Balaam
Balaam in the Bible — from Pethor of Mesopotamia (NUM 22:5, DEUT 23:4). Referenced in 2 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “the ancient of the people; the destruction of the people”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 2 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 1 connection
Biography
Balaam is a male figure from Pethor in Mesopotamia, as identified in Numbers 22:5 and Deuteronomy 23:4. The biblical text does not specify his tribal affiliation or additional personal notes beyond his origin. His background places him geographically outside the Israelite community.
Names & Titles
The name Balaam may mean 'Baal of the people,' 'the clan brings forth,' or 'devourer, glutton,' reflecting possible Hebrew roots. This proper name, given not by God, suggests a complex cultural or linguistic background connected to the ancient Near Eastern milieu.
Family
Scripture explicitly records Balaam as the son of Beor, according to Numbers 22:5. Beyond this paternal relationship, no other family connections are documented in the biblical text.
Significance
Balaam's significance in Scripture stems from his role as a non-Israelite prophet from Mesopotamia, whose interactions with Israel highlight God's sovereignty over all nations. His origin and lineage emphasize his position as an outsider called into the biblical narrative, underscoring God's control over those beyond Israel's borders. Balaam's story serves as a reminder of God's authority and the challenges posed by foreign influences.
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- בִּלְעָ֣ם
- Transliteration
- biləam
- Meaning
- [poss.] Baal [lord] of the people; [poss.] the clan brings forth; devourer, glutton
- Greek
- Βαλααμ
- Reference
- NUM 22:5
- Strong's
- H1109a
Family & Relationships (1)
son
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Balaam in the Bible?
Balaam is a male figure from Pethor in Mesopotamia, as identified in Numbers 22:5 and Deuteronomy 23:4. The biblical text does not specify his tribal affiliation or additional personal notes beyond his origin. His background places him geographically outside the Israelite community.
What does the name Balaam mean?
The name Balaam means “the ancient of the people; the destruction of the people” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.