Numbers 22:34
And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.
Original Language Analysis
מַלְאַ֤ךְ
unto the angel
H4397
מַלְאַ֤ךְ
unto the angel
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
4 of 20
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חָטָ֔אתִי
I have sinned
H2398
חָטָ֔אתִי
I have sinned
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
for I knew
H3045
יָדַ֔עְתִּי
for I knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
9 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִצָּ֥ב
not that thou stoodest
H5324
נִצָּ֥ב
not that thou stoodest
Strong's:
H5324
Word #:
12 of 20
to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
לִקְרָאתִ֖י
against
H7125
לִקְרָאתִ֖י
against
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
13 of 20
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ
in the way
H1870
בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ
in the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
14 of 20
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
וְעַתָּ֛ה
H6258
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
16 of 20
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ
H5869
בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
18 of 20
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
1 Samuel 15:24And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.2 Samuel 12:13And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.1 Samuel 15:30Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD thy God.1 Samuel 26:21Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
Historical Context
The angel permitted Balaam to continue (v.35) while reinforcing restrictions, testing whether Balaam would honor limitations. Balaam's subsequent attempt to find ways to curse Israel (through causing them to sin, 31:16) proved his confession was lip service, not genuine repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does conditional obedience ('if You still object') reveal uncommitted hearts beneath confessions?
- What's the difference between confessing sin and genuinely repenting of the desires behind it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Balaam confesses to the angel 'I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.' The conditional 'if it displease thee' reveals incomplete repentance—true contrition doesn't offer to obey only if God still objects. Balaam sought permission to continue despite acknowledging sin, showing how confession without heart change manipulates grace.