Numbers 23:12

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”

American Standard Version (1901)

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which Jehovah putteth in my mouth?

Bible in Basic English

And in answer he said, Am I not ordered to say only what the Lord puts into my mouth?

Free Bible Version

But Balaam replied, “Don't you think I should I say precisely what the Lord tells me?”

King James (Authorized) Version

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?

One Unity Resource Bible

He answered and said, “Must I not take heed to speak that which Adonai puts in my mouth?” (LY:5)

Translation for Translators

But Balaam replied, “I can [RHQ] say only what Yahweh tells me to say. I cannot say anything else.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Balaam answered and said, “Should I not be careful to say only what Yahweh puts in my mouth?”

Noah Webster Bible

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?

World English Bible

He answered and said, “Must I not take heed to speak that which Yahweh puts in my mouth?”

Young's Literal Translation

and he answereth and saith, 'That which Jehovah doth put in my mouth — it do I not take heed to speak?'

Context

Balaam’s First Oracle

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?”

Summary

In this verse, Balak, the king of Moab, hired Balaam to curse the Israelites, but instead, Balaam blessed them as instructed by God. Despite Balak's repeated attempts to have the Israelites cursed, God's protection and favor remained with His chosen people. This passage highlights the sovereignty of God over human intentions and the inability of anyone to thwart His plans. It also demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving and blessing His people, even in the face of opposition and adversity.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

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? pretending a great regard to the word of God, and to great carefulness to speak it, exactly and punctually as he received it, whereas he was forced to it, and could not do otherwise.

Numbers 23:12

Balaam’s First Oracle

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?”

American Standard Version (1901)

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which Jehovah putteth in my mouth?

Bible in Basic English

And in answer he said, Am I not ordered to say only what the Lord puts into my mouth?

Free Bible Version

But Balaam replied, “Don't you think I should I say precisely what the Lord tells me?”

King James (Authorized) Version

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?

One Unity Resource Bible

He answered and said, “Must I not take heed to speak that which Adonai puts in my mouth?” (LY:5)

Translation for Translators

But Balaam replied, “I can [RHQ] say only what Yahweh tells me to say. I cannot say anything else.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Balaam answered and said, “Should I not be careful to say only what Yahweh puts in my mouth?”

Noah Webster Bible

And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?

World English Bible

He answered and said, “Must I not take heed to speak that which Yahweh puts in my mouth?”

Young's Literal Translation

and he answereth and saith, 'That which Jehovah doth put in my mouth — it do I not take heed to speak?'