Numbers 25:1
Numbers 25:1 in Multiple Translations
While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab,
And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.
And Israel abode in Shittim; and the people began to play the harlot with the daughters of Moab:
Now when Israel was living in Shittim the people became false to the Lord, doing evil with the daughters of Moab:
When the Israelites were staying at Shittim the men started to have sex with Moabite women
Nowe whiles Israel abode in Shittim, the people began to commit whoredome with the daughters of Moab:
And Israel dwelleth in Shittim, and the people begin to go a-whoring unto daughters of Moab,
Israel stayed in Shittim; and the people began to play the prostitute with the daughters of Moab;
And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit lewdness with the daughters of Moab.
And Israel at that time abode in Settim, and the people committed fornication with the daughters of Moab,
While the Israelis were camped at a place called Acacia Grove, some of the men caused themselves to become unacceptable to God by having sex with some of the women of the Moab people-group who lived in that area.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 25:1
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 25:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
בַּ/שִּׁטִּ֑ים
וַ/יָּ֣חֶל
הָ/עָ֔ם
לִ/זְנ֖וֹת
אֶל
בְּנ֥וֹת
מוֹאָֽב
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
בַּ/שִּׁטִּ֑ים
Shiṭṭîym
H7851
Shittim
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יָּ֣חֶל
châlal
H2490
to bore
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
לִ/זְנ֖וֹת
zânâh
H2181
to fornicate
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בְּנ֥וֹת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fp
מוֹאָֽב
Môwʼâb
H4124
Moab
N-proper
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 25:1
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
בַּ/שִּׁטִּ֑ים
Shiṭṭîym
H7851
"Shittim"
Prep | N-proper
Shittim refers to a place east of the Jordan River, also known as the Valley of Acacias. It is mentioned in the book of Numbers as a location where the Israelites camped.
Definition: Combined with na.chal (נַ֫חַל " Valley" H5158I) § Shittim = "the acacias" a place west of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Shittim. See also: Numbers 25:1; Joshua 3:1; Micah 6:5.
וַ/יָּ֣חֶל
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | 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.
לִ/זְנ֖וֹת
zânâh
H2181
"to fornicate"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To fornicate means to commit adultery or be unfaithful, often used to describe idolatry in the Bible. It can also refer to a person being a cult prostitute or causing others to be unfaithful.
Definition: 1) to commit fornication, be a harlot, play the harlot 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication 1a2) to commit adultery 1a3) to be a cult prostitute 1a4) to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to play the harlot 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to commit adultery 1c2) to force into prostitution 1c3) to commit fornication
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) commit fornication, [idiom] continually, [idiom] great, (be an, play the) harlot, (cause to be, play the) whore, (commit, fall to) whoredom, (cause to) go a-whoring, whorish. See also: Genesis 34:31; Isaiah 57:3; Psalms 73:27.
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.
בְּנ֥וֹת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
מוֹאָֽב
Môwʼâb
H4124
"Moab"
N-proper
Moab refers to the land and descendants of the son of Lot, who was born out of an incestuous relationship. The land of Moab is mentioned in the book of Numbers and the book of Ruth.
Definition: Combined with a.ra.vah (עֲרָבָה " Plains" H6160I) § Moab = "of his father" the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: Moab. See also: Genesis 19:37; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 60:10.
Study Notes — Numbers 25:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 25:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 25:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 25:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 25:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 25:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 25:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 25:1
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 25:1
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 25:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 25:1
- Sermons on Numbers 25:1
Context — Moab Seduces Israel
1While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab,
2who also invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods. 3So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 10:8 | We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. |
| 2 | Numbers 33:49 | And there on the plains of Moab they camped by the Jordan, from Beth-jeshimoth to Abel-shittim. |
| 3 | Joshua 2:1 | Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim, saying, “Go, inspect the land, especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. |
| 4 | Micah 6:5 | My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’” |
| 5 | Revelation 2:14 | But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. |
| 6 | Joshua 3:1 | Early the next morning Joshua got up and left Shittim with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. |
| 7 | Numbers 31:15–16 | “Have you spared all the women?” he asked them. “Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 7:26 | And I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a net, and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is ensnared. |
Numbers 25:1 Summary
This verse tells us that while the Israelites were staying in Shittim, they started to sin by being with the daughters of Moab in a wrong way. This is a reminder that we need to be careful about the company we keep and the influences around us, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:33. We should prioritize our relationship with God and stay faithful to Him, just like it says in Matthew 6:33. By doing so, we can avoid the temptations of the world and stay on the right path with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the location Shittim in this verse?
Shittim was a place where the Israelites were staying, and it became a location of spiritual compromise, as seen in Numbers 25:1, similar to how the Israelites compromised in other locations, such as when they worshiped the golden calf in Exodus 32:1-6.
Why did the men of Israel begin to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab?
The Bible does not give a specific reason, but it can be inferred that the men were tempted by the daughters of Moab and gave in to their fleshly desires, as warned against in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of the Israelites in the book of Numbers?
This verse marks a turning point in the story, as the Israelites' disobedience and idolatry lead to God's judgment, similar to the pattern seen in Numbers 11:1-3 and Numbers 14:1-12, where the Israelites' rebellion is met with consequences.
What can we learn from the Israelites' mistake in this verse?
We can learn the importance of staying faithful to God and avoiding worldly temptations, as warned in 1 John 2:15-17 and 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, and the need to be mindful of our surroundings and the company we keep, as seen in Proverbs 22:24-25 and 1 Corinthians 15:33.
Reflection Questions
- How can I be aware of the temptations and influences around me that may lead me away from God, and what steps can I take to stay faithful?
- What are some ways that I may be compromising my faith, and how can I correct these areas of my life?
- How can I prioritize my relationship with God and avoid the distractions of the world, as seen in Matthew 6:33 and Luke 12:31?
- What role does accountability play in staying faithful to God, and how can I surround myself with people who will encourage me in my walk with God, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25 and Proverbs 27:17?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 25:1
And Israel abode in Shittim,.... A place in the plains of Moab, so called from the shittim wood, which grew here in great abundance, so often mentioned in the building of the tabernacle; which was a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 25:1
And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 25:1
NUMBERS CHAPTER 25 The Israelites’ whoredom and idolatry: God commands the guilty to be put to death, . A plague: Phinehas’ s zeal; for which God promises him the priesthood, . God commands the Midianites to be slain for this their treachery in drawing the people to sin, . Shittim; a place called more largely Abel-shittim, , it being usual with the Hebrews to abbreviate long proper names, as Hermon is put for Baal-hermon, , Tholad for El-tholad, , Nimrim, for Beth-nimrim, . And this was their last station, from whence they passed immediately into Canaan. So this is here noted as a great aggravation of their sin, that they committed it when God was going to put them into the possession of their long-expected and much-desired land. The people; not all, but many of them, as appears from ,4 . To commit whoredom, both corporally and spiritually, either because they prostituted themselves to them upon condition of worshipping their god; or because their filthy god was worshipped by such filthy acts, as Priapus and Venus were. Of Moab, and of Midian too, as is evident from ,17,18 Numbers 31:16; for both these people being confederated in this wicked design, the one is put for the other; and the daughters of Moab may be named, either because they began fine transgression, or because they were the chief persons, possibly, the relations or courtiers of Balak king of Moab.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 25:1
Numbers 25:1 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.Ver. 1. To commit whoredom.] By the wicked counsel of Balaam, who knew well, that no one means hath more enriched hell than beautiful faces, and therefore taught Balak to lay this stumblingblock before the children of Israel; and is therein held by some to have sinned against the Holy Ghost. Howsoever he goes out in a stench, as it is usually said of his master the devil.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 25:1
XXV.(1) Abode in Shittim—i.e., Abel-Shittim (Numbers 33:49). (See Note on Numbers 22:1.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 25:1
CHAPTER XXV While Israel abode in Shittim the people commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab, 1. They become idolaters, 2. The anger of the Lord is kindled against them, and he commands the ringleaders to be hanged, 3, 4. Moses causes the judges to slay the transgressors, 5. Zimri, one of the Israelitish princes of the tribe of Simeon, brings a Midianitish princess, named Cozbi, into his tent, while the people are deploring their iniquity before the tabernacle, 6. Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, incensed by this insult to the laws and worship of God, runs after them and pierces them both with a javelin, 7, 8. Twenty-four thousand die of the plague, sent as a punishment for their iniquity, 9. The Lord grants to Phinehas a covenant of peace and an everlasting priesthood, 10-13. The name and quality of the Israelitish man and Midianitish woman, 14, 15. God commands the Israelites to vex and smite the Midianites, who had seduced them to the worship of Baal-peor, 16-18.
NOTES ON CHAP. XXV
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 25:1
1–5. The Israelites sinned with the women of Moab, and were invited by them to the sacrificial feasts of the local god . 6–15. An Israelite brought a Midianite woman into the camp, and Phinehas, for his zeal in killing them both, received the promise that his descendants should perpetually possess the priesthood . The narratives are quite distinct, but both express condemnation of the immorality of the Israelites in consorting with foreign women. The interest of the former is prophetic, and is concerned with the struggle between the pure worship of Jehovah and the native local cults. The interest of the latter is ecclesiastical, and is concerned with the succession of the Aaronite priesthood.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 25:1
The records of the neighboring cities of the plain, and the circumstances of the origin of Moab (Genesis 19:30 ff) suggest that the people among whom Israel was now thrown were more than ordinarily licentious.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 25:1
ISRAEL SEDUCED INTO , Numbers 25:1-3. 1, 2. Shittim — These plains are in the El-Ghor, sixty furlongs east of the Jordan. Note, Joshua 2:1.
Sermons on Numbers 25:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Phinehas - Priest of Obedience by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a passage from the book of Numbers in the Bible. They raise questions about the conduct of Moses and the Israelites when they engaged in imm |
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The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing the person and purpose as interconnected. They express a strong burden for delivering this message and believe it is |
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The Apostate's Lifestyle by J.B. Buffington | J.B. Buffington preaches on the dangers of apostasy and the characteristics of false teachers as outlined in 2 Peter 2:10-16. He emphasizes how these apostates walk after the flesh |
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(Om Orientation) the Pull of the Flesh - Part 2 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strong desire for freedom from sin and a hunger to see others set free as well. He compares this desire to the det |
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The Power of Faith - Alone With God by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher expresses a desire for manifestations of God that cannot be logically explained, particularly in prison cells in Russia and other countries. He critici |
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Studies in Joshua 02 - Entering the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going back to the book of God to be reminded of what He has done. He highlights the faith and trust in God that the priests |
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Mind Over Materialism by Peter Masters | This sermon delves into the story of Rahab in the Old Testament, highlighting her transition from a polytheistic, materialistic society to a believer in the one true God. It emphas |