Numbers 23:27

Authorized King James Version

And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
בָּלָק֙
And Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
בִּלְעָ֔ם
unto Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#5
לְכָה
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#6
נָּא֙
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
#7
אֶקָּ֣חֲךָ֔
I pray thee I will bring
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#8
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
מָק֖וֹם
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)
#10
אַחֵ֑ר
thee unto another
properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc
#11
אוּלַ֤י
if not; hence perhaps
#12
יִישַׁר֙
straight (literally or figuratively)
#13
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#14
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#15
וְקַבֹּ֥תוֹ
that thou mayest curse
to scoop out, i.e., (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e., stab with words)
#16
לִ֖י
H0
#17
מִשָּֽׁם׃
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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