Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.” New Living Translation But God told Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse these people, for they have been blessed!” English Standard Version God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” Berean Standard Bible But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” Berean Literal Bible And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for it is blessed.” King James Bible And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. New King James Version And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” New American Standard Bible But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” NASB 1995 God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” NASB 1977 And God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed.” Legacy Standard Bible And God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” Amplified Bible God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people [of Israel], for they are blessed.” Berean Annotated Bible But God {Elohim} said to Balaam (not of the people), “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed. Christian Standard Bible Then God said to Balaam, “You are not to go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then God said to Balaam, “You are not to go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” American Standard Version And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed. Contemporary English Version But God replied, "Don't go with Balak's messengers. I have blessed those people who have come from Egypt, so don't curse them." English Revised Version And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. GOD'S WORD® Translation But God said to Balaam, "Don't go with them! Don't curse these people, because they are blessed." Good News Translation God said to Balaam, "Do not go with them, and do not put a curse on the people of Israel, because they have my blessing." International Standard Version But God told Balaam, "Don't go with them. Don't curse the people, because they're blessed." NET Bible But God said to Balaam, "You must not go with them; you must not curse the people, for they are blessed." New Heart English Bible And God said to Balaam, "You are not to go with them, and you are not to curse the people, for they are blessed." Webster's Bible Translation And God said to Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed.” World English Bible God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand God says to Balaam, “You do not go with them; you do not curse the people, for it [is] blessed.” Berean Literal Bible And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for it is blessed.” Young's Literal Translation and God saith unto Balaam, 'Thou dost not go with them; thou dost not curse the people; for it is blessed.' Smith's Literal Translation And God will say to Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for he is praised. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd God said to Balaam : Thou shalt not go with them, nor shalt thou curse the people: because it is blessed. Catholic Public Domain Version And God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them, and do not curse the people, for they are blessed.” New American Bible But God said to Balaam: Do not go with them and do not curse this people, for they are blessed. New Revised Standard Version God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd God said to Balaam, You shall not go with them; and you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And God said to Balaam: “Do not go with them and do not curse the people, because it is blessed.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And God said unto Balaam: 'Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And God said to Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them, neither shalt thou curse the people; for they are blessed. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Balak Summons Balaam…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.”… Cross References But God said to Balaam, Numbers 23:5 Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message.” Numbers 24:4 the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: Numbers 24:13 that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I must speak whatever the LORD says. “Do not go with them. Proverbs 1:15 my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path. Proverbs 4:14-15 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. / Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by. 2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness? You are not to curse this people, Numbers 23:20 I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. Numbers 24:9 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.” 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. for they are blessed.” 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.” Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His inheritance! 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.” Deuteronomy 23:4-5 For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / 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. Joshua 24:9-10 Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand. Nehemiah 13:2 because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing). Micah 6:5 My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’” Treasury of Scripture And God said to Balaam, You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people: for they are blessed. Balaam, Thou shalt Numbers 22:20 And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. Job 33:15-17 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; … Matthew 27:19 When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. thou shalt not curse Numbers 22:19 Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more. Numbers 23:3,13-15,19,23 And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go: peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I will tell thee. And he went to an high place… Micah 6:5 O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD. for they Numbers 23:20 Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: Genesis 22:16-18 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: … Jump to Previous Balaam Blessed Blessing CurseJump to Next Balaam Blessed Blessing CurseNumbers 22 1. Balak's first message for Balaam is refused15. His second message obtains him 22. An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey 36. Balak entertains him But God said to Balaam In this passage, God directly communicates with Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet. This interaction highlights God's sovereignty and ability to use individuals outside of Israel for His purposes. Balaam's story is unique as it shows God's control over all nations and peoples, not just Israel. This phrase sets the stage for the unfolding narrative where God intervenes in human affairs to protect His chosen people. Do not go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet or diviner known for his ability to bless or curse. He is approached by Balak to curse the Israelites. 2. God (Yahweh) The one true God who communicates directly with Balaam, instructing him not to curse the Israelites. 3. Balak The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. 4. The Israelites God's chosen people, whom He has blessed and protected throughout their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. 5. Moab The region ruled by Balak, where the Israelites are encamped, causing concern for the Moabites. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and ProtectionGod’s command to Balaam not to curse the Israelites highlights His sovereign control over all situations. Believers can trust that God is in control and will protect His people from harm. The Power of Blessing The Israelites are described as blessed, which is a powerful state of being under God's favor. Christians are encouraged to seek God's blessing and live in a way that aligns with His will. Obedience to God's Word Balaam is instructed not to go with Balak's messengers. This teaches the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when faced with external pressures or temptations. God's Faithfulness to His Promises The protection of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Believers can find assurance in the fact that God remains faithful to His promises today. Discernment in Spiritual Matters Balaam's encounter with God serves as a reminder to seek discernment and wisdom in spiritual matters, ensuring that one's actions align with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 22:12?2. How does Numbers 22:12 demonstrate God's protective nature over His people? 3. Why did God command Balaam not to curse the Israelites in Numbers 22:12? 4. How can we discern God's will in our decisions, as seen in Numbers 22:12? 5. What other Bible stories show God preventing harm to His chosen people? 6. How can we apply God's guidance in Numbers 22:12 to our daily lives? 7. Why did God forbid Balaam from going with Balak's messengers in Numbers 22:12? 8. How does Numbers 22:12 reflect God's sovereignty over human plans? 9. What does Numbers 22:12 reveal about God's protection of Israel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22? 11. Who was Balaam in the Bible? 12. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Balaam and the events of Numbers 22? 13. How does God’s change from forbidding Balaam to go (Numbers 22:12) to eventually permitting him (Numbers 22:20) align with the concept of divine consistency? 14. Why does the angel appear to the donkey first rather than Balaam in Numbers 22:23–25, suggesting the animal has greater insight than the prophet? What Does Numbers 22:12 Mean But God said to Balaam• The story pivots on God’s direct speech, reminding us that the Lord—not kings, diviners, or circumstances—has the final word (Isaiah 46:10; Psalm 33:11). • Divine initiative interrupts human plans just as He later overrules Balak’s schemes (Numbers 23:5, 12). • When God speaks, obedience is not optional; Balaam’s subsequent vacillation exposes the danger of ignoring a clear word from the Lord (James 1:22-24). Do not go with them. • God bars Balaam from physically accompanying Balak’s envoys, cutting the temptation off at its root (Proverbs 4:14-15). • Separation from corrupt alliances is a recurring command—“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked” (Psalm 1:1; cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17). • The instruction protects both Balaam and Israel. Going with them would imply agreement with their intention (Amos 3:3). You are not to curse this people • Words carry spiritual weight. The Lord forbids Balaam’s tongue from aligning with Balak’s malice (Proverbs 18:21). • Cursing Israel would place Balaam in direct conflict with God’s covenant promises (Genesis 27:29; Deuteronomy 23:5). • Even a pagan seer must submit to God’s boundary: “You must speak only the word I give you” (Numbers 22:20; 24:13). • The New Testament upholds this ethic—“Bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14). for they are blessed. • God’s pronouncement recalls His oath to Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you… all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). • A blessed status is irrevocable because it rests on God’s character, not Israel’s merit (Numbers 23:19-20; Romans 11:29). • Attempts to overturn that blessing only rebound in judgment on the opposer (Zechariah 2:8; Proverbs 26:2). • The verse foreshadows Christ, through whom every spiritual blessing ultimately flows to both Jew and Gentile (Galatians 3:8-9, 14). summary Numbers 22:12 shows God decisively overruling human schemes to protect His covenant people. He speaks first, commands separation from evil plans, forbids words of harm, and grounds everything in His unchangeable blessing. The verse reassures believers that when God declares a blessing, no curse, plot, or person can nullify it. Hebrew But Godאֱלֹהִים֙ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Balaam, בִּלְעָ֔ם (bil·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1109: Balaam -- a prophet “Do not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no go תֵלֵ֖ךְ (ṯê·lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk with them. עִמָּהֶ֑ם (‘im·mā·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5973: With, equally with You are not לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no to curse תָאֹר֙ (ṯā·’ōr) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 779: To execrate this people, הָעָ֔ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock for כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction they הֽוּא׃ (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are are blessed.” בָר֖וּךְ (ḇā·rūḵ) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse Links Numbers 22:12 NIVNumbers 22:12 NLT Numbers 22:12 ESV Numbers 22:12 NASB Numbers 22:12 KJV Numbers 22:12 BibleApps.com Numbers 22:12 Biblia Paralela Numbers 22:12 Chinese Bible Numbers 22:12 French Bible Numbers 22:12 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 22:12 God said to Balaam You shall not (Nu Num.) |
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