Numbers 23:5
Numbers 23:5 in Multiple Translations
Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message.”
And the LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.
And Jehovah put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.
And the Lord put words in Balaam's mouth, and said, Go back to Balak, and this is what you are to say.
The Lord gave Balaam a message to share. He told him, “Go back to Balak and this is what you are to say to him.”
And the Lord put an answere in Balaams mouth, and sayde, Go againe to Balak, and say on this wise.
and Jehovah putteth a word in the mouth of Balaam, and saith, 'Turn back unto Balak, and thus thou dost speak.'
The LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.”
And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return to Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.
And the Lord put the word in his mouth, and said: Return to Balac, and thus shalt thou speak.
Then Yahweh gave Balaam a message to give to King Balak. Then he said, “Go back and tell him what I told you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:5
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 23:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֧שֶׂם
יְהוָ֛ה
דָּבָ֖ר
בְּ/פִ֣י
בִלְעָ֑ם
וַ/יֹּ֛אמֶר
שׁ֥וּב
אֶל
בָּלָ֖ק
וְ/כֹ֥ה
תְדַבֵּֽר
וַ/יָּ֧שֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
בְּ/פִ֣י
peh
H6310
lip
Prep | N-ms
בִלְעָ֑ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
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 23:5
וַ/יָּ֧שֶׂם
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.
יְהוָ֛ה
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.
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/פִ֣י
peh
H6310
"lip"
Prep | N-ms
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.
בִלְעָ֑ם
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/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
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.
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 23:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 23:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:5
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:5
- Sermons on Numbers 23:5
Context — Balaam’s First Oracle
3“Stay here by your burnt offering while I am gone,” Balaam said to Balak. “Perhaps the LORD will meet with me. And whatever He reveals to me, I will tell you.” So Balaam went off to a barren height,
4and God met with him. “I have set up seven altars,” Balaam said, “and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.”
5Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message.”
6So he returned to Balak, who was standing there beside his burnt offering, with all the princes of Moab. 7And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 18:18 | I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 1:9 | Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. |
| 3 | Isaiah 59:21 | “As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the LORD. “My Spirit will not depart from you, and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children and grandchildren, from now on and forevermore,” says the LORD. |
| 4 | Isaiah 51:16 | I have put My words in your mouth, and covered you with the shadow of My hand, to establish the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’” |
| 5 | Numbers 23:16 | And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 16:9 | A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Luke 12:12 | For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.” |
| 9 | Proverbs 16:1 | The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD. |
| 10 | John 11:51 | Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation, |
Numbers 23:5 Summary
In this verse, God takes control of Balaam's words and gives him a message to deliver to King Balak. This shows that God is in charge and can use anyone to accomplish His plans, as we also see in Isaiah 55:11, where God's word always achieves its purpose. It's a reminder that our words and actions can be used by God to bless or instruct others, and we should seek to be open to His leading, just as it says in Proverbs 16:1 that our words are in God's control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Lord to put a message in someone's mouth?
This phrase indicates that God is taking control of the person's words, guiding what they say, as seen in Numbers 23:5 and also in Deuteronomy 18:18 where God says He will put His words in the mouth of a prophet.
Why did God choose to speak through Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet?
God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes, as seen in Numbers 23:5, and this is also evident in the story of Cyrus in Isaiah 44:28, where God uses a pagan king to fulfill His plans.
Is this an example of God forcing someone to do His will?
While God does put a message in Balaam's mouth in Numbers 23:5, it's also clear from the context that Balaam has his own desires and intentions, as seen in Numbers 22:20, but God is overriding them to achieve His own purposes.
How does this relate to the concept of prophecy in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the biblical concept of prophecy, where God speaks through human messengers, as seen in Numbers 23:5 and also in 2 Peter 1:21, which explains that prophecy comes from God and not from human will or imagination.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God might be putting a message in my mouth, and how can I be more attentive to His leading?
- How do I balance my own desires and intentions with the will of God, especially when they seem to be in conflict?
- What does it mean for me to be a messenger of God, and how can I fulfill that role in my daily life?
- In what ways can I trust God to override my own limitations and weaknesses to accomplish His purposes, just as He did with Balaam?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:5
And the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth.... Not grace into his heart, nor the fear of God within him, but suggested to him what to say; impressed it strongly on him, that he could not forget it,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:5
And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 23:5
He suggested what he should say, even those words, .
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:5
Numbers 23:5 And the LORD put a word in Balaam’ s mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak. Ver. 5. And the Lord put a word in Balaam’ s mouth.] The words thus put into his mouth, do but pass from him; they are not polluted by him, because they are not his! as the trunk through which a man speaks is not more eloquent for the speech uttered through it. Balaam did not "eat" God’ s word as Jeremiah did, nor believe what he had spoken, as David, and after him St Paul did. No more did Plato, Seneca, and other heathens, in their divine sentences.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 23:5
(5) The Lord put a word in Balaam’s mouth.—“God, who had opened the mouth of the ass,” says Bishop Wordsworth, in loc., “in a manner contrary to her nature, now opens Balaam’s mouth in a manner contrary to his own will.”
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:5
1–6. Balaam demanded a seven-fold sacrifice, in order to propitiate God, that He might be willing to give His prophet a message. Balak complied with the request, hoping that the message might be a curse.
Sermons on Numbers 23:5
| 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 |
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Salvation Message by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker explores the concept of humanity's fallen nature and the search for meaning in life. He contrasts the belief that people are basically good with the bib |
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Through the Bible - Deuteronomy by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Deuteronomy and its three main themes: looking back at God's faithfulness, looking upwards at God's laws, and looking forward to G |
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Of the Prophetic Office of Christ. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the prophetic office of Christ, emphasizing that Jesus fulfills the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King, which are essential for the salvation of His people. H |
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Jesus' Special Relationship With God the Father John 5:16-47 by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the Jewish leaders' opposition to Jesus healing on the Sabbath, highlighting Jesus' unique relationship with God the Father, His authority to give phys |
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The Fruits of Faith by Joshua Daniel | Joshua Daniel preaches about the faithfulness of God in watching over and protecting His people, using examples from the lives of biblical figures like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Elij |
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The Precious Blood and the Mighty Hand by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of seeking inspiration from the Holy Spirit. After two weeks of struggling to find a message, he is guided to study love and |