Numbers 22:38
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.”

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.”

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."

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.?

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.

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 Version
And 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.”

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 Bible
He 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 Bible
And 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 1917
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.'

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
Deuteronomy 18:18-19
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.

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.

John 12:49-50
I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. / And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”

Isaiah 55:11
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

1 Kings 22:14
But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.”

Jeremiah 23:28-29
Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD. / “Is not My word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?”

Matthew 10:19-20
But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Acts 4:19-20
But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

1 Corinthians 14:37
If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command.

Exodus 4:12
Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”

Luke 1:70
as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,

Hebrews 1:1-2
On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.


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.

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Able Balaam Balak Mouth Power Puts Putteth Speak Word
Numbers 22
1. Balak's first message for Balaam is refused
15. 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,
Balaam's response is crucial as it sets the tone for his interactions with Balak. Despite being a pagan prophet, Balaam acknowledges a higher authority. His reply indicates a shift from his initial intentions, influenced by God's direct intervention. This moment reflects the biblical theme of God using unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes, similar to how He used Cyrus in Isaiah 45:1.

but can I say just anything?
This rhetorical question emphasizes Balaam's awareness of his limitations. It reflects the biblical principle that true prophecy is not subject to human will but is directed by God. This aligns with 2 Peter 1:21, which states that prophecy comes from God, not from human impulse. Balaam's acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over human speech and actions.

I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.
Balaam's declaration underscores the concept of divine inspiration. Despite his initial desire for personal gain, Balaam recognizes that he is bound to speak only what God commands. This mirrors the prophetic tradition seen throughout Scripture, where prophets like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:9) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 3:4) are given words directly from God. It also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's word through Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh in John 1:14. Balaam's statement highlights the tension between human free will and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme in biblical narratives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Balaam
A 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 Speech
God 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.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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


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OT Law: Numbers 22:38 Balaam said to Balak Behold I have (Nu Num.)
Numbers 22:37
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