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Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?&#8221 &#8220No,&#8221 he said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life,” the donkey answered. “Have I ever done anything like this before?” “No,” Balaam admitted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?” And he said, “No.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not the donkey you have ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?” “No,” he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the ass said unto Balaam, <i>Am</i> not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since <i>I was</i> thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the donkey said to Balaam, “<i>Am</i> I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since <i>I became</i> yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?” And he said, “No.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden all your life to this day? Have I ever been in the habit of doing such a thing to you?” And he said, “No.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The donkey said to Balaam, &#8220Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden all your life to this day? Have I ever been accustomed to do so to you?&#8221 And he said, &#8220No.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden all your life to this day? Have I ever been accustomed to do so to you?” And he said, “No.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden all your life to this day? Have I ever been accustomed to do so to you?” And he said, “No.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden all your life until this day? Have I ever been accustomed to do so to you?” And he said, “No.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the donkey said, “Am I not the donkey you’ve ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before? ” “No,” he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the donkey said, &#8220Am I not the donkey you&#8217ve ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?"&#8221 No,&#8221 he replied. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden all thy life long unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"But you're my owner," answered the donkey, "and you've ridden me many times. Have I ever done anything like this before?" "No," Balaam admitted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden all thy life long unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The donkey said to Balaam, "I'm your own donkey. You've always ridden me. Have I ever done this to you before?" "No," he answered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The donkey replied, "Am I not the same donkey on which you have ridden all your life? Have I ever treated you like this before?" "No," he answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But in response, the donkey asked Balaam, "I'm your donkey that you've ridden on in the past without incident, am I not, and I'm the same donkey you're riding on right now, am I not? Am I in the habit of treating you like this?" "No," he admitted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the donkey said to Balaam, ?Am I not the donkey you have ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?? ?No,? he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The donkey said to Balaam, "Am not I your donkey that you have ridden ever since I was yours until this day? Have I ever attempted to treat you this way?" And he said, "No."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Was I ever in the habit of doing so to you?" He said, "No."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the ass said to Balaam, Am not I thy ass, upon which thou hast rid ever since I was thine to this day? was I ever wont to do so to thee? And he said, Nay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long until today? Was I ever in the habit of doing so to you?” He said, “No.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the donkey says to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden since [I became] yours, even to this day? Have I at all been accustomed to do thus to you?” And he says, “No.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the ass saith unto Balaam, 'Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden since I was thine unto this day? have I at all been accustomed to do to thee thus?' and he saith, 'No.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the ass will say to Balaam, Am not I thine ass which thou didst ride upon me ever since thou wert till this day? and being accustomed, was I accustomed to do to thee thus? And he will say, No.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The ass said: Am not I thy beast, on which thou hast been always accustomed to ride until this present day? tell me if I ever did the like thing to thee. But he said: Never. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The donkey said: “Am not I your animal, on which you have always been accustomed to sit, even until this present day? Tell me, when did I ever do the same thing to you.” But he said, “Never.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have always ridden until now? Have I been in the habit of treating you this way before?” “No,” he replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, which you have ridden all your life to this day? Have I been in the habit of treating you this way?” And he said, “No.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the she-ass said to Balaam, Am I not your she-ass upon which you have ridden from your youth even to this day? Have I ever behaved in this manner toward you? And he said to her, No.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the donkey said to Balaam: “Was I not your donkey that you ride upon me from your youth and until today? Have I ever done to you in this way? He said to her, ‘No.’”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the ass said unto Balaam: 'Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden all thy life long unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee?' And he said: 'Nay.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the ass says to Balaam, <i>Am</i> not I thine ass on which thou hast ridden since thy youth till this day? did I ever do thus to thee, utterly disregarding <i>thee</i>? and he said, No.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-30.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=7102" 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">29</span>Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now!” <span class="reftext">30</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/860.htm" title="860: hā·’ā·ṯō·wn (Art:: N-fs) -- A female donkey. Probably from the same as 'eythan; a female donkey.">But the donkey</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</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.">to Balaam,</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">“Am I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: hă·lō·w (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/860.htm" title="860: ’ă·ṯō·nə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- A female donkey. Probably from the same as 'eythan; a female donkey.">the donkey</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7392.htm" title="7392: rā·ḵaḇ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To mount and ride, ride. A primitive root; to ride; causatively, to place upon, to despatch.">you have ridden</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: mê·‘ō·wḏ·ḵā (Prep-m:: Adv:: 2ms) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">all your life</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">until today?</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">Have I ever treated</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">this way</a> <a href="/hebrew/5532.htm" title="5532: ha·has·kên (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; to be familiar with; by implication, to minister to, be serviceable to, be customary.">before?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5532.htm" title="5532: his·kan·tî (V-Hifil-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to be familiar with; by implication, to minister to, be serviceable to, be customary."></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.">“No,”</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.">he replied.</a> </span><span class="reftext">31</span>Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.…<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/2-16.htm">2 Peter 2:16</a></span><br />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="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1</a></span><br />Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-10.htm">Revelation 19:10</a></span><br />So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he told me, “Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-7.htm">Job 12:7-8</a></span><br />But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. / Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; let the fish of the sea inform you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-3.htm">Isaiah 1:3</a></span><br />The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-5.htm">Matthew 21:5</a></span><br />“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-40.htm">Luke 19:40</a></span><br />“I tell you,” He answered, “if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-11.htm">Exodus 4:11</a></span><br />And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/32-9.htm">Psalm 32:9</a></span><br />Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-3.htm">James 3:3</a></span><br />When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/43-20.htm">Isaiah 43:20</a></span><br />The beasts of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I provide water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My chosen people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-28.htm">Matthew 15:28</a></span><br />“O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-15.htm">John 12:15</a></span><br />“Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/8-6.htm">Psalm 8:6-8</a></span><br />You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: / all sheep and oxen, and even the beasts of the field, / the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the ass said to Balaam, Am not I your ass, on which you have ridden ever since I was your to this day? was I ever wont to do so to you? And he said, No.</p><p class="hdg">the ass said</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">2 Peter 2:16</a></b></br> But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.</p><p class="hdg">upon which thou hast ridden.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27,28</a></b></br> But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Accustomed</a> <a href="/numbers/9-16.htm">Always</a> <a href="/numbers/22-29.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-29.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/exodus/21-36.htm">Habit</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-26.htm">Life</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-6.htm">Rid</a> <a href="/luke/19-30.htm">Ridden</a> <a href="/numbers/11-5.htm">Wont</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/30-31.htm">Accustomed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-29.htm">Always</a> <a href="/numbers/22-32.htm">Ass</a> <a href="/numbers/22-31.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-32.htm">Donkey</a> <a href="/luke/15-1.htm">Habit</a> <a href="/numbers/35-12.htm">Life</a> <a href="/judges/9-29.htm">Rid</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-17.htm">Ridden</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-31.htm">Wont</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/22.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/22.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But the donkey said to Balaam,</b><br>This phrase highlights a miraculous event where an animal speaks, reminiscent of the serpent speaking in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>. It underscores God's sovereignty and ability to use any means to communicate His will. The donkey's speech is a divine intervention to prevent Balaam from cursing Israel, showing God's protection over His chosen people.<p><b>“Am I not the donkey you have ridden all your life until today?</b><br>This question emphasizes the long-standing relationship between Balaam and the donkey, suggesting trust and familiarity. It serves as a reminder of the donkey's consistent service and reliability, contrasting with Balaam's current irrational anger. This reflects the biblical theme of God using the humble and lowly to convey His messages, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a>.<p><b>Have I ever treated you this way before?”</b><br>The donkey appeals to Balaam's reason by pointing out its consistent behavior. This rhetorical question is meant to make Balaam reflect on the unusual nature of the situation, prompting him to consider the possibility of divine intervention. It highlights the importance of discernment and awareness of God's workings in everyday life.<p><b>“No,” he replied.</b><br>Balaam's response indicates his acknowledgment of the donkey's past faithfulness, yet he initially fails to see the spiritual significance of the event. This moment of realization is a turning point, leading to Balaam's eventual recognition of God's message. It serves as a reminder of the need for humility and openness to God's guidance, even through unexpected sources.<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 known for his encounter with the angel of the Lord and his talking donkey. Balaam is a complex figure who is both sought after for his ability to curse and bless and is later condemned for leading Israel into sin.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_donkey.htm">The Donkey</a></b><br>Balaam's donkey, which miraculously speaks to him. This event is unique in Scripture and serves as a divine intervention to prevent Balaam from proceeding with his harmful intentions.<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 the path of Balaam to oppose him. The angel's presence is initially unseen by Balaam but is visible to the donkey.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region where King Balak summons Balaam to curse the Israelites. Moab is significant as a place of opposition to Israel during their wilderness journey.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. His actions set the stage for the encounter between Balaam, the donkey, and the angel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_intervention.htm">Divine Intervention</a></b><br>God can use any means, even a donkey, to communicate His will and prevent us from going astray. We should remain open to unexpected ways God might speak to us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_blindness.htm">Spiritual Blindness</a></b><br>Balaam's inability to see the angel initially highlights how spiritual blindness can prevent us from recognizing God's guidance. We must seek spiritual discernment through prayer and Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_relationships.htm">Faithfulness in Relationships</a></b><br>The donkey's question to Balaam about its past faithfulness serves as a reminder to consider the reliability and history of those we trust. We should value and recognize faithfulness in our relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_obedience.htm">Repentance and Obedience</a></b><br>Balaam's eventual acknowledgment of the donkey's unusual behavior prompts us to reflect on our own need for repentance and obedience when confronted with our errors.<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/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/how_does_a_donkey_speak_in_numbers_22.htm">How can a donkey speak in Numbers 22:28-30 without contradicting the known biological limitations of animals?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_the_donkey_see_the_angel_first.htm">Why does the angel appear to the donkey first rather than Balaam in Numbers 22:23-25, suggesting the animal has greater insight than the prophet?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_the_bible_have_talking_animals.htm">Why does the Bible describe talking animals when none exist?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(30) <span class= "bld">Ever since I was thine.--</span>Literally, <span class= "ital">ever since thou livedst,</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., all thy life long. </span>The Targums of Jonathan and of Jerusalem paraphrase thus--"upon which thou hast ridden from thy youth unto this day." "An Arabic writer," says Dr. Gill, in his <span class= "ital">Commentary, </span>in loc., "makes mention of an ass that the owner rode on forty years."<p><span class= "bld">Unto this day.</span>--The use of these words in this place serves to throw light upon such passages as <a href="/deuteronomy/3-14.htm" title="Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob to the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashanhavothjair, to this day.">Deuteronomy 3:14</a>, "called them after his own name . . . unto this day," and shows that they do not necessarily denote that the events to which reference is made were separated by any very long interval.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-30.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">But the donkey</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאָת֜וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·ṯō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_860.htm">Strong's 860: </a> </span><span class="str2">A female donkey</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתֹּ֨אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine 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 Balaam,</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּלְעָ֗ם</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">“Am I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹכִ֨י</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲלוֹא֩</span> <span class="translit">(hă·lō·w)</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">the donkey</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲתֹֽנְךָ֜</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ṯō·nə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_860.htm">Strong's 860: </a> </span><span class="str2">A female donkey</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you have ridden</span><br /><span class="heb">רָכַ֣בְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(rā·ḵaḇ·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7392.htm">Strong's 7392: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ride, to place upon, to despatch</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all your life</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעֽוֹדְךָ֙</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘ō·wḏ·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adverb | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more</span><br /><br /><span class="word">until today?</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Have I ever treated</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">לְךָ֖</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">this way</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(kōh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> </span><span class="str2">Like this, thus, here, now</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before?”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽהַסְכֵּ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(ha·has·kên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5532.htm">Strong's 5532: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be familiar with, to minister to, be serviceable to, be customary</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“No,”</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא׃</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">he replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֖אמֶר</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-30.htm">Numbers 22:30 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-30.htm">Numbers 22:30 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-30.htm">Numbers 22:30 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-30.htm">Numbers 22:30 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-30.htm">Numbers 22:30 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-30.htm">Numbers 22:30 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-30.htm">Numbers 22:30 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-30.htm">Numbers 22:30 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-30.htm">Numbers 22:30 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-30.htm">Numbers 22:30 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-30.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:30 The donkey said to Balaam Am (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-31.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:31"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:31" /></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>