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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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/numbers/22.htm">New International Version</a> But Balaam answered them, &#8220Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. <a href="/nlt/numbers/22.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Balaam responded to Balak’s messengers, “Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the LORD my God. <a href="/esv/numbers/22.htm">English Standard Version</a> But Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the LORD my God to do less or more. <a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. <a href="/kjv/numbers/22.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/numbers/22.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. <a href="/nasb_/numbers/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the LORD my God. <a href="/nasb/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1995</a> Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, &#8220Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the LORD my God. <a href="/nasb77/numbers/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the LORD my God. <a href="/lsb/numbers/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either small or great, to trespass the command of Yahweh my God. <a href="/amp/numbers/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Balaam answered the servants of Balak, “Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the LORD my God. <a href="/csb/numbers/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But Balaam responded to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go against the command of the LORD my God to do anything small or great. <a href="/hcsb/numbers/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But Balaam responded to the servants of Balak, &#8220If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go against the command of the LORD my God to do anything small or great. <a href="/asv/numbers/22.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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 Jehovah my God, to do less or more. <a href="/cev/numbers/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Balaam answered, "Even if Balak offered me a palace full of silver or gold, I wouldn't do anything to disobey the LORD my God. <a href="/erv/numbers/22.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/numbers/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But Balaam answered Balak's servants, "Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I couldn't disobey the command of the LORD my God no matter whether the request was important or not. <a href="/gnt/numbers/22.htm">Good News Translation</a> But Balaam answered, "Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not disobey the command of the LORD my God in even the smallest matter. <a href="/isv/numbers/22.htm">International Standard Version</a> Balaam responded to Balak's entourage by saying, "Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I won't double-cross the command of the LORD my God in even the slightest way. <a href="/msb/numbers/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, ?If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. <a href="/net/numbers/22.htm">NET Bible</a> Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, "Even if Balak would give me his palace full of silver and gold, I could not transgress the commandment of the LORD my God to do less or more. <a href="/nheb/numbers/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Balaam answered the servants of Balak, "If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can't go beyond the command of the LORD my God, to do less or more. <a href="/wbt/numbers/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. <a href="/web/numbers/22.htm">World English Bible</a> Balaam answered the servants of Balak, “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can’t go beyond the word of Yahweh my God, to do less or more. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/numbers/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Balaam answers and says to the servants of Balak, “If Balak gives to me the fullness of his house of silver and gold, I am not able to pass over the command of my God YHWH, to do a little or a great thing; <a href="/ylt/numbers/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Balaam answereth and saith unto the servants of Balak, 'If Balak doth give to me the fulness of his house of silver and gold, I am not able to pass over the command of Jehovah my God, to do a little or a great thing; <a href="/slt/numbers/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Balaam will answer, and say to the servants of Balak, If Balak will give to me his house full of silver and gold, I shall not be able to pass over the mouth of Jehovah my God to do little or great.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/numbers/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Balaam answered: If Balac would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot alter the word of the Lord my God, to speak either more or less. <a href="/cpdv/numbers/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Balaam responded: “Even if Balak were to give to me his own house, filled with silver and gold, I still would not be able to change the word of the Lord my God, neither to say more, nor to say less. <a href="/nabre/numbers/22.htm">New American Bible</a> But Balaam replied to Balak’s servants, “Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, small or great, contrary to the command of the LORD, my God. <a href="/nrsvce/numbers/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “Although Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the LORD my God, to do less or more.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/numbers/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not transgress against the word of the LORD my God, neither concerning a small matter nor concerning a great matter. <a href="/hpbt/numbers/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Balaam answered and said to the Servants of Balaq: “If Balaq will give to me his house full of silver or gold, I cannot pass over the word of the mouth of LORD JEHOVAH my God, not for the small, neither for the great.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/numbers/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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 any thing, small or great. <a href="/sep/numbers/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Balaam answered and said to the princes of Balac, If Balac would give me his house full of silver and gold, I shall not be able to go beyond the word of the Lord God, to make it little or great in my mind. <a href="/parallel/numbers/22-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=6984" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/numbers/22.htm">Balak Summons Balaam</a> …17for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!’ ” 18<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.">But 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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">replied</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·ḏê (N-mpc) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">the servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/1111.htm" title="1111: ḇā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">of Balak,</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/1111.htm" title="1111: ḇā·lāq (N-proper-ms) -- Devastator, a Moabite king. From balaq; waster; Balak, a Moabitish king.">Balak</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yit·ten- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">were to give</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: ḇê·ṯōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">his house</a> <a href="/hebrew/4393.htm" title="4393: mə·lō (N-msc) -- Fullness, that which fills. Rarely mlowf; or mlow,; from male'; fulness.">full</a> <a href="/hebrew/3701.htm" title="3701: ke·sep̄ (N-ms) -- Silver, money. From kacaph; silver; by implication, money.">of silver</a> <a href="/hebrew/2091.htm" title="2091: wə·zā·hāḇ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Gold. From an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky.">and gold,</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.">I could</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.">not</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.">do</a> <a href="/hebrew/6996.htm" title="6996: qə·ṭan·nāh (Adj-fs) -- Small, young, unimportant. Or qaton; from quwt; abbreviated, i.e. Diminutive, literally or figuratively.">anything small</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ’ōw (Conj) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">or</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh (Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">great</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: la·‘ă·ḇōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">to go beyond</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî (N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">the command</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/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hāy (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">my God.</a> 19So now, please stay here overnight as the others did, that I may find out what else the LORD has to tell me.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-5.htm">Deuteronomy 23:5</a> 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. <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">2 Peter 2:15-16</a> 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. <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a> 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. <a href="/micah/6-5.htm">Micah 6:5</a> 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.’” <a href="/revelation/2-14.htm">Revelation 2:14</a> 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. <a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22-23</a> But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. / For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” <a href="/2_kings/22-13.htm">2 Kings 22:13</a> “Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words in this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.” <a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a> But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. <a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a> There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a> 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. <a href="/jeremiah/23-28.htm">Jeremiah 23:28</a> 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. <a href="/1_kings/13-8.htm">1 Kings 13:8-9</a> But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. / For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’” <a href="/matthew/4-10.htm">Matthew 4:10</a> “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” <a href="/john/12-43.htm">John 12:43</a> For they loved praise from men more than praise from God. <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">1 Timothy 6:10</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Balaam answered and said to 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.If Balak<a href="/numbers/24-13.htm">Numbers 24:13</a> If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?<a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Titus 1:16</a> They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.I cannot<a href="/numbers/23-26.htm">Numbers 23:26</a> But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?<a href="/numbers/24-13.htm">Numbers 24:13</a> If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?<a href="/1_kings/22-14.htm">1 Kings 22:14</a> And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/22-11.htm">Able</a> <a href="/numbers/22-16.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-16.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/20-24.htm">Command</a> <a href="/numbers/15-31.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-41.htm">Contrary</a> <a href="/numbers/6-2.htm">Either</a> <a href="/numbers/20-29.htm">House</a> <a href="/leviticus/22-23.htm">Less</a> <a href="/exodus/8-24.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-8.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/numbers/18-2.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/numbers/18-16.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/numbers/21-25.htm">Small</a> <a href="/numbers/22-10.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/22-37.htm">Able</a> <a href="/numbers/22-20.htm">Balaam</a> <a href="/numbers/22-35.htm">Balak</a> <a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Command</a> <a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/numbers/24-13.htm">Contrary</a> <a href="/numbers/22-24.htm">Either</a> <a href="/numbers/24-13.htm">House</a> <a href="/numbers/26-54.htm">Less</a> <a href="/numbers/24-13.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/1-12.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/numbers/24-13.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/numbers/22-40.htm">Small</a> <a href="/numbers/22-20.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 22</div>1. <a href="/numbers/22-1.htm">Balak's first message for Balaam is refused</a> 15. <a href="/numbers/22-15.htm">His second message obtains him</a> 22. <a href="/numbers/22-22.htm">An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey</a> 36. <a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Balak entertains him</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is approached by the servants of Balak, the king of Moab. This interaction highlights the tension between the Moabites and the Israelites, who were encamped nearby. Balaam's reputation as a seer was known, and Balak sought his services to curse Israel. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern belief in the power of spoken blessings and curses.“If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold Balaam emphasizes the magnitude of the bribe by mentioning a house full of silver and gold. This hyperbolic statement underscores the wealth Balak was willing to offer, reflecting the high stakes involved. In the ancient world, wealth was often measured in precious metals, and such a statement indicates the seriousness of Balak's request.I could not do anything small or great Balaam acknowledges his limitations, indicating that his abilities are not autonomous but subject to divine authority. This phrase suggests that Balaam recognizes a higher power governing his actions, which is significant given his role as a pagan prophet. It also implies that no matter the size of the task, he is bound by divine constraints.to go beyond the command of the LORD my God Here, Balaam refers to the LORD (Yahweh) as "my God," which is notable given his non-Israelite background. This suggests a recognition of Yahweh's supreme authority, even over other deities. The phrase underscores the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will. It also foreshadows the eventual blessing of Israel, despite Balak's intentions. This acknowledgment of divine command aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's control over all nations and peoples.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a> A non-Israelite prophet known for his ability to bless or curse, who is approached by Balak to curse Israel. 2. <a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a> The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. 3. <a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a> The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, where the Israelites camped during their journey to the Promised Land. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The God of Israel, who communicates His will to Balaam, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_servants_of_balak.htm">The Servants of Balak</a> Messengers sent by Balak to persuade Balaam to curse the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_command.htm">Obedience to God's Command</a> Balaam's response highlights the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands, regardless of external pressures or temptations. <a href="/topical/t/the_temptation_of_wealth.htm">The Temptation of Wealth</a> Balaam's mention of silver and gold serves as a reminder of the seductive power of material wealth and the need to prioritize God's will over financial gain. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> The passage underscores God's ultimate authority and control over all situations, including the intentions of those who oppose His people. <a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_leadership.htm">Integrity in Leadership</a> Balaam's initial stance reflects the necessity for leaders to maintain integrity and not be swayed by personal gain or the influence of others. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a> Balaam's account warns against the dangers of compromising one's faith and values for personal benefit or acceptance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22</a> <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> <a href="/q/does_micah_6_5_align_with_other_balaam_accounts.htm">How does Micah 6:5 align with or contradict other biblical accounts concerning Balak, Balaam, and their historical credibility? </a> <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> <a href="/q/who_was_balaam_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Balaam in the Bible?</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>(18) I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord . . . --These words may have been nothing more than an ostentatious semblance of disinterestedness and superiority to worldly considerations; or it is possible that Balaam may have been conscious that "he spake not of himself," and that, as regards his prophetic utterances, he was but the mouthpiece of the Lord.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God. Balaam's faith was paramount within its own sphere of operation. It did not control his wishes; it did not secure the heart obedience which God loves; but it did secure, and that absolutely, outward obedience to every positive command of God, however irksome; and Balaam never made any secret of this. <a href="/commentaries/numbers/22-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But Balaam בִּלְעָ֗ם (bil·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1109.htm">Strong's 1109: </a> Balaam -- a prophet replied וַיַּ֣עַן (way·ya·‘an) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> To answer, respond to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the servants עַבְדֵ֣י (‘aḇ·ḏê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant of Balak, בָלָ֔ק (ḇā·lāq) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1111.htm">Strong's 1111: </a> Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king “If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not Balak בָלָ֛ק (ḇā·lāq) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1111.htm">Strong's 1111: </a> Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king were to give יִתֶּן־ (yit·ten-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set me his house בֵית֖וֹ (ḇê·ṯōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house full מְלֹ֥א (mə·lō) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4393.htm">Strong's 4393: </a> Fullness, that which fills of silver כֶּ֣סֶף (ke·sep̄) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3701.htm">Strong's 3701: </a> Silver, money and gold, וְזָהָ֑ב (wə·zā·hāḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2091.htm">Strong's 2091: </a> Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky I could אוּכַ֗ל (’ū·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> To be able, have power not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no do לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make anything small קְטַנָּ֖ה (qə·ṭan·nāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6996.htm">Strong's 6996: </a> Small, young, unimportant or א֥וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> Desire, if great גְדוֹלָֽה׃ (ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent to go beyond לַעֲבֹר֙ (la·‘ă·ḇōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on the command פִּי֙ (pî) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to of the LORD יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel my God. אֱלֹהָ֔י (’ĕ·lō·hāy) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/22-18.htm">Numbers 22:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/numbers/22-18.htm">Numbers 22:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/numbers/22-18.htm">Numbers 22:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/numbers/22-18.htm">Numbers 22:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/numbers/22-18.htm">Numbers 22:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/22-18.htm">Numbers 22:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/22-18.htm">Numbers 22:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/22-18.htm">Numbers 22:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/22-18.htm">Numbers 22:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/numbers/22-18.htm">Numbers 22:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/numbers/22-18.htm">OT Law: Numbers 22:18 Balaam answered the servants of Balak If (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/22-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 22:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/22-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 22:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 22:19" /></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>