Deuteronomy 23:4
New International Version
For they did not come to meet you with bread and water on your way when you came out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram Naharaim to pronounce a curse on you.

New Living Translation
These nations did not welcome you with food and water when you came out of Egypt. Instead, they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in distant Aram-naharaim to curse you.

English Standard Version
because they did not meet you with bread and with water on the way, when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.

Berean Standard Bible
For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you.

King James Bible
Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

New King James Version
because they did not meet you with bread and water on the road when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.

New American Standard Bible
because they did not meet you with food and water on the way when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.

NASB 1995
because they did not meet you with food and water on the way when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.

NASB 1977
because they did not meet you with food and water on the way when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.

Legacy Standard Bible
because they did not meet you with food and water on the way when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.

Amplified Bible
because they did not meet you with bread (food) and water on the road as you came out of Egypt, and because they hired [to act] against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.

Christian Standard Bible
This is because they did not meet you with food and water on the journey after you came out of Egypt, and because Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim was hired to curse you.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is because they did not meet you with food and water on the journey after you came out of Egypt, and because Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim was hired to curse you.

American Standard Version
because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt, and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

Contemporary English Version
This is because when you came out of Egypt, they refused to provide you with food and water. And besides, they hired Balaam to put a curse on you.

English Revised Version
because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They cannot join because they didn't greet you with food and water on your trip from Egypt. They even hired Balaam, son of Beor, from Pethor in Aram Naharaim, to curse you.

Good News Translation
They refused to provide you with food and water when you were on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor, from the city of Pethor in Mesopotamia, to curse you.

International Standard Version
because they didn't come to meet you with food and water along the way as you were coming out of Egypt. Instead, they hired Beor's son Balaam from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you.

Majority Standard Bible
For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you.

NET Bible
for they did not meet you with food and water on the way as you came from Egypt, and furthermore, they hired Balaam son of Beor of Pethor in Aram Naharaim to curse you.

New Heart English Bible
because they did not meet you with bread and with water in the way, when you came forth out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Aram Naharaim, to curse you.

Webster's Bible Translation
Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth from Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee.

World English Bible
because they didn’t meet you with bread and with water on the way when you came out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because that they have not come before you with bread and with water in the way, in your coming out from Egypt, and because he has hired against you Balaam son of Beor, of Pethor of Aram-Naharaim, to revile you;

Young's Literal Translation
because that they have not come before you with bread and with water in the way, in your coming out from Egypt, and because he hath hired against thee Balaam son of Beor, of Pethor of Aram-Naharaim, to revile thee;

Smith's Literal Translation
For the word that they met you not with bread and with water in the way in your coming out of Egypt, and who hired against thee Balaam, son of Beor of Pethor, of Arum of the two rivers, to curse thee.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Because they would not meet you with bread and water in the way, when you came out of Egypt: and because they hired against thee Balaam, the son of Beer, from Mesopotamia in Syria, to curse thee.

Catholic Public Domain Version
because they were not willing to meet you with bread and water along the way, when you had departed from Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam, the son of Beor, from Mesopotamia in Syria, in order to curse you.

New American Bible
because they would not come to meet you with food and water on your journey after you left Egypt, and because they hired Balaam, son of Beor, from Pethor in Aram Naharaim, to curse you.

New Revised Standard Version
because they did not meet you with food and water on your journey out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam son of Beor, from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Because they did not meet you with bread and with water on the way, when you came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Aram-nahrin (Mesopotamia) to curse you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because they did not bring to you bread and water in the way when you went out from Egypt, and because they hired Balaam, son of Beor, from Pithor of Aram Nahrayn, against you to curse you.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Aram-naharaim, to curse thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
because they met you not with bread and water by the way, when ye went out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Mesopotamia to curse thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Exclusion from the Congregation
3No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even to the tenth generation. 4For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. 5Yet 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.…

Cross References
Numbers 22:5-6
he sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. / So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.”

Nehemiah 13:1-2
At that time the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and in it they found the passage stating that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, / because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing).

Judges 11:17-18
Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel stayed in Kadesh. / Then Israel traveled through the wilderness and bypassed the lands of Edom and Moab. They came to the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, since the Arnon was its border.

Numbers 24:9-10
He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.” / Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.

Joshua 24:9-10
Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.

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.’”

Numbers 25:1-3
While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the daughters of Moab, / who also invited them to the sacrifices for their gods. And the people ate and bowed down to these gods. / So Israel joined in worshiping Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD burned against them.

2 Peter 2:15
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.

Jude 1:11
Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.

Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.

Numbers 31:16
“Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD.

2 Samuel 10:1-2
Some time later, the king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son Hanun. / And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites,

Psalm 83:4-8
saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” / For with one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against You— / the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, ...

Isaiah 15:1-5
This is the burden against Moab: Ar in Moab is ruined, destroyed in a night! Kir in Moab is devastated, destroyed in a night! / Dibon goes up to its temple to weep at its high places. Moab wails over Nebo, as well as over Medeba. Every head is shaved, every beard is cut off. / In its streets they wear sackcloth; on the rooftops and in the public squares they all wail, falling down weeping. ...

Jeremiah 48:1-2
Concerning Moab, this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Woe to Nebo, for it will be devastated. Kiriathaim will be captured and disgraced; the fortress will be shattered and dismantled. / There is no longer praise for Moab; in Heshbon they devise evil against her: ‘Come, let us cut her off from nationhood.’ You too, O people of Madmen, will be silenced; the sword will pursue you.


Treasury of Scripture

Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when you came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.

Because they met

Deuteronomy 2:28,29
Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only I will pass through on my feet; …

Genesis 14:17,18
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale…

1 Samuel 25:11
Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

because they hired

Numbers 22:5,7,17
He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me: …

Nehemiah 13:2
Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.

Jump to Previous
Aram Aram-Naharaim Balaam Beor Be'or Bread Curse Egypt Hired Meet Mesopotamia Mesopota'mia Met Naharaim Pethor Revile Water Way
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Aram Aram-Naharaim Balaam Beor Be'or Bread Curse Egypt Hired Meet Mesopotamia Mesopota'mia Met Naharaim Pethor Revile Water Way
Deuteronomy 23
1. Who may or may not enter into the congregation
9. Uncleanness is to be avoided in the host
15. Of the fugitive servant
17. Of filthiness
18. Of abominable sacrifices
19. Of usury
20. Of vows
24. Of trespass














For they did not meet you with bread and water
This phrase highlights the lack of hospitality and support from the Ammonites and Moabites during Israel's exodus from Egypt. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, providing bread and water to travelers was a basic act of kindness and hospitality. The Hebrew root for "meet" (קָדַם, qadam) implies a proactive approach, suggesting that the Ammonites and Moabites not only failed to assist but actively chose not to offer help. This lack of hospitality is significant because it contrasts with God's provision for Israel throughout their journey, emphasizing the importance of kindness and support within the community of God's people.

on your way out of Egypt
This phrase situates the event within the larger narrative of the Exodus, a foundational account for the Israelites. The journey out of Egypt is not just a physical journey but a spiritual and covenantal one, marking the transition from slavery to freedom under God's guidance. The historical context here is crucial, as it underscores the miraculous nature of Israel's deliverance and the expectation that surrounding nations would recognize and respect God's hand in their journey. The failure of the Ammonites and Moabites to assist Israel is thus seen as a rejection of God's work and a refusal to honor His people.

and they hired Balaam son of Beor
The hiring of Balaam is a significant act of aggression against Israel. Balaam, a well-known prophet or diviner from the region of Pethor, was sought out to curse Israel. The Hebrew word for "hired" (שָׂכַר, sakar) indicates a transactional relationship, suggesting that the Moabites and Ammonites were willing to invest resources to harm Israel. This act reveals the depth of their animosity and fear towards Israel, as they resorted to spiritual warfare to undermine God's people. The account of Balaam, found in Numbers 22-24, ultimately shows God's sovereignty, as Balaam is unable to curse Israel and instead blesses them, demonstrating that no weapon formed against God's people can prosper.

from Pethor in Aram-naharaim
Pethor is identified as Balaam's home, located in Aram-naharaim, which is often associated with the region of Mesopotamia. This geographical detail highlights the extent to which the Moabites and Ammonites went to secure Balaam's services, indicating the seriousness of their intent to curse Israel. Aram-naharaim, meaning "Aram of the Two Rivers," refers to the area between the Tigris and Euphrates, a region known for its ancient civilizations and spiritual practices. This context underscores the spiritual battle taking place, as the Moabites and Ammonites sought to leverage the perceived power of a foreign prophet against the God of Israel.

to curse you
The act of cursing in the ancient world was believed to have real power, often invoking the spiritual realm to bring harm or misfortune. The Hebrew word for "curse" (קָלַל, qalal) can also mean to make light of or to despise, indicating an attempt to diminish Israel's standing and favor with God. However, the narrative of Balaam ultimately reveals that God's blessing on Israel cannot be overturned by human or spiritual means. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's protection and faithfulness to His covenant people, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness even in the face of opposition.

(4) Because they met you not with bread and with water.--We learn incidentally from this passage how the Moabites and the Ammonites requited the forbearance shown them by the Israelites (Deuteronomy 2:9; Deuteronomy 2:19; Deuteronomy 2:29). No one not acquainted with the details of Israel's intercourse with these people on their journey could have written thus.

Because they hired against thee Balaam.--See Numbers 22 and Numbers 31:16, and Numbers 25.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

they did not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

meet
קִדְּמ֤וּ (qid·də·mū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6923: To project, precede, to anticipate, hasten, meet

you with food
בַּלֶּ֣חֶם (bal·le·ḥem)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3899: Food, bread, grain

and water
וּבַמַּ֔יִם (ū·ḇam·ma·yim)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

on your way
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ (bad·de·reḵ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action

out of
בְּצֵאתְכֶ֣ם (bə·ṣê·ṯə·ḵem)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

Egypt,
מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם (mim·miṣ·rā·yim)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

[and]
וַאֲשֶׁר֩ (wa·’ă·šer)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

they hired
שָׂכַ֨ר (śā·ḵar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7936: To hire

Balaam
בִּלְעָ֣ם (bil·‘ām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1109: Balaam -- a prophet

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Beor
בְּע֗וֹר (bə·‘ō·wr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1160: Beor -- 'a burning', father of an Edomite king, also the father of Balaam

from Pethor
מִפְּת֛וֹר (mip·pə·ṯō·wr)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6604: Pethor -- home of Balaam

in Aram-naharaim
נַהֲרַ֖יִם (na·hă·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 763: Mesopotamia -- 'Aram of (the) two rivers', a district of Aram (Syria)

to curse you.
לְקַֽלְלֶֽךָּ׃ (lə·qal·le·kā)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 23:4 Because they didn't meet you with bread (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 23:3
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