Numbers 22:6 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Balak urgently requests that Balaam curse Israel, believing Balaam's words carry divine power.
The Context of Numbers 22:6
Balak begs Balaam to curse Israel so Moab can defeat them militarily.
What Does Numbers 22:6 Mean?
Balak explicitly states that Israel is militarily superior to Moab. He hopes that a curse from Balaam will weaken or destroy Israel, or at least create an opening for Moab's own military assault. His confidence rests entirely on the supernatural power attributed to Balaam.
Balak acknowledges Balaam's reputation: that his blessings and curses come to pass. This belief—that a prophet's words have binding force—reflects widespread Near Eastern understanding of how divine power operates through spoken words.
Numbers 22:6 in the Original Language
The phrase wot (I know) is archaic English for the Hebrew yāda (יָדַע), emphasizing Balak's certainty about Balaam's power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 22:6
What does Numbers 22:6 mean?
Balak urgently requests that Balaam curse Israel, believing Balaam's words carry divine power.
What is the context of Numbers 22:6?
Balak begs Balaam to curse Israel so Moab can defeat them militarily.