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◄ Numbers 22:18►

New International Version
But Balaam answered them, “Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.

New Living Translation
But Balaam responded to Balak’s messengers, “Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the LORD my God.

English Standard Version
But Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the LORD my God to do less or more.

Berean Standard Bible
But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.

King James Bible
And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

New King James Version
Then Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

New American Standard Bible
But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not doanything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the LORD my God.

NASB 1995
Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the LORD my God.

NASB 1977
And Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the LORD my God.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either small or great, to trespass the command of Yahweh my God.

Amplified Bible
Balaam answered the servants of Balak, “Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the LORD my God.

Christian Standard Bible
But Balaam responded to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go against the command of the LORD my God to do anything small or great.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But Balaam responded to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go against the command of the LORD my God to do anything small or great.

American Standard Version
And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of Jehovah my God, to do less or more.

Contemporary English Version
Balaam answered, "Even if Balak offered me a palace full of silver or gold, I wouldn't do anything to disobey the LORD my God.

English Revised Version
And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But Balaam answered Balak's servants, "Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I couldn't disobey the command of the LORD my God no matter whether the request was important or not.

Good News Translation
But Balaam answered, "Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not disobey the command of the LORD my God in even the smallest matter.

International Standard Version
Balaam responded to Balak's entourage by saying, "Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I won't double-cross the command of the LORD my God in even the slightest way.

NET Bible
Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, "Even if Balak would give me his palace full of silver and gold, I could not transgress the commandment of the LORD my God to do less or more.

New Heart English Bible
Balaam answered the servants of Balak, "If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can't go beyond the command of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.

World English Bible
Balaam answered the servants of Balak, “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can’t go beyond the word of Yahweh my God, to do less or more.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Balaam answers and says to the servants of Balak, “If Balak gives to me the fullness of his house of silver and gold, I am not able to pass over the command of my God YHWH, to do a little or a great thing;

Young's Literal Translation
And Balaam answereth and saith unto the servants of Balak, 'If Balak doth give to me the fulness of his house of silver and gold, I am not able to pass over the command of Jehovah my God, to do a little or a great thing;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Balaam will answer, and say to the servants of Balak, If Balak will give to me his house full of silver and gold, I shall not be able to pass over the mouth of Jehovah my God to do little or great.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Balaam answered: If Balac would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot alter the word of the Lord my God, to speak either more or less.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Balaam responded: “Even if Balak were to give to me his own house, filled with silver and gold, I still would not be able to change the word of the Lord my God, neither to say more, nor to say less.

New American Bible
But Balaam replied to Balak’s servants, “Even if Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, small or great, contrary to the command of the LORD, my God.

New Revised Standard Version
But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “Although Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not transgress against the word of the LORD my God, neither concerning a small matter nor concerning a great matter.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Balaam answered and said to the Servants of Balaq: “If Balaq will give to me his house full of silver or gold, I cannot pass over the word of the mouth of LORD JEHOVAH my God, not for the small, neither for the great.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak: 'If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do any thing, small or great.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Balaam answered and said to the princes of Balac, If Balac would give me his house full of silver and gold, I shall not be able to go beyond the word of the Lord God, to make it little or great in my mind.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Balak Summons Balaam
…17for I will honor you richly and do whatever you say. So please come and put a curse on this people for me!’ ”18But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak,“If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold,I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.19So now, please stay here overnight as the others did, that I may find out what else the LORD has to tell me.”…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Deuteronomy 23:5
Yet the LORD your God would not listen to Balaam, and the LORD your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the LORD your God loves you.

2 Peter 2:15-16
They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. / But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness.

Jude 1:11
Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.

Micah 6:5
My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”

Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against you, because some of you hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. / For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”

2 Kings 22:13
“Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words in this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.”

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.

Isaiah 55:11
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

Jeremiah 23:28
Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD.

1 Kings 13:8-9
But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. / For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’”

Matthew 4:10
“Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”

John 12:43
For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

Treasury of Scripture

And Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

If Balak

Numbers 24:13
If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to doeither good or bad of mine own mind;but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?

Titus 1:16
They profess that they know God; but in works they denyhim, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

I cannot

Numbers 23:26
But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?

1 Kings 22:14
And Micaiah said,As the LORD liveth, what the LORD saith unto me, that will I speak.

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Able Balaam Balak Command Commandment Contrary Either House Less Palace Possible Servants Silver Small Word

Numbers 22

1.Balak's first message for Balaam is refused
15.His second message obtains him
22.An angel would have slain him, if he had not been saved by his donkey
36.Balak entertains him

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak
Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, is approached by the servants of Balak, the king of Moab. This interaction highlights the tension between the Moabites and the Israelites, who were encamped nearby. Balaam's reputation as a seer was known, and Balak sought his services to curse Israel. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern belief in the power of spoken blessings and curses.

“If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold
Balaam emphasizes the magnitude of the bribe by mentioning a house full of silver and gold. This hyperbolic statement underscores the wealth Balak was willing to offer, reflecting the high stakes involved. In the ancient world, wealth was often measured in precious metals, and such a statement indicates the seriousness of Balak's request.

I could not do anything small or great
Balaam acknowledges his limitations, indicating that his abilities are not autonomous but subject to divine authority. This phrase suggests that Balaam recognizes a higher power governing his actions, which is significant given his role as a pagan prophet. It also implies that no matter the size of the task, he is bound by divine constraints.

to go beyond the command of the LORD my God
Here, Balaam refers to the LORD (Yahweh) as "my God," which is notable given his non-Israelite background. This suggests a recognition of Yahweh's supreme authority, even over other deities. The phrase underscores the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will. It also foreshadows the eventual blessing of Israel, despite Balak's intentions. This acknowledgment of divine command aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's control over all nations and peoples.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Balaam
A non-Israelite prophet known for his ability to bless or curse, who is approached by Balak to curse Israel.

2.Balak
The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks Balaam's help to curse them.

3.Moab
The region ruled by Balak, located east of the Dead Sea, where the Israelites camped during their journey to the Promised Land.

4.The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who communicates His will to Balaam, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority.

5.The Servants of Balak
Messengers sent by Balak to persuade Balaam to curse the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Command
Balaam's response highlights the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands, regardless of external pressures or temptations.

The Temptation of Wealth
Balaam's mention of silver and gold serves as a reminder of the seductive power of material wealth and the need to prioritize God's will over financial gain.

God's Sovereignty
The passage underscores God's ultimate authority and control over all situations, including the intentions of those who oppose His people.

Integrity in Leadership
Balaam's initial stance reflects the necessity for leaders to maintain integrity and not be swayed by personal gain or the influence of others.

The Danger of Compromise
Balaam's account warns against the dangers of compromising one's faith and values for personal benefit or acceptance.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Numbers 22:18?

2.How does Numbers 22:18 teach us to prioritize God's commands over personal gain?

3.What does Balaam's response reveal about obedience to God's word?

4.How can we apply Balaam's attitude towards God's authority in our lives?

5.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of following God's will over desires?

6.How can we ensure our decisions align with God's instructions like Balaam intended?

7.Why did Balaam refuse to go beyond the word of the LORD in Numbers 22:18?

8.How does Numbers 22:18 illustrate the concept of divine authority over human desires?

9.What does Balaam's response in Numbers 22:18 reveal about obedience to God?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 22?

11.Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the existence of Balaam and the events of Numbers 22?

12.How does Micah 6:5 align with or contradict other biblical accounts concerning Balak, Balaam, and their historical credibility?

13.If Balaam’s initial intention was to curse Israel (Numbers 24:1), how does his eventual blessing align with the notion of free will and divine sovereignty?

14.Who was Balaam in the Bible?

What Does Numbers 22:18 Mean

But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak

- Balaam’s first words reveal he understands who his true audience is. Though he addresses Balak’s messengers, his ultimate accountability is to God.

- This moment echoes Joseph’s unwavering stance before Pharaoh’s officials inGenesis 40:8 where he says, “Do not interpretations belong to God?”—both men recognize divine authority over human agendas.

- It also foreshadows Peter’s answer to the Sanhedrin inActs 4:19, choosing to obey God rather than men.

If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold

- Balaam voices a hypothetical bribe so immense it would empty Balak’s palace treasury. The material allure is intentionally exaggerated, highlighting the weight of the temptation.

- Scripture consistently warns against the corrupting pull of wealth:Proverbs 15:27 reminds, “He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household,” and1 Timothy 6:10 warns that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

- By naming silver and gold, Balaam indirectly confesses the price tag Balak assumes will buy spiritual influence.

I could not do anything small or great

- Balaam claims utter inability to act independently of God, whether the matter seems trivial or monumental.

- Jesus affirms the same truth inJohn 5:19, “The Son can do nothing by Himself unless He sees the Father doing it,” underscoring that genuine servants operate only within divine parameters.

- This phrase levels the playing field: no action, however minor, escapes God’s jurisdiction (Matthew 10:29).

to go beyond the command of the LORD my God

- Balaam testifies that Yahweh’s word sets the boundary lines. Step outside those lines and he forfeits God’s favor.

-Deuteronomy 4:2 issues the identical warning: “You shall not add to the word I command you nor subtract from it.”

- Calling the LORD “my God” sounds personal, yet later chapters reveal Balaam’s divided heart (Numbers 31:16;Revelation 2:14). The verse thus exposes the tension between lip service and lasting obedience.

summary

Numbers 22:18 shows Balaam momentarily articulating a noble truth: no earthly reward justifies disobeying God. He recognizes the supreme authority of God’s word, the emptiness of material bribes, and the futility of acting outside divine command. Yet the broader narrative warns that right words must be matched by steadfast conduct, lest temporary conviction crumble under renewed temptation.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18)I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord . . . --These words may have been nothing more than an ostentatious semblance of disinterestedness and superiority to worldly considerations; or it is possible that Balaam may have been conscious that "he spake not of himself," and that, as regards his prophetic utterances, he was but the mouthpiece of the Lord.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 18. -I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God. Balaam's faith was paramount within its own sphere of operation. It did not control his wishes; it did not secure the heart obedience which God loves; but it did secure, and that absolutely, outward obedience to every positive command of God, however irksome; and Balaam never made any secret of this.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But Balaam
בִּלְעָ֗ם(bil·‘ām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1109:Balaam -- a prophet

replied
וַיַּ֣עַן(way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respond

to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to

the servants
עַבְדֵ֣י(‘aḇ·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650:Slave, servant

of Balak,
בָלָ֔ק(ḇā·lāq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1111:Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king

“If
אִם־(’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

Balak
בָלָ֛ק(ḇā·lāq)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1111:Balak -- 'devastator', a Moabite king

were to give
יִתֶּן־(yit·ten-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, set

me his house
בֵית֖וֹ(ḇê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A house

full
מְלֹ֥א(mə·lō)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4393:Fullness, that which fills

of silver
כֶּ֣סֶף(ke·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701:Silver, money

and gold,
וְזָהָ֑ב(wə·zā·hāḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

I could
אוּכַ֗ל(’ū·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3201:To be able, have power

not
לֹ֣א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

do
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת(la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213:To do, make

anything small
קְטַנָּ֖ה(qə·ṭan·nāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 6996:Small, young, unimportant

or
א֥וֹ(’ōw)
Conjunction
Strong's 176:Desire, if

great
גְדוֹלָֽה׃(ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolent

to go beyond
לַעֲבֹר֙(la·‘ă·ḇōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5674:To pass over, through, or by, pass on

the command
פִּי֙(pî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310:The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

of the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

my God.
אֱלֹהָ֔י(’ĕ·lō·hāy)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

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OT Law: Numbers 22:18 Balaam answered the servants of Balak If (Nu Num.)