Numbers 24:13

Authorized King James Version

If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִתֶּן

H5414

would give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִ֨י

בָלָ֜ק

H1111

If Balak

balak, a moabitish king

מְלֹ֣א

H4393

full

fulness (literally or figuratively)

בֵיתוֹ֮

H1004

me his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

כֶּ֣סֶף

H3701

of silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְזָהָב֒

H2091

and gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#10

אוּכַ֗ל

H3201

I cannot

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

#11

לַֽעֲבֹר֙

H5674

go beyond

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

#12

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

פִּ֣י

H6310

the commandment

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

#14

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

but what the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#15

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת

H6213

to do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#16

טוֹבָ֛ה

H2896

either good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#17

א֥וֹ

H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

#18

רָעָ֖ה

H7451

or bad

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

#19

מִלִּבִּ֑י

H3820

of mine own mind

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#20

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#21

אֲדַבֵּֽר׃

H1696

saith

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#22

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

but what the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#23

אֹת֥וֹ

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#24

אֲדַבֵּֽר׃

H1696

saith

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Numbers chapter 24 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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Numbers 24:13

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Study Resources