King James Version
Numbers 22:26 in the King James Version says “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 o...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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.”
Numbers 22:26 · KJV
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.
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.
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.
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.
And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And the angel”
H4397a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
“of the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
“went”
H5674to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
“and stood”
H5975to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
“place”
H4725properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
“where was no way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
“to turn”
H5186to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
“either to the right hand”
H3225the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
“or to the left”
H8040properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand
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.
Numbers 22:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Numbers 22:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge