Numbers 23:12
Numbers 23:12 in Multiple Translations
But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”
And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?
And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which Jehovah putteth in my mouth?
And in answer he said, Am I not ordered to say only what the Lord puts into my mouth?
But Balaam replied, “Don't you think I should say precisely what the Lord tells me?”
And he answered, and said, Must I not take heede to speake that, which the Lord hath put in my mouth?
and he answereth and saith, 'That which Jehovah doth put in my mouth — it do I not take heed to speak?'
He answered and said, “Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD puts in my mouth?”
And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?
He answered him: Call I speak any thing else but what the Lord commandeth?
But Balaam replied, “I can [RHQ] say only what Yahweh tells me to say. I cannot say anything else.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:12
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 23:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֖עַן
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
הֲ/לֹ֗א
אֵת֩
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יָשִׂ֤ים
יְהוָה֙
בְּ/פִ֔/י
אֹת֥/וֹ
אֶשְׁמֹ֖ר
לְ/דַבֵּֽר
וַ/יַּ֖עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הֲ/לֹ֗א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
אֵת֩
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יָשִׂ֤ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּ/פִ֔/י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms | Suff
אֹת֥/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֶשְׁמֹ֖ר
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לְ/דַבֵּֽר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:12
וַ/יַּ֖עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הֲ/לֹ֗א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֵת֩
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.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָשִׂ֤ים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
יְהוָה֙
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.
בְּ/פִ֔/י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
אֹת֥/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
אֶשְׁמֹ֖ר
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
לְ/דַבֵּֽר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 23:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:12
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:12
- Sermons on Numbers 23:12
Context — Balaam’s First Oracle
10Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous; let my end be like theirs!”
11Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you here to curse my enemies, and behold, you have only blessed them!”
12But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”
13Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.” 14So Balak took him to the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, where he built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 22:38 | “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.” |
| 2 | Numbers 23:20 | I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. |
| 3 | Numbers 23:26 | But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?” |
| 4 | Numbers 24:13 | that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I will speak whatever the LORD says. |
| 5 | Proverbs 26:25 | When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. |
| 6 | Numbers 22:20 | That night God came to Balaam and said, “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” |
| 7 | Titus 1:16 | They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. |
| 8 | Romans 16:18 | For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. |
Numbers 23:12 Summary
[Balaam is saying that he will only speak what God tells him to, and this is an important lesson for us as believers to learn. We should seek to speak and live out God's truth in our daily lives, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where it says God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. By seeking God's guidance and wisdom, we can be more faithful in speaking and living out His truth, and avoid speaking or acting out of our own desires or motivations. This means being mindful of our words and actions, and seeking to please God in all that we do, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Balaam mean when he says he will only speak what the Lord puts in his mouth?
Balaam is stating his commitment to only speak the words that God gives him, as seen in Numbers 22:38, where he says he can only speak what God puts in his mouth, and in Numbers 23:12 itself, emphasizing his role as a messenger of God's words.
Is Balaam being disobedient to Balak by not cursing the Israelites?
No, Balaam is being obedient to God, who has instructed him not to curse the Israelites, as seen in Numbers 22:12 and Numbers 22:20, where God explicitly tells Balaam not to curse the people.
What can we learn from Balaam's response to Balak?
We can learn the importance of speaking only what God has given us to say, and not speaking out of our own desires or motivations, as seen in Proverbs 10:32, where it says the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, and in 1 Peter 4:11, where it instructs us to speak as the oracles of God.
How does this verse relate to our own lives as believers?
This verse reminds us to seek God's guidance and wisdom in our words and actions, and to be faithful in speaking and living out His truth, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where it says God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us in our daily lives.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can seek to speak only what God has given me to say in my daily conversations and interactions?
- How can I be more mindful of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in my words and actions, and what are some practical steps I can take to do so?
- In what ways can I be more faithful in speaking and living out God's truth, and what are some areas where I may be compromising or failing to do so?
- What are some things that might be motivating me to speak or act out of my own desires or motivations, rather than seeking to please God, and how can I address these issues?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:12
And he answered and said,.... By reply to Balak: must I not take heed to speak that which the Lord hath put in my mouth?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:12
And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:12
I speak not these words by my own choice, but by the constraint of a higher power, which I cannot resist.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:12
Numbers 23:12 And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?Ver. 12. Must I not take heed to speak.] See how those hypocrites mock one with another. Potest augur augurem videre, et non ridere? said Cato. Cic., De Divinat., lib. ii.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:12
11–17. Balak was angry that Jehovah did not put a curse into Balaam’s mouth, and begged him to try again on another spot. The seven-fold sacrifice was again offered.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:12
12. Must I not take heed — This truly noble utterance implies that Balaam did not speak under physical constraint from Jehovah, a mere fiction of Philo, but as a free agent, clearly perceiving and
Sermons on Numbers 23:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Balaam- Hired of Balak and Used of God by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby explores the narrative of Balaam and Balak, emphasizing how God's sovereignty turns the wicked intentions of Balaam into a means of blessing for Israel. Despite B |
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Error of Balamm - Part 2 by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Balaam and Balak from the Bible. Balaam is asked by Balak to curse the enemies of Israel, but instead, he blesses them as directe |
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Heaven's View of Our Failures by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Balaam and the Israelites in the book of Numbers. Balaam, a prophet, sees a vision from God and falls down in awe. He describes |
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Visible Churches Warned by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle warns visible churches about the importance of genuine faith and the dangers of complacency in religious practices. He emphasizes that the letters to the seven churches i |
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(Titus - Part 12): Sound Doctrine in Life by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sound teaching, which consists of both a foundation and a superstructure. He compares this concept to a tree with its roots |
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(Titus - Part 2): An Introduction to Titus by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker announces the start of a new series on the careful study of the Sermon on the Mount. He encourages everyone to attend the first sermon and emphasizes th |
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Nothing but Leaves by Harold Vaughan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of practicing what we believe rather than just giving lip service. He criticizes the current state of the church, stating tha |