Numbers 23:25
Numbers 23:25 in Multiple Translations
Now Balak said to Balaam, “Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!”
¶ And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.
And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.
Then Balak said to Balaam, If you will not put a curse on them, at all events do not give them a blessing.
Then Balak said to Balaam, “If you can't give them any curses then at least don't give them any blessings!”
Then Balak sayde vnto Balaam, Neither curse, nor blesse them at all.
And Balak saith unto Balaam, 'Neither pierce it at all, nor bless it at all;'
Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.”
And Balak said to Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.
And Balac said to Balaam: Neither curse, nor bless him.
Then Balak said to Balaam, “If you will not curse them, then I certainly do not want you to bless them!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:25
BAB
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.
Numbers 23:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
בָּלָק֙
אֶל
בִּלְעָ֔ם
גַּם
קֹ֖ב
לֹ֣א
תִקֳּבֶ֑/נּוּ
גַּם
בָּרֵ֖ךְ
לֹ֥א
תְבָרֲכֶֽ/נּוּ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּלָק֙
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בִּלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
קֹ֖ב
qâbab
H6895
to curse
V-Qal-Ptc
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִקֳּבֶ֑/נּוּ
nâqab
H5344
to pierce
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
בָּרֵ֖ךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Ptc
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְבָרֲכֶֽ/נּוּ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:25
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בָּלָק֙
Bâlâq
H1111
"Balak"
N-proper
Balak was a king of Moab who hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, as told in Numbers 22:2. His name means devastator, reflecting his role as a king who sought to harm God's people.
Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; son of: Zippor (H6834) Also named: Balak (Βαλάκ "Balak" G0904) § Balak = "devastator" a king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Balak. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 23:7; Micah 6:5.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בִּלְעָ֔ם
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.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
קֹ֖ב
qâbab
H6895
"to curse"
V-Qal-Ptc
To curse means to speak badly of someone, as seen in Job 1:5 and 2:5. It involves using words to harm or malign, similar to stabbing with words.
Definition: 1) to curse, utter a curse against 1a) (Qal) to curse
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, curse. See also: Numbers 22:11; Numbers 23:13; Job 5:3.
לֹ֣א
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.
תִקֳּבֶ֑/נּוּ
nâqab
H5344
"to pierce"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to curse or blaspheme, often with a sense of violence or strong emotion. It can also mean to pierce or strike through, as seen in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to pierce, perforate, bore, appoint 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pierce, bore 1a2) to prick off, designate 1b) (Niphal) to be pricked off, be designated, be specified
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: appoint, blaspheme, bore, curse, express, with holes, name, pierce, strike through. See also: Genesis 30:28; 2 Chronicles 31:19; Proverbs 11:26.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
בָּרֵ֖ךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Ptc
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
לֹ֥א
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.
תְבָרֲכֶֽ/נּוּ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 23:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:25
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:25
- Sermons on Numbers 23:25
Context — Balaam’s Second Oracle
23For there is no spell against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What great things God has done!’
24Behold, 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.”
25Now Balak said to Balaam, “Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!”
26But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?” 27“Please come,” said Balak, “I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you curse them for me from there.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 2:1–3 | Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” |
Numbers 23:25 Summary
In this verse, Balak is frustrated with Balaam's prophecies and tells him not to say anything else, either good or bad, about the Israelites. This shows how Balak was trying to control the situation, but ultimately, God was in control, as stated in Psalm 33:10-11. We can learn from this that trying to manipulate or control situations will ultimately fail, and that God's plans will prevail (Proverbs 19:21). By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can find peace and rest, even in difficult circumstances, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balak tell Balaam not to curse or bless the Israelites?
Balak told Balaam not to curse or bless the Israelites because he was frustrated with the previous prophecies and wanted to avoid hearing anything else that might anger him, as seen in Numbers 23:25. This shows how Balak was trying to control the situation, but ultimately, God was in control, as stated in Psalm 33:10-11.
What can we learn from Balak's reaction to Balaam's prophecies?
We can learn that trying to manipulate or control situations will ultimately fail, and that God's plans will prevail, as seen in Proverbs 19:21. Balak's reaction also shows the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, as stated in Romans 11:33-34.
How does this verse relate to the idea of spiritual authority?
This verse highlights the idea that spiritual authority is not something that can be manipulated or controlled by human means, but rather it is a reflection of God's sovereignty, as seen in Numbers 23:25 and supported by Ephesians 1:20-22.
What does this verse teach us about the character of Balak?
This verse teaches us that Balak was a person who was driven by his own desires and interests, and was willing to try to manipulate others to achieve his goals, as seen in Numbers 23:25. This is in contrast to the character of Balaam, who was committed to following God's instructions, as stated in Numbers 22:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to control the outcome, and how can I trust God's sovereignty instead?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty in my daily life, especially when faced with difficult decisions or challenging circumstances?
- What does it mean to truly surrender to God's will, and how can I cultivate a spirit of surrender in my life?
- In what ways can I be like Balaam, committed to following God's instructions, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:25
And Balak said unto Balaam, neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:25
And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all. Balak said ... Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:25
Numbers 23:25 And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.Ver. 25. Nor bless them at all.] But they are blessed, and they shall be blessed, the one cursing the malice of earth and of hell.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:25
25, 26. Balak in his anger refuses to allow Balaam to make any further utterances about Israel, either to curse or to bless. Balaam reminds him of his reiterated statement that he could only say what Jehovah commanded him (Numbers 22:38, Numbers 23:3; Numbers 23:12). Balaam’s relations with Balak, therefore, as recorded in E , are now at an end. The sequel (Numbers 23:27-30; Numbers 23:24) is not really a sequel, but a parallel account from J .
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:25
25. Neither curse… nor bless — This issue of Balak’s machinations against the people of God is only a single instance of the inspired declaration, “The wrath of man shall praise thee,” which has been fulfilled all along the ages.
Sermons on Numbers 23:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Revelation - Part 6): Reign of Christ a Divine Imperative by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and the need for deliverance from oppression and sin. He emphasizes the importance of a perfect leader who can |
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Bringing the Power of God Into Prayer by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of speaking and the impact it can have on someone's life. He shares a story from the Old Testament about three lepers who made a c |
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Pray Big and Pray Bold by Sundar Krishnan | This sermon emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer in shaping the future and creating a better world. It explores the concept of spiritual defiance through prayer, believing i |
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Articles of Engagement for Spiritual Warfare by Darrell Champlin | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of encountering a witch doctor and witnessing the power of God. The speaker describes how the witch doctor attempted to har |
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Abimelech by Charles Alexander | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. Samuel, the prophet, pours the royal anointing oil on Saul's head, declaring him to be the |
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Jesus Christ the Heir by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a single verse from the story of Abraham's servant finding a bride for Isaac. The servant introduces himself and explains how God has blesse |
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What Think You of Christ by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting Psalm 2:9, which speaks of breaking the nations with a rod of iron and dashing them like a potter's vessel. The sermon emphasizes the |