Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Well, I have come to you now,” Balaam replied. “But I can’t say whatever I please. I must speak only what God puts in my mouth.” New Living Translation Balaam replied, “Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want. I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth.” English Standard Version Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you! Have I now any power of my own to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that must I speak.” Berean Standard Bible “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.” Berean Literal Bible And Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you; now am I able at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak.” King James Bible And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak. New King James Version And Balaam said to Balak, “Look, I have come to you! Now, have I any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak.” New American Standard Bible So Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you now! Am I really able to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that only shall I speak.” NASB 1995 So Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come now to you! Am I able to speak anything at all? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.” NASB 1977 So Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come now to you! Am I able to speak anything at all? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.” Legacy Standard Bible So Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come now to you! Am I able to speak anything at all? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.” Amplified Bible So Balaam said to Balak, “Indeed I have come to you now, but am I able to say anything at all? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.” Berean Annotated Bible “See, I have come to you, Balaam (not of the people) replied (devastator), “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God {Elohim} puts in my mouth. Christian Standard Bible Balaam said to him, “Look, I have come to you, but can I say anything I want? I must speak only the message God puts in my mouth.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Balaam said to him, “Look, I have come to you, but can I say anything I want? I must speak only the message God puts in my mouth.” American Standard Version And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to speak anything? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak. Contemporary English Version "I'm here now," Balaam answered. "But I will say only what God tells me to say." English Revised Version And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to speak any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak. GOD'S WORD® Translation Balaam replied, "Well, I've come to you now. But I can't say whatever I want to. I can only say what God tells me to say." Good News Translation Balaam answered, "I came, didn't I? But now, what power do I have? I can say only what God tells me to say." International Standard Version Balaam answered Balak, "Well, I'm here now. I've come to you, but I can't just say anything, can I? I'll speak only what God puts in my mouth to say." NET Bible Balaam said to Balak, "Look, I have come to you. Now, am I able to speak just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth." New Heart English Bible Balaam said to Balak, "Look, I have come to you: have I now any power at all to speak anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak." Webster's Bible Translation And Balaam said to Balak, Lo, I have come to thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.” World English Bible Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you. Have I now any power at all to speak anything? I will speak the word that God puts in my mouth.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Balaam says to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you; now, am I able to speak anything at all? The word which God sets in my mouth—it I speak.” Berean Literal Bible And Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you; now am I able at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak.” Young's Literal Translation And Balaam saith unto Balak, 'Lo, I have come unto thee; now -- am I at all able to speak anything? the word which God setteth in my mouth -- it I do speak.' Smith's Literal Translation And Balaam will say to Balak, Behold, I come to thee: being able, shall I be able to speak any thing? the word which Jehovah shall put in my mouth I will speak it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe answered him: Lo, here I am: shall I have power to speak any other thing but that which God shall put in my mouth? Catholic Public Domain Version He answered him: “Behold, here I am. Am I able to speak anything other than what God will put into my mouth?” New American Bible Balaam answered Balak, “Well, I have come to you after all. But what power have I to say anything? I can speak only what God puts in my mouth.” New Revised Standard Version Balaam said to Balak, “I have come to you now, but do I have power to say just anything? The word God puts in my mouth, that is what I must say.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Balaam said to Balak, Lo, I have come to you; have I now any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Balaam said to Balaq, “Behold, I have come to you now, for surely I am not able to say anything but the word that God lays down in my mouth; that is what I say.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Balaam said unto Balak: 'Lo, I am come unto thee; have I now any power at all to speak any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Balaam said to Balac, Behold, I am now come to thee: shall I be able to say anything? the word which God shall put into my mouth, that I shall speak. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Angel and Balaam's Donkey…37And he said to Balaam, “Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to richly reward you?” 38“See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “ but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.” 39So Balaam accompanied Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.… Cross References “See, I have come to you,” Daniel 10:12 “Do not be afraid, Daniel,” he said, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. Joshua 5:14 “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander of the LORD’s army.” Then Joshua fell facedown in reverence and asked Him, “What does my Lord have to say to His servant?” Acts 10:29 So when I was invited, I came without objection. I ask, then, why have you sent for me?” Balaam replied, Numbers 23:12 But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?” Numbers 23:26 But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?” Numbers 24:13 that 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 must speak whatever the LORD says. “but can I say just anything? 1 Kings 22:14 But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” John 8:28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me. John 12:49 I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.” 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. 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. 2 Samuel 23:2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue. Jeremiah 1:7-9 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. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. / Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. Ezekiel 2:7 But speak My words to them, whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious. Amos 3:7-8 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. / The lion has roared—who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken—who will not prophesy? 2 Peter 1:21 For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Treasury of Scripture And Balaam said to Balak, See, I am come to you: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak. have I Numbers 22:18 And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more. Psalm 33:10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. Psalm 76:10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. the word Numbers 23:16,26 And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus… Numbers 24:13 If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak? 1 Kings 22:14 And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak. Jump to Previous Able Balaam Balak Mouth Power Puts Putteth Speak WordJump to Next Able Balaam Balak Mouth Power Puts Putteth 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 See, I have come to you, Balaam's arrival signifies the culmination of Balak's persistent efforts to secure his services. Balak, the king of Moab, was fearful of the Israelites' approach and sought Balaam, a renowned diviner, to curse them. This phrase highlights the tension between human plans and divine intervention. Balaam's journey was marked by divine encounters, including the famous incident with the talking donkey, which underscores God's control over the situation. Balaam replied, but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth. Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet known for his ability to bless and curse. He is summoned by Balak to curse Israel. 2. Balak The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them. 3. Moab The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, where the Israelites camped during their journey to the Promised Land. 4. God's Command God instructs Balaam to only speak the words He gives him, emphasizing divine control over human intentions. 5. The Journey Balaam's journey to meet Balak is marked by divine intervention, including the famous incident with Balaam's donkey. Teaching Points Divine Sovereignty Over Human SpeechGod has ultimate authority over what we say and do. Like Balaam, we must be willing to submit our words and actions to His will. The Danger of Compromise Balaam's account warns against the temptation to compromise God's commands for personal gain or favor with others. Obedience to God's Word True obedience involves speaking and acting according to God's instructions, even when it contradicts our desires or the expectations of others. The Power of God's Word God's word is powerful and effective, and when spoken through His chosen vessels, it accomplishes His purposes. Faithfulness in Adversity Balaam's journey illustrates the importance of remaining faithful to God's word, even when faced with pressure or opposition. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 22:38?2. How does Balaam's statement in Numbers 22:38 reflect submission to God's authority? 3. What can we learn from Balaam about speaking only "the word God puts" in us? 4. How does Balaam's obedience compare to other biblical figures who spoke God's words? 5. In what ways can we ensure our words align with God's will today? 6. How does Numbers 22:38 encourage reliance on God for guidance in difficult situations? 7. What does Numbers 22:38 reveal about God's control over human speech and actions? 8. How does Balaam's response in Numbers 22:38 reflect his understanding of divine authority? 9. Why is Balaam's acknowledgment of God's words significant in Numbers 22:38? 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. If Balaam’s initial intention was to curse Israel (Numbers 24:1), how does his eventual blessing align with the notion of free will and divine sovereignty? 13. Numbers 23:8–10: How credible is it that a pagan prophet blesses Israel despite a king’s demand to curse them, considering other biblical narratives? 14. How can a donkey speak in Numbers 22:28-30 without contradicting the known biological limitations of animals? What Does Numbers 22:38 Mean See, I have come to youBalak’s messengers had pleaded, bargained, and waited; at last Balaam stands before the king. His opening words underline a simple fact—he really is here. Yet the journey was anything but simple. • The Angel of the LORD blocked Balaam three times, reminding him that divine permission, not human promise, moves a prophet (Numbers 22:22–35). • Earlier, Balaam had told Balak’s emissaries, “Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything beyond the command of the LORD my God” (Numbers 22:18). His arrival, therefore, does not signal independence; it signals submission. • Similar scenes of obedient arrival echo through Scripture: Abraham traveling to Moriah (Genesis 22:3), Moses returning to Egypt (Exodus 4:20), Jonah finally entering Nineveh (Jonah 3:3). Each journey testifies that true servants show up when God says go, yet remain bound to His word once they arrive. but can I say just anything? Standing before a pagan king eager for a lucrative curse, Balaam immediately limits his own speech. • Prophetic restraint runs like a thread through Scripture. Micaiah told King Ahab, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me” (1 Kings 22:14). Jeremiah warned against prophets who “speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:16). • God’s messengers are not free agents. Paul could have tailored his message for itching ears in Corinth, yet he declared, “We do not peddle the word of God for profit” (2 Corinthians 2:17). • This caution guards both prophet and hearer. When Balaam asks, “Can I say just anything?” he admits that unchecked speech is dangerous (James 3:1–2). The question prepares Balak—and us—for a word that may contradict every human expectation. I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth Here Balaam states the prophet’s creed. • The phrase mirrors God’s promise to Moses: “I will help you speak and teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:12) and His pledge concerning the coming Prophet: “I will put My words in his mouth” (Deuteronomy 18:18). • True prophecy is Spirit‐given, not self‐generated. “Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). • Balaam’s fidelity will soon stun Balak. Instead of cursing, he blesses Israel repeatedly (Numbers 23–24), climaxing with a messianic oracle: “A Star will come forth from Jacob” (Numbers 24:17). God’s word overrides every contract, bribe, or threat. • The New Testament carries the same mandate. When commanded to be silent, Peter and John replied, “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Whether prophet, apostle, or modern believer, the calling remains identical: echo heaven, add nothing, subtract nothing (Revelation 22:18–19). summary Balaam’s brief statement unfolds a threefold lesson: show up where God sends you, guard your tongue from self-willed speech, and release only what God places there. Prophets, pastors, parents, and every follower of Christ stand under the same banner: speak the word, all the word, and only the word of the Lord. Hebrew “See,הִֽנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! I have come בָ֙אתִי֙ (ḇā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to you,” אֵלֶ֔יךָ (’ê·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Balaam בִּלְעָ֜ם (bil·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1109: Balaam -- a prophet replied, וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “but can אוּכַ֖ל (’ū·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 3201: To be able, have power I say דַּבֵּ֣ר (dab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue just anything? מְא֑וּמָה (mə·’ū·māh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3972: A speck, point, nothing I must speak אֲדַבֵּֽר׃ (’ă·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue only the word הַדָּבָ֗ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause that אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that God אֱלֹהִ֛ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative puts יָשִׂ֧ים (yā·śîm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set in my mouth.” בְּפִ֖י (bə·p̄î) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to Links Numbers 22:38 NIVNumbers 22:38 NLT Numbers 22:38 ESV Numbers 22:38 NASB Numbers 22:38 KJV Numbers 22:38 BibleApps.com Numbers 22:38 Biblia Paralela Numbers 22:38 Chinese Bible Numbers 22:38 French Bible Numbers 22:38 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 22:38 Balaam said to Balak Behold I have (Nu Num.) |
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