King James Version

What Does Numbers 23:14 Mean?

Numbers 23:14 in the King James Version says “And he brought him into the field of Zophim , to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Numbers 23:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.

Read Numbers 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The move to 'the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah' for a second attempt reveals Balak's desperation. Pisgah means 'summit/cleft' and was part of the mountain range where Moses would later view the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:1). Ironically, Balak brought Balaam to the very place God would use to show His servant Moses the blessing of the land. Geography sacred to Israel's history becomes the site of failed cursing. This demonstrates that God consecrates places for His purposes; they cannot be used against Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The field of Zophim (meaning 'watchers/lookouts') on Mount Pisgah provided another vantage point overlooking Israel's encampment. The location's later significance—where Moses viewed Canaan before death—adds poignancy. The same location served both for failed cursing and successful blessing. God's sovereign control of history means even enemy-chosen sites become theaters of His glory.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty over geography and history comfort His people?
  2. What does it mean that locations intended for evil become sites of divine glory?
  3. How should we view places and circumstances that seem to oppose God's purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּקָּחֵ֙הוּ֙1 of 13

“And he brought”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שְׂדֵ֣ה2 of 13

“him into the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

צֹפִ֔ים3 of 13

“of Zophim”

H6839

tsophim, a place east of the jordan

אֶל4 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רֹ֖אשׁ5 of 13

“to the top”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַפִּסְגָּ֑ה6 of 13

“of Pisgah”

H6449

pisgah, a mountain east of jordan

וַיִּ֙בֶן֙7 of 13

“and built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

שִׁבְעָ֣ה8 of 13

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃9 of 13

“altars”

H4196

an altar

וַיַּ֛עַל10 of 13

“and offered”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

פָּ֥ר11 of 13

“a bullock”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

וָאַ֖יִל12 of 13

“and a ram”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃13 of 13

“altars”

H4196

an altar

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 23:14 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 23:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 21:20Hosea 12:11Deuteronomy 34:1Numbers 23:1-2Isaiah 1:10-11Deuteronomy 4:49

Places in This Verse

PisgahMountain · Modern: Rujm Siyaghah · 31.77°N, 35.73°E8 verses across 3 books
ZophimNatural Area · Modern: Tila as Safa · 31.77°N, 35.73°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Numbers 23 →

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