Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with Balak’s officials. New Living Translation But the angel of the LORD told Balaam, “Go with these men, but say only what I tell you to say.” So Balaam went on with Balak’s officials. English Standard Version And the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only the word that I tell you.” So Balaam went on with the princes of Balak. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And the angel of YHWH said to Balaam, “Go with the men, and only the word that I speak to you shall you speak.” And Balaam went with the princes of Balak. King James Bible And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. New King James Version Then the Angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall speak.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. New American Standard Bible But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you shall speak only the word that I tell you.” So Balaam went along with the representatives of Balak. NASB 1995 But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you shall speak only the word which I tell you.” So Balaam went along with the leaders of Balak. NASB 1977 But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you shall speak only the word which I shall tell you.” So Balaam went along with the leaders of Balak. Legacy Standard Bible But the angel of Yahweh said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you shall speak only the word which I tell you.” So Balaam went along with the leaders of Balak. Amplified Bible The Angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you shall speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went along with the leaders of Balak. Berean Annotated Bible But the angel of the LORD {YHWH} said to Balaam (not of the people), “Go with the men, but you are to speak only what I tell you. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak (devastator). Christian Standard Bible Then the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to say only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with Balak’s officials. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the Angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but you are to say only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with Balak’s officials. American Standard Version And the angel of Jehovah said unto Balaam, Go with the men; but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Contemporary English Version "It's all right for you to go," the LORD's angel answered. "But you must say only what I tell you." So Balaam went on with Balak's officials. English Revised Version And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. GOD'S WORD® Translation The Messenger of the LORD said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but say only what I tell you." So Balaam went with Balak's princes. Good News Translation But the angel said, "Go on with these men, but say only what I tell you to say." So Balaam went on with them. International Standard Version But the angel of the LORD told Balaam, "Go with the men, but deliver only the message that I'm going to give you." So Balaam went with Balak's officials. NET Bible But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but you may only speak the word that I will speak to you." So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. New Heart English Bible The angel of God said to Balaam, "Go with the men; but only the word that I shall speak to you, that you shall speak." So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Webster's Bible Translation And the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak to thee, that thou shalt speak: So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut 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. World English Bible Yahweh’s angel said to Balaam, “Go with the men; but you shall only speak the word that I shall speak to you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the Messenger of YHWH says to Balaam, “Go with the men; and only the word which I speak to you—it you speak”; and Balaam goes with the princes of Balak. Berean Literal Bible And the angel of YHWH said to Balaam, “Go with the men, and only the word that I speak to you shall you speak.” And Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Young's Literal Translation And the messenger of Jehovah saith unto Balaam, 'Go with the men; and only the word which I speak unto thee -- it thou dost speak;' and Balaam goeth with the princes of Balak. Smith's Literal Translation And the messenger of Jehovah will say to Balaam, Go with the men: and only the word which I shall speak to thee thou shalt speak it: and Balaam will go with the leaders of Balak. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe angel said: Go with these men, and see thou speak no other thing than what I shall command thee. He went therefore with the princes. Catholic Public Domain Version The Angel said, “Go with them, but be careful not to speak anything other than what I shall instruct you.” And so, he went with the leaders. New American Bible But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam: “Go with the men; but you may say only what I tell you.” So Balaam went on with the princes of Balak. New Revised Standard Version The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, “Go with the men; but speak only what I tell you to speak.” So Balaam went on with the officials of Balak. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, Go with the men; but only the command that I shall speak to you, that shall you do. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Angel of LORD JEHOVAH said to Balaam: “Go with the men, only the word that I speak to you, do that”, and Balaam went on with the Princes of Balaq. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam: 'Go with the men; but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak.' So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the angel of the Lord said to Balaam, Go with the men: nevertheless the word which I shall speak to thee, that thou shalt take heed to speak. And Balaam went with the princes of Balac. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Angel and Balaam's Donkey…34“I have sinned,” Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “for I did not realize that you were standing in the road to confront me. And now, if this is displeasing in your sight, I will go back home.” 35But 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. 36When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite city on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory.… Cross References But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, Genesis 22:11-12 Just then the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. / “Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him,” said the angel, “for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” Judges 6:11-12 Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. / And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” “Go with the men, Acts 10:20 So get up! Go downstairs and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them.” Genesis 24:58 They called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she replied. but you are to speak only what I tell you.” Deuteronomy 18:18-20 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. / And I will hold accountable anyone who does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name. / But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.” 1 Kings 22:14 But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” Jeremiah 1:7 But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. 2 Kings 1:15 Then the angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him. Do not be afraid of him.” So Elijah got up and went down with him to the king. Acts 10:23 So Peter invited them in as his guests. And the next day he got ready and went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa. Acts 11:12 The Spirit told me to accompany them without hesitation. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s home. 2 Peter 2:15-16 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. / But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. Jude 1:11 Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed for profit into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. Deuteronomy 23:4-5 For they did not meet you with food and water on your way out of Egypt, and they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in Aram-naharaim to curse you. / Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you. Joshua 24:9-10 Then Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, set out to fight against Israel. He sent for Balaam son of Beor to curse you, / but I would not listen to Balaam. So he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you from his hand. Nehemiah 13:2 because they had not met the Israelites with food and water, but had hired Balaam to call down a curse against them (although our God had turned the curse into a blessing). Treasury of Scripture And the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak to you, that you shall speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. go Numbers 22:20 And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. Psalm 81:12 So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels. Isaiah 37:26-29 Hast thou not heard long ago, how I have done it; and of ancient times, that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste defenced cities into ruinous heaps… I shall speak Numbers 22:20,21 And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do… Jump to Previous Balaam Balak Bid Chiefs Leaders Messenger Princes Speak WordJump to Next Balaam Balak Bid Chiefs Leaders Messenger Princes Speak WordNumbers 22 1. Balak's first message for Balaam is refused15. His second message obtains him 22. An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey 36. Balak entertains him But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam The "angel of the LORD" is often seen as a theophany, a manifestation of God Himself, which is significant in the Old Testament. This encounter emphasizes God's direct intervention in human affairs. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is being addressed by God, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples. This moment is pivotal as it shows God's control over the situation, despite Balaam's initial intentions to curse Israel. “Go with the men but you are to speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet or diviner who is summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. Balaam is known for his encounter with the Angel of the LORD and his talking donkey. 2. Angel of the LORD A divine messenger who appears to Balaam on his journey to Moab. The Angel of the LORD initially opposes Balaam's path but later instructs him on what to do. 3. Balak The king of Moab who fears the Israelites due to their numbers and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. 4. Moab A region east of the Jordan River, where Balak rules and where Balaam is summoned to curse the Israelites. 5. Israelites The people of God, who are journeying to the Promised Land and are seen as a threat by Balak due to their large numbers and recent victories. Teaching Points Obedience to God's WordBalaam's account emphasizes the importance of obeying God's instructions, even when they conflict with personal desires or external pressures. God's Sovereignty The account demonstrates God's control over events and His ability to use even reluctant or misguided individuals to fulfill His purposes. Spiritual Discernment Balaam's encounter with the Angel of the LORD highlights the need for spiritual discernment and the dangers of pursuing personal gain over God's will. The Power of Blessing and Cursing The account illustrates the spiritual reality and power behind blessings and curses, reminding believers of the importance of aligning their words with God's will. The Consequences of Greed Balaam's willingness to entertain Balak's request for financial gain serves as a warning against the dangers of greed and compromising one's integrity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 22:35?2. How does Numbers 22:35 illustrate God's control over Balaam's actions and decisions? 3. What lessons can we learn from Balaam's obedience to God's command in this verse? 4. How does Balaam's journey in Numbers 22:35 connect to Proverbs 3:5-6? 5. In what ways can we ensure our actions align with God's will today? 6. How can Balaam's experience in Numbers 22:35 guide our response to divine instructions? 7. Why did the angel of the LORD allow Balaam to continue his journey in Numbers 22:35? 8. How does Numbers 22:35 reflect God's sovereignty over human intentions and actions? 9. What is the significance of the angel's command in Numbers 22:35 for understanding divine guidance? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22? 11. Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Balaam and the events of Numbers 22? 12. Why does the angel appear to the donkey first rather than Balaam in Numbers 22:23-25, suggesting the animal has greater insight than the prophet? 13. If God permitted Balaam to go (Numbers 22:20), why did He become angry with him later (Numbers 22:22)? 14. How can a donkey speak in Numbers 22:28-30 without contradicting the known biological limitations of animals? What Does Numbers 22:35 Mean But• The conjunction signals a turning point in the narrative—God had just revealed Balaam’s danger (Numbers 22:32–34). • It reminds us that God’s mercy interrupts judgment; despite Balaam’s reckless path, the Lord steps in (Psalm 103:10). • Similar divine “but” moments appear when God reverses courses of sin (Genesis 8:1; Ephesians 2:4). the angel of the LORD said to Balaam • The Angel, who speaks with God’s authority (Genesis 16:10; Exodus 3:2, 6), meets Balaam after blocking his way (Numbers 22:22–27). • His presence underscores that Balaam isn’t dealing with mere circumstances but with the living God (Psalm 34:7). • Like Elijah’s angelic encounter (1 Kings 19:5–7), this shows God’s direct involvement in guiding—even restraining—His servants. Go with the men • Permission is reiterated from God’s earlier word in Numbers 22:20, revealing divine sovereignty over pagan plans (Proverbs 16:9). • God sometimes allows desires to expose hearts (Psalm 106:15), yet He still governs the outcome for His purposes (Genesis 50:20). • Balaam’s journey anticipates God turning a curse into blessing for Israel (Nehemiah 13:2). but you are to speak only what I tell you • A prophet’s lips must stay bound to God’s message (Deuteronomy 18:18–19; Jeremiah 1:7). • Balaam, tempted by Balak’s rewards (2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11), receives a solemn charge: obedience over profit. • “Whatever the LORD says, that I must speak,” echoes later in 1 Kings 22:14 and points to Scripture’s insistence that true prophecy flows from God alone (2 Peter 1:21). So Balaam went with the princes of Balak • Balaam complies outwardly, yet his motives prove mixed, foreshadowing his later counsel to entice Israel into sin (Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2:14). • God’s word stands: Balak’s princes cannot buy a curse against God’s blessed people (Numbers 23:8). • The scene illustrates how God can use even compromised individuals to proclaim His truth (Philippians 1:15–18). summary Numbers 22:35 reveals God’s sovereign control over human plans. Though Balaam may proceed, he may not deviate from God’s word. The verse underscores divine mercy, the binding authority of God’s message, and the assurance that no scheme can thwart God’s blessing on His people. (35) Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee . . . --The command contained in Numbers 22:20 is here repeated, and the unrighteous prophet is punished by being constrained to reap the fruit of his own perversity. It should be observed that here, as elsewhere, the angel who speaks to Balaam identifies himself with Him who sent him: "The word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak." (Comp. Numbers 22:20, where God Himself is represented as delivering to Balaam the same injunction.)Verse 35. - Go with the men. It may be asked to what purpose the angel appeared, if Balaam was to proceed just the same. The answer is that the angel was not a warning, but a destroying, angel, a visible embodiment of the anger of God which burnt against Beldam for his perversity. The angel would have slain Balaam, as the lion slew the disobedient prophet, but that God in his mercy permitted the fidelity and wisdom of the ass to save her master from the immediate consequences of his folly. If Balaam had had a mind capable of instruction, he would indeed have gone on as he was bidden, but in a very different spirit and with very different designs.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But the Angelמַלְאַ֨ךְ (mal·’aḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4397: A messenger, of God, an angel of the LORD יְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel said וַיֹּאמֶר֩ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Balaam, בִּלְעָ֗ם (bil·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1109: Balaam -- a prophet “Go לֵ֚ךְ (lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with the men, הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person but you are to speak אֲדַבֵּ֥ר (’ă·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue only וְאֶ֗פֶס (wə·’e·p̄es) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 657: Cessation, an end, no further, the ankle, foot what אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I tell you.” תְדַבֵּ֑ר (ṯə·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue So Balaam בִּלְעָ֖ם (bil·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1109: Balaam -- a prophet went וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk with עִם־ (‘im-) Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with the princes שָׂרֵ֥י (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of Balak. בָלָֽק׃ (ḇā·lāq) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1111: Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king Links Numbers 22:35 NIVNumbers 22:35 NLT Numbers 22:35 ESV Numbers 22:35 NASB Numbers 22:35 KJV Numbers 22:35 BibleApps.com Numbers 22:35 Biblia Paralela Numbers 22:35 Chinese Bible Numbers 22:35 French Bible Numbers 22:35 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 22:35 The angel of Yahweh said to Balaam (Nu Num.) |
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