King James Version

What Does Numbers 22:25 Mean?

Numbers 22:25 in the King James Version says “And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.”

Numbers 22:25 · KJV

Context

23

And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

24

But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.

25

And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.

26

And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

27

And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.

Read Numbers 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall—The donkey's second evasion brought pain to Balaam—his foot (רֶגֶל, regel) crushed between animal and stone. God's warnings intensified: first inconvenience (v. 23), now pain. Yet he smote her again, responding to God's escalating discipline with escalating stubbornness.

Balaam's hardness despite mounting evidence and pain mirrors Pharaoh's response to the plagues—each plague hardened rather than softened his heart. When financial motive is strong enough, people interpret even painful providential warnings as obstacles to overcome rather than signs to obey. The crushed foot was mercy—far better than the drawn sword awaiting him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient travelers rode donkeys for long journeys because they were sure-footed on rough terrain and required less water than horses. A crushed foot would be extremely painful and could permanently injure a traveler, making the donkey's action costly but still merciful compared to the alternative.

Reflection Questions

  1. When obeying God would cost you financially, how many painful "crushed foot" warnings will you ignore before recognizing His protective discipline?
  2. How does responding to God's escalating warnings with escalating stubbornness reveal that your heart is hardening like Pharaoh's?
  3. What pain is God allowing in your life to prevent the far greater destruction your current path leads toward?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַתֵּ֨רֶא1 of 16

“saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הָֽאָת֜וֹן2 of 16

“And when the ass”

H860

a female donkey (from its docility)

אֶת3 of 16
H853

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

מַלְאַ֣ךְ4 of 16

“the angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָ֗ה5 of 16

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וַתִּלְחַ֛ץ6 of 16

“and crushed”

H3905

properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress

אֶל7 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַקִּ֑יר8 of 16

“against the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וַתִּלְחַ֛ץ9 of 16

“and crushed”

H3905

properly, to press, i.e., (figuratively) to distress

אֶת10 of 16
H853

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

רֶ֥גֶל11 of 16

“foot”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

בִּלְעָ֖ם12 of 16

“Balaam's”

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

אֶל13 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַקִּ֑יר14 of 16

“against the wall”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וַיֹּ֖סֶף15 of 16

“her again”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לְהַכֹּתָֽהּ׃16 of 16

“and he smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

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 22:25 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 22:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 47:12Job 5:13-15

Test Your Knowledge

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