Lexical Summary nachash: omen, omens Original Word: נַחַשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance enchantment From nachash; an incantation or augury -- enchantment. see HEBREW nachash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nachash Definition divination, enchantment NASB Translation omen (1), omens (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs נַ֫חַשׁ noun [masculine] divination, enchantment, only absolute ׳נ Numbers 23:23 (J E; "" קֶסֶם), and plural absolute נְחָשִׁים Numbers 24:1 (JE), both in story of Balsam. III. נחשׁ (√ of following, meaning unknown). Topical Lexicon Meaning and ScopeThe noun נַחַשׁ describes the practice of seeking supernatural knowledge or power through omens, spells, or other occult means. It carries the idea of manipulating hidden forces to discern the future or bend events to one’s will—activities expressly forbidden by the Lord. Old Testament Usage The word appears only twice, both in the Balaam narrative: • Numbers 23:23 – “For there is no spell against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel; it will now be said of Jacob and Israel: ‘See what great things God has done!’” Balaam’s account forms a concentrated theological commentary on נַחַשׁ. Hired by Balak to curse Israel, Balaam discovers that no ritual or omen can override the covenant blessing. Divine sovereignty renders occult power useless; only God’s word stands. Divination Forbidden in the Law Israel was strictly barred from every form of נַחַשׁ: • Deuteronomy 18:10-12 lists divination among practices “detestable to the LORD.” The Torah’s prohibitions reveal that seeking secret knowledge outside of God’s revelation is not a harmless curiosity but an affront to His lordship. The Impotence of Sorcery against God’s People Balaam’s failure illustrates a recurring biblical theme: occult arts cannot thwart God’s redemptive plan (cf. Isaiah 47:12-14; Micah 5:12). The oracle “there is no spell against Jacob” proclaims that God’s covenant love shields His people from every sinister scheme (Psalm 121:7-8). True Versus False Prophecy Numbers presents a stark contrast: • Balaam manipulates omens for profit. The narrative anticipates later tests of prophetic legitimacy (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). Authentic prophecy flows from obedience; counterfeit spirituality depends on technique. Christological Horizon Balaam foreshadows later opponents who would attempt to corrupt God’s people for gain (2 Peter 2:15; Revelation 2:14). Yet, like Balak’s futile hiring of Balaam, the crucifixion plot only fulfilled God’s saving purpose (Acts 2:23). In Christ, every curse is turned to blessing (Galatians 3:13-14). Pastoral and Practical Implications 1. Exclusivity of Divine Revelation – Scripture, illuminated by the Spirit, is the believer’s sufficient guide. Related Terms • קֶסֶם – generic divination (e.g., Ezekiel 21:21). For Further Study Compare Galatians 5:20-21; Acts 8:9-24; Acts 19:18-20 for New Testament continuations of the theme, and explore how the gospel displaces every form of נַחַשׁ with the light of Christ. Forms and Transliterations נְחָשִׁ֑ים נַ֙חַשׁ֙ נחש נחשים na·ḥaš nachash naḥaš nə·ḥā·šîm nechaShim nəḥāšîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 23:23 HEB: כִּ֤י לֹא־ נַ֙חַשׁ֙ בְּיַעֲקֹ֔ב וְלֹא־ NAS: For there is no omen against Jacob, KJV: Surely [there is] no enchantment against Jacob, INT: there is no omen Jacob Nor Numbers 24:1 2 Occurrences |
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