Numbers Chapter 23 · Verse 8

Authorized King James Version

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How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?

Original Language Analysis

וּמָ֣ה How H4100
וּמָ֣ה How
Strong's: H4100
Word #: 1 of 10
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אֶקֹּ֔ב shall I curse H5344
אֶקֹּ֔ב shall I curse
Strong's: H5344
Word #: 2 of 10
to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 3 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
קַבֹּ֖ה hath not cursed H6895
קַבֹּ֖ה hath not cursed
Strong's: H6895
Word #: 4 of 10
to scoop out, i.e., (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e., stab with words)
אֵ֑ל whom God H410
אֵ֑ל whom God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 5 of 10
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וּמָ֣ה How H4100
וּמָ֣ה How
Strong's: H4100
Word #: 6 of 10
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
זָעַ֖ם hath not defied H2194
זָעַ֖ם hath not defied
Strong's: H2194
Word #: 7 of 10
properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e., to be enraged
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
זָעַ֖ם hath not defied H2194
זָעַ֖ם hath not defied
Strong's: H2194
Word #: 9 of 10
properly, to foam at the mouth, i.e., to be enraged
יְהוָֽה׃ whom the LORD H3068
יְהוָֽה׃ whom the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 10 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis & Commentary

Balaam declares: 'How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?' This rhetorical question admits impossibility - no one can successfully oppose what God approves. The parallel Hebrew terms 'qabab' and 'za'am' (curse/defy/denounce) emphasize complete inability to harm those under divine protection. Balaam's oracle, though spoken reluctantly by a greedy prophet, declares truth: Israel's security rests in God's choice, not their righteousness. This foreshadows believers' security - if God is for us, who can be against us (Rom 8:31)? Christ's intercession guarantees no condemnation for those in Him (Rom 8:1, 34).

Historical Context

This oracle came from the high places of Baal where Balak brought Balaam hoping a different location might enable cursing (v.14). Despite seven altars and sacrifices (v.1-4, 14), Balaam could only speak what God put in his mouth (v.5, 16). His inability to curse despite being hired and eager for reward demonstrated that prophets speak God's words, not their own wishes. False prophets speak from their imagination (Jer 23:16), but true prophets can only declare what God reveals. This oracle's truth - that Israel cannot be cursed - finds ultimate fulfillment in the church, which gates of hell cannot prevail against (Matt 16:18).

Questions for Reflection