King James Version

What Does Numbers 22:30 Mean?

Numbers 22:30 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 22:30 · KJV


Context

28

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?

29

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.

30

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

31

Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. fell: or, bowed himself

32

And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: to: Heb. to be an adversary unto thee


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The donkey responds to 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?' The rhetorical questions established the donkey's consistent faithfulness, making its unusual behavior a clear signal something was wrong. The phrase 'ever since I was thine' emphasizes long-term reliable service that should have alerted Balaam to supernatural interference.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, domestic animals were valuable property requiring years of training. The donkey's question highlighted that its aberrant behavior contradicted established patterns, which should have alerted Balaam that God was intervening.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use disruptions to normal patterns to get your attention when you're headed wrong direction?
  2. What warning signs in your life might be God's attempt to stop you from persisting in error?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר1 of 21

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲתֹֽנְךָ֜2 of 21

Am not I thine ass

H860

a female donkey (from its docility)

אֶל3 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בִּלְעָ֗ם4 of 21

unto Balaam

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

הֲלוֹא֩5 of 21
H3808

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

אָֽנֹכִ֨י6 of 21
H595

i

אֲתֹֽנְךָ֜7 of 21

Am not I thine ass

H860

a female donkey (from its docility)

אֲשֶׁר8 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

רָכַ֣בְתָּ9 of 21

upon which thou hast ridden

H7392

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

עָלַ֗י10 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מֵעֽוֹדְךָ֙11 of 21
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

עַד12 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הַיּ֣וֹם13 of 21

ever since I was thine unto this day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַזֶּ֔ה14 of 21
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הִסְכַּ֔נְתִּי15 of 21

was I ever

H5532

to be familiar with; by implication, to minister to, be serviceable to, to cherish, be customary

הִסְכַּ֔נְתִּי16 of 21

was I ever

H5532

to be familiar with; by implication, to minister to, be serviceable to, to cherish, be customary

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת17 of 21

to do so

H6213

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

לְךָ֖18 of 21
H0
כֹּ֑ה19 of 21
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר20 of 21

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא׃21 of 21
H3808

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


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 22:30 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 22:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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