Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

NUMBERS 22:6KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 22:6 (KJV)

What does Numbers 22:6 mean?

Numbers 22:6 shows Balak, the king of Moab, asking Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites because he fears they are too powerful to defeat otherwise. Balak believes that Balaam’s blessings and curses are effective, and hopes that a curse will weaken the Israelites enough for Moab to drive them out.

Balak is speaking to Balaam, a well-known diviner, as the Israelites are camped near Moab after leaving Egypt. Balak is desperate because he sees the Israelites as a threat he cannot overcome by normal means. He appeals to Balaam’s reputation, convinced that whoever Balaam curses (using the Hebrew word אָרַר, ’arar, “curse”) will truly be cursed, and whoever he blesses will be blessed.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 22:6

  • אָרַר (’arar) — “curse”: This word means to bind or ban, often understood as calling down misfortune or divine opposition. Balak is not just asking for harsh words, but for real harm to come upon Israel through supernatural means.
  • יָדַע (yada‘) — “wot” (know): Balak says he “knows” that Balaam’s blessings and curses are effective, showing his deep belief in Balaam’s spiritual power.
  • בָּרַךְ (barakh) — “blessest”/“blessed”: This word means to bestow favor or prosperity. Balak sees Balaam as someone whose spoken blessing can actually bring good fortune.
  • עָצַם (‘atsam) — “mighty”: This word emphasizes the strength or vastness of the Israelites, highlighting why Balak feels threatened.

Why Numbers 22:6 matters

  • Numbers 22:6 helps clarify that Balak’s fear is not just military, but spiritual—he believes he needs supernatural help to defeat Israel.
  • The verse sets up the tension of the story: Balak’s reliance on human cursing and blessing stands in contrast to God’s control over Israel’s fate.
  • Understanding the original words for “curse” and “bless” shows that these are not casual requests, but appeals for real, powerful intervention.

Where else these words appear

“mighty” Hebrew H6099 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
  • Joshua 23:9 For the LORD hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath been able to stand before you unto this day.
  • Daniel 8:24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

“out” Hebrew H1644 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • Leviticus 21:7 They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God.
  • 1 Chronicles 17:21 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?

“curse” Hebrew H779 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 3:14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:
  • Deuteronomy 27:15 Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
  • Joshua 9:23 Now therefore ye are cursed, and there shall none of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God.