King James Version
Numbers 22:28 in the King James Version says “And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten m...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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?”
Numbers 22:28 · KJV
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?
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.
And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay. upon: Heb. who hast ridden upon me ever since: or, ever since thou wast, etc
KJV Study — Public Domain
“opened”
H6605to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
“And the LORD”
H3068(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“the mouth”
H6310the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
“What have I done”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“unto thee that thou hast smitten”
H5221to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
“times”
H7272a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
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 22:28 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 22:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge