King James Version

What Does Numbers 24:10 Mean?

Numbers 24:10 in the King James Version says “And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.”

Numbers 24:10 · KJV

Context

8

God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.

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.

10

And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.

11

Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.

12

And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,

Read Numbers 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Balak's anger erupting—'Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together'—shows rage at unmet expectations. The gesture of striking hands expressed fury and contempt (Job 27:23). Balak had paid for curses and received blessings instead. His accusation 'I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times' reveals the complete reversal of his plans. This demonstrates that God's purposes cannot be thwarted regardless of human schemes, payments, or rituals. What man purposes for evil, God transforms to blessing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Balak's three attempts to curse Israel (chapters 22-24) show escalating desperation and expense. Each failure increased his fury. His hand-smiting gesture was a cultural expression of extreme frustration and contempt, similar to modern gestures of exasperation. The public nature of Balaam's blessings meant Balak's political humiliation—he had gathered his princes to witness Israel's cursing but instead displayed their invulnerability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should we respond when elaborate plans fail because of God's intervention?
  2. What does Balak's fury teach about human pride confronting divine sovereignty?
  3. How does God's transformation of intended curses into blessings encourage His people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיִּֽחַר1 of 21

“was kindled”

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַ֤ף2 of 21

“anger”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

בָּלָ֜ק3 of 21

“And Balak's”

H1111

balak, a moabitish king

אֶל4 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בִּלְעָ֗ם5 of 21

“against Balaam”

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

וַיִּסְפֹּ֖ק6 of 21

“and he smote”

H5606

to clap the hands (in token of compact, derision, grief, indignation, or punishment); by implication of satisfaction, to be enough; by implication of

אֶת7 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כַּפָּ֑יו8 of 21

“his hands”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר9 of 21

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בָּלָ֜ק10 of 21

“And Balak's”

H1111

balak, a moabitish king

אֶל11 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בִּלְעָ֗ם12 of 21

“against Balaam”

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

לָקֹ֤ב13 of 21

“thee to curse”

H6895

to scoop out, i.e., (figuratively) to malign or execrate (i.e., stab with words)

אֹֽיְבַי֙14 of 21

“mine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

קְרָאתִ֔יךָ15 of 21

“I called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וְהִנֵּה֙16 of 21
H2009

lo!

בָרֵ֔ךְ17 of 21

“and behold thou hast altogether”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

בָרֵ֔ךְ18 of 21

“and behold thou hast altogether”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

זֶ֖ה19 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

שָׁלֹ֥שׁ20 of 21

“them these three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

פְּעָמִֽים׃21 of 21

“times”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Numbers 24:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 24:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 21:14Numbers 23:11Ezekiel 21:17Ezekiel 22:13Nehemiah 13:2Job 27:23

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 24 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes