King James Version

What Does Numbers 24:17 Mean?

Numbers 24:17 in the King James Version says “I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shal...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth . smite: or, smite through the princes of”

Numbers 24:17 · KJV

Context

15

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:

16

He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:

17

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth . smite: or, smite through the princes of

18

And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

19

Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.

Read Numbers 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel. Balaam's fourth oracle contains one of Scripture's clearest Messianic prophecies. The future tense ("shall come," "shall rise") points to a distant fulfillment, while "not now" and "not nigh" emphasize the prophecy's eschatological nature. Balaam sees beyond immediate events to Israel's ultimate glory under Messiah's reign.

The "Star out of Jacob" symbolizes royal glory and divine appointment. In ancient Near Eastern thought, stars represented kings or divine beings. Matthew's account of the magi following a star to find Jesus likely reflects awareness of this prophecy (Matthew 2:2). The "Sceptre" (shebet, שֵׁבֶט) clearly denotes kingship—a royal rod or staff symbolizing authority and rule. Together, Star and Scepter point to a coming King from Jacob/Israel who will possess divine glory and sovereign authority.

The prophecy specifies this ruler will "smite the corners of Moab" and destroy "all the children of Sheth"—indicating military victory and judgment upon Israel's enemies. While partially fulfilled in David's reign (2 Samuel 8:2), the prophecy's ultimate fulfillment awaits Christ's return when He will judge the nations and establish His kingdom (Revelation 19:11-16). Early Jewish interpretation recognized this as Messianic, even calling the failed Jewish revolt leader Bar Kokhba ("Son of the Star") in AD 132-135.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage from Balaam's Final Oracles must be understood within its ancient Near Eastern context. The wilderness period (approximately 1446-1406 BCE using early Exodus chronology, or 1290-1250 BCE using late chronology) represents a formative period in Israel's national and spiritual development. Archaeological discoveries from Egypt, Canaan, and Mesopotamia provide important background for understanding Israel's experiences.

The Plains of Moab, located northeast of the Dead Sea, provided a staging area for Israel's entry into Canaan. Archaeological surveys reveal this region was inhabited during the Late Bronze Age, with the kingdoms of Moab, Ammon, and the Amorite kingdoms of Sihon and Og controlling various territories. Israel's victories over Sihon and Og demonstrated God's power and gave them control of the Transjordan region.

The Balaam incident reflects ancient Near Eastern divination practices. Mesopotamian texts describe diviners and prophets like Balaam who were hired by kings to curse enemies or bless military campaigns. However, Numbers presents Balaam as ultimately subject to Israel's God, unable to curse whom God has blessed—demonstrating YHWH's supremacy over pagan spiritual powers. The regulations for land division and inheritance reflect standard ancient property law while being adapted to Israel's tribal system and theological commitments.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage's emphasis on messianic prophecy deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in His people's lives?
  2. In what specific ways can you apply the principles of star from Jacob to your current life circumstances and spiritual journey?
  3. What does this passage teach about the consequences of sin and the necessity of atonement, and how does this point to Christ's ultimate sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
אֶרְאֶ֙נּוּ֙1 of 19

“I shall see”

H7200

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

וְלֹ֣א2 of 19
H3808

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

עַתָּ֔ה3 of 19
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

אֲשׁוּרֶ֖נּוּ4 of 19

“him but not now I shall behold”

H7789

to spy out, i.e., (generally) survey, (for evil) lurk for, (for good) care for

וְלֹ֣א5 of 19
H3808

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

קָר֑וֹב6 of 19

“him but not nigh”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

דָּרַ֨ךְ7 of 19

“there shall come”

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

כּוֹכָ֜ב8 of 19

“a Star”

H3556

a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

מִֽיַּעֲקֹ֗ב9 of 19

“out of Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וְקָ֥ם10 of 19

“shall rise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

שֵׁ֙בֶט֙11 of 19

“and a Sceptre”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֔ל12 of 19

“out of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּמָחַץ֙13 of 19

“and shall smite”

H4272

to dash asunder; by implication, to crush, smash or violently plunge; figuratively, to subdue or destroy

פַּֽאֲתֵ֣י14 of 19

“the corners”

H6285

properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity

מוֹאָ֔ב15 of 19

“of Moab”

H4124

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

וְקַרְקַ֖ר16 of 19

“and destroy”

H6979

to trench; by implication, to throw forth; to wall up, whether literal (to build a wall) or figurative (to estop)

כָּל17 of 19
H3605

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

בְּנֵי18 of 19

“all the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שֵֽׁת׃19 of 19
H8351

tumult

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 24:17 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 24:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 22:16Luke 1:32-33Genesis 49:10Revelation 1:7Revelation 11:15Psalms 45:6

Places in This Verse

Moab 1Region · Modern: Kerak · 31.18°N, 35.70°E162 verses across 22 books
View all places in Numbers 24 →

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