Lexical Summary Balaam: Balaam Original Word: Βαλαάμ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Balaam. Of Hebrew origin (Bil'am); Balaam, a Mesopotamian (symbolic of a false teacher) -- Balaam. see HEBREW Bil'am NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Bilam Definition Balaam, an unrighteous prophet NASB Translation Balaam (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 903: ΒαλαάμΒαλαάμ, ὁ, indeclinable (in the Sept. for בִּלְעָם, according to Gesenius (perhaps) from בַּל and עָם non-populus, i. e. foreign; according to Jo. Simonis equivalent to עָם בֶּלַע a swallowing up of the people; in Josephus, ὁ Βαλαμος), Balaam (or Bileam), a native of Pethor a city of Mesopotamia, endued by Jehovah with prophetic power. He was hired by Balak (see Βαλάκ) to curse the Israelites; and influenced by the love of reward, he wished to gratify Balak; but he was compelled by Jehovah's power to bless them (Numbers 22-24; Deuteronomy 23:5; Joshua 13:22; Joshua 24:9; Micah 6:5). Hence, the later Jews saw in him a most abandoned deceiver: Revelation 2:14; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11. Cf. Winers RWB (and BB. DD.) under the word. Topical Lexicon Historical background Balaam son of Beor was a non-Israelite diviner active during Israel’s wilderness sojourn (Numbers 22–24). Summoned by Balak king of Moab to curse Israel, Balaam received extraordinary revelations from God, yet his heart remained mercenary. When divine intervention turned his intended curses into blessings, Balaam later advised Balak to corrupt Israel through idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25; 31:16). He was slain in Israel’s war against Midian (Numbers 31:8). Old Testament narrative highlights • Divine encounter: Balaam’s donkey episode (Numbers 22:22-35) exposes spiritual blindness birthed by greed. New Testament references 2 Peter 2:15 presents “the way of Balaam… who loved the wages of wickedness,” warning that materialism will lure false teachers off “the straight way.” Jude 11 speaks of “the error of Balaam for profit,” placing him alongside Cain and Korah as archetypes of apostasy. Revelation 2:14 exposes “the teaching of Balaam” in Pergamum—an ideology that normalizes idolatry and sexual immorality within the believing community. Doctrinal themes and warnings Greed: Balaam’s desire for reward eclipsed his fleeting obedience, illustrating that covetousness breeds doctrinal compromise. Compromise with pagan culture: His strategy shows how external persecution can morph into internal seduction when God’s people adopt surrounding practices. Irrevocable blessing: Despite human schemes, God’s declared blessing on His covenant people stands firm (Numbers 23:19-20). Prophetic accountability: Genuine prophetic gift does not exempt one from judgment (compare Matthew 7:22-23). Ministry application • Guard the heart: Spiritual gifts must be yoked to integrity; otherwise ministry is corrupted by self-interest. Typological significance Balaam functions as a foil: though granted remarkable revelation, he epitomizes the unregenerate heart that resists God’s moral demands. His prophecies, however, prefigure the Messiah’s universal reign (Numbers 24:17-19), showing that God can use even compromised vessels to proclaim redemptive truth. Key cross-references Numbers 22–24; Numbers 25; Numbers 31:8, 16; Deuteronomy 23:4-5; Joshua 24:9-10; Nehemiah 13:2; Micah 6:5; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14. Forms and Transliterations Βαλααμ Βαλαάμ Βαλαὰμ Balaam Balaám BalaàmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Peter 2:15 NGRK: ὁδῷ τοῦ Βαλαὰμ τοῦ Βοσόρ NAS: the way of Balaam, the [son] of Beor, KJV: the way of Balaam [the son] of Bosor, INT: way of Balaam [son] of Beor Jude 1:11 N Revelation 2:14 N |
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