Numbers 22:33
And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּרְאַ֙נִי֙
saw
H7200
וַתִּרְאַ֙נִי֙
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
נָֽטְתָ֣ה
me and turned
H5186
נָֽטְתָ֣ה
me and turned
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
3 of 17
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
מִפָּנַ֔י
from me
H6440
מִפָּנַ֔י
from me
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
these three
H7969
שָׁלֹ֣שׁ
these three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
6 of 17
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
רְגָלִ֑ים
times
H7272
רְגָלִ֑ים
times
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
7 of 17
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
נָֽטְתָ֣ה
me and turned
H5186
נָֽטְתָ֣ה
me and turned
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
9 of 17
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
מִפָּנַ֔י
from me
H6440
מִפָּנַ֔י
from me
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
10 of 17
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַתָּ֛ה
H6258
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
13 of 17
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֹֽתְכָ֥ה
H853
אֹֽתְכָ֥ה
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָרַ֖גְתִּי
surely now also I had slain
H2026
הָרַ֖גְתִּי
surely now also I had slain
Strong's:
H2026
Word #:
15 of 17
to smite with deadly intent
Historical Context
The three turnings corresponded to three increasing intensities of the angel's opposition, with the final incident cornering Balaam against a wall. God's escalating warnings paralleled Balaam's escalating stubbornness, showing divine patience even with rebellious servants.
Questions for Reflection
- How might current frustrations and obstacles actually be God's merciful protection from worse danger?
- What does it mean when even your means of transportation seems to resist your chosen direction?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The angel explained the donkey 'turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.' The animal's disobedience saved Balaam's life, while his insistence on his own way nearly killed him. This inversion of expected values—faithful animal preserving obstinate prophet—demonstrates how God's protection sometimes comes through what we perceive as obstacles and frustrations.