Numbers 24:12
Numbers 24:12 in Multiple Translations
Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me
And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,
And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers that thou sentest unto me, saying,
Then Balaam said to Balak, Did I not say to the men you sent to me,
But Balaam said to Balak, “Didn't I already explain to the messengers you sent
Then Balaam answered Balak, Tolde I not also thy messengers, which thou sentest vnto me, saying,
And Balaam saith unto Balak, 'Did I not also unto thy messengers whom thou hast sent unto me, speak, saying,
Balaam said to Balak, “Didn’t I also tell your messengers whom you sent to me, saying,
And Balaam said to Balak, Did I not speak also to thy messengers whom thou sentest to me, saying,
Balaam made answer to Balac: Did I not say to thy messengers, whom thou sentest to me:
Balaam said to Balak, “Do you not remember what [RHQ] I told the messengers that you sent to me? I said,
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:12
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 24:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
בִּלְעָ֖ם
אֶל
בָּלָ֑ק
הֲ/לֹ֗א
גַּ֧ם
אֶל
מַלְאָכֶ֛י/ךָ
אֲשֶׁר
שָׁלַ֥חְתָּ
אֵלַ֖/י
דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי
לֵ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּלְעָ֖ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בָּלָ֑ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
הֲ/לֹ֗א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
גַּ֧ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מַלְאָכֶ֛י/ךָ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-mp | Suff
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שָׁלַ֥חְתָּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 24:12
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
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.
בִּלְעָ֖ם
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בָּלָ֑ק
Bâlâq
H1111
"Balak"
N-proper
Balak was a king of Moab who hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, as told in Numbers 22:2. His name means devastator, reflecting his role as a king who sought to harm God's people.
Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; son of: Zippor (H6834) Also named: Balak (Βαλάκ "Balak" G0904) § Balak = "devastator" a king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Balak. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 23:7; Micah 6:5.
הֲ/לֹ֗א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
גַּ֧ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מַלְאָכֶ֛י/ךָ
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-mp | Suff
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.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
שָׁלַ֥חְתָּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֵלַ֖/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
דִּבַּ֥רְתִּי
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
לֵ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Balak Dismisses Balaam
10Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together and said to Balaam, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but behold, you have persisted in blessing them these three times.
11Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would reward you richly, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”
12Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me
13that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I must speak whatever the LORD says. 14Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 22:18 | 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. |
| 2 | 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.” |
Numbers 24:12 Summary
In Numbers 24:12, Balaam is reminding Balak that he can only speak what the Lord tells him to say. This shows that Balaam is trying to be faithful to God, even when it's hard. We can learn from Balaam's example by remembering that as believers, we should always try to obey God's commands and speak the truth, even if it's not what others want to hear (see 1 Peter 3:14-17). By doing so, we can demonstrate our commitment to following God's will, just like Balaam did in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Balaam trying to convey to Balak in Numbers 24:12?
Balaam was reminding Balak that he had previously told the messengers that he could only speak what the Lord instructed him to say, as seen in Numbers 22:18 and Numbers 23:12.
Why was Balak so angry with Balaam?
Balak was angry because Balaam had blessed the Israelites three times instead of cursing them, as seen in Numbers 24:10, which was contrary to Balak's intentions.
What can we learn from Balaam's response to Balak?
We can learn that as believers, we must be faithful to speak the truth and obey God's commands, even if it means going against the expectations of others, as seen in Acts 5:29 and 1 Peter 3:14-17.
How does Balaam's response relate to his previous statements?
Balaam's response in Numbers 24:12 is a reminder of his previous statements in Numbers 22:18 and Numbers 23:12, where he emphasized his inability to go beyond the Lord's command, highlighting his commitment to speaking only what the Lord instructs him to say.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can be faithful to speak the truth and obey God's commands, even when it's difficult?
- How can I balance the desire to please others with the need to obey God's instructions, as seen in Numbers 24:12 and 1 Samuel 15:22-23?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be tempted to compromise or go against God's commands, and how can I seek His guidance and strength to remain faithful?
- In what ways can I, like Balaam, remind myself and others of the importance of obeying God's commands and speaking the truth, even in challenging situations?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:12
And Balaam said unto Balak,.... In order to mitigate his wrath, and bring him into a better temper: spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me: those that came to him a second
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:12
And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:12
10–14. Balak, in anger, bade Balaam flee back to his land. Balaam replied, as before, that he was bound to utter the message which Jehovah gave him, and, instead of departing at once, uttered four further declarations.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:12
12. Spake I not — Balaam shows that his conduct has been consistent from the beginning of his relations to Balak by quoting his response to the second embassy. See Numbers 22:18, note.
Sermons on Numbers 24:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spiritual Religion by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of handling the word of God with sincerity and genuine love for scripture. He warns that simply preaching orthodox teachings d |
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Balaam- Hired of Balak and Used of God by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby explores the narrative of Balaam and Balak, emphasizing how God's sovereignty turns the wicked intentions of Balaam into a means of blessing for Israel. Despite B |