Numbers 24:12

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me

American Standard Version (1901)

And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers that thou sentest unto me, saying,

Bible in Basic English

Then Balaam said to Balak, Did I not say to the men you sent to me,

Free Bible Version

But Balaam said to Balak, “Didn't I already explain to the messengers you sent

King James (Authorized) Version

And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,

One Unity Resource Bible

Balaam [Not people, Destroyer of people] said to Balak, “Didn’t I also tell your messengers who you sent to me, saying,

Translation for Translators

Balaam said to Balak, “Do you not remember what [RHQ] I told the messengers that you sent to me? I said,

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then Balaam replied to Balak, “I said to the messengers that you sent to me,

Noah Webster Bible

And Balaam said to Balak, Did I not speak also to thy messengers whom thou sentest to me, saying,

World English Bible

Balaam said to Balak, “Didn’t I also tell your messengers whom you sent to me, saying,

Young's Literal Translation

And Balaam saith unto Balak, 'Did I not also unto thy messengers whom thou hast sent unto me, speak, saying,

Context

Balak Dismisses Balaam

¹¹Therefore, flee at once to your home! I said I would richly reward you, but instead the LORD has denied your reward.”¹²Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me¹³that 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.

Summary

In this verse, Balaam, a prophet hired to curse the Israelites, acknowledges that he can only speak the message that God puts in his mouth. Despite being offered great rewards, he remains faithful to deliver the words given by the Lord. This demonstrates the sovereignty of God over human intentions and the importance of obedience to His will. Balaam's submission to God's authority serves as a reminder for believers to trust in God's guidance and follow His commands, even when faced with temptation or worldly enticements.

Commentary

Keil-Delitzsch
John Gill

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

But Balaam reminds him, on the other hand, of the declaration which he made to the messengers at the very outset (Num 22:18), that he could not on any account speak in opposition to the command of Jehovah, and then adds, "And now, behold, I go to my people. Come, I will tell thee advisedly what this people will do to thy people at the end of the days." יעץ, to advise; here it denotes an announcement, which includes advice. The announcement of what Israel would do to the Moabites in the future, contains the advice to Balak, what attitude he should assume towards Israel, if this people was to bring a blessing upon his own people and not a curse. On "the end of the days," see at Gen 49:1.

Numbers 24:12

Balak Dismisses Balaam

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me

American Standard Version (1901)

And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers that thou sentest unto me, saying,

Bible in Basic English

Then Balaam said to Balak, Did I not say to the men you sent to me,

Free Bible Version

But Balaam said to Balak, “Didn't I already explain to the messengers you sent

King James (Authorized) Version

And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,

One Unity Resource Bible

Balaam [Not people, Destroyer of people] said to Balak, “Didn’t I also tell your messengers who you sent to me, saying,

Translation for Translators

Balaam said to Balak, “Do you not remember what [RHQ] I told the messengers that you sent to me? I said,

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then Balaam replied to Balak, “I said to the messengers that you sent to me,

Noah Webster Bible

And Balaam said to Balak, Did I not speak also to thy messengers whom thou sentest to me, saying,

World English Bible

Balaam said to Balak, “Didn’t I also tell your messengers whom you sent to me, saying,

Young's Literal Translation

And Balaam saith unto Balak, 'Did I not also unto thy messengers whom thou hast sent unto me, speak, saying,

Numbers 24:12

Verse

Context

Balak Dismisses Balaam

Summary

Commentary

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary

Numbers 24:12

Balak Dismisses Balaam

Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary

John Gill Bible Commentary