King James Version
Numbers 23:18 in the King James Version says “And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:”
Numbers 23:18 · KJV
And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.
And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?
And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And he took up”
H5375to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
“his parable”
H4912properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
“Rise up”
H6965to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
“and hear”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
“hearken”
H238to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
“unto me thou son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
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.
Numbers 23:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Numbers 23:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge