army of Assyria conquers you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Numbers 24:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֥י
אִם
יִהְיֶ֖ה
לְ/בָ֣עֵֽר
קָ֑יִן
עַד
מָ֖ה
אַשּׁ֥וּר
תִּשְׁבֶּֽ/ךָּ
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יִהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/בָ֣עֵֽר
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
קָ֑יִן
Qayin
H7014
Kenite
N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
מָ֖ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אַשּׁ֥וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
Asshur
N-proper
תִּשְׁבֶּֽ/ךָּ
shâbâh
H7617
to take captive
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 24:22
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יִהְיֶ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/בָ֣עֵֽר
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
קָ֑יִן
Qayin
H7014
"Kenite"
N-proper
Cain was the first child of Adam and Eve, and the first murderer, as told in Genesis. The name also refers to a place and a tribe in Palestine. The word is about a person and a place.
Definition: Ancestors of Heber (H2268H) or Hobab (H2246), first mentioned at Gen.15.19 Group of qe.ni (קֵינִי "Kenite" H7017) § Cain = "possession" eldest son of Adam and Eve and the first murderer having murdered his brother
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Cain, Kenite(-s). See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 4:13; Joshua 15:57.
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.
מָ֖ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אַשּׁ֥וּר
ʼAshshûwr
H804
"Asshur"
N-proper
Asshur was the second son of Shem and the ancestor of the Assyrians, mentioned in Genesis 10:22. The name Asshur means 'a step'.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.10.22; son of: Shem (H8035); brother of: Elam (H5867C), Arpachshad (H0775), Lud (H3865) and Aram (H0758) § Asshur or Assyria = "a step" 1) the second son of Shem, eponymous ancestor of the Assyrians 2) the people of Assyria 3) the nation, Assyria 4) the land, Assyria or Asshur
Usage: Occurs in 138 OT verses. KJV: Asshur, Assur, Assyria, Assyrians. See H838 (אָשֻׁר). See also: Genesis 2:14; Isaiah 7:20; Psalms 83:9.
תִּשְׁבֶּֽ/ךָּ
shâbâh
H7617
"to take captive"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
This verb means to take someone captive, like a prisoner of war. It involves transporting people away from their homes, often as a result of conflict or battle. The Bible uses it to describe the experiences of the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to take captive 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take captive 1a2) captive (participle) 1a3) to lead captive 1b) (Niphal) to be taken captive
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: (bring away, carry, carry away, lead, lead away, take) captive(-s), drive (take) away. See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Chronicles 6:38; Psalms 68:19.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 24:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:22
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:22
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:22
- Sermons on Numbers 24:22
Context — Balaam’s Final Three Oracles
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.”
23Once more Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Ah, who can live unless God has ordained it? 24Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will perish forever.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 83:8 | Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah |
| 2 | Genesis 10:22 | The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram. |
| 3 | Ezra 4:2 | they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families, saying, “Let us build with you because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the time of King Esar-haddon of Assyria, who brought us here.” |
| 4 | Hosea 14:3 | Assyria will not save us, nor will we ride on horses. We will never again say, ‘Our gods!’ to the work of our own hands. For in You the fatherless find compassion.” |
| 5 | Genesis 10:11 | From that land he went forth into Assyria, where he built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah, |
Numbers 24:22 Summary
This verse is saying that even though the Kenites seem safe and secure, they will eventually be destroyed when the Assyrian empire takes them captive. This shows us that God is in control of all nations and their destinies, as we see in verses like Psalm 2:1-12 and Jeremiah 25:12-14. It's a reminder that our security and trust should be in God, not in our own strength or circumstances, as expressed in verses like Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence, even in uncertain times, as seen in Romans 11:33-36.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kain in Numbers 24:22?
Kain is likely a reference to the Kenites, a group of people mentioned in the previous verse, Numbers 24:21, where their dwelling place is described as secure, but here it is prophesied that they will be destroyed when Asshur takes them captive, as seen in the context of Numbers 24:22.
What is the significance of Asshur in this verse?
Asshur is a reference to the Assyrian empire, which was a powerful nation in the ancient Near East, as mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as Genesis 2:14, and its role in taking the Kenites captive is a significant event in the prophetic context of Numbers 24:22.
How does this verse relate to the larger biblical narrative?
This verse is part of a larger prophetic section in Numbers 24, where Balaam is prophesying about the fate of various nations, including Amalek, the Kenites, and Asshur, and it connects to the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations, as seen in verses like Psalm 2:1-12 and Jeremiah 25:12-14.
What can we learn from the destruction of Kain in this verse?
The destruction of Kain serves as a reminder of God's judgment on sin and rebellion, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Genesis 4:1-16, where the story of Cain and Abel is told, and it highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and plan, as expressed in verses like Proverbs 3:5-6 and Romans 11:33-36.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's sovereignty over nations and their destinies?
- How does the prophecy of Kain's destruction relate to the concept of God's judgment on sin, as seen in other parts of the Bible?
- What can we learn from the contrast between the secure dwelling place of the Kenites in Numbers 24:21 and their eventual destruction in Numbers 24:22?
- How does this verse challenge or encourage my trust in God's plan for my life and the world around me?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:22
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted,.... Though they were so strongly fortified, and closely immured and surrounded with rocks and mountains, yet they should gradually waste away, as they were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:22
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:22
Kenite, Heb. Kain, i.e. the Kenite; so called, either by a transposition of letters, which is very usual in the Hebrew tongue; or from the name of some eminent place where they lived, or person from whom they were descended, though now the memory of them be utterly lost, as it hath fared with innumerable other places and persons famous in their generations mentioned in ancient heathen writers. Shall be wasted, i.e. shall be by degrees diminished and wasted by the incursions of divers enemies, till at last the Assyrian comes to complete the work, and carries them into captivity. For the Kenites lived partly among the ten tribes, , compared with , and partly with the two tribes, 4:16,17, and were carried captive with them, part by Shalmaneser, the king of Assyria, , and part by Nebuchadnezzar, who also is called an Assyrian, . The words may be rendered thus, shall be wasted. How long? to wit, shall they be thus wasted? (these particles being oft used abruptly and pathetically in the same manner, 90:13 ) till Asshur comes, Asshur shall carry thee away captive.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:22
Numbers 24:22 Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.Ver. 22. Until Ashur.] Who, together with the Jews, carried captive all the neighbouring nations.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:22
(21-22) And he looked on the Kenites . . . —According to the ordinary interpretation of these verses the continuous destruction of the Kenites is foretold until the Israelites should be taken captive by the Assyrians. The Kenites are included amongst the tribes whose country Abraham’s descendants were to possess (Genesis 15:19). A portion of this tribe, however (for there is no evidence that the Canaanitish and the Midianitish Kenites had a different origin), joined the Israelites, and settled on the southern border of Judah (Judges 1:16). If the Authorised Version of these verses be adopted, it is reasonable to conclude that the Kenites to whom Balaam’s prophecy referred must have been included amongst the enemies of Israel, whose destruction, in common with their other foes, is here predicted. It is obvious that this interpretation is open to two serious objections:—(1) that the natural reference of the words “carry thee away captive” is to the Kenites, not to the Israelites; and (2) that as the later history, as well as the Book of Numbers, makes mention only of those Kenites who allied themselves with the Israelites, we should naturally expect that in accordance with the promise which was given to Hobab by Moses (Numbers 10:29), the Kenites should be distinguished from the enemies of Israel, and be exempted from the destruction with which they were threatened. Another rendering of Num 24:22, and one which appears to be more agreeable to the context in which it stands, is the following:—“For surely the Kenites shall not be destroyed until Asshur shall carry thee into captivity.” This version has the support of the Targum of Palestine and other authorities. It is true that there is no express record of the fulfilment of this prophecy, but it is not probable that the Assyrians spared the Kenites who were settled amongst the Israelites; and we know from Jeremiah 35:11 that after the invasion of Nebuchadnezzar, the Rechabites, who were of the Kenite race (1 Chronicles 2:55), came to Jerusalem for fear of the armies of the Chaldeans and Syrians. If Asshur denotes in this place the Assyrians in the later acceptation of the term, it must be remembered that one branch of the Kenites settled in Naphtali, near Kadesh (Judges 4:11). Asshur, however, appears to be used in a wider sense, so as to include all the nations which proceeded from it (see Numbers 24:24). Even the Persian king is called, as Keil has observed, King of Asshur (Ezra 6:22).
If this interpretation of the text be received, the antithesis between the doom of the Amalekites and the deliverance of the Kenites exactly corresponds to the attitude assumed by those tribes respectively in regard to Israel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:22
Verse 22. Until Asshur shall carry thee away captive.] The Assyrians and Babylonians who carried away captive the ten tribes, 2Kg 17:6, and the Jews into Babylon, 2Kg 25:1; 2Kg 25:11, probably carried away the Kenites also. Indeed this seems pretty evident, as we find some Kenites mentioned among the Jews after their return from the Babylonish captivity, 1 Chronicles 2:55.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:22
22. Until Asshur &c.] The Heb. can only be translated as in R.V. marg., ‘How long? Asshur shall &c.’ The words for ‘how long’ (‘ad mâh) may be a corruption of the name of some place in the east; ‘unto—shall Asshur carry thee captive.’ Asshur or Ashur is the true form of the name Assyria; cf. Numbers 24:24; Genesis 10:22; Hosea 14:3; Isaiah 10:5 (R.V. marg.).
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:22
Render, For Kain shall surely not be destroyed (literally “be for destruction”) until Asshur, etc.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:22
22. Nevertheless the Kenite — Hebrew, Kain. The sentence should be translated “for Kain shall not be exterminated until Asshur,” etc.
Sermons on Numbers 24:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Let Us Build With You. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Church by rejecting the world's attempts to join in its work without true submission to Christ. He warns ag |
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Guardian of the Fatherless by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God serves as the guardian for the fatherless, providing mercy and support when earthly protectors are absent. He encourages believers to cast away al |