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<!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 23:11 Then Balak said to Balaam, "What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, and behold, you have only blessed them!"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/23-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/04_Num_23_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 23:11 - Balaam's First Oracle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Balak said to Balaam, What have you done to me? 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I brought you to curse my enemies, but you have done nothing but bless them!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then King Balak demanded of Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies. Instead, you have blessed them!”<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, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have done nothing but bless them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, and behold, you have only blessed them!”<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, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed <i>them</i> altogether.<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, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and look, you have blessed <i>them</i> bountifully!”<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, “What have you done to me? I took you to put a curse on my enemies, but behold, you have actually blessed <i>them!”</i><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, &#8220What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have actually blessed them!&#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, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have actually blessed them!”<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, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have blessed them repeatedly!”<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, “What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but here you have [thoroughly] blessed them instead!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“What have you done to me? ” Balak asked Balaam. “I brought you to curse my enemies, but look, you have only blessed them! ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />What have you done to me?&#8221 Balak asked Balaam. &#8220I brought you to curse my enemies, but look, you have only blessed 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, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Balak said, "What are you doing? I asked you to come and place a curse on my enemies. But you have blessed them instead!" <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, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Balak said to Balaam, "What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, but all you've done is 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, "What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, but all you have done is bless them." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"What are you doing to me?" Balak asked Balaam. "I brought you to curse my enemies, not pronounce a blessing!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, ?What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, and behold, you have only blessed them!?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Balak said to Balaam, "What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but on the contrary you have only blessed them!"<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, "What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and look, you have blessed them altogether."<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, What hast thou done to me? I took thee to curse my enemies, and behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.<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, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them altogether.” <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, “What have you done to me? I have taken you to pierce my enemies, and behold, you have certainly blessed”;<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, 'What hast thou done to me? to pierce mine enemies I have taken thee -- and lo, thou hast certainly blessed;'<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, What didst thou to me? To curse mine enemies I took thee, and behold, praising, thou didst praise.<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: What is this that thou dost? I sent for thee to curse my enemies: and thou contrariwise blessest them. <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: “What is this that you are doing? I called for you, in order to curse my enemies, and to the contrary, you bless them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“What have you done to me?” cried Balak to Balaam. “It was to lay a curse on my foes that I brought you here; but instead, you have blessed them!”<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, “What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but now you have done nothing but bless them.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Balak said to Balaam, What have you done to me? I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have surely blessed them.<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, “What have you done to me? I called you to curse my enemies and behold, blessing, you bless them.”<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: 'What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.'<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, What hast thou done to me? I called thee to curse my enemies, and behold thou hast greatly blessed <i>them</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/23-11.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=7320" 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 First Oracle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous; let my end be like theirs!” <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: bā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">Then Balak</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: bil·‘ām (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/4100.htm" title="4100: meh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">have you done</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">to me?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lə·qaḥ·tî·ḵā (V-Qal-Perf-1cs:: 2ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">I brought you here</a> <a href="/hebrew/6895.htm" title="6895: lā·qōḇ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter a curse against, curse. A primitive root; to scoop out, i.e. to malign or execrate.">to curse</a> <a href="/hebrew/341.htm" title="341: ’ō·yə·ḇay (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc:: 1cs) -- Hating, an adversary. Or owyeb; active participle of 'ayab; hating; an adversary.">my enemies,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: wə·hin·nêh (Conj-w:: Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">and behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: bê·raḵ·tā (V-Piel-Perf-2ms) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">you have only blessed</a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: ḇā·rêḵ (V-Piel-InfAbs) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">them!”</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <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="/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="/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="/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.’”<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.”<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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/49-7.htm">Genesis 49:7</a></span><br />Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel.<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,” declares the LORD.<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="/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.<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="/romans/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14</a></span><br />Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.</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, What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have blessed them altogether.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Numbers 23:7,8</a></b></br> And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, <i>saying</i>, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Numbers 22:11,17</a></b></br> Behold, <i>there is</i> a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Numbers 24:10</a></b></br> And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed <i>them</i> these three times.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/leviticus/15-24.htm">Actually</a> <a href="/numbers/16-13.htm">Altogether</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-6.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/numbers/22-12.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/numbers/23-8.htm">Cursed</a> <a href="/numbers/14-42.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/numbers/10-35.htm">Haters</a> <a href="/numbers/23-8.htm">Pierce</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/joshua/9-22.htm">Actually</a> <a href="/numbers/24-10.htm">Altogether</a> <a href="/numbers/23-15.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/numbers/23-13.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/numbers/24-9.htm">Cursed</a> <a href="/numbers/24-8.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/numbers/24-19.htm">Haters</a> <a href="/numbers/23-13.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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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 ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then Balak said to Balaam</b><br>Balak, the king of Moab, is speaking to Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet. This interaction occurs during Israel's journey to the Promised Land. Balak, fearing the Israelites due to their numbers and recent victories, seeks Balaam's help to curse them. Balaam's presence highlights the belief in the power of spoken blessings and curses in the ancient Near East. This reflects the cultural and religious practices of the time, where kings often sought spiritual means to secure military success.<p><b>What have you done to me?</b><br>Balak's question reveals his frustration and disbelief. He hired Balaam with the expectation of a curse, not a blessing. This phrase underscores the tension between human plans and divine intervention. It also illustrates the theme of God's sovereignty, as God's will prevails despite human intentions. This echoes the biblical principle found in <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a>, where human plans are subject to God's purposes.<p><b>I brought you here to curse my enemies</b><br>Balak's intent was clear: he wanted to use Balaam's reputed spiritual power to weaken Israel through a curse. This reflects the ancient belief in the efficacy of curses and blessings, which were thought to influence the physical and spiritual realms. The historical context shows that kings often employed prophets or seers to gain an advantage over their enemies, believing that divine favor or disfavor could determine the outcome of conflicts.<p><b>and behold, you have only blessed them!</b><br>Balaam's blessing instead of a curse is a direct result of God's intervention. Despite Balak's desires, Balaam can only speak what God commands. This highlights the theme of divine control over human affairs and the futility of opposing God's will. The blessing of Israel is consistent with God's covenant promises to Abraham, as seen in <a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>, where God promises to bless those who bless Abraham's descendants. This also foreshadows the ultimate blessing through Jesus Christ, a descendant of Israel, who brings salvation to all nations.<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 curse them through Balaam.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet or diviner hired by Balak to curse the Israelites, but who ultimately speaks blessings over them as directed by God.<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 perceives as a threat.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_blessing.htm">The Blessing</a></b><br>Despite Balak's intentions, Balaam is compelled by God to bless the Israelites instead of cursing 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 intentions, God's will prevails. Balak's desire to curse Israel is overridden by God's blessing.<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 demonstrates the power and authority of God's word. When God speaks, His word accomplishes His purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_protection_and_favor.htm">Divine Protection and Favor</a></b><br>The Israelites are protected by God's covenant promises. Believers today can trust in God's protection and favor in their lives.<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 efforts to harm Israel are futile, reminding us that opposition to God's people is ultimately ineffective when God is on their side.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_following_god's_direction.htm">Faithfulness in Following God's Direction</a></b><br>Balaam's account encourages believers to remain faithful to God's direction, even when pressured by others to act contrary to His will.<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/who_was_balak_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Balak in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_balaam's_blessing_show_free_will.htm">If Balaam’s initial intention was to curse Israel (Numbers 24:1), how does his eventual blessing align with the notion of free will and divine sovereignty? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_god's_change_with_balaam_consistent.htm">How does God’s change from forbidding Balaam to go (Numbers 22:12) to eventually permitting him (Numbers 22:20) align with the concept of divine consistency? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_balaam's_seven_altars.htm">Numbers 23:1-2: Is there any archaeological evidence supporting Balaam's elaborate sacrifices on seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">Thou hast blessed them altogether.--</span>Hebrew, <span class= "ital">Thou hast blessed, to bless: </span>an emphatic mode of stating that Balaam had continued to give utterance to nothing but blessings.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/23-11.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">“What</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(meh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have you done to me?”</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשִׂ֖יתָ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śî·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Balak</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּלָק֙</span> <span class="translit">(bā·lāq)</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">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’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">בִּלְעָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(bil·‘ām)</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">“I brought</span><br /><span class="heb">לְקַחְתִּ֔יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·qaḥ·tî·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you to curse</span><br /><span class="heb">לָקֹ֤ב</span> <span class="translit">(lā·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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">my enemies,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹיְבַי֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·yə·ḇay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_341.htm">Strong's 341: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hating, an adversary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and behold,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִנֵּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have only blessed</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּרַ֥כְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(bê·raḵ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - second 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 /><br /><span class="word">them!”</span><br /><span class="heb">בָרֵֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·rêḵ)</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/23-11.htm">Numbers 23:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/23-11.htm">Numbers 23:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/23-11.htm">Numbers 23:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/23-11.htm">Numbers 23:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/23-11.htm">Numbers 23:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/23-11.htm">Numbers 23:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/23-11.htm">Numbers 23:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/23-11.htm">Numbers 23:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/23-11.htm">Numbers 23:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/23-11.htm">Numbers 23:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/23-11.htm">OT Law: Numbers 23:11 Balak said to Balaam What have you (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/23-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 23:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/23-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 23:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:12" /></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>