The Church Fathers on this verse

Numbers 23:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

How shall I curse him, whom God hath not cursed? By what means should I detest him, whom the Lord detesteth not?

Douay-Rheims

מָ֣ה אֶקֹּ֔ב לֹ֥א קַבֹּ֖ה אֵ֑ל וּמָ֣ה אֶזְעֹ֔ם לֹ֥א זָעַ֖ם יְהוָֽה׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Gregory of Nyssa

4th centuryChurch Father

After gaining insight from a remarkable occurrence, he discovers that malevolent forces cannot inflict harm upon those whom the Lord supports. Instead of succumbing to dark influences, he is inspired by divine motivation, pronouncing words that serve as prophecies of the positive transformations destined to come. Through this divine engagement, he sets aside his earthly abilities and speaks in accordance with God's purpose.

Read more (208 words)

Furthermore, in alignment with what has been previously examined, we assert that anyone attempting to denounce those who live righteously cannot utter a single harmful or contrary statement, instead transforming any intended curse into a blessing. This reveals that individuals who lead virtuous lives remain untouched by the slander of malicious speech. For what reproach can be leveled at a person free from vice? How can one falsely accuse a hermit of licentious behavior? Or claim that a gentle soul is quick to anger? Or assert that a humble individual is filled with pride? The fact is that these reproaches cannot hold against those whose lives are a witness to their steadfastness, as exemplified by the words, ‘may ... be put to shame,’ as stated by A. A., and “that the adversary may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us” (Titus 2:8). Thus, the voice of the one called to curse declares: ‘How can I curse? The Lord does not curse him. How could I speak ill of one whom God does not condemn?’ In other words, how can I malign one who does not provide sustenance for the poison of slander? His gaze toward God fortifies his life against the temptations of wrongdoing.

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

His initial statement was, "How can I pronounce a curse on whom God has not cursed?" This demonstrated that his blessing of the Jewish people was not due to his own volition but rather by the grace of God.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.