King James Version

What Does Numbers 24:8 Mean?

Numbers 24:8 in the King James Version says “God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemi...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.”

Numbers 24:8 · KJV

Strength

Context

6

As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.

7

He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

8

God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.

9

He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.

10

And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

Read Numbers 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The oracle 'God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn' grounds Israel's present blessing in past redemption. The Hebrew re'em (wild ox/unicorn) symbolized untamed power. Israel's strength derives not from military might but from God who brought them from Egypt with mighty acts. This past deliverance guarantees future victories: 'he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.' God's past faithfulness ensures future triumph—a principle Christians claim through Christ's finished work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Exodus was Israel's defining redemptive event, constantly referenced as evidence of God's electing love and mighty power (Deuteronomy 5:6). Balaam's oracle from an outside perspective confirmed what Israel knew internally: their God was unmatched. The imagery of consuming enemies and breaking bones prophesied military victories under Joshua, the judges, and David. God's redemption purposes inevitably triumph.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does remembering God's past deliverance strengthen faith for future battles?
  2. What role does the Exodus play in understanding our redemption in Christ?
  3. How should believers leverage Christ's finished work when facing present challenges?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אֵ֚ל1 of 13

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

מֽוֹצִיא֣וֹ2 of 13

“brought him forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם3 of 13

“out of Egypt”

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

כְּתֽוֹעֲפֹ֥ת4 of 13

“he hath as it were the strength”

H8443

(only in plural collective) weariness, i.e., (by implication) toil (treasure so obtained) or speed

רְאֵ֖ם5 of 13

“of an unicorn”

H7214

a wild bull (from its conspicuousness)

ל֑וֹ6 of 13
H0
יֹאכַ֞ל7 of 13

“he shall eat up”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

גּוֹיִ֣ם8 of 13

“the nations”

H1471

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

צָרָ֗יו9 of 13

“his enemies”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

וְעַצְמֹֽתֵיהֶ֛ם10 of 13

“their bones”

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

יְגָרֵ֖ם11 of 13

“and shall break”

H1633

(causative) to bone, i.e., denude (by extensive, craunch) the bones

וְחִצָּ֥יו12 of 13

“them through with his arrows”

H2671

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

יִמְחָֽץ׃13 of 13

“and pierce”

H4272

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

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 24:8 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 24:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 45:5Numbers 23:24Jeremiah 50:17Numbers 23:22Numbers 14:9Psalms 2:9

Places in This Verse

EgyptRegion · Modern: Ain Shams · 30.13°N, 31.31°E658 verses across 33 books
View all places in Numbers 24 →

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