Numbers 23:12
And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֖עַן
And he answered
H6030
וַיַּ֖עַן
And he answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
הֲלֹ֗א
H3808
הֲלֹ֗א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֵת֩
H853
אֵת֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָשִׂ֤ים
hath put
H7760
יָשִׂ֤ים
hath put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
6 of 11
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
יְהוָה֙
that which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
that which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּפִ֔י
in my mouth
H6310
בְּפִ֔י
in my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
8 of 11
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
אֹת֥וֹ
H853
אֹת֥וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Numbers 22:38And 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.Numbers 23:26But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?Numbers 24:13If 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?Numbers 23:20Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.
Historical Context
Balaam's constraint to speak only God's words establishes the standard for genuine prophecy throughout Scripture. False prophets speak what people want to hear (Jeremiah 23:16-17, Ezekiel 13:2-3), while true prophets speak God's words despite opposition.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you ensure your words reflect God's truth rather than audience expectations?
- What cost are you willing to bear to speak unpopular truth God has revealed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Balaam responds 'Must I not take heed to speak that which the LORD hath put in my mouth?' This acknowledges prophetic obligation to speak God's words regardless of personal cost or preference. True prophets cannot tailor messages to audience expectations or financial incentives. Yet Balaam's later actions proved he sought loopholes when direct cursing was forbidden.