King James Version

What Does Numbers 24:20 Mean?

Numbers 24:20 in the King James Version says “And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever. the nations: the nations that warred against Israel that: or, even to destruction”

Numbers 24:20 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

20

And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever. the nations: the nations that warred against Israel that: or, even to destruction

21

And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.

22

Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. the Kenite: Heb. Kain until: or, how long shall it be ere Asshur carry thee away captive

Read Numbers 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever—Balaam's oracle (מָשָׁל mashal, proverb/prophecy) against Amalek declares their status as first of the nations (רֵאשִׁית גּוֹיִם reshit goyim)—chronologically Israel's first enemy (Exodus 17:8-16), not greatest. The prophetic latter end (אַחֲרִיתוֹ acharito) promises complete destruction (עֲדֵי אֹבֵד adei oved, 'unto perishing').

This judgment fulfilled God's decree: 'I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven' (Exodus 17:14). Saul's incomplete obedience in executing this command cost him the kingdom (1 Samuel 15), while later Haman the Agagite (Amalekite descendant) nearly destroyed Jews in Persia (Esther 3-7). Amalek symbolizes perpetual opposition to God's people, ultimately destroyed in eschatological judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Amalek descended from Esau's grandson (Genesis 36:12) and attacked Israel's vulnerable rear guard at Rephidim (Deuteronomy 25:17-18). Their cowardly assault on weak and elderly Israelites earned divine decree of total extermination, making Balaam's prophecy confirmation of earlier judgment pronouncements.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Amalek's identity as 'first of nations' (chronologically first enemy, not greatest power) illustrate that opposition's timing matters less than its ultimate outcome?
  2. What does Saul's failure to completely destroy Amalek (keeping Agag alive) teach about partial obedience in spiritual warfare?
  3. How does Amalek's prophesied 'perishing forever' encourage believers facing persistent spiritual opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיַּרְא֙1 of 12

“And when he looked”

H7200

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

אֶת2 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲמָלֵ֔ק3 of 12

“Amalek”

H6002

amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country

וַיִּשָּׂ֥א4 of 12

“he took up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מְשָׁל֖וֹ5 of 12

“his parable”

H4912

properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)

וַיֹּאמַ֑ר6 of 12

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

רֵאשִׁ֤ית7 of 12

“was the first”

H7225

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

גּוֹיִם֙8 of 12

“of the nations”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

עֲמָלֵ֔ק9 of 12

“Amalek”

H6002

amalek, a descendant of esau; also his posterity and their country

וְאַֽחֲרִית֖וֹ10 of 12

“but his latter”

H319

the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity

עֲדֵ֥י11 of 12

“for ever”

H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

אֹבֵֽד׃12 of 12

“end shall be that he perish”

H8

(concrete) wretched or (abstract) destruction

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 24:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 24:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 17:141 Samuel 30:1Esther 7:9-10Judges 6:31 Samuel 27:8-9Exodus 17:16

Places in This Verse

AmalekRegion · Modern: Ain el Qudeirat · 30.65°N, 34.42°E28 verses across 8 books
View all places in Numbers 24 →

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