King James Version
What Does Numbers 22:38 Mean?
“And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.”
Numbers 22:38 · KJV
Context
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?
38
And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.
39
And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth . Kirjathhuzoth: or, a city of streets
40
And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBalaam arrives and tells Balak 'Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.' This accurately acknowledges his prophetic limitations—he cannot curse whom God hasn't cursed. Yet Balaam's later actions (counseling Moab to tempt Israel to sin) revealed that intellectual acknowledgment of God's sovereignty doesn't equal heart submission.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Balaam's declaration set expectations for the oracles that follow (chapters 23-24), where he repeatedly blessed Israel despite Balak's requests to curse. Each blessing increasingly frustrated Balak while powerfully prophesying Israel's blessed status and future Messiah.
Reflection Questions
- How can you acknowledge God's authority verbally while still seeking ways around His will?
- What does it mean to truly surrender all your words to speak only what God provides?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 19 wordsהֲיָכֹ֥ל9 of 19
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲדַבֵּֽר׃11 of 19
“that shall I speak”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
מְא֑וּמָה12 of 19
“any thing”
H3972properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
הַדָּבָ֗ר13 of 19
“the word”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֨ר14 of 19
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָשִׂ֧ים15 of 19
“putteth”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֱלֹהִ֛ים16 of 19
“that God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בְּפִ֖י17 of 19
“in my mouth”
H6310the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
אֹת֥וֹ18 of 19
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲדַבֵּֽר׃19 of 19
“that shall I speak”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
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 22:38 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 22:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge