Numbers 23:16

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Numbers 23:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.”

King James Version KJV

And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus shalt thou speak.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord came to Balaam, and put words in his mouth, and said, Go back to Balak, and this is what you are to say.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord met Balaam and gave him a message to share. He told him, “Go back to Balak and this is what you are to say to him.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Lord mette Balaam, and put an answere in his mouth, and sayd, Goe againe vnto Balak, and say thus.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Jehovah cometh unto Balaam, and setteth a word in his mouth, and saith, 'Turn back unto Balak, and thus thou dost speak.'

World English Bible WEB

The LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and say this.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again to Balak, and say thus.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when the Lord had met him, and had put the word in his mouth, he said: Return to Balac, and thus shalt thou say to him.

Translation for Translators T4T

So Balaam did that, and Yahweh appeared to Balaam again and gave him another message. Then he said, “Go back to Balak and tell him that message.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:16

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 23:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּקָּ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֶל בִּלְעָ֔ם וַ/יָּ֥שֶׂם דָּבָ֖ר בְּ/פִ֑י/ו וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר שׁ֥וּב אֶל בָּלָ֖ק וְ/כֹ֥ה תְדַבֵּֽר

וַ/יִּקָּ֤ר qârâh H7136 to meet Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

בִּלְעָ֔ם Bilʻâm H1109 Balaam N-proper

וַ/יָּ֥שֶׂם sûwm H7760 to set Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּבָ֖ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-ms

בְּ/פִ֑י/ו peh H6310 lip Prep | N-ms | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שׁ֥וּב shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Impv-2ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

בָּלָ֖ק Bâlâq H1111 Balak N-proper

וְ/כֹ֥ה kôh H3541 thus Conj | Adv

תְדַבֵּֽר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Imperf-2ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:16

וַ/יִּקָּ֤ר qârâh H7136 "to meet" Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to lay beams, or to build with beams. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle. The word is used to describe a building process.

Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, befall, happen, come to meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to encounter, meet 1a2) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to encounter, meet (without pre-arrangement) 1b2) to chance to be present 1b3) to come to meet 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet, appoint

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, lay (make) beams, befall, bring, come (to pass unto), floor, (hap) was, happen (unto), meet, send good speed. See also: Genesis 24:12; 1 Samuel 28:10; Psalms 104:3.

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.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

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/יָּ֥שֶׂם sûwm H7760 "to set" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-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.

דָּבָ֖ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

בְּ/פִ֑י/ו 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.

וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר 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.

שׁ֥וּב shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

בָּלָ֖ק Bâlâq H1111 "Balak" N-proper

Balak was a king of Moab who hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, as told in Numbers 22:2. His name means devastator, reflecting his role as a king who sought to harm God's people.

Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; son of: Zippor (H6834) Also named: Balak (Βαλάκ "Balak" G0904) § Balak = "devastator" a king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Balak. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 23:7; Micah 6:5.

וְ/כֹ֥ה kôh H3541 "thus" Conj | Adv

This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.

Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)

Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.

תְדַבֵּֽר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Imperf-2ms

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 23:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 23:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:16
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:16
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:16
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 23:16
Sermons on Numbers 23:16

Context — Balaam’s Second Oracle

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. 15Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your burnt offering while I meet the LORD over there.”

16And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.”

17So he returned to Balak, who was standing there by his burnt offering with the princes of Moab. “What did the LORD say?” Balak asked. 18Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 23:5	Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message.”
2	Numbers 24:1	And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness.
3	Numbers 22:35	But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

Numbers 23:16 Summary

[This verse shows us that God is in control of everything, even the words that come out of our mouths. He spoke to Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, and told him to return to King Balak and speak His message. This reminds us that God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Numbers 23:16. Just like Balaam, we are called to trust God and speak His truth, as seen in Psalms 119:30, and to trust that He will guide our words and actions.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God speak to Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet?

God spoke to Balaam because He wanted to use him to deliver a message to Balak, the king of Moab, as seen in Numbers 23:16, and also to demonstrate His sovereignty over all nations, as stated in Psalms 103:19.

What is the significance of God putting a message in Balaam's mouth?

This act signifies God's control over Balaam's words and actions, ensuring that His message is delivered accurately, much like He guided the prophets in the Old Testament, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:18 and Jeremiah 1:9.

Can we apply the principle of speaking what God tells us to our own lives?

Yes, as believers, we are called to speak the truth of God's Word, as seen in Matthew 10:20, and to trust that God will guide our words and actions, just as He did with Balaam in Numbers 23:16.

How does this verse relate to the concept of divine sovereignty?

This verse illustrates God's sovereignty over all people, including those who do not worship Him, as He uses Balaam to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His power and control, as stated in Isaiah 46:10 and Romans 11:36.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God speaks to us today, and how can we be sure to listen to His voice?
In what ways can we, like Balaam, be used by God to deliver a message to others, even if they are not believers?
How can we trust that God is guiding our words and actions, even when we are unsure of the outcome?
What does this verse teach us about the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:16

And the Lord met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth,.... As he did before, Numbers 23:5. and said, go again unto Balak, and say thus; the words which are expressed in Numbers 23:18.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:16

And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:16

See Poole "", and See Poole on "".

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:16

Numbers 23:16 And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.Ver. 16. Put a word.]

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:16

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 23:16

16. Put a word in his mouth — An instance of verbal inspiration. God can impress words upon the human mind in ways which our poor philosophy cannot fathom.

Sermons on Numbers 23:16

	Sermon	Description
	Two Roads Two Destinies 02 Ireland st.chapel by Worth Ellis	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the internal evidences of inspiration in the Bible. The first proof mentioned is that the Bible claims to be the word of God. The second proof
	The Standing Ordinances of Religion by J.H. Newman	J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of adhering to the Standing Ordinances of Religion, emphasizing the perpetuation of doctrines through ordinances, the embodiment of unseen