Numbers 23:8
Numbers 23:8 in Multiple Translations
How can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I denounce what the LORD has not denounced?
How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?
How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? And how shall I defy, whom Jehovah hath not defied?
How may I put curses on him who is not cursed by God? how may I be angry with him with whom the Lord is not angry?
But how can I curse what God has not cursed? How can I condemn what the Lord has not condemned?
How shall I curse, where God hath not cursed? or howe shall I detest, where the Lord hath not detested?
What — do I pierce? — God hath not pierced! And what — am I indignant? — Jehovah hath not been indignant!
How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? How shall I defy whom the LORD has not defied?
How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?
How shall I curse him, whom God hath not cursed? By what means should I detest him, whom the Lord detesteth not?
But ◄how can I curse people whom God has not cursed?/I certainly cannot curse people whom God has not cursed!► [RHQ] ◄How can I condemn people whom Yahweh has not condemned?/I cannot condemn people whom Yahweh has not condemned!► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:8
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 23:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מָ֣ה
אֶקֹּ֔ב
לֹ֥א
קַבֹּ֖/ה
אֵ֑ל
וּ/מָ֣ה
אֶזְעֹ֔ם
לֹ֥א
זָעַ֖ם
יְהוָֽה
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אֶקֹּ֔ב
nâqab
H5344
to pierce
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
קַבֹּ֖/ה
qâbab
H6895
to curse
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
וּ/מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
אֶזְעֹ֔ם
zâʻam
H2194
be indignant
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
זָעַ֖ם
zâʻam
H2194
be indignant
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:8
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אֶקֹּ֔ב
nâqab
H5344
"to pierce"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
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.
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.
קַבֹּ֖/ה
qâbab
H6895
"to curse"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
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.
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
וּ/מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אֶזְעֹ֔ם
zâʻam
H2194
"be indignant"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word describes being very angry or upset, often to the point of foaming at the mouth. In Numbers 23:8, it is used to describe God's indignation towards those who disobey Him. It can also mean to denounce or curse someone.
Definition: 1) to denounce, express indignation, be indignant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have indignation, be indignant, be angrily indignant, be defiant 1a2) to be abhorrent 1a3) to express indignation in speech, denounce, curse 1b) (Niphal) to show indignation, show anger
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: abhor, abominable, (be) angry, defy, (have) indignation. See also: Numbers 23:7; Proverbs 25:23; Psalms 7:12.
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.
זָעַ֖ם
zâʻam
H2194
"be indignant"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word describes being very angry or upset, often to the point of foaming at the mouth. In Numbers 23:8, it is used to describe God's indignation towards those who disobey Him. It can also mean to denounce or curse someone.
Definition: 1) to denounce, express indignation, be indignant 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have indignation, be indignant, be angrily indignant, be defiant 1a2) to be abhorrent 1a3) to express indignation in speech, denounce, curse 1b) (Niphal) to show indignation, show anger
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: abhor, abominable, (be) angry, defy, (have) indignation. See also: Numbers 23:7; Proverbs 25:23; Psalms 7:12.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 23:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 23:8
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:8
- Sermons on Numbers 23:8
Context — Balaam’s First Oracle
6So he returned to Balak, who was standing there beside his burnt offering, with all the princes of Moab.
7And 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!’
8How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced?
9For 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. 10Who 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!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 23:23 | For 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!’ |
| 2 | Isaiah 44:25 | who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense, |
| 3 | Numbers 23:20 | I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. |
| 4 | Numbers 22:12 | But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 47:12–13 | So take your stand with your spells and with your many sorceries, with which you have wearied yourself from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror! You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you— your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. |
Numbers 23:8 Summary
In Numbers 23:8, Balaam is saying that he can't curse the Israelites because God hasn't cursed them. This shows that Balaam understands God's power and authority are much greater than his own. It's like when we pray and ask God for something, but He says no - we have to trust that His way is best, as we see in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 37:4. Balaam's words remind us to always align ourselves with God's will and purposes, and to trust in His goodness and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Balaam saying in this verse?
Balaam is expressing his inability to curse the Israelites because God has not cursed them, as seen in Numbers 23:8, which reflects the principle that God's sovereignty overrides human intentions, as stated in Proverbs 21:1.
Why can't Balaam denounce Israel?
Balaam cannot denounce Israel because the LORD has not denounced them, demonstrating the importance of aligning our words and actions with God's will, as taught in Psalm 119:103 and Matthew 12:31-32.
Is Balaam showing obedience to God in this verse?
Yes, Balaam is showing obedience to God by recognizing the limits of his power and authority, and submitting to God's will, as encouraged in Romans 12:2 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18.
What does this verse teach about the relationship between God and humans?
This verse teaches that God's sovereignty and authority are supreme, and humans must submit to and align themselves with His will, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Isaiah 55:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- How do I align my words and actions with God's will, as Balaam did in this verse?
- In what ways can I demonstrate obedience to God, even when it's challenging or unpopular?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to submit to God's sovereignty and authority?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's will and purposes, as Balaam seemed to have in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:8
How shall I curse whom God hath not cursed?.... The sense is, that it was impossible for him to curse those that God did not curse himself, or would not have cursed by others; not but that he had a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:8
How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied? How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:8
God hath not cursed, but blessed Israel, and therefore it is a vain and ridiculous attempt for me to curse them in spite of God.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:8
Numbers 23:8 How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, [whom] the LORD hath not defied?Ver. 8. How shall I curse?] He had a good mind to it, but did not, because he durst not: God stood over him with a whip, as it were; the angel with a sword in his hand could not be forgotten by him. Virtus nolentium nulla est. How shall I defy?] How easy a thing is it to wag a wicked tongue? to find good words in mouth of hell?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 23:8
Verse 8. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?] It was granted on all hands that no incantations nor imprecations could avail, unless God concurred and ratified them. From God's communication to Balaam he saw that God was determined to bless and defend Israel, and therefore all endeavours to injure them must be in vain.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:8
7–10. Balaam’s first prophetic message. This consists of seven short couplets. Balaam declares the uselessness of Balak’s action in fetching him for the purpose of cursing (Numbers 23:7 f.); the security of Israel, their separateness from other nations, and their great numbers (Numbers 23:9-10 a); and he prays that his end may be like theirs (Numbers 23:10 b).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:8
8. Whom God hath not cursed — Balaam could not curse Israel, because God withheld him from so doing. Thus this master magician confesses that he is neither to help nor to hurt without leave from God.
Sermons on Numbers 23:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Error of Balamm - Part 2 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Balaam and Balak from the Bible. Balaam is asked by Balak to curse the enemies of Israel, but instead, he blesses them as directe |
|
Righteous Prayer in an Unrighteous Time by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life and engaging in fervent prayer in the midst of unrighteous times. Drawing from James chapter 5, the message calls f |
|
(Through the Bible) Numbers 21-28 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker uses a football game as an analogy to explain how God sees our lives. He emphasizes that God's purposes remain steadfast and sure, even though it may ap |
|
Jude: Last Days - Balaam 2 by Martin Geehan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the love of Christ to be present in the world. He believes that until people have Christ's love in their hearts towards one ano |
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(History of the Salvation Army) Sweeping Through the Land by H. Scotney | The video discusses the early efforts of the Salvation Army in using film and visual education for evangelism. It mentions the production of a full-length feature film in Paris, wh |
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Is Muhammad a True Prophet of God? by Sam Shamoun | Sam Shamoun presents six propositions that challenge the belief in Muhammad as a true prophet of God, urging Muslims to reflect on these claims. He argues that Muhammad's teachings |
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God Routs Fear by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that no enchantment or divination can harm God's people, as those blessed by God cannot be cursed by any evil force. He reassures believers that despite th |