And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

NUMBERS 22:28KJV
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Numbers 22:28 (KJV)

What does Numbers 22:28 mean?

Numbers 22:28 describes a moment when God causes Balaam’s donkey to speak, asking Balaam why he has beaten her three times. The verse shows a miraculous event where an animal is given the ability to talk in order to confront its owner’s actions.

In this scene, Balaam is on his way to meet Balak, and his donkey has stopped because she sees an angel blocking the path—something Balaam cannot see. After Balaam strikes the donkey out of frustration, God enables the donkey to speak directly to Balaam, questioning the fairness of the treatment she has received.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 22:28

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that it is God Himself who acts directly in this situation, not just a general divine power.
  • opened (פָּתַח, patach): The word means to open, here used for God giving the donkey the ability to speak. This highlights the supernatural nature of the event—something impossible by normal means.
  • mouth (פֶּה, peh): The Hebrew word for mouth is used literally, pointing out that the donkey’s actual mouth was enabled to speak human words.
  • ass (אָתוֹן, athon): The specific word for a female donkey is used, making it clear which animal is involved and personalizing the story.
  • smitten (נָכָה, nakah): This word means to strike or hit, and it is used here to show that Balaam’s actions were forceful, not just a gentle tap.

Why Numbers 22:28 matters

  • Numbers 22:28 clears up any idea that the donkey’s speech is a trick or illusion; the verse directly states that God is the one who makes this happen.
  • The verse emphasizes how God can use unexpected means, even a humble animal, to get a person’s attention and challenge their actions.
  • This moment sets up a turning point in the story, as it leads Balaam to realize that there is more going on than he can see, and that his own understanding is limited compared to God’s.

Where else these words appear

“ass” Hebrew H860 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 22:29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
  • 1 Samuel 10:14 And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel.

“Balaam” Hebrew H1109 · used in 57 verses

  • Numbers 22:5 He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
  • 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.
  • Numbers 23:29 And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.

“opened” Hebrew H6605 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 7:11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
  • Nehemiah 6:5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
  • Isaiah 14:17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners?