Numbers 23:13

Authorized King James Version

And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
H559
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
אֵלָ֜יו
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
בָּלָ֗ק
H1111
And Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#4
לְךָ
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
נָּ֨א
H4994
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#6
אִתִּ֜י
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#7
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
מָק֤וֹם
H4725
place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#9
אַחֵר֙
H312
I pray thee with me unto another
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#10
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#11
תִרְאֶ֑ה
H7200
from whence thou mayest see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#12
מִשָּׁ֔ם
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#13
אֶ֚פֶס
H657
but
cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f
#14
קָצֵ֣הוּ
H7097
the utmost
an extremity
#15
תִרְאֶ֑ה
H7200
from whence thou mayest see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#16
וְכֻלּ֖וֹ
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
לֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#18
תִרְאֶ֑ה
H7200
from whence thou mayest see
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#19
וְקָבְנוֹ
H6895
them all and curse
to scoop out, i.e., (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e., stab with words)
#20
לִ֖י
H0
#21
מִשָּֽׁם׃
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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