King James Version

What Does Numbers 22:35 Mean?

Numbers 22:35 in the King James Version says “And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou s... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

Numbers 22:35 · KJV


Context

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

35

And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

36

And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast.

37

And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The angel releases Balaam to continue: 'Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak.' This mirrors God's earlier permission (v.20), emphasizing severe restriction on Balaam's speech. He could physically travel but couldn't deviate from God's words. This foreshadows Jesus' teaching 'The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do' (John 5:19)—submitted servants speak only God's words.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Despite this clear restriction, Balaam later counseled Moab to seduce Israel into sexual immorality and idolatry (25:1-3, 31:16, Revelation 2:14), finding indirect ways to accomplish the curse he couldn't speak. This demonstrates how evil hearts find loopholes when they can't openly disobey.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you seek loopholes around God's clear restrictions when you want different outcomes?
  2. What does it mean to speak only what God gives you to say, neither more nor less?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֩1 of 21

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מַלְאַ֨ךְ2 of 21

And the angel

H4397

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

יְהוָ֜ה3 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל4 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בִּלְעָ֖ם5 of 21

So Balaam

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

לֵ֚ךְ6 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

עִם7 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים8 of 21
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְאֶ֗פֶס9 of 21

but only

H657

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

אֶת10 of 21
H853

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

הַדָּבָ֛ר11 of 21

the word

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁר12 of 21
H834

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

תְדַבֵּ֑ר13 of 21

that I shall speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלֶ֖יךָ14 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֹת֣וֹ15 of 21
H853

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

תְדַבֵּ֑ר16 of 21

that I shall speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ17 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בִּלְעָ֖ם18 of 21

So Balaam

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

עִם19 of 21
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

שָׂרֵ֥י20 of 21

with the princes

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

בָלָֽק׃21 of 21

of Balak

H1111

balak, a moabitish king


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 22:35 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 22:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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