Numbers 22:26
Numbers 22:26 in Multiple Translations
And the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or left.
And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
And the angel of Jehovah went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
Then the angel of the Lord went further, stopping in a narrow place where there was no room for turning to the right or to the left.
Then the angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to get past, either on the right or the left.
Then the Angel of the Lord went further, and stoode in a narowe place, where was no way to turne, either to the right hand, or to the left.
and the messenger of Jehovah addeth to pass over, and standeth in a strait place where there is no way to turn aside — right or left —
The LORD’s angel went further, and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
And nevertheless the angel going on to a narrow place, where there was no way to turn aside either to the right hand or to the left, stood to meet him.
Then the angel went further along the road and stood at a place that was extremely narrow, with the result that the donkey could not get past at all.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:26
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 22:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יּ֥וֹסֶף
מַלְאַךְ
יְהוָ֖ה
עֲב֑וֹר
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹד֙
בְּ/מָק֣וֹם
צָ֔ר
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
אֵֽין
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
לִ/נְט֖וֹת
יָמִ֥ין
וּ/שְׂמֹֽאול
וַ/יּ֥וֹסֶף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
מַלְאַךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
עֲב֑וֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Inf-a
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹד֙
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/מָק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms
צָ֔ר
tsar
H6862
narrow
Adj
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
לִ/נְט֖וֹת
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יָמִ֥ין
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs
וּ/שְׂמֹֽאול
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
left
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:26
וַ/יּ֥וֹסֶף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
מַלְאַךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עֲב֑וֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
וַֽ/יַּעֲמֹד֙
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
בְּ/מָק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
צָ֔ר
tsar
H6862
"narrow"
Adj
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
לִ/נְט֖וֹת
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
יָמִ֥ין
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
N-fs
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
וּ/שְׂמֹֽאול
sᵉmôʼwl
H8040
"left"
Conj | N-ms
This word means 'left' or 'north', referring to the left hand or side, as seen in KJV translations. It describes direction or orientation.
Definition: 1) the left, the left hand, the left side 1a) left 1b) left hand 1c) north (as one faces east)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: left (hand, side). See also: Genesis 13:9; 1 Kings 22:19; Proverbs 3:16.
Study Notes — Numbers 22:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 22:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 22:26
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:26
- Sermons on Numbers 22:26
Context — The Angel and Balaam’s Donkey
24Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow passage between two vineyards, with walls on either side.
25And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD and pressed herself against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat her once again.
26And the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or left.
27When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff. 28Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 2:6 | Therefore, behold, I will hedge up her path with thorns; I will enclose her with a wall, so she cannot find her way. |
| 2 | Isaiah 26:11 | O LORD, Your hand is upraised, but they do not see it. They will see Your zeal for Your people and be put to shame. The fire set for Your enemies will consume them! |
Numbers 22:26 Summary
In Numbers 22:26, the angel of the LORD moves ahead of Balaam and stands in a narrow place, blocking his path. This represents a situation where Balaam has to stop and take notice of God's presence. Just like Balaam, we often need God to get our attention and guide us. As it says in Psalm 119:105, God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, helping us navigate life's challenges. By trusting in God and following His guidance, we can find our way through life's narrow places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the angel of the LORD move ahead of Balaam and stand in a narrow place?
The angel moved ahead to block Balaam's path, as seen in Numbers 22:26, to make him realize his sin and turn back, similar to how God blocked the path of Abram in Genesis 12:7-9 to remind him of His promises.
What is the significance of the narrow place where the angel stood?
The narrow place represents a situation where there is no escape or alternative, forcing Balaam to confront the angel and ultimately God, much like the narrow gate mentioned in Matthew 7:13-14 that leads to salvation.
Is the angel of the LORD in Numbers 22:26 the same as the Angel of the LORD in other parts of the Bible?
Yes, the angel of the LORD in Numbers 22:26 is likely the same as the Angel of the LORD who appeared to Hagar in Genesis 16:7-13 and to Moses in Exodus 3:2-4, who is a manifestation of God Himself.
What can we learn from Balaam's experience with the angel in this verse?
We can learn that God can use various means, including unexpected events and encounters, to get our attention and guide us, as seen in Numbers 22:26 and also in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the LORD with all our heart.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when God blocks my path or stands in my way, like the angel did to Balaam?
- What are the narrow places in my life where I feel trapped or have no escape, and how can I trust God to guide me through them?
- In what ways can I, like Balaam, be oblivious to God's presence and guidance in my life, and how can I become more aware of His leading?
- What are the areas in my life where I need to trust God and follow His guidance, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or narrow?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:26
And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place,.... More narrow than the other, at a further distance: where was no way to turn, either to the right hand or to the left; it was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:26
And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 22:26
Verse 26. And the angel - stood in a narrow place] In this carriage of the angel says Mr. Ainsworth the Lord shows us the proceedings of his judgments against sinners: First he mildly shakes his rod at them but lets them go untouched. Secondly he comes nearer and touches them with an easy correction as it were wringing their foot against the wall. Thirdly, when all this is ineffectual, he brings them into such straits, that they can neither turn to the right hand nor to the left, but must fall before his judgments, if they do not fully turn to him.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:26
22–34. Jehovah was angry with Balaam for going, and His ‘Angel’ hindered him on the way.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:26
26. No way to turn — This narrowing way between two walls fitly represents the dealings of God with wicked men — first threatening them with his rod, yet sparing them; then touching them mildly, as
Sermons on Numbers 22:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Affection for Christ – Its Awakening, Decline, and Revival by C.A. Coates | C.A. Coates preaches about the importance of maintaining affection for Christ, emphasizing the need for the hidden spring of affections that satisfy Christ's heart above all else. |
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Love the Lord Jesus! by Thomas Shepard | Thomas Shepard preaches about the importance of loving the Lord, emphasizing the need to start loving Him now when there is every reason to do so. He addresses the question of how |
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Ii. to Lady Kenmure, on the Occasion of the Death of Her Infant by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford preaches a message of comfort and encouragement to a grieving lady, reminding her that her suffering is a part of conforming to the image of Christ. He assures he |
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The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded #2 by John Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the word of God to detach our hearts and affections from worldly things. He encourages believers to have a con |
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The Future Punishment of the Wicked Unavoidable and Intolerable by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches a powerful sermon on the future punishment of the wicked, emphasizing the unavoidable, intolerable, and inescapable nature of God's wrath upon impenitent |
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The Only Place of Safety by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that throughout history, many have believed they can withstand calamities without faith in God, likening them to the spiritually blind described by Isaia |