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.

NUMBERS 23:21KJV
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Numbers 23:21 (KJV)

What does Numbers 23:21 mean?

Numbers 23:21 says that God has not observed wrongdoing or moral corruption in Jacob (Israel), and that God is present with them, with a triumphant shout like that of a king among them. This verse highlights God's favor and presence with Israel, despite their flaws.

In this story, the prophet Balaam is speaking to Balak, the king of Moab, who wants Balaam to curse Israel. Instead, Balaam declares what God shows him: that God sees Israel as blessed and does not hold their faults against them at this moment. The verse emphasizes God's protective relationship with Israel and the sense of victory and leadership ("the shout of a king") among them.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 23:21

  • "Iniquity" (אָוֶן, 'aven): This word often means trouble, wickedness, or harm. Here, it stresses that God is not focusing on Israel's guilt or wrongdoing.
  • "Perverseness" (עָמָל, 'amal): This word can mean mischief or trouble caused by moral failure. Its use underlines that God is not seeing Israel through the lens of their faults.
  • "Shout" (תְּרוּעָה, teru‘ah): This word refers to a loud, joyful noise, often linked to celebration or victory. It paints a picture of Israel as a people with a victorious spirit because of God's presence.
  • "King" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): The mention of a king’s shout suggests leadership, authority, and triumph, possibly hinting at God as Israel’s true king.

Why Numbers 23:21 matters

  • This verse clarifies that, in this moment, God chooses to see Israel as blessed rather than condemned, even though they are not perfect.
  • It emphasizes God's active presence and leadership among His people, which is a key theme throughout the story of Israel in the wilderness.
  • The verse connects to the larger story where Balaam is unable to curse Israel because God’s favor and blessing override human intentions or accusations.

Where else these words appear

“shout” Hebrew H8643 · used in 33 verses

  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • 2 Samuel 6:15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
  • Psalms 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

“perverseness” Hebrew H5999 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Psalms 73:5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
  • Ecclesiastes 3:13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

“beheld” Hebrew H5027 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
  • Psalms 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
  • Isaiah 38:11 I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.

“iniquity” Hebrew H205 · used in 78 verses

  • Deuteronomy 26:14 I have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away ought thereof for any unclean use, nor given ought thereof for the dead: but I have hearkened to the voice of the LORD my God, and have done according to all that thou hast commanded me.
  • Psalms 53:4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God.
  • Proverbs 21:15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.