Numbers 22:38

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
בִּלְעָ֜ם
And Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
בָּלָ֗ק
unto Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#5
הִֽנֵּה
lo!
#6
בָ֙אתִי֙
Lo I am come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#7
אֵלֶ֔יךָ
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
עַתָּ֕ה
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#9
הֲיָכֹ֥ל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#10
אוּכַ֖ל
at all
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
#11
אֲדַבֵּֽר׃
that shall I speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#12
מְא֑וּמָה
any thing
properly, a speck or point, i.e., (by implication) something; with negative, nothing
#13
הַדָּבָ֗ר
the word
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#14
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#15
יָשִׂ֧ים
putteth
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#16
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
that God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#17
בְּפִ֖י
in my mouth
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#18
אֹת֥וֹ
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#19
אֲדַבֵּֽר׃
that shall I speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

Analysis

Within the broader context of Numbers, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Numbers.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Numbers Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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