King James Version
Numbers 24:21 in the King James Version says “And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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.”
Numbers 24:21 · KJV
Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city.
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
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.
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
And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And he looked”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“and 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)
“is thy dwellingplace”
H4186a seat; figuratively, a site; abstractly, a session; by extension an abode (the place or the time); by implication, population
“and thou puttest”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
“thy nest”
H7064a nest (as fixed), sometimes including the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling
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 24:21 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 24:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge