קָבַב (qa.vav)
qa.vav
to curse
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb qāḇab means to speak words intended to bring harm or misfortune upon someone. It appears twelve times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in the books of Numbers, Proverbs, and Job. In these contexts, it describes the act of verbally cursing another person, often as an expression of deep hostility or a desire for divine judgment against them.
Unlike words that might describe accidental misfortune, qāḇab implies a deliberate speech act. Its presence in Proverbs highlights the destructive power of such language, while its occurrence in Numbers connects it to the serious legal and social consequences of cursing within the community. The word carries a weight of intentional verbal aggression, marking it as a significant breach of relational peace.
Translators typically render qāḇab as "curse" or "utter a curse," reflecting its straightforward meaning. The term underscores the ancient understanding that spoken words could have real, tangible effects on a person’s fate. By focusing on this specific verb, the text distinguishes casual insults from formal or potent declarations of ill will.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word qāḇab describes a deliberate act of speaking harm or misfortune over another person. It is not merely an insult or a momentary outburst, but a serious verbal declaration intended to bring negative consequences. In the ancient world, words were seen as having real power, so this verb carries significant weight. It highlights how speech can be used as a weapon to damage relationships and disrupt peace.
Scripture consistently warns against this kind of language. In Proverbs 11:26, we see that those who withhold help are cursed, while those who share are blessed. This shows that our words have lasting effects on others and on ourselves. Instead of wishing harm, we are called to speak life and kindness. When we choose blessing over cursing, we reflect God’s heart for restoration and community.
This word reminds us that our speech matters deeply. It invites us to examine how we talk about those who disagree with us or hurt us. Rather than seeking revenge or speaking ill of others, we can choose to pray for them. This shift in perspective helps build bridges instead of walls, fostering peace in our relationships and reflecting the grace we have received.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ curse2×
- curse/ !2×
- you will curse/ it1×
- will I curse1×
- they will curse/ him1×
- they curse/ him1×
- let them curse/ it1×
- he has cursed/ him1×
- at all <curse>1×
- and/ you will curse/ it1×
- and/ curse/ it1×
- and/ I cursed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָֽבָ/ה\־2×
- לָ/קֹ֤ב2×
- יִקְּבֻ֥/הוּ2×
- תִקֳּבֶ֑/נּוּ1×
- קֹ֖ב1×
- קַבֹּ֖/ה1×
- יִקְּבֻ֣/הוּ1×
- וָ/אֶקּ֖וֹב1×
- וְ/קָבְ/נוֹ\־1×
- וְ/קַבֹּ֥ת/וֹ1×
- אֶקֹּ֔ב1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 22:11
‘Behold, the people that has come out of Egypt covers the surface of the earth. Now, come curse them for me. Perhaps I shall be able to fight against them, and shall drive them out.’”
Balak’s request to Balaam shows how cursing was viewed as a strategic tool for warfare, revealing the deep hostility and desire for divine judgment against enemies.
-
Numbers 23:8
How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? How shall I defy whom Yahweh has not defied?
Balaam’s rhetorical question highlights the theological limit of human cursing, showing that God’s sovereign blessing cannot be overridden by human words.
-
Proverbs 11:26
People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
This verse illustrates the social consequence of selfishness, where withholding grain leads to being cursed, while generosity brings blessing.
-
Job 3:8
Let them curse it who curse the day, who are ready to rouse up leviathan.
The reference to those who curse the day connects the act to a desire for chaos and death, emphasizing the destructive nature of such speech.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word qāḇab mean?
How is qāḇab different from a simple insult?
Why is this word important in Proverbs?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 3 books)
Numbers 8 verses
‘Behold, the people that has come out of Egypt covers the surface of the earth. Now, come curse them for me. Perhaps I…
Numbers 22:17for I will promote you to very great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come therefore, and curse this…
Numbers 23:8How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? How shall I defy whom Yahweh has not defied?
Numbers 23:11Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them…
Numbers 23:13Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place, where you may see them. You shall see just part of them, and…
Numbers 23:25Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.”
Numbers 23:27Balak said to Balaam, “Come now, I will take you to another place; perhaps it will please God that you may curse them…
Numbers 24:10Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my…