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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 22:38 "See, I have come to you," Balaam replied, "but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/22-38.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/04_Num_22_38.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 22:38 - The Angel and Balaam's Donkey" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="See, I have come to you, Balaam replied, but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/22-38.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/22-38.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/22.htm">Chapter 22</a> > Verse 38</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/22-37.htm" title="Numbers 22:37">◄</a> Numbers 22:38 <a href="/numbers/22-39.htm" title="Numbers 22:39">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/22.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Well, I have come to you now,&#8221 Balaam replied. &#8220But I can&#8217t say whatever I please. I must speak only what God puts in my mouth.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Balaam replied, “Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want. I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you! Have I now any power of my own to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that must I speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.”<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 Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.<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 Balak, “Look, I have come to you! Now, have I any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak.”<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 Balak, “Behold, I have come to you now! Am I really able to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that <i>only</i> shall I speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Balaam said to Balak, &#8220Behold, I have come now to you! Am I able to speak anything at all? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come now to you! Am I able to speak anything at all? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come now to you! Am I able to speak anything at all? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Balaam said to Balak, “Indeed I have come to you now, but am I able to say anything at all? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to him, “Look, I have come to you, but can I say anything I want? I must speak only the message God puts in my mouth.”<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 him, &#8220Look, I have come to you, but can I say anything I want? I must speak only the message God puts in my mouth.&#8221 <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 Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to speak anything? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"I'm here now," Balaam answered. "But I will say only what God tells me to say." <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 Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to speak any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Balaam replied, "Well, I've come to you now. But I can't say whatever I want to. I can only say what God tells me to say."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Balaam answered, "I came, didn't I? But now, what power do I have? I can say only what God tells me to say." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Balaam answered Balak, "Well, I'm here now. I've come to you, but I can't just say anything, can I? I'll speak only what God puts in my mouth to say." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?See, I have come to you,? Balaam replied, ?but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to Balak, "Look, I have come to you. Now, am I able to speak just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth."<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 Balak, "Look, I have come to you: have I now any power at all to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak."<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 Balak, Lo, I have come to thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you. Have I now any power at all to speak anything? I will speak the word that God puts in my mouth.” <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 Balak, “Behold, I have come to you; now, am I able to speak anything at all? The word which God sets in my mouth—it I speak.”<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 Balak, 'Lo, I have come unto thee; now -- am I at all able to speak anything? the word which God setteth in my mouth -- it I do speak.'<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 Balak, Behold, I come to thee: being able, shall I be able to speak any thing? the word which Jehovah shall put in my mouth I will speak it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He answered him: Lo, here I am: shall I have power to speak any other thing but that which God shall put in my mouth? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He answered him: “Behold, here I am. Am I able to speak anything other than what God will put into my mouth?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Balaam answered Balak, “Well, I have come to you after all. But what power have I to say anything? I can speak only what God puts in my mouth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Balaam said to Balak, “I have come to you now, but do I have power to say just anything? The word God puts in my mouth, that is what I must say.”<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 Balak, Lo, I have come to you; have I now any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak.<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 Balaq, “Behold, I have come to you now, for surely I am not able to say anything but the word that God lays down in my mouth; that is what I say.”<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 Balak: 'Lo, I am come unto thee; have I now any power at all to speak any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.'<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 Balac, Behold, I am now come to thee: shall I be able to say anything? the word which God shall put into my mouth, that I shall speak.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/22-38.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=7191" 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">37</span>And he said to Balaam, “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to richly reward you?” <span class="reftext">38</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh- (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">“See,</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: ḇā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">I have come</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to you,”</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.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: bā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">“</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: hă·yā·ḵō·wl (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: ’ū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally.">but can</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bêr (V-Piel-Inf) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">I say</a> <a href="/hebrew/3972.htm" title="3972: mə·’ū·māh (N-ms) -- Anything. Apparently a form of m'uwm; properly, a speck or point, i.e. something; with negative, nothing.">just anything?</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: ’ă·ḏab·bêr (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">I must speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">only the word</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.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: yā·śîm (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">puts</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: bə·p̄î (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">in my mouth.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> </span><span class="reftext">39</span>So Balaam accompanied Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.…<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="/deuteronomy/18-18.htm">Deuteronomy 18:18-19</a></span><br />I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. / And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-7.htm">Jeremiah 1:7-9</a></span><br />But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. / Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/2-7.htm">Ezekiel 2:7</a></span><br />But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/3-7.htm">Amos 3:7-8</a></span><br />Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. / The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21</a></span><br />For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-49.htm">John 12:49-50</a></span><br />I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a></span><br />so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/22-14.htm">1 Kings 22:14</a></span><br />But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-28.htm">Jeremiah 23:28-29</a></span><br />Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD. / “Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19-20</a></span><br />But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19-20</a></span><br />But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-37.htm">1 Corinthians 14:37</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-12.htm">Exodus 4:12</a></span><br />Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-70.htm">Luke 1:70</a></span><br />as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm">Hebrews 1:1-2</a></span><br />On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.</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 Balak, See, I am come to you: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak.</p><p class="hdg">have I</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/22-18.htm">Numbers 22:18</a></b></br> And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/33-10.htm">Psalm 33:10</a></b></br> The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/76-10.htm">Psalm 76:10</a></b></br> Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.</p><p class="hdg">the word</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/23-16.htm">Numbers 23:16,26</a></b></br> And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/24-13.htm">Numbers 24:13</a></b></br> If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do <i>either</i> good or bad of mine own mind; <i>but</i> what the LORD saith, that will I speak?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/22-14.htm">1 Kings 22:14</a></b></br> And Micaiah said, <i>As</i> the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-37.htm">Able</a> <a href="/numbers/22-37.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-28.htm">Power</a> <a href="/numbers/19-21.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-20.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-41.htm">Able</a> <a href="/numbers/22-40.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-39.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Power</a> <a href="/numbers/23-12.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/numbers/23-5.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/numbers/23-3.htm">Word</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>See, I have come to you,</b><br>Balaam's arrival signifies the culmination of Balak's persistent efforts to secure his services. Balak, the king of Moab, was fearful of the Israelites' approach and sought Balaam, a renowned diviner, to curse them. This phrase highlights the tension between human plans and divine intervention. Balaam's journey was marked by divine encounters, including the famous incident with the talking donkey, which underscores God's control over the situation.<p><b>Balaam replied,</b><br>Balaam's response is crucial as it sets the tone for his interactions with Balak. Despite being a pagan prophet, Balaam acknowledges a higher authority. His reply indicates a shift from his initial intentions, influenced by God's direct intervention. This moment reflects the biblical theme of God using unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes, similar to how He used Cyrus in <a href="/isaiah/45.htm">Isaiah 45:1</a>.<p><b>but can I say just anything?</b><br>This rhetorical question emphasizes Balaam's awareness of his limitations. It reflects the biblical principle that true prophecy is not subject to human will but is directed by God. This aligns with <a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21</a>, which states that prophecy comes from God, not from human impulse. Balaam's acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over human speech and actions.<p><b>I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.</b><br>Balaam's declaration underscores the concept of divine inspiration. Despite his initial desire for personal gain, Balaam recognizes that he is bound to speak only what God commands. This mirrors the prophetic tradition seen throughout Scripture, where prophets like Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/1-9.htm">Jeremiah 1:9</a>) and Ezekiel (<a href="/ezekiel/3-4.htm">Ezekiel 3:4</a>) are given words directly from God. It also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's word through Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh in <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>. Balaam's statement highlights the tension between human free will and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme in biblical narratives.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A non-Israelite prophet known for his ability to bless and curse. He is summoned by Balak to curse Israel.<br><br>2. <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.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, where the Israelites camped during their journey to the Promised Land.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_command.htm">God's Command</a></b><br>God instructs Balaam to only speak the words He gives him, emphasizing divine control over human intentions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_journey.htm">The Journey</a></b><br>Balaam's journey to meet Balak is marked by divine intervention, including the famous incident with Balaam's donkey.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_sovereignty_over_human_speech.htm">Divine Sovereignty Over Human Speech</a></b><br>God has ultimate authority over what we say and do. Like Balaam, we must be willing to submit our words and actions to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a></b><br>Balaam's account warns against the temptation to compromise God's commands for personal gain or favor with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_word.htm">Obedience to God's Word</a></b><br>True obedience involves speaking and acting according to God's instructions, even when it contradicts our desires or the expectations of others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>God's word is powerful and effective, and when spoken through His chosen vessels, it accomplishes His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">Faithfulness in Adversity</a></b><br>Balaam's journey illustrates the importance of remaining faithful to God's word, even when faced with pressure or opposition.<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_balaam's_blessing_show_free_will.htm">If Balaam’s initial intention was to curse Israel (Numbers 24:1), how does his eventual blessing align with the notion of free will and divine sovereignty? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_a_pagan_prophet's_blessing_credible.htm">Numbers 23:8–10: How credible is it that a pagan prophet blesses Israel despite a king’s demand to curse them, considering other biblical narratives? </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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-38.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">“See,</span><br /><span class="heb">הִֽנֵּה־</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have come</span><br /><span class="heb">בָ֙אתִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḇā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you,”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלֶ֔יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<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">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">replied,</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">“but can</span><br /><span class="heb">אוּכַ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(’ū·ḵal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be able, have power</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I say</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּבֵּ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(dab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">just anything?</span><br /><span class="heb">מְא֑וּמָה</span> <span class="translit">(mə·’ū·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> </span><span class="str2">A speck, point, nothing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I must speak</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדַבֵּֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">only the word</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדָּבָ֗ר</span> <span class="translit">(had·dā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֨ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֛ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">puts</span><br /><span class="heb">יָשִׂ֧ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·śîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in my mouth.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּפִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·p̄î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/22-38.htm">Numbers 22:38 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/22-38.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:38 Balaam said to Balak Behold I have (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-37.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:37"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:37" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-39.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:39"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:39" /></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>