King James Version
Numbers 23:8 in the King James Version says “How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?”
Numbers 23:8 · KJV
And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab.
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.
How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?
For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.
Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! me: Heb. my soul, or, my life
KJV Study — Public Domain
“How”
H4100properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
“shall I curse”
H5344to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“hath not cursed”
H6895to scoop out, i.e., (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e., stab with words)
“whom God”
H410strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
“How”
H4100properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“whom the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Numbers 23:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Numbers 23:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge