Numbers 22:27
Numbers 22:27 in Multiple Translations
When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff.
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 ass saw the angel of Jehovah, and she lay down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with his staff.
And the ass saw the angel of the Lord and went down on the earth under Balaam; and full of wrath, Balaam gave her hard blows with his stick.
The donkey saw the angel of the Lord and lay down under Balaam. He got angry and beat it with his walking stick.
And when the asse sawe the Angell of the Lord, she lay downe vnder Balaam: therefore Balaam was very wroth, and smote the asse with a staffe.
and the ass seeth the messenger of Jehovah, and croucheth under Balaam, and the anger of Balaam burneth, and he smiteth the ass with a staff.
The donkey saw the LORD’s angel, and she lay down under Balaam. Balaam’s anger burned, and he struck the donkey with his staff.
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 when the ass saw the angel standing, she fell under the feet of the rider: who being angry beat her sides more vehemently with a staff.
This time, when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down on the ground with Balaam sitting on top of it. Balaam became extremely angry, and he struck the donkey again with his walking stick.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:27
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 22:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תֵּ֤רֶא
הָֽ/אָתוֹן֙
אֶת
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
יְהוָ֔ה
וַ/תִּרְבַּ֖ץ
תַּ֣חַת
בִּלְעָ֑ם
וַ/יִּֽחַר
אַ֣ף
בִּלְעָ֔ם
וַ/יַּ֥ךְ
אֶת
הָ/אָת֖וֹן
בַּ/מַּקֵּֽל
וַ/תֵּ֤רֶא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
הָֽ/אָתוֹן֙
ʼâthôwn
H860
she-ass
Art | N-fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-ms
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/תִּרְבַּ֖ץ
râbats
H7257
to stretch
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep
בִּלְעָ֑ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
וַ/יִּֽחַר
chârâh
H2734
to be incensed
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַ֣ף
ʼaph
H639
face
DirObjM
בִּלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
וַ/יַּ֥ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָת֖וֹן
ʼâthôwn
H860
she-ass
Art | N-fs
בַּ/מַּקֵּֽל
maqqêl
H4731
rod
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:27
וַ/תֵּ֤רֶא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הָֽ/אָתוֹן֙
ʼâthôwn
H860
"she-ass"
Art | N-fs
A female donkey is referred to by this Hebrew word, which emphasizes the animal's gentle nature. It appears in Genesis 12:16 and 31:34, describing the donkeys owned by Abraham and Jacob.
Definition: she-ass, she-donkey
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (she) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 5:10; Zechariah 9:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מַלְאַ֣ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
יְהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/תִּרְבַּ֖ץ
râbats
H7257
"to stretch"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To stretch or lie down, like an animal, and can imply resting or lurking, as in Exodus 23:5.
Definition: 1) to stretch oneself out, lie down, lie stretched out 1a) (Qal) to lie down, lie 1b)(Hiphil) to cause to lie down 1b1) laying (stones)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: crouch (down), fall down, make a fold, lay, (cause to, make to) lie (down), make to rest, sit. See also: Genesis 4:7; Isaiah 11:7; Psalms 23:2.
תַּ֣חַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
בִּלְעָ֑ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
N-proper
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.
וַ/יִּֽחַר
chârâh
H2734
"to be incensed"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.
אַ֣ף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
בִּלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
N-proper
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.
וַ/יַּ֥ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָת֖וֹן
ʼâthôwn
H860
"she-ass"
Art | N-fs
A female donkey is referred to by this Hebrew word, which emphasizes the animal's gentle nature. It appears in Genesis 12:16 and 31:34, describing the donkeys owned by Abraham and Jacob.
Definition: she-ass, she-donkey
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (she) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 5:10; Zechariah 9:9.
בַּ/מַּקֵּֽל
maqqêl
H4731
"rod"
Prep | N-ms
A rod or staff, like a walking stick, is used for support or guidance in the Bible, as seen in Exodus with Moses' staff. It can also be a symbol of authority. The word appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) rod, staff 1a) rod, stick 1b) staff (in travel) 1c) wand (of diviner)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: rod, (hand-)staff. See also: Genesis 30:37; 1 Samuel 17:43; Jeremiah 1:11.
Study Notes — Numbers 22:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 22:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:27
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:27
- Sermons on Numbers 22:27
Context — The Angel and Balaam’s Donkey
25And the donkey saw the angel of the LORD and pressed herself against the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat her once again.
26And the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or left.
27When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he became furious and beat her with his staff.
28Then the LORD opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?” 29Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:16 | A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. |
| 2 | James 1:19 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, |
| 3 | Proverbs 27:3–4 | A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both. Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy? |
Numbers 22:27 Summary
In Numbers 22:27, the donkey sees the angel of the LORD and lies down under Balaam, trying to avoid the angel and ultimately save Balaam's life. This event shows the donkey's spiritual discernment and Balaam's lack of it, as well as his sinful anger. We can learn from this story by recognizing the importance of spiritual discernment and humility, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:4 and James 4:10. By trusting in God's guidance and presence, like the donkey, we can navigate life's challenges with wisdom and obedience, as seen in Psalm 32:8-11 and Isaiah 30:21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the donkey lie down under Balaam in Numbers 22:27?
The donkey lay down under Balaam because she saw the angel of the LORD standing in their path, as described in Numbers 22:26, and was trying to avoid the angel, ultimately trying to save Balaam's life, as seen in the context of Numbers 22:22-35.
What can we learn from Balaam's reaction to the donkey's actions in this verse?
Balaam's reaction shows his lack of spiritual discernment and his sinful anger, which is also seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Ephesians 4:26-27, where we are warned against unresolved anger.
How does this event relate to the broader story of Balaam and Balak in Numbers 22-24?
This event is a pivotal moment in the story, as it sets the stage for the donkey's miraculous speech in Numbers 22:28-30 and ultimately leads to Balaam's encounter with the angel of the LORD, which redirects his mission, as seen in Numbers 22:31-35, and is reminiscent of other divine interventions, such as in Genesis 16:7-13.
What does the angel of the LORD represent in this passage?
The angel of the LORD represents God's presence and intervention, similar to other appearances in the Bible, such as in Exodus 3:2-4:17, where the angel of the LORD appears to Moses, and serves as a warning to Balaam of the dangers of his actions, as seen in Numbers 22:32.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with unexpected obstacles or challenges in my life, and what can I learn from the donkey's actions in this verse?
- In what ways can I cultivate spiritual discernment, like the donkey, to recognize and respond to God's presence and guidance in my life, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be like Balaam, lacking spiritual discernment and reacting in anger or frustration, and how can I apply the principles of James 1:19-20 to these situations?
- How can I apply the lesson of the donkey's obedience, despite Balaam's mistreatment, to my own relationships and interactions with others, as seen in Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:27
And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord,.... The third time; for it seems that he was not always in sight, but disappeared as he removed from place to place, and at every new place where he stood
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:27
And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 22:27
Numbers 22:27 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.Ver. 27. She fell down under Balaam.] And so "condemned" her master’ s "madness." Polybius in his history saith, Whereas man is held the wisest of all sublunary creatures, to me he seemeth the most foolish of all. For whereas other creatures, when they have once smarted, will come no more there, - as the fox returns not rashly to the snare, the wolf to the pitfall, the dog to the club, the horse to the hole where he hath been stalked, &c., - solus homo ab aevo ad aevum peccat fere in iisdem; man only falls into the same offence and mischief from day to day, and will not be warned till he be utterly ruined, as it befell Balaam.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:27
22–34. Jehovah was angry with Balaam for going, and His ‘Angel’ hindered him on the way.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:27
27. Balaam’s anger was kindled — Although he was saved from instant death by the falling down of the ass, (Numbers 22:33,) like all unbelievers restrained from the pit of woe by divine chastisements,
Sermons on Numbers 22:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God Uses Foolish Things - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger | The sermon transcript provided is not coherent and does not contain any clear message or topic. It seems to be a jumble of unrelated thoughts and statements. There is no mention of |
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Children by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that while parents have a responsibility to teach and guide their children in their faith, ultimately each child must develop their own belie |
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The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept |
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Learning How to Encourage Yourself in the Lord by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not allowing bitterness, anger, or jealousy to rob one's fellowship with God. He shares how he prays for the Holy Spirit t |
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The Healing of the Home by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using a soft answer to turn away wrath and bring healing to the home. He criticizes those who rely on loudness as a badge |
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(Fury of Fire) 11 - the Mark of God or the Mark of the Beast by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation from the Word of God and being willing to challenge old traditions and wrong teachings. The speaker wa |