Numbers 23:21
New International Version
“No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The LORD their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them.

New Living Translation
No misfortune is in his plan for Jacob; no trouble is in store for Israel. For the LORD their God is with them; he has been proclaimed their king.

English Standard Version
He has not beheld misfortune in Jacob, nor has he seen trouble in Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of a king is among them.

Berean Standard Bible
He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them.

King James Bible
He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.

New King James Version
“He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, Nor has He seen wickedness in Israel. The LORD his God is with him, And the shout of a King is among them.

New American Standard Bible
“He has not looked at misfortune in Jacob; Nor has He seen trouble in Israel; The LORD his God is with him, And the joyful shout of a king is among them.

NASB 1995
“He has not observed misfortune in Jacob; Nor has He seen trouble in Israel; The LORD his God is with him, And the shout of a king is among them.

NASB 1977
“He has not observed misfortune in Jacob; Nor has He seen trouble in Israel; The LORD his God is with him, And the shout of a king is among them.

Legacy Standard Bible
He has not observed misfortune in Jacob; Nor has He seen trouble in Israel; Yahweh his God is with him, And the shout of a king is among them.

Amplified Bible
“God has not observed wickedness in Jacob [for he is forgiven], Nor has He seen trouble in Israel. The LORD their God is with Israel, And the shout of their King is among the people.

Christian Standard Bible
He considers no disaster for Jacob; he sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and there is rejoicing over the King among them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and there is rejoicing over the King among them.

American Standard Version
He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob; Neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: Jehovah his God is with him, And the shout of a king is among them.

Contemporary English Version
Israel's king is the LORD God. He lives there with them and intends them no harm.

English Revised Version
He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, Neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: The LORD his God is with him, And the shout of a king is among them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He doesn't want any trouble for the descendants of Jacob. He sees no misfortune for the people of Israel. The LORD their God is with them, praised as their king.

Good News Translation
I foresee that Israel's future Will bring her no misfortune or trouble. The LORD their God is with them; They proclaim that he is their king.

International Standard Version
He has not responded to iniquity in Jacob or gazed at mischief in Israel. The LORD his God is with them, and the triumphant cry of a king is among them.

Majority Standard Bible
He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them.

NET Bible
He has not looked on iniquity in Jacob, nor has he seen trouble in Israel. The LORD their God is with them; his acclamation as king is among them.

New Heart English Bible
He has not seen iniquity in Jacob. Neither has he seen perverseness in Israel. The LORD his God is with him. The shout of a king is among them.

Webster's Bible Translation
He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel; the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.

World English Bible
He has not seen iniquity in Jacob. Neither has he seen perverseness in Israel. Yahweh his God is with him. The shout of a king is among them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
He has not beheld iniquity in Jacob, "" Nor has He seen perverseness in Israel; His God YHWH [is] with him, "" And a shout of a king [is] in him.

Young's Literal Translation
He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, Nor hath He seen perverseness in Israel; Jehovah his God is with him, And a shout of a king is in him.

Smith's Literal Translation
He saw not iniquity in Jacob and he saw not sorrow in Israel: Jehovah his God with him, and the shouts of a king in them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
There is no idol in Jacob, neither is there an image god to be seen in Israel. The Lord his God is with him, and the sound of the victory of the king in him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
There is no idol in Jacob; neither is there a false image to be seen in Israel. The Lord his God is with him, and the resound of royal victory is in him.

New American Bible
Misfortune I do not see in Jacob, nor do I see misery in Israel. The LORD, their God, is with them; among them is the war-cry of their King.

New Revised Standard Version
He has not beheld misfortune in Jacob; nor has he seen trouble in Israel. The LORD their God is with them, acclaimed as a king among them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I do not behold iniquity in Jacob, neither have I seen malice in Israel; the LORD his God is with him, and the glory of his King is among them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
I have not seen evil in Yaquuv and I have not beheld malice in Israel; LORD JEHOVAH his God is with him and the glory of his King is in him.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
None hath beheld iniquity in Jacob, Neither hath one seen perverseness in Israel; The LORD his God is with him, And the shouting for the King is among them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
There shall not be trouble in Jacob, neither shall sorrow be seen in Israel: the Lord his God is with him, the glories of rulers are in him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Balaam's Second Oracle
20I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. 21He considers no disaster for Jacob; He sees no trouble for Israel. The LORD their God is with them, and the shout of the King is among them. 22God brought them out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 23:5
Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.

Isaiah 44:21
Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are My servant, O Israel. I have made you, and you are My servant; O Israel, I will never forget you.

Jeremiah 50:20
In those days and at that time, declares the LORD, a search will be made for Israel’s guilt, but there will be none, and for Judah’s sins, but they will not be found; for I will forgive the remnant I preserve.

Micah 6:5
My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”

Psalm 32:1-2
Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. / Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Psalm 85:2
You forgave the iniquity of Your people; You covered all their sin. Selah

Isaiah 43:25
I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Zephaniah 3:15
The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. Israel’s King, the LORD, is among you; no longer will you fear any harm.

Romans 4:7-8
“Blessed are they whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered. / Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.”

2 Corinthians 5:19
that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

Colossians 1:14
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Hebrews 8:12
For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.”

Hebrews 10:17
Then He adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”


Treasury of Scripture

He has not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither has he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.

hath not

Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 38:17
Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

the Lord

Exodus 13:21
And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

Exodus 29:45,46
And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God…

Exodus 33:14-16
And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest…

the shout

Psalm 47:5-7
God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet…

Psalm 89:15,18
Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance…

Psalm 97:1
The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.

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Beheld Cry Evil Iniquity Israel Jacob Midst Misery Misfortune Observed Perverseness Shout Shouting Trouble Wrong Wrongdoing
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Beheld Cry Evil Iniquity Israel Jacob Midst Misery Misfortune Observed Perverseness Shout Shouting Trouble Wrong Wrongdoing
Numbers 23
1. Balak's sacrifices














He considers no disaster for Jacob
The phrase "He considers no disaster for Jacob" reflects God's protective and forgiving nature towards His chosen people. The Hebrew word for "disaster" here is "aven," which can also mean iniquity or trouble. This indicates that God, in His grace, does not hold the sins of Jacob (Israel) against them. Historically, this is significant as it underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to be their protector despite their shortcomings. This is a powerful reminder of God's mercy and the importance of repentance and faithfulness in maintaining a relationship with Him.

He sees no trouble for Israel
The word "trouble" in Hebrew is "amal," which can also mean mischief or toil. This phrase emphasizes God's perspective, where He chooses to overlook the potential for mischief or hardship for Israel. It suggests a divine favor that shields Israel from the consequences of their actions, highlighting the theme of divine grace. In the historical context, this was a reassurance to Israel of God's unwavering support, especially during their journey through the wilderness. It serves as an inspiration for believers today to trust in God's providence and protection.

The LORD their God is with them
This phrase is a profound declaration of God's presence among His people. The Hebrew name for God here is "Yahweh," which signifies His eternal and unchanging nature. The assurance that "The LORD their God is with them" is central to the identity of Israel as God's chosen people. It reflects the covenant promise that God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it is a source of comfort and strength. For contemporary believers, this is a reminder of the indwelling presence of God through the Holy Spirit, offering guidance, comfort, and empowerment.

and the shout of the King is among them
The "shout of the King" is a powerful image of victory and divine authority. The Hebrew word for "shout" is "teruah," often associated with the sound of a trumpet or a battle cry. This phrase suggests that God is not only present with Israel but is also their sovereign ruler who leads them to victory. The "King" here can be understood as God Himself, who reigns supreme over Israel. Historically, this would have been a source of encouragement for Israel as they faced various challenges and enemies. For Christians, it symbolizes the triumph of Christ the King, who leads His people in spiritual victory over sin and death.

(21) He hath not beheld iniquity . . . --The same combination of the words aven (iniquity, or injustice) and amal (perverseness, or, rather, suffering or grievance) occurs in Habakkuk 1:3.

The shout of a king.--The word which is rendered shout (teruah) is the same which occurs in Leviticus 23:24, and which is there rendered blowing of trumpets. (Comp. Joshua 6:5; Joshua 6:20, where the same word is rendered shout as here.)

Verse 21. - He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob. The subject of this and the parallel clause is left indefinite. If it is God, according to the A.V., then it means that God in his mercy shut his eyes to the evil which did exist in individuals, and for his own sake would not impute it to the chosen nation. If it be impersonal, according to the Septuagint and the Targums, "one does not behold iniquity," etc., then it means that the iniquity was not flagrant, was not left to gather head and volume until it brought down destruction. Perverseness. Rather, "suffering" (עָמָל. Septuagint, πόνος), the natural consequence of sin. Compare the use of the two words in Psalm 10:7; Psalm 90:10. The shout of a king is among them. The "shout" (תִּרוּעָה) is the jubilation of the nation with which it acclaims its victor king (cf. 1 Samuel 4:5, 6). In Leviticus 23:24; Psalm 47:5 it is used of the sounding of the sacred trumpets.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He considers
הִבִּ֥יט (hib·bîṭ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5027: To scan, look intently at, to regard

no
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

disaster
אָ֙וֶן֙ (’ā·wen)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 205: Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol

for Jacob;
בְּיַעֲקֹ֔ב (bə·ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

He sees
רָאָ֥ה (rā·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

no
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

trouble
עָמָ֖ל (‘ā·māl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5999: Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind

for Israel.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (bə·yiś·rā·’êl)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

The LORD
יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

their God
אֱלֹהָיו֙ (’ĕ·lō·hāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

is with them,
עִמּ֔וֹ (‘im·mōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

and the shout
וּתְרוּעַ֥ת (ū·ṯə·rū·‘aṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8643: Clamor, acclamation of joy, a battle-cry, clangor, of trumpets, as an alarum

of the King
מֶ֖לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

is among them.
בּֽוֹ׃ (bōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT Law: Numbers 23:21 He has not seen iniquity in Jacob (Nu Num.)
Numbers 23:20
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