Numbers 23:26

Authorized King James Version

But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֣עַן
H6030
answered
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,
#2
בִּלְעָ֔ם
H1109
But Balaam
bilam, a place in palestine
#3
לֵאמֹ֔ר
H559
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#5
בָּלָ֑ק
H1111
unto Balak
balak, a moabitish king
#6
הֲלֹ֗א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
H1696
Told
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#8
אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#9
לֵאמֹ֔ר
H559
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#10
כֹּ֛ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#11
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
H1696
Told
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#13
יְהוָ֖ה
H3068
All that the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
אֹת֥וֹ
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#15
אֶֽעֱשֶֽׂה׃
H6213
that I must do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Numbers. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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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