King James Version

What Does Numbers 22:32 Mean?

Numbers 22:32 in the King James Version says “And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Numbers 22:32 · KJV

Context

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

33

And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.

34

And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee , I will get me back again. displease: Heb. be evil in thine eyes

Read Numbers 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The angel rebuked Balaam: 'Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me.' God's messenger identified Balaam's path as 'perverse' (Hebrew 'yarat', headlong, reckless), indicating his journey opposed God's will despite having divine permission (v.20). This paradox shows that God sometimes permits paths He doesn't prefer, testing whether we'll pursue technical permission or His true pleasure.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Though God told Balaam 'go with them' (v.20), He also added conditions ('only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak'). Balaam pursued the opportunity while ignoring the limitations, showing how we can obey the letter while violating the spirit of God's word.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you pursued God's permission while ignoring His clear preference and restrictions?
  2. How do you discern between what God permits and what He positively desires for you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָיו֙2 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַלְאַ֣ךְ3 of 20

“And the angel”

H4397

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

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 20

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

עַל5 of 20
H5921

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

מָ֗ה6 of 20
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הִכִּ֙יתָ֙7 of 20

“unto him Wherefore hast thou smitten”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת8 of 20
H853

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

אֲתֹ֣נְךָ֔9 of 20

“thine ass”

H860

a female donkey (from its docility)

זֶ֖ה10 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

שָׁל֣וֹשׁ11 of 20

“these three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

רְגָלִ֑ים12 of 20

“times”

H7272

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

הִנֵּ֤ה13 of 20
H2009

lo!

אָֽנֹכִי֙14 of 20
H595

i

יָצָ֣אתִי15 of 20

“behold I went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לְשָׂטָ֔ן16 of 20

“to withstand”

H7854

an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) satan, the arch-enemy of good

כִּֽי17 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יָרַ֥ט18 of 20

“is perverse”

H3399

to precipitate or hurl (rush) headlong; (intransitively) to be rash

הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ19 of 20

“thee because thy way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

לְנֶגְדִּֽי׃20 of 20
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

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 22:32 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 22:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 13:10Proverbs 28:18Numbers 22:22Proverbs 28:6Proverbs 14:2Micah 6:5

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