And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto Balak, and say thus.

NUMBERS 23:16KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 23:16 (KJV)

What does Numbers 23:16 mean?

Numbers 23:16 describes how the LORD met with Balaam and gave him a specific message to deliver to Balak. The verse shows that Balaam did not speak his own thoughts but passed on exactly what God told him to say.

In this scene, Balaam is a non-Israelite prophet hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. Instead of cursing, Balaam receives direct instruction from the LORD and is told to return to Balak with God's message. The verse highlights that Balaam’s words are not his own, but come directly from God, setting the stage for what Balaam will say next.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 23:16

  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that the message comes from the God of Israel, not just any deity.
  • "met" (קָרָא, qara’): This word often means to encounter or meet unexpectedly, suggesting a direct and intentional meeting between God and Balaam.
  • "put" (שִׂים, sim): This verb means to place or set, showing that God is actively giving Balaam the exact words to speak, not just general guidance.
  • "word" (דָּבָר, davar): This term means a specific message or matter, stressing that what Balaam will say is a direct communication from God.

Why Numbers 23:16 matters

  • Numbers 23:16 makes it clear that Balaam’s message is not his own opinion or invention, but a word placed in his mouth by God, which counters any idea that Balaam could manipulate or change God’s will.
  • The verse highlights the authority and initiative of the LORD in this story, showing that even a foreign prophet cannot act outside God’s control.
  • This moment sets up the tension in the wider passage: although Balak wants a curse, God’s message through Balaam will not be what Balak expects, underlining God’s sovereignty over human plans.

Where else these words appear

“met” Hebrew H7136 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 24:12 And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
  • Numbers 23:15 And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet the LORD yonder.
  • Nehemiah 3:6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

“Balak” Hebrew H1111 · used in 40 verses

  • Numbers 22:2 And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
  • Numbers 22:39 And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth.
  • Numbers 23:25 And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

“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 22:31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
  • Numbers 23:29 And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bullocks and seven rams.