Numbers 22:6 So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed."

◄ Numbers 22:6 ►

New International Version
Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed.”

New Living Translation
Please come and curse these people for me because they are too powerful for me. Then perhaps I will be able to conquer them and drive them from the land. I know that blessings fall on any people you bless, and curses fall on people you curse.”

English Standard Version
Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

Berean Standard Bible
So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.”

King James Bible
Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

New King James Version
Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

New American Standard Bible
Now, therefore, please come, curse this people for me since they are too mighty for me; perhaps I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

NASB 1995
“Now, therefore, please come, curse this people for me since they are too mighty for me; perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

NASB 1977
“Now, therefore, please come, curse this people for me since they are too mighty for me; perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So now, please come, curse this people for me since they are too mighty for me; perhaps I may be able to strike them down and drive them out of the land. For I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

Amplified Bible
Now please come, curse these people for me, for they are too powerful for me; perhaps I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know [your reputation] that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

Christian Standard Bible
Please come and put a curse on these people for me because they are more powerful than I am. I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that those you bless are blessed and those you curse are cursed.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Please come and put a curse on these people for me because they are more powerful than I am. I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that those you bless are blessed and those you curse are cursed.”

American Standard Version
Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

Contemporary English Version
They are too powerful for us to defeat, so would you come and place a curse on them? Maybe then we can run them off. I know that anyone you bless will be successful, but anyone you curse will fail.

English Revised Version
come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I know that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Please come and curse these people for me, because they are too strong for me. Maybe then I'll be able to defeat them and force them out of the country. I know that whomever you bless is blessed and whomever you curse is cursed."

Good News Translation
They outnumber us, so please come and put a curse on them for me. Then perhaps we will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. I know that when you pronounce a blessing, people are blessed, and when you pronounce a curse, they are placed under a curse."

International Standard Version
So come right now and curse this people for me, because there are too many of them for me to handle. Perhaps I'll be able to strike them down and drive them out of the land, since I know that whomever you bless is blessed and whomever you curse is cursed."

Majority Standard Bible
So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.”

NET Bible
So now, please come and curse this nation for me, for they are too powerful for me. Perhaps I will prevail so that we may conquer them and drive them out of the land. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed."

New Heart English Bible
And now please come, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall prevail, that we may strike them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed."

Webster's Bible Translation
Come now therefore, I pray thee, Curse for me this people; for they are too mighty for me: it may be I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I know that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

World English Bible
Please come now therefore, and curse this people for me; for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall prevail, that we may strike them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and now, come, please curse this people for me, for it [is] mightier than I. It may be I prevail, [and] we strike it, and I cast it out from the land; for I have known that which you bless is blessed, and that which you curse is cursed.”

Young's Literal Translation
and now, come, I pray thee, curse for me this people, for it is mightier than I; it may be I prevail -- we smite it -- and I cast it out from the land; for I have known -- that which thou blessest is blessed, and that which thou cursest is cursed.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And now, come now, curse to me this people, for he is strong above me: perhaps I shall be able to strike upon him, and drive him out of the land, for I know whom thou shalt praise is praised, and whom thou shalt curse, shall be cursed.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Come therefore, and curse this people, because it is mightier than I: if by any means I may beat them and drive them out of my land: for I know that he whom thou shalt bless is blessed, and he whom thou shalt curse is cursed.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, come and curse this people, for they are stronger than I am. If only, in some way, I might be able to strike them and to drive them from my land. For I know that he whom you bless shall be blessed, and he whom you curse shall be cursed.”

New American Bible
Now come, curse this people for me, since they are stronger than I am. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed and whoever you curse is cursed.”

New Revised Standard Version
Come now, curse this people for me, since they are stronger than I; perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land; for I know that whomever you bless is blessed, and whomever you curse is cursed.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Come now therefore and curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me; perhaps I shall be able to defeat some of them and destroy them out of the land; for I know that he whom you bless is blessed and he whom you curse is cursed.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Therefore come curse this people for me, because it is stronger than I; doubtless we can put some of it to the sword and we will destroy it from the land because I know that whomever you bless is blessed and whomever you curse is cursed.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me; peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And now come, curse me this people, for it is stronger than we; if we may be able to smite some of them, and I will cast them out of the land: for I know that whomsoever thou dost bless, they are blessed, and whomsoever thou dost curse, they are cursed.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Balak Summons Balaam
…5he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt,” said Balak. “They cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. 6So please come now and put a curse on this people, because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land; for I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed.” 7The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand. They came to Balaam and relayed to him the words of Balak.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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.’”

2 Peter 2:15-16
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. / But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

Jude 1:11
Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.

Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.

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.”

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.”

Psalm 109:28
Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice.

Proverbs 26:2
Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse.

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Luke 6:28
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Treasury of Scripture

Come now therefore, I pray you, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.

curse me

Numbers 23:7,8
And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel…

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.

Genesis 12:3
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

I wot

1 Kings 22:6,8,13
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king…

Psalm 109:28
Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.

Proverbs 26:2
As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.

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Numbers 22

1. Balak's first message for Balaam is refused
15. 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

Berean Study Bible

So now, please come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me
So now
This phrase indicates a sense of urgency and immediacy in Balak's request. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "לָכֵן" (lakhen), which often serves as a transition to a conclusion or a result. Balak, the king of Moab, is reacting to the immediate threat he perceives from the Israelites. Historically, the Israelites' journey through the wilderness had brought them to the plains of Moab, and their reputation for divine favor and military success preceded them. This urgency reflects Balak's desperation and fear, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative.

please come
The Hebrew word "לְכָה" (lekha) is an imperative form, showing Balak's earnest plea to Balaam. This is not merely a polite request but a solicitation with a sense of desperation. Balak is reaching out to Balaam, a known diviner, to intervene supernaturally. This highlights the ancient Near Eastern practice of seeking spiritual intervention in warfare, where battles were often seen as not just physical but also spiritual contests.

and put a curse
The Hebrew word for "curse" here is "אָרָה" (arah), which means to imprecate or invoke harm. In the ancient world, words were believed to have powerful effects, and curses were considered potent tools to alter reality. Balak's request for a curse underscores his belief in the power of spoken words and the spiritual realm. This reflects a worldview where divine or supernatural forces could be manipulated through rituals and incantations, a common belief in the ancient Near East.

on these people
The "people" referred to are the Israelites, who are encamped on the plains of Moab. The Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were chosen by God to be His covenant people. Their identity and mission were deeply rooted in their relationship with Yahweh, the God of Israel. Balak's reference to them as "these people" may imply a sense of otherness or alienation, highlighting the tension between the Israelites and the surrounding nations.

because they are too powerful for me
Balak acknowledges the might of the Israelites, which is not merely in numbers but in the divine favor they possess. The Hebrew word for "powerful" is "עָצוּם" (atzum), meaning mighty or numerous. This recognition of Israel's strength is significant, as it points to the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham about making his descendants a great nation (Genesis 12:2). Balak's fear is rooted in the historical context of Israel's recent victories over the Amorites, which demonstrated their military prowess and divine backing.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) Curse me this people.--Balak undoubtedly believed in the efficacy of Balaam's magical incantations. It is deserving of observation, moreover, that, as has been remarked by Keil (in loc.), "it is frequently celebrated as a great favour displayed towards Israel that the Lord did not hearken to Balaam, but turned the curse into a blessing" (Deuteronomy 23:5; Joshua 24:10; Nehemiah 13:2).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 6. - I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed. This was the language of flattery intended to secure the prophet's services. No doubt, however, Balak, like other heathens, had a profound though capricious belief in the real effect of curses and anathemas pronounced by men who had private intercourse and influence with the unseen powers. That error, like most superstitions, was the perversion of a truth; there are both benedictions and censures which, uttered by human lips, carry with them the sanction and enforcement of Heaven. The error of antiquity lay in ignorance or forgetfulness that, as water cannot rise higher than its source, so neither blessing nor cursing can possibly take any effect beyond the will and purpose of the Father of our souls. Balaam knew this, but it was perhaps his misfortune to have been trained from childhood to maintain his position and his wealth by trading upon the superstitions of his neighbours.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So please
נָּ֨א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

come
לְכָה־ (lə·ḵāh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

now
וְעַתָּה֩ (wə·‘at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258: At this time

and put a curse
אָֽרָה־ (’ā·rāh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 779: To execrate

on these
הַזֶּ֗ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

people,
הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they
הוּא֙ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

are too mighty
עָצ֥וּם (‘ā·ṣūm)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6099: Powerful, numerous

for me.
מִמֶּ֔נִּי (mim·men·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

Perhaps I may
אוּלַ֤י (’ū·lay)
Adverb
Strong's 194: Perhaps

be able
אוּכַל֙ (’ū·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power

to defeat
נַכֶּה־ (nak·keh-)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5221: To strike

them
בּ֔וֹ (bōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

and drive them out
וַאֲגָרְשֶׁ֖נּוּ (wa·’ă·ḡā·rə·šen·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1644: To drive out from a, possession, to expatriate, divorce

of
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the land;
הָאָ֑רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

for
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I know
יָדַ֗עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3045: To know

that those
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you bless
תְּבָרֵךְ֙ (tə·ḇā·rêḵ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

are blessed,
מְבֹרָ֔ךְ (mə·ḇō·rāḵ)
Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

and those
וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר (wa·’ă·šer)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

you curse
תָּאֹ֖ר (tā·’ōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 779: To execrate

are cursed.”
יוּאָֽר׃ (yū·’ār)
Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 779: To execrate

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OT Law: Numbers 22:6 Please come now therefore curse me this (Nu Num.)