Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain.

NUMBERS 23:24KJV
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Numbers 23:24 (KJV)

What does Numbers 23:24 mean?

Numbers 23:24 describes the people of Israel as strong and fearless, comparing them to a great lion and a young lion that rises up, does not rest, and will not stop until it has overcome its enemies. The verse uses vivid animal imagery to show that Israel will not be easily defeated or subdued.

In this scene, Balaam is speaking to Balak, the king of Moab, who wanted Balaam to curse Israel. Instead, Balaam delivers a message from God, declaring Israel’s strength and determination. The verse emphasizes that Israel, like a lion, will not back down or be conquered by those who oppose them, highlighting their God-given power and protection.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 23:24

  • "People" (עָם, ʿam, H5971) refers specifically to the nation of Israel, not just a group of individuals. This word stresses their identity as a unified people.
  • "Lion" (לָבִיא, lavi, H3833) and "young lion" (אַרְיֵה, aryeh, H738) are two different Hebrew words. "Lavi" often means a mature, powerful lion, while "aryeh" can refer to a younger but still fierce lion. The use of both words intensifies the picture of Israel’s strength and vitality.
  • "Prey" (טֶרֶף, teref, H2964) and "blood" (דָּם, dam, H1818) are terms that highlight the completeness of the lion’s victory. These words show that Israel’s triumph over its enemies will be total, not partial.

Why Numbers 23:24 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Israel is weak or vulnerable; instead, it portrays them as powerful and unstoppable when God is with them.
  • The imagery of the lion connects to other places in the Bible where Israel or its leaders are described as lions, reinforcing a theme of God-given strength.
  • In the wider story, this verse is part of Balaam’s blessing, not a curse, showing that God’s plans for Israel cannot be overturned by human schemes or magic.

Where else these words appear

“lion” Hebrew H3833 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • Job 38:39 Wilt thou hunt the prey for the lion? or fill the appetite of the young lions,
  • Ezekiel 19:2 And say, What is thy mother? A lioness: she lay down among lions, she nourished her whelps among young lions.

“prey” Hebrew H2964 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • Psalms 111:5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
  • Ezekiel 19:6 And he went up and down among the lions, he became a young lion, and learned to catch the prey, and devoured men.

“lion” Hebrew H738 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 49:9 Judah is a lion's whelp: from the prey, my son, thou art gone up: he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall rouse him up?
  • 2 Kings 17:26 Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land.
  • Jeremiah 2:30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

“slain” Hebrew H2491 · used in 85 verses

  • Genesis 34:27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.
  • 1 Chronicles 10:1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.
  • Ezekiel 11:6 Ye have multiplied your slain in this city, and ye have filled the streets thereof with the slain.