Numbers 24:9
Numbers 24:9 in Multiple Translations
He crouches, he lies down like a lion; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”
He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
He couched, he lay down as a lion, And as a lioness; who shall rouse him up? Blessed be every one that blesseth thee, And cursed be every one that curseth thee.
He took his sleep stretched out like a lion, and like a she-lion: by whom will his rest be broken? May a blessing be on everyone who gives you blessing, and a curse on everyone by whom you are cursed.
They are like a lion that crouches and lies down. They are like a lioness that nobody dares to disturb. Those who bless you will be blessed; those who curse you will be cursed.”
He coucheth and lieth downe as a yong lion, and as a lion: who shall stirre him vp? blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
He hath bent, he hath lain down as a lion, And as a lioness: who doth raise him up? He who is blessing thee [is] blessed, And he who is cursing thee [is] cursed.'
He couched, he lay down as a lion, as a lioness; who shall rouse him up? Everyone who blesses you is blessed. Everyone who curses you is cursed.”
He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall rouse him? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
Lying down he hath slept as a lion, and as a lioness, whom none shall dare to rouse. He that blesseth thee, shall also himself be blessed: he that curseth thee shall be reckoned accursed.
The Israelis are like lions that crouch and lie down, ready to pounce on their prey [SIM]. They are like lionesses that are resting, but ready to attack; no one [RHQ] would dare to arouse them! God will bless everyone who blesses you Israelis, and he will curse everyone who curses you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:9
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 24:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כָּרַ֨ע
שָׁכַ֧ב
כַּ/אֲרִ֛י
וּ/כְ/לָבִ֖יא
מִ֣י
יְקִימֶ֑/נּוּ
מְבָרֲכֶ֣י/ךָ
בָר֔וּךְ
וְ/אֹרְרֶ֖י/ךָ
אָרֽוּר
כָּרַ֨ע
kâraʻ
H3766
to bow
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שָׁכַ֧ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כַּ/אֲרִ֛י
ʼărîy
H738
lion
Prep | N-ms
וּ/כְ/לָבִ֖יא
lâbîyʼ
H3833
lion
Conj | Prep | N-cs
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יְקִימֶ֑/נּוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
מְבָרֲכֶ֣י/ךָ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel | Suff
בָר֔וּךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Qal-Inf-c
וְ/אֹרְרֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼârar
H779
to curse
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
אָרֽוּר
ʼârar
H779
to curse
V-Qal-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 24:9
כָּרַ֨ע
kâraʻ
H3766
"to bow"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To bow means to bend your knee or sink down in reverence, like when you pray or worship. In Genesis 24:52 and Exodus 4:31, people bow down to show respect and humility. It is a sign of surrender and submission.
Definition: 1) to bend, kneel, bow, bow down, sink down to one's knees, kneel down to rest (of animals), kneel in reverence 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bow 1a2) to bow down, crouch 1a3) to bow down over 1a4) to tilt, lean 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to bow
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bow (down, self), bring down (low), cast down, couch, fall, feeble, kneeling, sink, smite (stoop) down, subdue, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 49:9; Esther 3:5; Psalms 17:13.
שָׁכַ֧ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
כַּ/אֲרִ֛י
ʼărîy
H738
"lion"
Prep | N-ms
In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.
וּ/כְ/לָבִ֖יא
lâbîyʼ
H3833
"lion"
Conj | Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for lion, this term refers to a fierce lioness. It's used in the Bible to describe powerful animals, like the ones in the stories of Daniel and David. The word is about strength and power.
Definition: lion
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: (great, old, stout) lion, lioness, young (lion). See also: Genesis 49:9; Isaiah 5:29; Psalms 57:5.
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יְקִימֶ֑/נּוּ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
מְבָרֲכֶ֣י/ךָ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel | 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.
בָר֔וּךְ
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.
וְ/אֹרְרֶ֖י/ךָ
ʼârar
H779
"to curse"
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
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.
אָרֽוּר
ʼârar
H779
"to curse"
V-Qal-Inf-c
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 24:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:9
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:9
- Sermons on Numbers 24:9
Context — Balaam’s Third Oracle
7Water will flow from his buckets, and his seed will have abundant water. His king will be greater than Agag, and his kingdom will be exalted.
8God brought him out of Egypt with strength like a wild ox, to devour hostile nations and crush their bones, to pierce them with arrows.
9He crouches, he lies down like a lion, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? Blessed are those who bless you and cursed are those who curse you.”
10Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times. 11Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 12:3 | I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you. ” |
| 2 | Genesis 27:29 | May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.” |
| 3 | Genesis 49:9 | Judah is a young lion— my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? |
| 4 | Numbers 23:24 | Behold, 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.” |
| 5 | Matthew 25:45 | Then the King will answer, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’ |
| 6 | Matthew 25:40 | And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ |
| 7 | Job 41:10 | No one is so fierce as to rouse Leviathan. Then who is able to stand against Me? |
| 8 | Psalms 122:6 | Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper. |
| 9 | Acts 9:5 | “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. |
| 10 | Psalms 2:12 | Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. |
Numbers 24:9 Summary
This verse in Numbers 24:9 is saying that the nation of Israel is strong and confident, like a lion, and that those who bless them will be blessed, and those who curse them will be cursed, as also seen in Genesis 12:3. It's a reminder that God is serious about protecting His people, and that we should be careful about how we treat them, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19. We can apply this principle to our own lives by being kind and supportive to others, especially to those who are part of God's family, and by trusting in God's strength and protection, as described in Psalm 121:4 and Proverbs 30:29-31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'crouch' or 'lie down like a lion' in Numbers 24:9?
This phrase is a metaphor describing the strength and confidence of the nation being blessed, much like a lion resting securely, as seen in Proverbs 30:29-31, where the lion is described as a symbol of strength and courage.
Who is being addressed in Numbers 24:9 when it says 'Blessed are those who bless you'?
The 'you' in this verse refers to the nation of Israel, as seen in the context of Numbers 24:7-8, where the nation is being described and blessed by God, similar to the blessing in Genesis 12:3, where God promises to bless those who bless Abraham and his descendants.
What is the significance of the curse in Numbers 24:9?
The curse in this verse is a warning to those who would oppose or curse the nation of Israel, as seen in Genesis 12:3, where God warns that He will curse those who curse Abraham, indicating the seriousness of opposing God's people, and as also seen in Deuteronomy 30:19, where the choice is given to choose life or death, blessing or curse.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger theme in the Bible where God blesses and protects His people, as seen in Psalm 121:4, where God is described as the protector of Israel, and in Romans 11:25-32, where the blessing of Israel is connected to the plan of salvation for all nations.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to 'bless' someone, and how can I be a blessing to others, as described in Numbers 24:9?
- How can I apply the principle of 'blessing' and 'cursing' in my own life, in relation to God's people, as seen in Genesis 12:3 and Numbers 24:9?
- In what ways can I rest confidently in God's strength and protection, like a lion, as described in Numbers 24:9, and as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 40:31?
- What are some ways that I can show love and support to the nation of Israel, and to God's people in general, as a way of blessing them, as described in Numbers 24:9?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:9
He couched,.... Which may respect the posture of the armies of Israel in the plains of Moab: he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion; as he would do, and did in the land of Canaan, when conquered
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:9
He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:9
Having conquered his enemies the Canaanites, and their land, he shall quietly and securely rest and settle himself there. Stir him up, i.e. awake or provoke him.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:9
Numbers 24:9 He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed [is] he that blesseth thee, and cursed [is] he that curseth thee.Ver. 9. He lay down as a lion.] And cursed is he.] Here the sorcerer pronounceth a curse upon himself; for he desired to curse Israel, and therefore in God’ s account he did it. “ Qui, quia non licuit, non facit, ille facit. ” - Ovid.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:9
(9) He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion.—The Hebrew labi (great lion) should be rendered “a lioness,” as in Numbers 23:24. The image of a lion connects this verse with the preceding verse: “he shall eat up the nations.” (See Note on Numbers 23:24.) Blessed is he that blesseth thee . . . —Compare the original blessing which was pronounced upon Abraham by the Lord (Genesis 12:3), and which was afterwards adopted by Isaac in the blessing which he pronounced upon Jacob (Genesis 27:29).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:9
Verse 9. He couched, he lay down as a lion, c.] See the original terms explained Numbers 23:24. These oracles, delivered by Balaam, are evident prophecies of the victories which the Israelites should gain over their enemies, and of their firm possession of the promised land. They may also refer to the great victories to be obtained by the Lord Jesus Christ, that Lion of the tribe of Judah, over sin, death, and Satan, the grand enemies of the human race and to that most numerous posterity of spiritual children which should be begotten by the preaching of the Gospel.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:9
9. Blessed be every one &c.] The clauses occur inverted in Genesis 27:29.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:9
9. He couched — This is Jacob’s blessing upon Judah, the ancestor of Jesus Christ, the lion of his tribe, predicting his final triumph over the world. Genesis 49:9; John 16:33, notes. Who shall stir him up — None.
Sermons on Numbers 24:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Both And-Not Either or (Basis for Missions - Part 5) by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker addresses a group of people and asks them if they have ever been lost. Only four people raise their hands. The speaker then points out that according to |
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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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Easter Passion by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a man who was delivered from a life of addiction and despair by the power of Christ. The speaker emphasizes the simplicit |
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Future Trends for the Body of Christ by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the things that are at hand rather than being distracted by distant and exciting things. He shares a pe |
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Genesis #14 Ch. 16-18 Test of Abraham by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Misler focuses on Genesis chapters sixteen and seventeen. He begins with a prayer, asking for understanding and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Misler emphasiz |
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The Principles of Missions (Basis for Missions - Part 1) by Paris Reidhead | The video is a sermon that emphasizes the eternal purpose of God to bring people to Himself and reveal His glory and grace. It highlights the importance of viewing the Bible as a m |
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The Love of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love as the defining characteristic of God and the believers. The sermon explores the idea that Judas' betrayal of Jesus m |