Numbers 24:10

Authorized King James Version

And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
#2
אַ֤ף
anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#3
בָּלָ֜ק
And Balak's
balak, a moabitish king
#4
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
בִּלְעָ֗ם
against Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#6
וַיִּסְפֹּ֖ק
and he smote
to clap the hands (in token of compact, derision, grief, indignation, or punishment); by implication of satisfaction, to be enough; by implication of
#7
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
כַּפָּ֑יו
his hands
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
#9
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
בָּלָ֜ק
And Balak's
balak, a moabitish king
#11
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
בִּלְעָ֗ם
against Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#13
לָקֹ֤ב
thee to curse
to scoop out, i.e., (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e., stab with words)
#14
אֹֽיְבַי֙
mine enemies
hating; an adversary
#15
קְרָאתִ֔יךָ
I called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#16
וְהִנֵּה֙
lo!
#17
בָרֵ֔ךְ
and behold thou hast altogether
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#18
בָרֵ֔ךְ
and behold thou hast altogether
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
#19
זֶ֖ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#20
שָׁלֹ֥שׁ
them these three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#21
פְּעָמִֽים׃
times
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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