Numbers 22:29
Numbers 22:29 in Multiple Translations
Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now!”
And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in my hand, for now I had killed thee.
And Balaam said to the ass, You have made me seem foolish: if only I had a sword in my hand I would put you to death.
“You made me look stupid!” Balaam told the donkey. “If I was holding a sword, I'd kill you now!”
And Balaam saide vnto the asse, Because thou hast mocked me: I woulde there were a sworde in mine hand, for nowe would I kill thee.
and Balaam saith to the ass, 'Because thou hast rolled thyself against me; oh that there were a sword in my hand, for now I had slain thee;'
Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have mocked me, I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would have killed you.”
And Balaam said to the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in my hand, for now would I kill thee.
Balaam answered: Because thou hast deserved it, and hast served me ill: I would I had a sword that I might kill thee.
Balaam shouted, “I struck you because you have caused me to appear to be foolish! If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:29
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 22:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
בִּלְעָם֙
לָֽ/אָת֔וֹן
כִּ֥י
הִתְעַלַּ֖לְתְּ
בִּ֑/י
ל֤וּ
יֶשׁ
חֶ֨רֶב֙
בְּ/יָדִ֔/י
כִּ֥י
עַתָּ֖ה
הֲרַגְתִּֽי/ךְ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּלְעָם֙
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
לָֽ/אָת֔וֹן
ʼâthôwn
H860
she-ass
Prep | N-fs
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִתְעַלַּ֖לְתְּ
ʻâlal
H5953
to abuse
V-Hithpael-Perf-2fs
בִּ֑/י
Prep | Suff
ל֤וּ
lûwʼ
H3863
if
Conj
יֶשׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
חֶ֨רֶב֙
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
בְּ/יָדִ֔/י
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עַתָּ֖ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Adv
הֲרַגְתִּֽי/ךְ
hârag
H2026
to kill
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:29
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בִּלְעָם֙
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
N-proper
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.
לָֽ/אָת֔וֹן
ʼâthôwn
H860
"she-ass"
Prep | N-fs
A female donkey is referred to by this Hebrew word, which emphasizes the animal's gentle nature. It appears in Genesis 12:16 and 31:34, describing the donkeys owned by Abraham and Jacob.
Definition: she-ass, she-donkey
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (she) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 5:10; Zechariah 9:9.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִתְעַלַּ֖לְתְּ
ʻâlal
H5953
"to abuse"
V-Hithpael-Perf-2fs
To thrust or push something is what this Hebrew word means, and it can also imply treating someone poorly. It is used in various ways in the Bible, including to describe abuse or mocking. The KJV translates it as abuse or mock.
Definition: 1) to act severely, deal with severely, make a fool of someone 1a) (Poel) to act severely 1b) (Poal) to be severely dealt with 1c) (Hithpael) to busy oneself, divert oneself, deal wantonly, deal ruthlessly, abuse (by thrusting through) 1d) (Hithpoel) to practise practices, thrust forth (in wickedness)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: abuse, affect, [idiom] child, defile, do, glean, mock, practise, thoroughly, work (wonderfully). See also: Exodus 10:2; Job 16:15; Psalms 141:4.
בִּ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
ל֤וּ
lûwʼ
H3863
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word means if or wish, used in phrases like if only or would that, expressing a desire or unlikely condition, as seen in Jeremiah and Daniel.
Definition: 1) if, oh that!, if only! 1a) if (unlikely condition) 1b) if only!, oh that!, would that!
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: if (haply), peradventure, I pray thee, though, I would, would God (that). See also: Genesis 17:18; 1 Samuel 14:30; Psalms 81:14.
יֶשׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
חֶ֨רֶב֙
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
בְּ/יָדִ֔/י
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עַתָּ֖ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
הֲרַגְתִּֽי/ךְ
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
Study Notes — Numbers 22:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 22:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:29
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:29
- Sermons on Numbers 22:29
Context — The Angel and Balaam’s Donkey
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?”
29Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now!”
30But the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not the donkey you have ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?” “No,” he replied. 31Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 12:10 | A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty. |
| 2 | Matthew 15:19 | For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. |
| 3 | Proverbs 12:16 | A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 9:3 | This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead. |
Numbers 22:29 Summary
In Numbers 22:29, Balaam becomes angry with his donkey because it has made him look foolish. However, this reaction reveals a deeper issue of pride and a lack of self-control in Balaam's heart. As we reflect on this verse, we can see that our words and actions have the power to hurt or help others, and that God calls us to speak and act in ways that are kind, gentle, and humble, as seen in Ephesians 4:29-32 and Colossians 3:12-14. By surrendering our pride and seeking to follow God's ways, we can learn to control our tongues and treat all creatures with kindness and respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Balaam become so angry with his donkey in Numbers 22:29?
Balaam became angry because the donkey saw the angel of the Lord and refused to move, which made Balaam look foolish, as seen in Numbers 22:27-28, and he was also being driven by his own pride and desire for wealth and recognition, as warned against in 1 Timothy 6:10.
Is it ever right to speak harshly to animals, as Balaam did in Numbers 22:29?
No, it is not right to speak harshly to animals, as they are creatures of God and deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, as taught in Proverbs 12:10 and Deuteronomy 25:4.
What can we learn from Balaam's reaction to his donkey in Numbers 22:29?
We can learn that pride and a lack of self-control can lead us to speak and act in ways that are hurtful and sinful, as seen in James 1:26 and Ephesians 4:29-32.
How does Balaam's statement in Numbers 22:29 reveal his heart?
Balaam's statement reveals his heart as one that is driven by pride, anger, and a lack of humility, as he is more concerned with his own reputation than with the well-being of his donkey or obeying God, as seen in Numbers 22:22 and 1 Samuel 15:23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have allowed pride to control my actions and words, and how can I surrender those areas to God?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and self-control, as seen in Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:12-14?
- What are some times when I have spoken harshly to others, including animals, and how can I make amends and seek forgiveness?
- How can I apply the lesson of Balaam's donkey to my own life, and be more mindful of the ways that God is speaking to me through unexpected means?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:29
And Balaam said unto the ass, because thou hast mocked me,.... Or rather "defiled me", as the word is rendered in Job 16:15 by running with him against a wall, and by lying down with him in the dust
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:29
And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:29
Balaam, was not much terrified with the ass’ s speaking, because he was much accustomed to converse with evil spirits, which oft appeared to him and discoursed with him in the shape of such creatures.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:29
Numbers 22:29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.Ver. 29. I would there were a sword.] Pity but a madman should have a sword! How much fitter for him were that rod that Solomon speaks of.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:29
29. thou hast mocked me] thou hast made sport of me; i.e. purposely caused me annoyance for your own pleasure.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:29
29. Because thou hast mocked me — It has been remarked that there are no evidences of surprise or alarm in Balaam at this wonderful phenomenon, and that his calmness proves that it was not a real speaking by the ass.
Sermons on Numbers 22:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God Cares by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch preaches about the feeling of being uncared for and unnoticed by people, but assures that God truly cares for each individual, knowing them by name and being concerned |
|
A Clean Heart by Ernest O'Neill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of swearing and its implications. He acknowledges that even though using mild swear words may not seem too evil, it is still wrong |
|
The Citadel of the Soul by Russell DeLong | Russell DeLong emphasizes the concept of the human soul as a citadel, a place of security and autonomy where individuals have the power to choose what enters and exits. He highligh |
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Sinners Bound to Change Their Own Hearts by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity for sinners to actively seek a new heart and spirit, as commanded in Ezekiel 18:31. He argues that this requirement is not unreasonable, as |
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The Evil Tongue by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the destructive power of the evil tongue, describing it as a fire fueled by hell that corrupts the whole person. He delves into various aspects of the |
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The Taming of Anger by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of thoughts in the manifestation of anger, asserting that all sins, including anger, begin in the heart and mind. He explains that quick-temp |
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Its Mock Salvation vs. a Real Deliverance From Sin by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches about the contrast between mock salvation and true salvation from sin, emphasizing the universal need for a regenerating process to address the moral disea |