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Numbers 23:25 Now Balak said to Balaam, "Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!"

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 23:25 Now Balak said to Balaam, "Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/23-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/04_Num_23_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 23:25 - Balaam's Second Oracle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now Balak said to Balaam, Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, &#8220Neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, &#8220;Fine, but if you won&#8217;t curse them, at least don&#8217;t bless them!&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balak said to Balaam, &#8220;Do not curse them at all, and do not bless them at all.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Balak said to Balaam, &#8220;Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, &#8220;Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all!&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, &#8220;Do not curse them at all nor bless them at all!&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, &#8220Do not curse them at all nor bless them at all!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, &#8220;Do not curse them at all nor bless them at all!&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, &#8220;Do not curse them at all nor bless them at all!&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, &#8220;Neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak told Balaam, &#8220;Don&#8217;t curse them and don&#8217;t bless them! &#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak told Balaam, &#8220Don&#8217t curse them and don&#8217t bless them!&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Balak shouted, "If you're not going to curse Israel, then at least don't bless them." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/23.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />Balak said to Balaam, "If you won't curse them, then at least don't bless them!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, "You refuse to curse the people of Israel, but at least don't bless them!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Balak told Balaam, "Don't curse them or bless them!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Balak said to Balaam, ?Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Balak said to Balaam, "Neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Balak said to Balaam, "Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Balak said to Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Balak said to Balaam, &#8220;Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.&#8221; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balak says to Balaam, &#8220;Neither pierce it at all, nor bless it at all&#8221;;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Balak saith unto Balaam, 'Neither pierce it at all, nor bless it at all;'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Balak will say to Balaam, Also, cursing, thou shalt not curse him, also thou shalt not praise him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Balac said to Balaam: Neither curse, nor bless him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Balak said to Balaam, &#8220;Neither curse him, nor bless him.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />&#8220;Neither lay a curse on them nor bless them,&#8221; said Balak to Balaam.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, &#8220;Do not curse them at all, and do not bless them at all.&#8221;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Balaq said to Balaam: &#8220;Surely do not curse him, neither surely bless him.&#8221;<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Balak said unto Balaam: 'Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Balac said to Balaam, Neither curse the people at all for me, nor bless them at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/23-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7448" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Balaam's Second Oracle</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">24</span>Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain.&#8221; <span class="reftext">25</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: b&#257;&#183;l&#257;q (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">Now Balak</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way&#183;y&#333;&#183;mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: &#8217;el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: bil&#183;&#8216;&#257;m (N-proper-ms) -- Probably from bal and am; not people, i.e. Foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine.">Balaam,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">&#8220;Then</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: l&#333; (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">neither</a> <a href="/hebrew/6895.htm" title="6895: &#7791;iq&#183;qo&#183;&#7687;en&#183;n&#363; (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms:: 3mse) -- To utter a curse against, curse. A primitive root; to scoop out, i.e. to malign or execrate.">curse them</a> <a href="/hebrew/6895.htm" title="6895: q&#333;&#7687; (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To utter a curse against, curse. A primitive root; to scoop out, i.e. to malign or execrate.">at all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: l&#333; (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">nor</a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: b&#257;&#183;r&#234;&#7733; (V-Piel-InfAbs) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">bless them</a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: &#7791;&#601;&#183;&#7687;&#257;&#183;ra&#774;&#183;&#7733;en&#183;n&#363; (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms:: 3mse) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">at all!&#8221;</a> </span><span class="reftext">26</span>But Balaam replied, &#8220;Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?&#8221;&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-5.htm">Deuteronomy 23:5</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Joshua 24:9-10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Nehemiah 13:2</a></span><br />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).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a></span><br />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.&#8217;&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-17.htm">Isaiah 54:17</a></span><br />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,&#8221; declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a></span><br />I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/27-29.htm">Genesis 27:29</a></span><br />May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/109-28.htm">Psalm 109:28</a></span><br />Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-2.htm">Proverbs 26:2</a></span><br />Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-33.htm">Romans 8:33-34</a></span><br />Who will bring any charge against God&#8217;s elect? It is God who justifies. / Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God&#8212;and He is interceding for us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/13-8.htm">2 Corinthians 13:8</a></span><br />For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></span><br />But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-28.htm">Luke 6:28</a></span><br />bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Balak said to Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Psalm 2:1-3</a></b></br> Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? &#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/23-18.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/numbers/23-13.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/genesis/39-7.htm">Events</a> <a href="/numbers/23-13.htm">Pierce</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/23-27.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/numbers/24-1.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/numbers/23-27.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-18.htm">Events</a> <a href="/numbers/23-27.htm">Pierce</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/23-1.htm">Balak's sacrifices</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/numbers/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>Now Balak said to Balaam</b><br>Balak, the king of Moab, is a central figure in this narrative. He represents the political and military power of Moab, a nation that felt threatened by the Israelites' presence. Balak's engagement with Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, highlights the ancient Near Eastern practice of seeking divine intervention through seers or prophets. This interaction underscores the tension between the Moabites and Israelites, as Balak seeks to use spiritual means to combat a perceived physical threat.<p><b>&#8220;Then neither curse them at all</b><br>Balak's request for Balaam to refrain from cursing the Israelites reflects his frustration and desperation. Despite Balak's desire to weaken Israel through a curse, God's sovereignty is evident as He prevents Balaam from speaking against His chosen people. This phrase illustrates the futility of opposing God's will and serves as a reminder of God's protection over Israel. Theologically, it emphasizes the theme of divine blessing and curse, which is prevalent throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in the Abrahamic covenant (<a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>).<p><b>nor bless them at all!&#8221;</b><br>Balak's insistence that Balaam also refrain from blessing the Israelites reveals his fear that any positive pronouncement could further empower them. This highlights the belief in the power of spoken words and blessings in the ancient world. Theologically, it underscores the idea that blessings and curses are ultimately under God's control. This phrase can be connected to the broader biblical theme of God's irrevocable blessings, as seen in the promises to Abraham and his descendants. It also foreshadows the New Testament understanding of Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of blessing for all nations (<a href="/galatians/3-14.htm">Galatians 3:14</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who is fearful of the Israelites and seeks to have them cursed by Balaam.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet who is hired by Balak to curse the Israelites but is compelled by God to bless them instead.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, representing opposition to Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, journeying to the Promised Land, whom Balak fears due to their growing numbers and strength.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/mountains_of_moab.htm">Mountains of Moab</a></b><br>The location where Balak takes Balaam to view the Israelites and attempt to curse them.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_intentions.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Intentions</a></b><br>Despite human plans and desires, God's will prevails. Balak's attempts to manipulate outcomes through Balaam are thwarted by God's sovereign power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_opposing_god's_people.htm">The Futility of Opposing God's People</a></b><br>Balak's frustration underscores the futility of opposing those whom God has chosen to bless. This serves as a reminder of the security found in God's promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>Balaam's inability to curse Israel highlights the power and authority of God's word. When God speaks, His word accomplishes His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_protection.htm">Trust in God's Protection</a></b><br>Just as God protected Israel from curses, believers can trust in His protection against spiritual and physical adversities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_aligning_with_god's_will.htm">The Importance of Aligning with God's Will</a></b><br>Balaam's experience teaches the importance of aligning our actions and words with God's will, rather than succumbing to external pressures.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_doctrine_of_balaam.htm">What is the Doctrine of Balaam?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_a_pagan_prophet's_blessing_credible.htm">Numbers 23:8-10: How credible is it that a pagan prophet blesses Israel despite a king's demand to curse them, considering other biblical narratives?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_numbers_23_favorable_to_israel.htm">Numbers 23: Why does this chapter imply a favorable view of Israel among foreign nations while other Old Testament accounts describe hostility and conflict?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_blame_balaam_alone_for_midian's_fate.htm">Numbers 31:15-16: Why is Balaam's influence singled out as the sole reason for divine judgment on Midian, given previous chapters mention other deeds?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/23-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then Balak</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1464;&#1500;&#1464;&#1511;&#1433;</span> <span class="translit">(b&#257;&#183;l&#257;q)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1111.htm">Strong's 1111: </a> </span><span class="str2">Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1463;&#1497;&#1468;&#1465;&#1444;&#1488;&#1502;&#1462;&#1512;</span> <span class="translit">(way&#183;y&#333;&#183;mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw &#124; Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1462;&#1500;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Balaam,</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1460;&#1500;&#1456;&#1506;&#1464;&#1428;&#1501;</span> <span class="translit">(bil&#183;&#8216;&#257;m)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1109.htm">Strong's 1109: </a> </span><span class="str2">Balaam -- a prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">&#8220;Neither</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1490;&#1468;&#1463;&#1501;&#1470;</span> <span class="translit">(gam-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">curse</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1514;&#1460;&#1511;&#1468;&#1459;&#1489;&#1462;&#1425;&#1504;&#1468;&#1493;&#1468;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7791;iq&#183;qo&#183;&#7687;en&#183;n&#363;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5344.htm">Strong's 5344: </a> </span><span class="str2">To puncture</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them at all</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1511;&#1465;&#1430;&#1489;</span> <span class="translit">(q&#333;&#7687;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6895.htm">Strong's 6895: </a> </span><span class="str2">To scoop out, to malign, execrate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nor</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1500;&#1465;&#1445;&#1488;</span> <span class="translit">(l&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bless</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1489;&#1468;&#1464;&#1512;&#1461;&#1430;&#1498;&#1456;</span> <span class="translit">(b&#257;&#183;r&#234;&#7733;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1288.htm">Strong's 1288: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them at all!&#8221;</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1514;&#1456;&#1489;&#1464;&#1512;&#1458;&#1499;&#1462;&#1469;&#1504;&#1468;&#1493;&#1468;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(&#7791;&#601;&#183;&#7687;&#257;&#183;ra&#774;&#183;&#7733;en&#183;n&#363;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1288.htm">Strong's 1288: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/23-25.htm">Numbers 23:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/23-25.htm">Numbers 23:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/23-25.htm">Numbers 23:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/23-25.htm">Numbers 23:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/23-25.htm">Numbers 23:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/23-25.htm">Numbers 23:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/23-25.htm">Numbers 23:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/23-25.htm">Numbers 23:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/23-25.htm">Numbers 23:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/23-25.htm">Numbers 23:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/23-25.htm">OT Law: Numbers 23:25 Balak said to Balaam Neither curse them (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/23-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 23:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/23-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 23:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:26" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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