Numbers 22:12
Numbers 22:12 in Multiple Translations
But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.”
And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.
And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed.
And God said to Balaam, You are not to go with them, or put a curse on this people, for they have my blessing.
But God told Balaam, “You are not to go back with them. You must not curse this people, for they are blessed.”
And God said vnto Balaam, Go not thou with them, neither curse the people, for they are blessed.
and God saith unto Balaam, 'Thou dost not go with them; thou dost not curse the people; for it [is] blessed.'
God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”
And God said to Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.
And God said to Balaam: Thou shalt not go with them, nor shalt thou curse the people: because it is blessed.
God replied to Balaam, “Do not go with them! I have blessed those people, so you must not curse them!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:12
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 22:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
אֱלֹהִים֙
אֶל
בִּלְעָ֔ם
לֹ֥א
תֵלֵ֖ךְ
עִמָּ/הֶ֑ם
לֹ֤א
תָאֹר֙
אֶת
הָ/עָ֔ם
כִּ֥י
בָר֖וּךְ
הֽוּא
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בִּלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֵלֵ֖ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
עִמָּ/הֶ֑ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תָאֹר֙
ʼârar
H779
to curse
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בָר֖וּךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Qal-Inf-c
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:12
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.
אֱלֹהִים֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
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.
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.
תֵלֵ֖ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
עִמָּ/הֶ֑ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
לֹ֤א
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.
תָאֹר֙
ʼârar
H779
"to curse"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To curse someone or something, like God cursing the serpent in Genesis 3. It means to execrate or wish harm upon someone, often used in the context of punishment or judgment. This word appears in various biblical accounts.
Definition: 1) to curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to curse 1a2) cursed be he (participle used as in curses) 1b) (Niphal) to be cursed, cursed 1c)(Piel) to curse, lay under a curse, put a curse on 1d) (Hophal) to be made a curse, be cursed
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bitterly curse. See also: Genesis 3:14; Deuteronomy 27:23; Psalms 119:21.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בָר֖וּךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Qal-Inf-c
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.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Numbers 22:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 22:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 22:12
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:12
- Sermons on Numbers 22:12
Context — Balak Summons Balaam
10And Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message:
11‘Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps I may be able to fight against them and drive them away.’”
12But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.”
13So Balaam got up the next morning and said to Balak’s princes, “Go back to your homeland, because the LORD has refused to let me go with you.” 14And the princes of Moab arose, returned to Balak, and said, “Balaam refused to come with us.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 23:5 | 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. |
| 2 | Ephesians 1:3 | Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. |
| 3 | Genesis 12:2 | I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. |
| 4 | Romans 11:29 | For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. |
| 5 | Numbers 23:19–20 | God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. |
| 6 | Romans 4:6–7 | And David speaks likewise of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are they whose lawless acts are forgiven, whose sins are covered. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 33:29 | Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is the shield that protects you, the sword in which you boast. Your enemies will cower before you, and you shall trample their high places.” |
| 8 | Numbers 22:19–20 | So now, please stay here overnight as the others did, that I may find out what else the LORD has to tell me.” That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” |
| 9 | Genesis 22:16–18 | saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” |
| 10 | Matthew 27:19 | While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.” |
Numbers 22:12 Summary
In Numbers 22:12, God tells Balaam not to curse the people of Israel because they are blessed. This means that God has a special plan to take care of and protect them, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:5. We can learn from this verse that God is a loving and merciful God who wants to bless and care for His people, and that we should trust in His goodness and sovereignty, as encouraged in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11. By following God's will and obeying His commands, we can experience His blessing and be a blessing to others, just as God has blessed His people throughout the Bible, such as in Genesis 12:3 and Jeremiah 31:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God tell Balaam not to curse the people of Israel?
God told Balaam not to curse the people of Israel because they are blessed, as stated in Numbers 22:12, and God's blessing is not to be taken lightly, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:5.
What is the significance of Balaam's encounter with God in this verse?
Balaam's encounter with God in Numbers 22:12 highlights God's sovereignty and His plan to bless and protect His people, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, such as in Genesis 12:3 and Jeremiah 31:3.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's blessing and cursing?
This verse illustrates that God's blessing is a powerful and protective force, as seen in Numbers 22:12, and that those who are blessed by God should not be cursed, as warned in Deuteronomy 23:5 and supported by the example in Genesis 12:3.
What can we learn from God's command to Balaam in this verse?
We can learn from God's command to Balaam that God is a God of blessing and mercy, as seen in Numbers 22:12, and that we should align ourselves with His will and purposes, as encouraged in Romans 12:2 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be blessed by God, and how can I experience His blessing in my life?
- How can I, like Balaam, discern God's will and obey His commands, even when it's difficult or unpopular?
- What are some ways that I can be a blessing to others, just as God has blessed His people, and what role does Numbers 22:12 play in this concept?
- How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in Numbers 22:12, impact my understanding of His relationship with His people, and what does this mean for my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:12
And God said unto Balaam, thou shalt not go with them,.... Which is a denial of the first thing Balak requested, "come now, therefore", c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:12
And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:12
God revealeth his mind to Balaam, not for any love to him, but for the sake of his people concerned in it, as he did to Pharaoh, , and to Nebuchadnezzar, . They are blessed by my irrevocable decree and sentence, and therefore it is in vain for men to curse them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 22:12
Verse 12. Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people] That is, Thou shalt not go with them to curse the people. With them he might go, as we find he afterwards did by God's own command, but not to curse the people; this was wholly forbidden. Probably the command, Thou shalt not go, refers here to that time, viz., the first invitation: and in this sense it was most punctually obeyed by Balaam; see Numbers 22:13.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:12
12. for they are blessed] It was necessary to inform Balaam of this; as a foreigner in far Mesopotamia he knew nothing of Israel and their relation to Jehovah.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:12
12. For they are blessed — The blessing here pronounced is national and not individual.
Sermons on Numbers 22:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Profiteering Christianity by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of seeking personal gain in the name of Christianity, using examples from the stories of Balaam, Naaman, and Gehazi. It highlights the importance |
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A Parable of Security, Stagnation, Seduction, Survival - Part 1 by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the messages he has preached in the United States, mostly from the New Testament. However, he feels led to speak from the book of Numbers an |
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A Parable of Security, Stagnation, Seduction, Survival - Part 2 by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the messages he has preached in the United States, mostly from the New Testament. However, he feels led to speak from the book of Numbers an |
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2 Peter 2:16 by John Gill | John Gill discusses the story of Balaam, emphasizing his covetousness and desire to curse Israel despite God's command to bless them. He highlights how Balaam's madness was rebuked |
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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 |
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The Meaning of Life - 6. I Will Do It Through You by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of God in their lives and the lives of others. They emphasize the importance of understanding and knowin |
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Loved With Everlasting Love - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of delivering the message that God has specifically instructed. He highlights that Jesus was careful to only say what the Fat |