Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.” New Living Translation “You have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!” English Standard Version And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.” Berean Standard Bible 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!” Berean Literal Bible And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have acted mockingly with me! Oh, I wish a sword were in my hand, for now I would kill you!” King James Bible 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. New King James Version And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!” New American Standard Bible And Balaam said to the donkey, “It is because you have made a mockery of me! If only there had been a sword in my hand! For I would have killed you by now!” NASB 1995 Then Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a mockery of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now.” NASB 1977 Then Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a mockery of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a mockery of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now.” Amplified Bible Then Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a mockery of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now!” Berean Annotated Bible Balaam (not of the people) answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now! Christian Standard Bible Balaam answered the donkey, “You made me look like a fool. If I had a sword in my hand, I’d kill you now! ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Balaam answered the donkey, “You made me look like a fool. If I had a sword in my hand, I’d kill you now!” American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version "You made me look stupid!" Balaam answered. "If I had a sword, I'd kill you here and now!" English Revised Version And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now I had killed thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation Balaam answered, "You've made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I'd kill you right now." Good News Translation Balaam answered, "Because you have made a fool of me! If I had a sword, I would kill you." International Standard Version "Because you're playing a dirty trick on me," Balaam answered the donkey. "If only I had a sword in my hand! I'd kill you right now!" NET Bible And Balaam said to the donkey, "You have made me look stupid; I wish there were a sword in my hand, for I would kill you right now." New Heart English Bible 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." Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBalaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now!” World English Bible 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.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Balaam says to the donkey, “Because you have rolled yourself against me; oh that there were a sword in my hand, for now I had slain you”; Berean Literal Bible And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have acted mockingly with me! Oh, I wish a sword were in my hand, for now I would kill you!” Young's Literal Translation 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;' Smith's Literal Translation And Balaam will say to the ass, Because thou didst vex me: would that a sword was in my hand, for now I had killed thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBalaam answered: Because thou hast deserved it, and hast served me ill: I would I had a sword that I might kill thee. Catholic Public Domain Version Balaam responded, “Because you have deserved it, and you have mistreated me. If only I had a sword, so that I might pierce you.” New American Bible “You have acted so willfully against me,” said Balaam to the donkey, “that if I only had a sword at hand, I would kill you here and now.” New Revised Standard Version Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me! I wish I had a sword in my hand! I would kill you right now!” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Balaam said to the she-ass, Because you have mocked me; I would there were a sword in my hands, for now would I kill you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have mocked me, and if there were a sword in my hands now, I would have killed you.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Balaam said to the ass, Because thou hast mocked me; and if I had had a sword in my hand, I would now have killed thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Angel and Balaam's Donkey…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.… Cross References and Balaam answered the donkey, 2 Peter 2:16 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. Micah 6:5 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.’” Revelation 2:14 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. “You have made a fool of me! Psalm 22:7-8 All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: / “He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.” Psalm 35:16 Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me. Job 12:4 I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock. If I had a sword in my hand, 1 Chronicles 21:16 When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown. Joshua 5:13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in His hand. Joshua approached Him and asked, “Are You for us or for our enemies?” Judges 3:21-22 And Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly. / Even the handle sank in after the blade, and Eglon’s fat closed in over it, so that Ehud did not withdraw the sword from his belly. And Eglon’s bowels emptied. I would kill you right now!” Genesis 37:20 “Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits. We can say that a vicious animal has devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams!” 1 Samuel 20:33 Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him. So Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David. 1 Samuel 26:8 Abishai said to David, “Today God has delivered your enemy into your hand. Now, therefore, please let me thrust the spear through him into the ground with one stroke. I will not need to strike him twice!” 2 Peter 2:15-16 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. Jude 1:11 Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed for profit into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. Deuteronomy 23:4-5 For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / 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. Joshua 24:9-10 Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand. Treasury of Scripture And Balaam said to the ass, Because you have mocked me: I would there were a sword in my hand, for now would I kill you. for now would Proverbs 12:10,16 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel… Ecclesiastes 9:3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. Jump to Previous Ass Death Donkey Hand Kill Killed Mocked Mockery Right Rolled Seem Slain Sport Sword Thyself WishJump to Next Ass Death Donkey Hand Kill Killed Mocked Mockery Right Rolled Seem Slain Sport Sword Thyself WishNumbers 22 1. Balak's first message for Balaam is refused15. His second message obtains him 22. An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey 36. Balak entertains him Balaam answered the donkey In this unusual narrative, Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, engages in conversation with his donkey. This event highlights the supernatural intervention of God, who opens the donkey's mouth to speak. The dialogue underscores the theme of divine control over creation, as seen in other biblical instances where God uses animals to fulfill His purposes (e.g., the ravens feeding Elijah in 1 Kings 17:4-6). You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand I would kill you right now! Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who is known for his interactions with God and the Israelites. He is hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. 2. The Donkey Balaam's donkey, which miraculously speaks to Balaam after seeing an angel of the Lord blocking their path. 3. The Angel of the Lord A divine messenger sent by God to oppose Balaam on his journey to Moab. 4. Balak The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. 5. Moab The region where Balak rules and where Balaam is traveling to curse the Israelites. Teaching Points The Danger of Greed and DisobedienceBalaam's account warns against the temptation of material gain over obedience to God. His willingness to go with Balak despite God's initial command reflects a heart swayed by greed. God's Sovereignty and Intervention The speaking donkey and the angel of the Lord demonstrate God's control over all creation and His ability to intervene in unexpected ways to fulfill His purposes. The Importance of Spiritual Perception Balaam's inability to see the angel initially, while his donkey could, serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual awareness and discernment in our lives. The Power of Words and Intentions Balaam's account underscores the significance of our words and intentions. Despite his desire to curse, God uses him to bless Israel, showing that God's will prevails. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 22:29?2. How does Balaam's anger in Numbers 22:29 reveal his spiritual blindness? 3. What does Balaam's response to the donkey teach about controlling our anger? 4. How can we ensure our desires align with God's will, unlike Balaam's? 5. In what ways can pride lead us away from God's guidance, as seen here? 6. How can we apply humility when facing unexpected obstacles in our spiritual journey? 7. Why did Balaam respond to the donkey instead of questioning the situation in Numbers 22:29? 8. How does Numbers 22:29 challenge the concept of divine intervention in daily life? 9. What does Balaam's anger in Numbers 22:29 reveal about human nature and pride? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22? 11. Why did Balaam's donkey speak to him? 12. How can a donkey speak in Numbers 22:28-30 without contradicting the known biological limitations of animals? 13. Why does the angel appear to the donkey first rather than Balaam in Numbers 22:23-25, suggesting the animal has greater insight than the prophet? 14. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Balaam and the events of Numbers 22? What Does Numbers 22:29 Mean Balaam answered the donkey– The moment exposes the literal miracle of an animal speaking, something Scripture presents without hesitation (2 Peter 2:16; Genesis 3:1-5 shows another time a creature spoke). – Balaam’s immediate response shows he treats the donkey as a rational opponent rather than pausing to recognize God’s intervention—evidence of spiritual dullness (Numbers 22:31 later reveals the unseen angel). You have made a fool of me! – Pride is stung before conscience is awakened. Balaam worries about reputation more than righteousness (Proverbs 11:2; 16:18). – He resents humiliation before the Moabite officials, highlighting how fear of man can blind us to God’s mercy (Galatians 1:10). If I had a sword in my hand – Irony drips here: the angel actually holds a drawn sword against Balaam (Numbers 22:23, 31). Balaam wants a weapon while unaware that a far greater one stands ready to strike him. – Violence is Balaam’s reflex, not repentance—contrasting with God’s consistent call to consider one’s own ways first (Psalm 139:23-24; Matthew 7:3-5). I would kill you right now! – Anger escalates to murderous intent within seconds (James 1:19-20 shows the danger of “man’s anger”). – The donkey, though blameless, faces the threat Balaam himself deserves; yet God uses the animal to spare its master—a tangible picture of undeserved mercy (Lamentations 3:22-23). summary Balaam’s outburst reveals a heart ruled by pride, anger, and spiritual blindness. While he fumes over a talking donkey, the Lord is patiently rescuing him from judgment. The episode urges us to humble ourselves, listen for God’s unexpected warnings, and thank Him for mercies that interrupt our reckless paths. Verse 29. - And Balaam said unto the ass. That Beldam should answer the ass without expressing any astonishment is certainly more marvelous than that the ass should speak to him. It must, however, in fairness be considered -1. That Balaam was a prophet. He was accustomed to hear Divine voices speaking to him when no man was near. He had a large and unquestioning faith, and a peculiar familiarity with the unseen. 2. Balaam was a sorcerer. It was part of his profession to show signs and wonders such as even now in those countries confound the most experienced and skeptical beholders. It is likely that he had often made dumb animals speak in order to bewilder others. He must indeed have been conscious to some extent of imposture, but he would not draw any sharp line in his own mind between the marvels which really happened to him and the marvels he displayed to others. Both as prophet and as sorcerer, he must have lived, more than any other even of that age, in an atmosphere of the supernatural. If, therefore, this portent was really given, it was certainly given to the very man of all that ever lived to whom it was most suitable. Just as one cannot imagine the miracle of the stater (Matthew 17:27) happening to any one of less simple and childlike faith than St. Peter, so one could not think of the ass as speaking to any one in the Bible but the wizard prophet, for whom - both on his good and on his bad side - the boundary lines between the natural and supernatural were almost obliterated. 3. Balaam was at this moment intensely angry., and nothing blunts the edge of natural surprise so much as rage. Things which afterwards, when calmly recollected, cause the utmost astonishment, notoriously produce no effect at the moment upon a mind which is thoroughly exasperated. Hebrew Balaamבִּלְעָם֙ (bil·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1109: Balaam -- a prophet answered וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say the donkey, לָֽאָת֔וֹן (lā·’ā·ṯō·wn) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 860: A female donkey “You have made a fool of me! הִתְעַלַּ֖לְתְּ (hiṯ·‘al·lalt) Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - second person feminine singular Strong's 5953: To effect thoroughly, to glean, to overdo, maltreat, be saucy to, pain, impose If ל֤וּ (lū) Preposition Strong's 3863: If, would that! I had יֶשׁ־ (yeš-) Adverb Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is a sword חֶ֙רֶב֙ (ḥe·reḇ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword in my hand, בְּיָדִ֔י (bə·yā·ḏî) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3027: A hand I would kill you הֲרַגְתִּֽיךְ׃ (hă·raḡ·tîḵ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person feminine singular Strong's 2026: To smite with deadly intent right now!” עַתָּ֖ה (‘at·tāh) Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time Links Numbers 22:29 NIVNumbers 22:29 NLT Numbers 22:29 ESV Numbers 22:29 NASB Numbers 22:29 KJV Numbers 22:29 BibleApps.com Numbers 22:29 Biblia Paralela Numbers 22:29 Chinese Bible Numbers 22:29 French Bible Numbers 22:29 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 22:29 Balaam said to the donkey Because you (Nu Num.) |
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