Numbers 22:20 (KJV)

What does Numbers 22:20 mean?

Numbers 22:20 describes God giving Balaam permission to travel with the men who have come for him, while placing a firm limit on what Balaam may do. Balaam’s journey is permitted if the men call him, but his actions remain subject to God’s words.

The visitors have come from Balak, the king of Moab, who wants Balaam to curse Israel. After Balaam asks them to stay overnight, God speaks to him at night. The instruction joins a condition about the visitors’ call to a restriction on Balaam’s response.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 22:20

• “word” — דָּבָר (davar): This can mean a word, a message, or a matter. Here it points to what God will communicate to Balaam, rather than to a single word alone.
• “do” — עָשָׂה (asah): This means to do or carry out. The instruction concerns Balaam’s actions in response to God’s message, not merely his travel.

Why Numbers 22:20 matters

• The permission is conditional. The KJV says, “If the men come to call thee,” joining Balaam’s departure to their call.
• The earlier refusal gives the new permission its setting. In Numbers 22:12, God tells Balaam not to go with the first messengers or curse Israel; in verse 20, God permits the journey but keeps control over Balaam’s actions.
• Going with Balak’s men does not mean Balaam can promise the curse Balak wants. Later, Balaam tells Balak that he must speak the word God puts in his mouth (Numbers 22:38).