Numbers 23:25

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Now Balak said to Balaam, “Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!”

American Standard Version (1901)

And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

Bible in Basic English

Then Balak said to Balaam, If you will not put a curse on them, at all events do not give them a blessing.

Free Bible Version

Then Balak said to Balaam, “If you can't give them any curses then at least don't give them any blessings!”

King James (Authorized) Version

¶ And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

One Unity Resource Bible

Balak said to Balaam [Not people, Destroyer of people], “Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.”

Translation for Translators

Then Balak said to Balaam, “If you will not curse them, then I certainly do not want you to bless them!”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then Balak said to Balaam, “Do not curse them or bless them at all.”

Noah Webster Bible

And Balak said to Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

World English Bible

Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.”

Young's Literal Translation

And Balak saith unto Balaam, 'Neither pierce it at all, nor bless it at all;'

Context

Balaam’s Second Oracle

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!”

Summary

This verse depicts the scene where Balak, the king of Moab, and Balaam, the prophet, stand together to observe the Israelites. Despite Balak's attempts to curse the Israelites, Balaam affirms that God has blessed them instead. It showcases God's protection and favor over His chosen people, demonstrating that no curse or enchantment can prevail against those whom God has blessed. The verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in guarding His people from harm and fulfilling His promises to them.

Commentary

Keil-Delitzsch
John Gill

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

Balaam's Last Words. - Num 23:25-30. Balak was not deterred, however, from making another attempt. At first, indeed, he exclaimed in indignation at these second sayings of Balaam: "Thou shalt neither curse it, nor even bless." The double גּם with לא signifies "neither - nor;" and the rendering, "if thou do not curse it, thou shalt not bless it," must be rejected as untenable. In his vexation at the second failure, he did not want to hear anything more from Balaam. But when he replied again, that he had told him at the very outset that he could do nothing but what God should say to him (cf. Num 22:38), he altered his mind, and resolved to conduct Balaam to another place with this hope: "peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me them from thence." Clericus observes upon this passage, "It was the opinion of the heathen, that what was not obtained through the first, second, or third victim, might nevertheless be secured through a fourth;" and he adduces proofs from Suetonius, Curtius, Gellius, and others.