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G904 · Greek · New Testament
Βαλάκ
Balak
Proper Noun (masculine personal name)
Balak; devastator; one who lays waste

Definition

Balak (Βαλάκ) is the Greek form of Hebrew Balaq (H1111), meaning "devastator" or "one who lays waste." Balak was the king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers 22–24). He appears in the NT once in Revelation 2:14, referenced in the letter to Pergamum.

Usage & Theological Significance

Balak represents every ruler who tries to use spiritual means to destroy God's people when military means fail. Unable to defeat Israel in battle, Balak hired a prophet to curse them from a spiritual position. God turned every intended curse into a blessing (Numbers 23:11; Deuteronomy 23:5; cf. Romans 8:28). Balak's strategy echoes through history: when the church cannot be destroyed from outside, corruption is introduced from within through false teachers. The church at Pergamum in Revelation 2:14 was warned: Balak's strategy was being replicated in their midst.

Key Bible Verses

Numbers 22:2 Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
Numbers 22:6 Come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me.
Numbers 23:11 Balak said to Balaam, 'What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but you have done nothing but bless them!'
Revelation 2:14 There are some who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin.
Romans 8:28 In all things God works for the good of those who love him.

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External Resources

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