Deuteronomy 23:5

Deuteronomy 23:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.

American Standard Version ASV

Nevertheless Jehovah thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but Jehovah thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because Jehovah thy God loved thee.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But the Lord your God would not give ear to Balaam, but let the curse be changed into a blessing to you, because of his love for you.

Free Bible Version FBV

But the Lord your God refused to listen to Balaam. The Lord your God turned what was meant to be a curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your God loves you.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Neuerthelesse, the Lord thy God would not hearken vnto Balaam, but the Lord thy God turned the curse to a blessing vnto thee, because the Lord thy God loued thee.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Jehovah thy God hath not been willing to hearken unto Balaam, and Jehovah thy God doth turn for thee the reviling to a blessing, because Jehovah thy God hath loved thee;

World English Bible WEB

Nevertheless the LORD your God wouldn’t listen to Balaam, but the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing to you, because the LORD your God loved you.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Nevertheless, the LORD thy God would not hearken to Balaam: but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing to thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord thy God would not hear Balaam, and he turned his cursing into thy blessing, because he loved thee.

Translation for Translators T4T

But Yahweh our God did not pay attention to Balaam; instead, he caused Balaam to bless your ancestors, because Yahweh loved them.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 23:5

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 23:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עַל דְּבַ֞ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹא קִדְּמ֤וּ אֶתְ/כֶם֙ בַּ/לֶּ֣חֶם וּ/בַ/מַּ֔יִם בַּ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ בְּ/צֵאתְ/כֶ֣ם מִ/מִּצְרָ֑יִם וַ/אֲשֶׁר֩ שָׂכַ֨ר עָלֶ֜י/ךָ אֶת בִּלְעָ֣ם בֶּן בְּע֗וֹר מִ/פְּת֛וֹר אֲרַ֥ם נַהֲרַ֖יִם לְ/קַֽלְלֶֽ/ךָּ

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

דְּבַ֞ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

קִדְּמ֤וּ qâdam H6923 to meet V-Piel-Perf-3cp

אֶתְ/כֶם֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

בַּ/לֶּ֣חֶם lechem H3899 food Prep | N-cs

וּ/בַ/מַּ֔יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) Conj | Prep | N-mp

בַּ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs

בְּ/צֵאתְ/כֶ֣ם yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

מִ/מִּצְרָ֑יִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt Prep | N-proper

וַ/אֲשֶׁר֩ ʼăsher H834 which Conj | Rel

שָׂכַ֨ר sâkar H7936 to hire V-Qal-Perf-3ms

עָלֶ֜י/ךָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

בִּלְעָ֣ם Bilʻâm H1109 Balaam N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

בְּע֗וֹר Bᵉʻôwr H1160 Beor N-proper

מִ/פְּת֛וֹר Pᵉthôwr H6604 Pethor Prep | N-proper

אֲרַ֥ם ʼĂram Nahărayim H763 Aram-naharaim N-proper

נַהֲרַ֖יִם ʼĂram Nahărayim H763 Aram-naharaim N-proper

לְ/קַֽלְלֶֽ/ךָּ qâlal H7043 to lighten Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 23:5

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

דְּבַ֞ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

קִדְּמ֤וּ qâdam H6923 "to meet" V-Piel-Perf-3cp

To meet or go before someone, often for help, as seen in the Bible when God meets his people in Exodus. This word can also mean to anticipate or hasten something. In the book of Psalms, it is used to describe God coming to the aid of his people.

Definition: 1) to meet, come or be in front, confront, go before 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to meet, confront, come to meet, receive 1a2) to go before, go in front, be in front 1a3) to lead, be beforehand, anticipate, forestall 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to come in front 1b2) to confront, anticipate

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: come (go, (flee)) before, [phrase] disappoint, meet, prevent. See also: Deuteronomy 23:5; Psalms 59:11; Psalms 17:13.

אֶתְ/כֶם֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

בַּ/לֶּ֣חֶם lechem H3899 "food" Prep | N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

וּ/בַ/מַּ֔יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" Conj | Prep | N-mp

This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.

Definition: This name means water, refreshment

Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.

בַּ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

בְּ/צֵאתְ/כֶ֣ם yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.

Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

מִ/מִּצְרָ֑יִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" Prep | N-proper

This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.

Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

וַ/אֲשֶׁר֩ ʼăsher H834 "which" Conj | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

שָׂכַ֨ר sâkar H7936 "to hire" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To hire someone or be hired, as seen in the story of Jacob hiring himself out to Laban in Genesis 29. This word is about working for pay. It appears in various forms, such as earning wages or rewarding someone.

Definition: 1) to hire 1a) (Qal) to hire

Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: earn wages, hire (out self), reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 30:16; 2 Chronicles 24:12; Proverbs 26:10.

עָלֶ֜י/ךָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

בִּלְעָ֣ם Bilʻâm H1109 "Balaam" N-proper

Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.

Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

בְּע֗וֹר Bᵉʻôwr H1160 "Beor" N-proper

Beor was a man in the Bible, the father of Balaam, a famous prophet, and also the father of Bela, an Edomite king. His name means 'burning' and he is mentioned in the book of Numbers. The KJV translates it as 'Beor'.

Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; father of: Balaam (H1109A) Also named: Bosor, Beōr (Βοσόρ, Βεώρ "Beor" G1007) § Beor = "burning" 1) father of Balaam 2) father of Bela, king of Edom

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Beor. See also: Genesis 36:32; Deuteronomy 23:5; Micah 6:5.

מִ/פְּת֛וֹר Pᵉthôwr H6604 "Pethor" Prep | N-proper

Pethor was a town in Mesopotamia where the prophet Balaam lived, known for its association with soothsaying and divination.

Definition: § Pethor = "soothsayer" a town of Mesopotamia and the home of Balaam; located on a river

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Pethor. See also: Numbers 22:5; Deuteronomy 23:5.

אֲרַ֥ם ʼĂram Nahărayim H763 "Aram-naharaim" N-proper

Aram-naharaim refers to Mesopotamia, the land between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. In the Bible, it is mentioned as a region where Abraham's ancestors lived. This area is now modern-day Iraq.

Definition: § Aram-naharaim = "Aram of the two rivers" Mesopotamia

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Aham-naharaim, Mesopotamia. See also: Genesis 24:10; Judges 3:8; Psalms 60:2.

נַהֲרַ֖יִם ʼĂram Nahărayim H763 "Aram-naharaim" N-proper

Aram-naharaim refers to Mesopotamia, the land between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. In the Bible, it is mentioned as a region where Abraham's ancestors lived. This area is now modern-day Iraq.

Definition: § Aram-naharaim = "Aram of the two rivers" Mesopotamia

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Aham-naharaim, Mesopotamia. See also: Genesis 24:10; Judges 3:8; Psalms 60:2.

לְ/קַֽלְלֶֽ/ךָּ qâlal H7043 "to lighten" Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff

The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.

Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro

Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 23:5

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Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 23:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:5
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:5
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:5
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:5
Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:5

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.

6You are not to seek peace or prosperity from them as long as you live. 7Do not despise an Edomite, for he is your brother. Do not despise an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in his land.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 7:7–8	The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
2	Romans 8:31	What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
3	Ephesians 2:4–5	But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!
4	Numbers 24:9	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.”
5	2 Corinthians 4:17	For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.
6	Jeremiah 31:3	The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.
7	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.’”
8	Romans 11:28	Regarding the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but regarding election, they are loved on account of the patriarchs.
9	Numbers 23:5–12	Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message.” So he returned to Balak, who was standing there beside his burnt offering, with all the princes of Moab. And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’ How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced? For I see them from atop the rocky cliffs, and I watch them from the hills. Behold, a people dwelling apart, not reckoning themselves among the nations. 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!” 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!” But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”
10	Ezekiel 16:8	Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD.

Deuteronomy 23:5 Summary

This verse tells us that even when someone was trying to curse the Israelites, God would not listen and instead turned the curse into a blessing because He loves them. This shows us that God is a loving God who wants to bless and protect His people, as also seen in verses like Psalm 103:8 and Jeremiah 29:11. It reminds us that God is in control and can take even the worst intentions and turn them into something good, as stated in Romans 8:28. We can trust in God's love and sovereignty, knowing that He desires to bless and care for us, just like He did for the Israelites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God 'would not listen' to Balaam?

This phrase means that God refused to accept or act on Balaam's intentions to curse the Israelites, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:5, because God's love and plans for His people took precedence over any human attempt to curse them, as also demonstrated in Psalm 33:10-11.

How did God turn the curse into a blessing?

God intervened and controlled Balaam's words, causing him to speak blessings over the Israelites instead of curses, as recorded in Numbers 22-24, demonstrating God's sovereignty and love for His people, as also seen in Romans 8:28.

What does this verse reveal about God's character?

This verse highlights God's loving nature, as stated in Deuteronomy 23:5, where it says 'because the LORD your God loves you', showing that God's actions are motivated by love and a desire to bless and protect His people, similar to what is expressed in John 3:16 and Jeremiah 31:3.

Can we apply this promise of God's love and blessing to our own lives?

While this specific promise was made to the Israelites, the Bible teaches that God's love and desire to bless His people is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, as seen in verses like Ephesians 1:3-5 and 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, and can be applied to believers today as they trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.

Reflection Questions

How have I experienced God's love and blessing in my own life, and how can I be more aware of His presence and care?
What are some ways that I might be trying to 'curse' myself or others through negative thoughts or words, and how can I instead choose to speak blessings and encouragement?
In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and love, even when faced with challenges or difficulties, and how can I rest in His promise to work all things together for my good?
How does this verse encourage me to view and interact with those who may be opposed to me or seeking to harm me, and what does it teach me about God's heart towards my enemies?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:5

Nevertheless, the Lord thy God would not hearken unto Balaam,.... To his solicitations, and the methods he took to prevail on the Lord to suffer him to curse Israel, which he gladly would have done

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:5

Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee. The Lord thy God would not hearken unto Balaam.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:5

i.e. Forced Balaam to bless thee, who was hired and inclined to curse thee, if possibly he could.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:5

Deuteronomy 23:5 Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.Ver. 5. Nevertheless the Lord, &c., ] q.d., No thanks to the wicked Moabites, that Balaam blasted thee not; as neither to Balaam, whose tongue was merely overruled by the Almighty, and made to bless those whom he would gladly have cursed. And thus still the Lord orders the world’ s disorders, turning dross into gold by a stupendous alchymy, and directing men’ s evil actions to a good end. Hence it is that they fulfil - though they intend no such thing, but the satisfying of their own lusts - neither more nor less than "what the hand and counsel of God hath determined." Howbeit the hands that nailed Christ to the cross were "wicked hands." And Judas the traitor received strangling and shedding of bowels, as a "reward of his iniquity, for being guide to them that took Jesus." It was not without God that the kingdom was rent from Rehoboam, and yet he flatly renounceth it, as well he might, all the evil that was in it.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:5

(5) Because the Lord thy God loved thee.—The contrast between what He says to Israel in this book and what He said by Balaam is very striking. (See on Deuteronomy 31:16.)

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:5

3-6. An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter — Not as such. The case of Ruth shows they might on embracing Judaism.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:5

	Sermon	Description
	A Catechism on Christian Attire by Mike Avery	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of adhering to biblical principles when it comes to dressing. He mentions that while preaching on standards is necessary, tea
	Humility and the Fear of the Lord by Bob Hoekstra	Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of humility and the fear of the Lord, emphasizing that these qualities lead to riches, honor, life, and wisdom. Humility is acknowledging ou
	Continue by H.J. Vine	H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of abiding in the love of Christ, emphasizing that continuing in His love is different from focusing on our love for Him. The Spirit encourages
	Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus
	A Day's Journey Into the Wilderness by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and authority of God. He references the story of Elijah and how God demonstrated His power by consuming the captain and his 50 men
	Devil, You Can't Walk on Me Anymore by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of God-loving people being oppressed and discouraged by the enemy. He emphasizes that God is looking at this situation with disbeli
	Castles and Crowns Come Down- Harnessing God's Power by Francis Chan	This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing the power, victory, and boldness available to believers through Christ. It challenges listeners to shift their