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Numbers 22:34 "I have sinned," Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, "for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me. And now, if this is displeasing in your sight, I will go back home."
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I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned. I didn’t realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the road against me. Now therefore, if it is evil in your sight, I will turn back.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I have sinned,” Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me. And now, if this is displeasing in your sight, I will go back home.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Balaam said to the Angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know You stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases You, I will turn back.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the way against me. Now then, if it is displeasing to you, I will turn back.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the way against me. Now then, if it is displeasing to you, I will turn back.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the way against me. Now then, if it is displeasing to you, I will turn back.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Balaam said to the angel of Yahweh, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the way against me. So now, if it is evil in your sight, I will turn back.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to the Angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know that You were standing in the way against me. But now, if my going displeases You, I will turn back.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the path to confront me. And now, if it is evil in your sight, I will go back.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to the Angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know that You were standing in the path to confront me. And now, if it is evil in Your sight, I will go back.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto the angel of Jehovah, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Balaam replied, "I was wrong. I didn't know you were trying to stop me. If you don't think I should go, I'll return home at once." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Balaam said to the Messenger of the LORD, "I've sinned. I didn't know you were standing there in the road to stop me. If you still think this trip is evil, I'll go back."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Balaam replied, "I have sinned. I did not know that you were standing in the road to oppose me; but now if you think it is wrong for me to go on, I will return home." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If she hadn't turned away from me, I would have killed you by now and left her alive!" At this, Balaam replied to the angel of the LORD, "I've sinned! I didn't know that you were standing to meet me on the road. So now, since it displeases you, let me go back." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?I have sinned,? Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, ?for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me. And now, if this is displeasing in your sight, I will go back home.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, "I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood against me in the road. So now, if it is evil in your sight, I will go back home."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, "I have sinned; for I did not know that you stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases you, I will go back again."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displeaseth thee, I will return again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to Yahweh’s angel, “I have sinned; for I didn’t know that you stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases you, I will go back again.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Balaam says to the Messenger of YHWH, “I have sinned, for I did not know that You [are] standing to meet me in the way; and now, if [it is] evil in Your eyes, I turn back by myself.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Balaam saith unto the messenger of Jehovah, 'I have sinned, for I did not know that thou art standing to meet me in the way; and now, if evil in thine eyes -- I turn back by myself.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Balaam will say to the messenger of Jehovah, I sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest to meet me in the way; and now if evil in thine eyes, I will turn back to me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said: I have sinned, not knowing that thou didst stand against me: and now if it displease thee that I go, I will return. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Balaam said: “I have sinned, not knowing that you stood against me. And now, if it displeases you for me to continue on, I will return.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned. Yet I did not know that you took up a position to oppose my journey. Since it has displeased you, I will go back home.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now therefore, if it is displeasing to you, I will return home.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I did not know that thou didst stand in the way against me; now therefore, if my mission is evil in thy eyes, I will turn back again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Balaam said to the Angel of LORD JEHOVAH: “I have sinned; I did not know that you stood in front of me in the road. Now, if it is evil in your eyes, I shall return.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD: 'I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me; now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, I have sinned, for I did not know that thou wert standing opposite in the way to meet <i>me</i>; and now if it shall not be pleasing to thee <i>for me to go on</i>, I will return.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-34.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7148" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">The Angel and Balaam's Donkey</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">33</span>The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, then by now I would surely have killed you and let her live.” <span class="reftext">34</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2398.htm" title="2398: ḥā·ṭā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to miss; hence to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn.">“I have sinned,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1109.htm" title="1109: bil·‘ām (N-proper-ms) -- Probably from bal and am; not people, i.e. Foreigner; Bilam, a Mesopotamian prophet; also a place in Palestine.">Balaam</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’aḵ (N-msc) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">the angel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“for</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">realize</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5324.htm" title="5324: niṣ·ṣāḇ (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A prim root; to station, in various applications.">were standing</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: bad·dā·reḵ (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">in the road</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·rā·ṯî (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 1cs) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">to confront me.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">And now,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/7489.htm" title="7489: ra‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to spoil; figuratively, to make good for nothing, i.e. Bad.">this is displeasing</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 2ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">in your sight,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: ’ā·šū·ḇāh (V-Qal-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">I will go back</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">home.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">35</span>But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15-16</a></span><br />They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. / But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a></span><br />Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a></span><br />But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-4.htm">Deuteronomy 23:4-5</a></span><br />For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/24-9.htm">Joshua 24:9-10</a></span><br />Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a></span><br />My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-2.htm">Nehemiah 13:2</a></span><br />because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a></span><br />For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-18.htm">Acts 8:18-23</a></span><br />When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. / “Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” / But Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-10.htm">1 Corinthians 10:10-11</a></span><br />And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. / Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a></span><br />For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a></span><br />There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-2.htm">Proverbs 21:2</a></span><br />All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a></span><br />“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-23.htm">Psalm 106:23</a></span><br />So He said He would destroy them—had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that you stood in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease you, I will get me back again.</p><p class="hdg">I Have sinned</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/9-27.htm">Exodus 9:27</a></b></br> And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD <i>is</i> righteous, and I and my people <i>are</i> wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/10-16.htm">Exodus 10:16,17</a></b></br> Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste; and he said, I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">1 Samuel 15:24,30</a></b></br> And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice… </p><p class="hdg">if it displease thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-12.htm">Numbers 22:12</a></b></br> And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they <i>are</i> blessed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/11-1.htm">Numbers 11:1</a></b></br> And <i>when</i> the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard <i>it</i>; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed <i>them that were</i> in the uttermost parts of the camp.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/21-7.htm">1 Chronicles 21:7</a></b></br> And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel.</p><p class="hdg">I will act</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-31.htm">Job 34:31,32</a></b></br> Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne <i>chastisement</i>, I will not offend <i>any more</i>: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-32.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/numbers/11-11.htm">Displease</a> <a href="/numbers/11-10.htm">Displeased</a> <a href="/numbers/16-15.htm">Displeasing</a> <a href="/numbers/20-15.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/numbers/22-32.htm">Oppose</a> <a href="/exodus/10-7.htm">Realize</a> <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Road</a> <a href="/numbers/20-27.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/numbers/22-26.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-11.htm">Stoodest</a> <a href="/numbers/22-26.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/numbers/22-32.htm">Way</a> <a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/2-1.htm">Angel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-7.htm">Displease</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">Displeased</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">Displeasing</a> <a href="/numbers/23-21.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/numbers/23-27.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/numbers/30-11.htm">Oppose</a> <a href="/judges/13-16.htm">Realize</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-2.htm">Road</a> <a href="/numbers/23-27.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/numbers/32-23.htm">Sinned</a> <a href="/numbers/23-3.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/numbers/23-6.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-10.htm">Stoodest</a> <a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/numbers/24-25.htm">Way</a> <a href="/numbers/23-21.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Balak's first message for Balaam is refused</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-15.htm">His second message obtains him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey</a></span><br><span class="reftext">36. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Balak entertains him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the biblical context, acknowledging sin is a crucial step towards reconciliation with God. This phrase echoes other instances in Scripture where individuals confess their wrongdoing, such as David in <a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Psalm 51:4</a>. It highlights the importance of humility and the acknowledgment of one's faults before God.<p><b>Balaam said to the angel of the LORD,</b><br>The "angel of the LORD" is often understood as a theophany, a manifestation of God Himself. This encounter emphasizes the seriousness of Balaam's actions and the divine intervention in his journey. The angel of the LORD appears in other significant biblical narratives, such as with Hagar in <a href="/genesis/16-7.htm">Genesis 16:7-13</a> and Gideon in <a href="/judges/6-11.htm">Judges 6:11-24</a>, often bringing messages of great importance.<p><b>“for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me.</b><br>Balaam's lack of awareness of the angel's presence underscores the spiritual blindness that can accompany disobedience. This moment serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual discernment and attentiveness to God's guidance. The road symbolizes Balaam's journey, both physically and spiritually, and the confrontation indicates a divine correction of his path.<p><b>And now, if this is displeasing in your sight,</b><br>Balaam's conditional statement reveals his uncertainty and desire to align his actions with God's will. It reflects a willingness to submit to divine authority, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. This phrase can be compared to the attitude of submission seen in Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (<a href="/matthew/26-39.htm">Matthew 26:39</a>), where He seeks to do the Father's will above His own.<p><b>I will go back home.”</b><br>Balaam's offer to return home signifies a readiness to abandon his mission if it contradicts God's desires. This willingness to change direction is a crucial aspect of repentance. The concept of returning or turning back is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with repentance and restoration, as seen in the parable of the Prodigal Son (<a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Balaam is known for his interactions with God and his eventual blessing of Israel instead of cursing them.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who fears the Israelites due to their numbers and seeks Balaam's help to curse them, hoping to weaken them.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/angel_of_the_lord.htm">Angel of the LORD</a></b><br>A divine messenger who stands in Balaam's path as he travels to meet Balak, initially unseen by Balaam but visible to his donkey.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/d/donkey.htm">Donkey</a></b><br>Balaam's donkey, which sees the Angel of the LORD and turns aside, eventually speaking to Balaam after being struck by him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/path_to_moab.htm">Path to Moab</a></b><br>The journey Balaam takes to meet Balak, during which the Angel of the LORD confronts him, leading to Balaam's realization of his wrongdoing.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/recognition_of_sin.htm">Recognition of Sin</a></b><br>Balaam's acknowledgment of his sin ("I have sinned") is a crucial step in repentance. We must be willing to recognize and confess our wrongdoings to align ourselves with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_intervention.htm">Divine Intervention</a></b><br>God's intervention in Balaam's journey through the Angel of the LORD serves as a reminder that God actively guides and corrects His people. We should remain attentive to God's direction in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_over_personal_gain.htm">Obedience Over Personal Gain</a></b><br>Balaam's account warns against prioritizing personal gain over obedience to God. Our decisions should reflect our commitment to God's commands rather than our desires for wealth or status.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_awareness.htm">Spiritual Awareness</a></b><br>Balaam's initial inability to see the Angel of the LORD contrasts with his donkey's spiritual awareness. This teaches us the importance of spiritual sensitivity and discernment in our walk with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_balaam's_donkey_speak_to_him.htm">Why did Balaam's donkey speak to him?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_balaam_in_numbers_22.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Balaam and the events of Numbers 22?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_god_angry_with_balaam_later.htm">If God permitted Balaam to go (Numbers 22:20), why did He become angry with him later (Numbers 22:22)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_satan_an_adversary_in_job.htm">Why does the Book of Job depict Satan as an adversary, when in earlier biblical texts, Satan is not portrayed this way?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-34.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“I have sinned,”</span><br /><span class="heb">חָטָ֔אתִי</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ṭā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2398.htm">Strong's 2398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Balaam</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְעָ֜ם</span> <span class="translit">(bil·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1109.htm">Strong's 1109: </a> </span><span class="str2">Balaam -- a prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֨אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Angel</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְאַ֤ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(mal·’aḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֚י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I did not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">realize</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדַ֔עְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏa‘·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתָּ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were standing</span><br /><span class="heb">נִצָּ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(niṣ·ṣāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5324.htm">Strong's 5324: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take one's stand, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the road</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(bad·dā·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to confront me.</span><br /><span class="heb">לִקְרָאתִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(liq·rā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7125.htm">Strong's 7125: </a> </span><span class="str2">Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way </span><br /><br /><span class="word">And now,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַתָּ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> </span><span class="str2">At this time</span><br /><br /><span class="word">if</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this is displeasing</span><br /><span class="heb">רַ֥ע</span> <span class="translit">(ra‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Your sight,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will go back [home].”</span><br /><span class="heb">אָשׁ֥וּבָה</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·šū·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-34.htm">Numbers 22:34 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-34.htm">Numbers 22:34 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-34.htm">Numbers 22:34 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-34.htm">Numbers 22:34 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-34.htm">Numbers 22:34 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-34.htm">Numbers 22:34 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-34.htm">Numbers 22:34 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-34.htm">Numbers 22:34 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-34.htm">Numbers 22:34 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-34.htm">Numbers 22:34 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-34.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:34 Balaam said to the angel of Yahweh (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-35.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:35"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:35" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>