King James Version

What Does Numbers 24:9 Mean?

Numbers 24:9 in the King James Version says “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 cur...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 24:9 · KJV

Context

7

He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

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.

Read Numbers 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Balaam prophesies: 'Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee.' This quotes God's Abrahamic covenant promise (Gen 12:3), confirming it remains in effect. The Hebrew parallelism emphasizes reciprocity - how nations treat Israel determines their blessing or curse. Throughout history, nations blessing Jews have prospered; those persecuting them have declined. This principle extends to the church - how people respond to God's people reveals their heart toward God. Christ identified Himself with believers so completely that serving them serves Him (Matt 25:40). Supporting God's kingdom work brings blessing; opposing it brings curse.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This blessing came in Balaam's fourth oracle after the Spirit came upon him (v.2). Balak's furious response (v.10-11) showed Balaam's oracles blessed Israel despite being hired to curse. The phrase echoing God's promise to Abraham demonstrated Israel's security rested in covenant, not current worthiness. History confirms the pattern - Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Rome, Nazi Germany all fell after persecuting Jews; nations showing kindness prospered. The church inherits similar promises (Gal 3:29) - those blessing Christ's body participate in blessing; those opposing it face judgment. This doesn't mean uncritical support of all actions, but fundamental attitude toward God's covenant people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you treat God's people - with blessing and support, or criticism and opposition?
  2. Does your attitude toward Christ's church reflect blessing or cursing, knowing this determines your own blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כָּרַ֨ע1 of 10

“He couched”

H3766

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

שָׁכַ֧ב2 of 10

“he lay down”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

כַּֽאֲרִ֛י3 of 10

“as a lion”

H738

a lion

וּכְלָבִ֖יא4 of 10

“and as a great lion”

H3833

a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;))

מִ֣י5 of 10
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יְקִימֶ֑נּוּ6 of 10

“who shall stir him up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

בָר֔וּךְ7 of 10

“Blessed”

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

בָר֔וּךְ8 of 10

“Blessed”

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

אָרֽוּר׃9 of 10

“is he that curseth”

H779

to execrate

אָרֽוּר׃10 of 10

“is he that curseth”

H779

to execrate

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 24:9 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 24:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 12:3Genesis 27:29Genesis 49:9Numbers 23:24Matthew 25:45Matthew 25:40

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