And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.

NUMBERS 22:30KJV
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Numbers 22:30 (KJV)

What does Numbers 22:30 mean?

Numbers 22:30 describes the donkey speaking to Balaam, reminding him that she has always been his faithful animal and asking if she has ever acted this way before. Balaam answers "No," admitting that her behavior is unusual. The verse highlights the surprising moment when the donkey speaks and appeals to Balaam’s own experience to make him reconsider his actions.

In this scene, the donkey (ass) is addressing Balaam, her owner, after Balaam has struck her for stopping in the road. The donkey points out that she has carried Balaam faithfully for years and has never acted stubborn or strange before. This conversation is meant to make Balaam realize that something out of the ordinary is happening, setting up the revelation that the donkey saw an angel blocking the way.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 22:30

  • אָתוֹן (aton, H860): This word means "female donkey" or "ass." The repetition of this term in the passage emphasizes the close, familiar relationship between Balaam and his animal, making her sudden speech even more striking.
  • רָכַב (rakhav, H7392): This verb means "to ride." The donkey reminds Balaam that he has ridden her for a long time, underlining her reliability and the trust he should have in her actions.
  • הַסְכֵּן (hasqen, H5532): This word, translated as "ever" or "wont," carries the sense of being accustomed or habitual. The donkey is asking if her current behavior is something she has ever done before, stressing that her actions are out of character and should be noticed.

Why Numbers 22:30 matters

  • Numbers 22:30 clears up that the donkey’s behavior is not normal or rebellious, but a response to something extraordinary that Balaam cannot see.
  • The verse emphasizes the close, everyday relationship between Balaam and his donkey, making the miracle of her speech more personal and impactful.
  • This moment prepares the reader for the revelation that follows, showing that even a trusted animal can be used to deliver an important message when a person is blind to what is really happening.

Where else these words appear

“ever” Hebrew H5532 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Kings 1:2 Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.
  • Job 22:2 Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?
  • Job 35:3 For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin?

“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 22:28 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?
  • 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.

“ridden” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:44 And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:
  • Psalms 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.