Old Testament
Numbers 22:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I'll reward you with great honor and do whatever you ask. Just come and curse these people for me.'"
Compare translations
For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.
What Numbers 22:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a king is speaking to a prophet named Balaam, offering him a promise of great honor and rewards in exchange for cursing the Israelites. The king is desperate to weaken the Israelites, who are seen as a threat to his kingdom. This request highlights the lengths to which people will go to seek power and control over others. It also reflects the belief in the power of words and curses in ancient cultures. The king's offer shows a misunderstanding of the true power of God and the futility of trying to oppose His chosen people. Balaam's response to this request will reveal his character and relationship with God, as he must choose between earthly rewards and divine obedience. This moment sets the stage for the unfolding events in the narrative, emphasizing themes of temptation, loyalty, and the consequences of seeking personal gain at the expense of others.
How to apply Numbers 22:17 to your life
This verse reminds us to be cautious of temptations that promise rewards for compromising our values. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God over worldly gains. We should seek to honor God in our decisions, resisting the urge to act against His will for personal benefit.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 22:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 22:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 22:17 mean?
Numbers 22:17 describes a king asking the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites in exchange for great honor and rewards. This reflects the king's desperation to weaken a perceived threat and highlights the power of words in ancient cultures.
What is the significance of the king's offer in Numbers 22:17?
The king's offer in Numbers 22:17 shows his misunderstanding of God's power and the futility of opposing His chosen people. It emphasizes the lengths people will go for power and control, as well as the temptation to compromise one's values for personal gain.
What themes are present in Numbers 22:17?
Key themes in Numbers 22:17 include temptation, power, obedience, and the consequences of seeking personal gain at the expense of others. The verse illustrates the conflict between earthly rewards and divine authority.
What does the phrase 'curse these people' mean in Numbers 22:17?
In Numbers 22:17, 'curse these people' refers to the king's desire for Balaam to use his prophetic powers to bring misfortune upon the Israelites. This reflects the belief in the effectiveness of curses in influencing outcomes.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.