King James Version

What Does Numbers 22:18 Mean?

Numbers 22:18 in the King James Version says “And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

Numbers 22:18 · KJV


Context

16

And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me: Let: Heb. Be not thou hindered from, etc

17

For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.

18

And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

19

Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more.

20

And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Balaam responds to Balak's messengers: 'If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.' This statement appears noble—claiming inability to violate God's word regardless of payment. Yet Balaam's heart proved divided, ultimately finding a way to harm Israel (31:16), showing how apparent submission to God's word can mask underlying greed (2 Peter 2:15-16, Jude 11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Balaam was a non-Israelite diviner who had genuine contact with Yahweh, demonstrating God can speak through unexpected sources. However, his love of money led him to find indirect ways to curse Israel by causing them to sin, showing that hearing God's word doesn't guarantee obedient heart.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you claim to honor God's word while secretly seeking ways around its restrictions?
  2. What does Balaam's divided heart teach about the danger of loving money while claiming to serve God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיַּ֣עַן1 of 25

answered

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

בִּלְעָ֗ם2 of 25

And Balaam

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙3 of 25

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל4 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַבְדֵ֣י5 of 25

unto the servants

H5650

a servant

בָלָ֛ק6 of 25

If Balak

H1111

balak, a moabitish king

אִם7 of 25
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִתֶּן8 of 25

would give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִ֥י9 of 25
H0
בָלָ֛ק10 of 25

If Balak

H1111

balak, a moabitish king

מְלֹ֥א11 of 25

full

H4393

fulness (literally or figuratively)

בֵית֖וֹ12 of 25

me his house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

כֶּ֣סֶף13 of 25

of silver

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְזָהָ֑ב14 of 25

and gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

לֹ֣א15 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אוּכַ֗ל16 of 25

I cannot

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לַֽעֲבֹר֙17 of 25

go beyond

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

אֶת18 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פִּי֙19 of 25

the word

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יְהוָ֣ה20 of 25

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהָ֔י21 of 25

my God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת22 of 25

to do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

קְטַנָּ֖ה23 of 25

less

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

א֥וֹ24 of 25
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

גְדוֹלָֽה׃25 of 25

or more

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 22:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 22:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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