Numbers 22:17 (KJV)

What does Numbers 22:17 mean?

Numbers 22:17 records Balak, the king of Moab, promising Balaam great honor and to do whatever Balaam asks, if only Balaam will come and curse the Israelites. Balak is trying to persuade Balaam with promises of reward to use his spiritual influence against Israel.

Balak is speaking to Balaam, a well-known diviner, hoping to hire him to curse the people of Israel, who have camped near Moab. The verse shows the lengths Balak is willing to go—offering “very great honour” and obedience to Balaam’s wishes—because he fears Israel’s strength and wants supernatural help to defeat them.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 22:17

• The word for “promote” and “honour” is כָּבֵד (kāvēd), which means “to make heavy” or “to give weight.” Here, it carries the sense of giving someone high status or great respect, not just a reward but a real elevation in standing.
• The word for “curse” is קָבַב (qāvav), which means to pronounce a curse or bring harm by speaking against someone. Balak is not just asking for a negative word, but for a formal act of spiritual opposition.
• The word for “people” is עַם (‘am), meaning a nation or group. Balak is referring to the Israelites as a whole, not just a few individuals.

Why Numbers 22:17 matters

• This verse shows just how desperate Balak is—he is willing to give up power and honor to someone outside his people to try to stop Israel.
• The repeated use of the word כָּבֵד (kāvēd) for “promote,” “great,” and “honour” emphasizes how much Balak is offering, underlining the seriousness of his request.
• This sets up the tension in the story: Balaam is being tempted with riches and status to act against God’s people, which becomes a central conflict in the following chapters.