Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.

DEUTERONOMY 23:5KJV
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Deuteronomy 23:5 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 23:5 mean?

Deuteronomy 23:5 says that even though someone tried to curse the Israelites, the LORD their God did not listen to that person. Instead, God turned the intended curse into a blessing for Israel because He loved them.

In this verse, Moses is reminding the Israelites of what happened when Balaam was hired to curse them during their journey to the Promised Land. Instead of allowing harm, God (using the name יְהוָה, Yahweh, and אֱלֹהִים, Elohim) intervened and changed the curse into a blessing, showing His protective love for His people.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 23:5

  • יְהוָה (Yahweh, H3068): This is the personal name of God, often translated as "the LORD." Its use here emphasizes God's direct and personal involvement with Israel.
  • אֱלֹהִים (Elohim, H430): This word means "God" and highlights God's power and authority. The pairing with Yahweh stresses both God's relationship and His might.
  • הָפַךְ (haphak, H2015): Translated as "turned," this verb means to change or reverse something. The verse stresses that God actively reversed the curse into a blessing.
  • אָהֵב (ahev, H157): This word means "loved." It shows that God's motivation for protecting Israel was His love, not just obligation or power.

Why Deuteronomy 23:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God's love for Israel was the reason He protected them, not their own strength or merit.
  • The story highlights that even when others intend harm, God's will can override human plans for the good of His people.
  • By recalling Balaam's failed curse, Moses encourages the Israelites to trust in God's ongoing care as they face future challenges.

Where else these words appear

“curse” Hebrew H7045 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 27:12 My father peradventure will feel me, and I shall seem to him as a deceiver; and I shall bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing.
  • Deuteronomy 30:1 And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee,
  • Proverbs 27:14 He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

“would” Hebrew H14 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 24:5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
  • 1 Samuel 26:23 The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

“Balaam” Hebrew H1109 · used in 57 verses

  • Numbers 22:5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
  • Numbers 22:31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
  • Numbers 23:28 And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward Jeshimon.

“blessing” Hebrew H1293 · used in 64 verses

  • 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:
  • Deuteronomy 30:1 And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath driven thee,
  • Psalms 109:17 As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.