Numbers 22:28
And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּפְתַּ֥ח
opened
H6605
וַיִּפְתַּ֥ח
opened
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
1 of 15
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פִּ֣י
the mouth
H6310
פִּ֣י
the mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 15
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
מֶה
H4100
מֶה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
עָשִׂ֣יתִֽי
What have I done
H6213
עָשִׂ֣יתִֽי
What have I done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
9 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הִכִּיתַ֔נִי
unto thee that thou hast smitten
H5221
הִכִּיתַ֔נִי
unto thee that thou hast smitten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
12 of 15
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
2 Peter 2:16But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.Luke 1:37For with God nothing shall be impossible.Exodus 4:11And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
Historical Context
This is the only biblical account of an animal speaking besides the serpent in Eden. The miracle served double purpose: revealing the angel blocking Balaam's path and shaming the prophet whose moral sight was inferior to his donkey's.
Questions for Reflection
- When has God used unexpected or humbling means to correct your wrong-headed persistence?
- How can someone hear from God yet remain spiritually blind to His obvious opposition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God miraculously 'opened the mouth of the ass' to speak to Balaam, asking 'What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?' This unprecedented miracle (2 Peter 2:16 calls it unique) revealed God's power over creation and rebuked Balaam's stubborn persistence in wrong direction. That a dumb beast saw God's angel while the prophet remained blind showed spiritual blindness can afflict even those who hear from God.