King James Version
Numbers 23:20 in the King James Version says “Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.”
Numbers 23:20 · KJV
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.
He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.
God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“and he hath blessed”
H1288to 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
“and he hath blessed”
H1288to 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
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“and I cannot reverse”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
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 23:20 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 23:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge