Numbers 25:2
Numbers 25:2 in Multiple Translations
who also invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods.
And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.
for they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods; and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.
For they sent for the people to be present at the offerings made to their gods; and the people took part in their feasts and gave honour to their gods.
who invited them to the sacrifices made to their gods. The Israelites ate the pagan meals and bowed down before these gods.
Which called the people vnto the sacrifice of their gods, and the people ate, and bowed downe to their gods.
and they call for the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people eat, and bow themselves to their gods,
for they called the people to the sacrifices of their gods. The people ate and bowed down to their gods.
And they called the people to the sacrifices of their gods: and the people ate, and bowed down to their gods.
Who called them to their sacrifices. And they ate of them, and adored their gods.
Then those women invited the men to come when the sacrifices were being offered to their gods. The Israeli men accepted. They went to the feasts with the women and worshiped the gods of the Moab people-group.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 25:2
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 25:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּקְרֶ֣אןָ
לָ/עָ֔ם
לְ/זִבְחֵ֖י
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶ֑ן
וַ/יֹּ֣אכַל
הָ/עָ֔ם
וַ/יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּ֖וּ
לֵֽ/אלֹהֵי/הֶֽן
וַ/תִּקְרֶ֣אןָ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
לָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Prep | N-ms
לְ/זִבְחֵ֖י
zebach
H2077
sacrifice
Prep | N-mp
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶ֑ן
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יֹּ֣אכַל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּ֖וּ
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3mp
לֵֽ/אלֹהֵי/הֶֽן
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp | Suff
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 25:2
וַ/תִּקְרֶ֣אןָ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Prep | 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.
לְ/זִבְחֵ֖י
zebach
H2077
"sacrifice"
Prep | N-mp
A sacrifice refers to the act of offering an animal's flesh to God, such as in the sacrifices of righteousness or the Passover. This term encompasses various types of sacrifices, including thank offerings and covenant sacrifices. The KJV translates it as 'offer' or 'sacrifice'.
Definition: 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: offer(-ing), sacrifice. See also: Genesis 31:54; 1 Samuel 2:19; Psalms 4:6.
אֱלֹהֵי/הֶ֑ן
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
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.
וַ/יֹּ֣אכַל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
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.
וַ/יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּ֖וּ
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
לֵֽ/אלֹהֵי/הֶֽן
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 25:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 25:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 25:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 25:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 25:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 25:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 25:2
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 25:2
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 25:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 25:2
- Sermons on Numbers 25:2
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. 4Then the LORD said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people and execute them in broad daylight before the LORD, so that His fierce anger may turn away from Israel.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 10:20 | No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. |
| 2 | Exodus 20:5 | You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, |
| 3 | Exodus 34:15–16 | Do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you, and you will eat their sacrifices. And when you take some of their daughters as brides for your sons, their daughters will prostitute themselves to their gods and cause your sons to do the same. |
| 4 | Hosea 9:10 | I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the firstfruits of the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal-peor, and consecrated themselves to Shame; so they became as detestable as the thing they loved. |
| 5 | Psalms 106:28 | They yoked themselves to Baal of Peor and ate sacrifices offered to lifeless gods. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 11:1–8 | King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines—and his wives turned his heart away. For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been. Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD; unlike his father David, he did not follow the LORD completely. At that time on a hill east of Jerusalem, Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. |
| 7 | Joshua 22:17 | Was not the sin of Peor enough for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day? It even brought a plague upon the congregation of the LORD. |
| 8 | 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. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 6:16–17 | What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” |
| 10 | Exodus 23:24 | You must not bow down to their gods or serve them or follow their practices. Instead, you are to demolish them and smash their sacred stones to pieces. |
Numbers 25:2 Summary
[This verse, Numbers 25:2, shows how the Israelites got into trouble by joining in the worship of the Moabite gods, which is a form of idolatry that is forbidden in Exodus 20:3-5. By eating and bowing down to these gods, they were essentially saying that these gods were more important to them than the one true God, which is a principle also taught in 1 John 5:21. This is a warning to us today to be careful not to let the things of the world become more important to us than our relationship with God, as warned in 1 John 2:15-17. We must prioritize our love for God and His commands, and be separate from the world, as taught in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Israelites eating and bowing down to the gods of Moab in Numbers 25:2?
The Israelites' actions in Numbers 25:2 signify their idolatry and spiritual adultery, which is a violation of the first and second commandments in Exodus 20:3-5, and is also warned against in Deuteronomy 6:14-15.
How did the daughters of Moab tempt the Israelite men to participate in their sacrifices?
The daughters of Moab tempted the Israelite men through sexual immorality, as stated in Numbers 25:1, which led to their participation in the sacrifices for their gods, highlighting the dangers of fleshly desires and the importance of self-control as taught in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.
What is the relationship between idolatry and immorality in this context?
In Numbers 25:1-2, idolatry and immorality are closely linked, as the Israelites' participation in the Moabite sacrifices is preceded by their sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, illustrating the principle that idolatry can lead to all kinds of immorality, as warned in Romans 1:21-25 and Ephesians 5:5.
How does this verse relate to the concept of separation from the world?
Numbers 25:2 emphasizes the importance of separation from the world, as the Israelites' failure to separate themselves from the Moabites led to their idolatry and immorality, highlighting the need for believers to be separate from the world, as taught in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and 1 John 2:15-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be compromising my faith by 'eating and bowing down' to the idols of this world?
- How can I guard my heart against the temptations of immorality and idolatry, and instead cultivate a deeper love for God and His commands?
- In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God and maintain my spiritual purity in a world that often promotes idolatry and immorality?
- What are some practical steps I can take to separate myself from the influences of the world and instead be conformed to the image of Christ, as taught in Romans 8:29 and 2 Corinthians 3:18?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 25:2
And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods,.... That is, the daughters of Moab and Midian, with whom the children of Israel carried on an unlawful correspondence, invited them,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 25:2
And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 25:2
They called the people: this may be noted, either, 1. As the consequent of their whoredom, an invitation to further society in their sacred feasts; or rather, 2. As the cause or occasion of their whoredom, the Hebrew vau here signifying for, as it oft doth. The Moabites being now neighbours to the Israelites, and finding themselves unable to effect their design against Israel by war and witchcraft, they now fell another way to work, by contracting familiarity with them; and perceiving their evil and lustful inclinations, they, i.e. their daughters, last mentioned, invited them to their feasts. Unto the sacrifices, i.e. unto the feasts which were made of their parts of their sacrifices, after the manner of the Jews and Gentiles too, the participation whereof was reckoned a participation in the worship of that god to whom the sacrifices were offered, , and therefore was forbidden to the Israelites when such feasts and sacrifices belonged to a false god, . Yet this was a less and more modest kind of idolatry, and therefore is fitly used to usher in what was more gross and impious. Of their gods, i.e. of their god, Baal-peor, the plural elohim being here used, as commonly it is, for one god. Bowed down; which properly notes the outward act of worship, which here consisting in or being accompanied with filthy serious, may either signify or connote them. To their gods; before their gods, or, to the honour and worship of their gods.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 25:2
Numbers 25:2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.Ver. 2. Unto the sacrifices of their gods.] Unto their idol feasts; for Sine cerere et libero friget Venus. Gluttony is the gallery that lechery walketh through. And bowed down to their gods.] Nemo repente fit turpissimus: by degrees they were drawn to open idolatry. If a man’ s foot slip into the mouth of hell, it is a miracle if he stop ere he come to the bottom. Principiis obsta. Dally not with the devil; sin is very insinuative; and the old serpent, if he once get in his head, will quickly wind in his whole body.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 25:2
(2) And they called the people . . . —The Moabitish women invited the Israelites to their sacrificial feasts, which were celebrated in honour of Baal-peor, who was worshipped in the city of Beth-peor (Deuteronomy 3:29). He is supposed to be identical with Chemosh, the Moabitish god of war.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 25:2
2. for they called] and they called. The writer relates that the Israelites first came into immoral relations with the women, and then that the women, very naturally, invited them to join in their local religious festivities.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 25:2
And they called - i. e., “the daughters of Moab called.”
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 25:2
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 25:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Most High a Prayer Hearing God by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches on the character of the Most High as a prayer-hearing God, emphasizing that God graciously takes notice of the prayers of His people, accepts their suppli |
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The Nature of Justification, and the Nature and Concern of Faith in It by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the nature of justification and the concern of faith in it, emphasizing the importance of the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel as the only s |
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(Reformers and Their Stepchildren) Sacramentschwarmer! - Part 1 by Leonard Verduin | Leonard Verduin delves into the clash between the Stepchildren of the Reformation and the Reformers, known as 'Sacramentarians,' highlighting the fundamental difference in convicti |
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Exposition on Psalm 136 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for His enduring mercy, emphasizing that His mercy is eternal and bestowed upon His saints and faithful ones. |
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Receiving Divine Chastisement by A.W. Pink | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of deities, focusing on the idea of demons or evil spirits with supernatural powers that are neither human nor divine. The preach |
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Homily 9 by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome delivers a sermon emphasizing the importance of worshiping one God and refraining from idolatry, highlighting the consequences of forsaking the true God for false g |
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Your Reasonable Service by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and achievements of Blaise Pascal, whom he considers the greatest intellectual in world history. He highlights Pascal's early mathema |