King James Version

What Does Numbers 24:22 Mean?

Numbers 24:22 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. the Kenite: Heb. Kain until: or, ho...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Numbers 24:22 · KJV

Context

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

23

And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!

24

And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.

Read Numbers 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive—The adversative nevertheless (כִּי אִם ki im, 'but surely') contrasts verse 21's apparent security with prophesied destruction. The verb wasted (לְבָעֵר leva'er, burned/consumed) predicts gradual decline before Asshur (Assyria, אַשּׁוּר) finally carries them captive.

This prophecy, fulfilled during Assyrian conquests (8th-7th centuries BC), demonstrates that even groups allied with Israel weren't exempt from judgment when surrounding nations fell. The phrase until Asshur (עַד־מַה אַשּׁוּר ad-mah Ashur) connects Kenite fate to broader Near Eastern upheavals under Assyrian imperialism. No human alliance provides ultimate security—only covenant relationship with Yahweh ensures survival through history's upheavals (Psalm 46:1-3).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Assyrian Empire dominated the ancient Near East from 911-609 BC, conquering Northern Israel (722 BC) and threatening Judah. Marginalized groups like Kenites, despite Israelite affiliation, were swept up in these conquests. Archaeological evidence confirms widespread Assyrian deportation policies affecting entire regions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Kenites' eventual captivity despite strong fortifications challenge faith in material security?
  2. What does the prophecy's long timeframe ('until Asshur') teach about God's patience and certainty of prophetic fulfillment?
  3. How can believers maintain security in God while living amid world systems destined for judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כִּ֥י1 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם2 of 9

“shall”

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִֽהְיֶ֖ה3 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְבָ֣עֵֽר4 of 9

“be wasted”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

קָ֑יִן5 of 9

“Nevertheless the Kenite”

H7014

kajin, the name of the first child

עַד6 of 9
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מָ֖ה7 of 9
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אַשּׁ֥וּר8 of 9

“until Asshur”

H804

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

תִּשְׁבֶּֽךָּ׃9 of 9

“shall carry thee away captive”

H7617

to transport into captivity

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 24:22 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 24:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 14:3Ezra 4:2Genesis 10:11Psalms 83:8Genesis 10:22

Places in This Verse

AsshurSettlement · Modern: Assur · 35.46°N, 43.26°E4 verses across 3 books
KainSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Bani Dar · 31.50°N, 35.15°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in Numbers 24 →

Test Your Knowledge

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