King James Version

What Does Numbers 23:13 Mean?

Numbers 23:13 in the King James Version says “And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 23:13 · KJV


Context

11

And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.

12

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?

13

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.

14

And he brought him into the field of Zophim , to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar. Pisgah: or, the hill

15

And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Balak's plea 'Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place, from whence thou mayest see them' reveals his assumption that changing location might change the oracle's content. This exposes pagan magical thinking: manipulate circumstances to alter spiritual realities. Balak believed geography, viewpoint, or technique could force the desired outcome. This fundamentally misunderstands God's sovereignty—His will does not depend on location or perspective. The prophet's message comes from divine character and purpose, not situational factors. God 'cannot lie' (Titus 1:2) regardless of circumstances.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The multiple locations for Balaam's oracles—Bamoth-baal (22:41), Pisgah (23:14), and Peor (23:28)—show Balak's persistent attempts to find the 'right' place for cursing. This mirrors pagan high place worship where different locations supposedly accessed different divine powers. Balak did not understand that Yahweh's presence was not localized but universal, His will unchangeable by geographical manipulation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we sometimes try to manipulate circumstances hoping to change God's will?
  2. What does Balak's failed attempts teach about God's unchanging character?
  3. How should we respond when circumstances don't produce our desired outcomes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 21

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֜יו2 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בָּלָ֗ק3 of 21

And Balak

H1111

balak, a moabitish king

לְךָ4 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

נָּ֨א5 of 21
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אִתִּ֜י6 of 21
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

אֶל7 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מָק֤וֹם8 of 21

place

H4725

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)

אַחֵר֙9 of 21

I pray thee with me unto another

H312

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 21
H834

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

תִרְאֶ֑ה11 of 21

from whence thou mayest see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

מִשָּׁ֔ם12 of 21
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֶ֚פֶס13 of 21

but

H657

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

קָצֵ֣הוּ14 of 21

the utmost

H7097

an extremity

תִרְאֶ֑ה15 of 21

from whence thou mayest see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְכֻלּ֖וֹ16 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לֹ֣א17 of 21
H3808

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

תִרְאֶ֑ה18 of 21

from whence thou mayest see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְקָבְנוֹ19 of 21

them all and curse

H6895

to scoop out, i.e., (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e., stab with words)

לִ֖י20 of 21
H0
מִשָּֽׁם׃21 of 21
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 23:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 23:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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