Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Numbers, Chapter 22במדבר 22

Each verse opens with the running Hebrew, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case/state or parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

Theme

Balak's terror at Israel's numbers drives him to hire Balaam to curse them, but God twice constrains the seer: first outright refusal, then permission bound to one condition — speak only what I say. Balaam's donkey, not Balaam, first perceives the blocking angel; three beatings, a talking animal, and opened eyes precede the journey's uneasy resumption toward Moab's high place.

Translation & textual notes

Numbers 22 is textually well preserved in the MT; the Samaritan Pentateuch and LXX show only minor variants and essentially the same verse order. The chapter's most striking external confirmation is the Deir 'Alla plaster inscription (Transjordan, c. 8th century BCE), which independently names 'Balaam son of Beor' as a seer of the gods — evidence that the tradition behind this narrative circulated well beyond Israel. Internally the chapter poses two linked cruxes rather than scribal ones. First, the go/don't-go tension of vv. 12, 20, 22: God first forbids the journey outright ('you shall not go... they are blessed'), then permits it conditionally ('rise, go... but only the word I speak'), yet his anger burns 'because he was going' the moment Balaam complies; readers divide over whether this reflects a change in Balaam's own motive, a test of the condition's strictness, or the narrative's deliberate refusal to harmonize. Second, the donkey-sees-seer irony: a professional diviner famed for perceiving the divine word is three times outperceived by his own animal, who alone sees the angel with drawn sword — a reversal left unresolved into simple moral allegory. The chapter also uses two near-synonymous curse verbs, אָרַר and קָבַב, without clearly differentiating their force, and uses שָׂטָן (v. 22) in its pre-technical common-noun sense, 'adversary, obstructer', long before the term hardens into a proper name. Versification follows the MT.

1

וַיִּסְע֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙ בְּעַֽרְב֣וֹת מוֹאָ֔ב מֵעֵ֖בֶר לְיַרְדֵּ֥ן יְרֵחֽוֹ

And the sons of Israel journeyed and encamped in the plains of Moab, across the Jordan from Jericho.

Narrative resumption (itinerary notice)וַ
The chapter opens with the same journey-and-encamp itinerary formula that has structured the wilderness narrative; it locates Israel at the plains of Moab opposite Jericho, the geographic and narrative hinge for the Balaam episode and the eventual conquest.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיִּסְע֖וּand they journeyedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָסַע (H5265)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָסַע (H5265) 'to journey, pull up (tent-pegs)'; the standing verb for a stage of Israel's wilderness march, resuming the itinerary notices of the book.
בְּנֵ֣יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival); subjectבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; construct plural in the fixed national title בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל 'children of Israel'.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelproper N · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chain (subject proper)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), Jacob's covenant name; here the nation as grammatical subject of both verbs of the verse.
וַֽיַּחֲנוּ֙and they encampedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · חָנָה (H2583)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (second main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָנָה (H2583) 'to encamp, pitch camp'; marks each stage-halt of Israel's wilderness itinerary.
בְּעַֽרְב֣וֹתin the plains ofprep בְּ + N f pl constr · עֲרָבָה (H6160)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)עֲרָבָה (H6160) 'desert plain, steppe'; עַרְבוֹת מוֹאָב is the broad Jordan-valley flat opposite Jericho, Israel's final wilderness camp.
מוֹאָ֔בMoabproper N · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chain (place name)מוֹאָב (H4124), the Transjordanian kingdom descended from Lot (Gen 19:37); its plains host Israel's last camp before the conquest.
מֵעֵ֖בֶרacross fromprep מִן + N m sg abs · עֵבֶר (H5676)Prepositional phrase of location (apposition to 'plains of Moab')עֵבֶר (H5676) 'region across, side'; with מִן, 'on the other side of' — here the Jordan.
לְיַרְדֵּ֥ןthe Jordanprep לְ + proper N · יַרְדֵּן (H3383)Genitive complement of the compound preposition מֵעֵבֶריַרְדֵּן (H3383), the Jordan river, Israel's last natural boundary before Canaan.
יְרֵחֽוֹof Jerichoproper N · יְרֵחוֹ (H3405)Genitive further specifying the location (apposition)יְרִיחוֹ (H3405), the city near the Jordan ford; anchors the phrase 'across the Jordan from Jericho'.
2

וַיַּ֥רְא בָּלָ֖ק בֶּן צִפּ֑וֹר אֵ֛ת כָּל אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂ֥ה יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לָֽאֱמֹרִֽי

And Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.

Narrative continuation — cause of Moab's fearוַ
The wayyiqtol chain continues from v. 1; Balak's 'seeing' is the narrative hinge motivating the whole Balaam episode — Israel's defeat of Sihon and Og (Num 21) is now common knowledge and alarms its neighbors.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיַּ֥רְאand he sawconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see, perceive'; cognitive as much as visual here — Balak grasps Israel's success and its threat.
בָּלָ֖קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab at this time; the name is often connected to a root for 'devastating, laying waste'.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival), in apposition to Balakבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; identifies Balak by patronymic, בֶּן צִפּוֹר.
צִפּ֑וֹרZipporproper N · צִפּוֹר (H6834)Genitive of the construct chain (patronymic)צִפּוֹר (H6834) 'bird'; Balak's father, otherwise unattested outside this narrative.
אֵ֛ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object clause)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking the definite object clause introduced by כָּל אֲשֶׁר; untranslated in English.
כָּלallN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the object clause ('all that...')כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whole'; here heading the relative clause 'all that Israel had done'.
אֲשֶׁרthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the object clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), indeclinable relative particle, 'that, which'.
עָשָׂ֥הhad doneQal perf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed action viewed as accomplished factעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make, act'; here summarizing Israel's recent military successes over Sihon and Og (Num 21).
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖לIsraelproper N · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Subject of the relative clauseיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); subject of עָשָׂה — Israel as the agent whose deeds terrify Balak.
לָֽאֱמֹרִֽיto the Amorite(s)prep לְ + art + gentilic N m sg abs · אֱמֹרִי (H567)Indirect object / dative of disadvantageאֱמֹרִי (H567), gentilic 'Amorite'; the peoples (Sihon, Og) whose recent defeat (Num 21) alarms Moab.
3

וַיָּ֨גָר מוֹאָ֜ב מִפְּנֵ֥י הָעָ֛ם מְאֹ֖ד כִּ֣י רַב ה֑וּא וַיָּ֣קָץ מוֹאָ֔ב מִפְּנֵ֖י בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

And Moab dreaded the people greatly, because they were many; and Moab felt a sickening horror because of the sons of Israel.

Causal elaboration — Moab's terror explainedוַ
Two escalating verbs of fear (גּוּר 'dread', then the stronger קוּץ 'feel loathing-dread') frame a causal כִּי clause; the shift from 'the people' to the fuller 'sons of Israel' intensifies the menace, setting up Balak's appeal for outside help.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיָּ֨גָרand he dreadedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · גּוּר II (H1481)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceגּוּר II (H1481) 'to dread, be afraid of' — a distinct root from גּוּר I 'to sojourn'; Moab's visceral terror at Israel's numbers.
מוֹאָ֜בMoabproper N · מוֹאָב (H4124)Subjectמוֹאָב (H4124); the nation personified as the fearing subject.
מִפְּנֵ֥יbecause ofprep מִן + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Causal prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; with מִן forms the common causal/spatial idiom 'because of, from before'.
הָעָ֛םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Object of the causal preposition (referent: Israel)עַם (H5971) 'people'; here Israel, viewed as the undifferentiated mass threatening Moab.
מְאֹ֖דgreatlyadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifier modifying the dreadמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; intensifies Moab's dread.
כִּ֣יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction introducing a causal clauseכִּי (H3588), causal 'because, for'.
רַבmanyadj m sg abs · רַב (H7227)Predicate adjective of the verbless causal clauseרַב (H7227) 'much, many, great'; predicate describing Israel's vast numbers.
ה֑וּאit (was)indep pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the verbless clauseהוּא (H1931), 3ms pronoun functioning as subject/copula, referring back to הָעָם.
וַיָּ֣קָץand he felt sickening dreadconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּץ (H6973)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (second main verb, intensifying)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance, escalating the emotionקוּץ (H6973) 'to feel a dread, loathing, sickening horror'; stronger than גּוּר — visceral revulsion, not mere fear.
מוֹאָ֔בMoabproper N · מוֹאָב (H4124)Subject (resumed)מוֹאָב (H4124); subject repeated for emphasis in the second clause.
מִפְּנֵ֖יbecause ofprep מִן + N c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Causal prepositional phrase (parallel to v. 3a)Same idiom as above, פְּנֵי + מִן, 'because of'.
בְּנֵ֥יthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121); construct plural in the national title, resumed here in full for emphasis.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelproper N · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive of the construct chainיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478); Israel as the object of Moab's dread, now named in full for emphasis.
4

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מוֹאָ֜ב אֶל זִקְנֵ֣י מִדְיָ֗ן עַתָּ֞ה יְלַחֲכ֤וּ הַקָּהָל֙ אֶת כָּל סְבִ֣יבֹתֵ֔ינוּ כִּלְחֹ֣ךְ הַשּׁ֔וֹר אֵ֖ת יֶ֣רֶק הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה וּבָלָ֧ק בֶּן צִפּ֛וֹר מֶ֥לֶךְ לְמוֹאָ֖ב בָּעֵ֥ת הַהִֽוא

And Moab said to the elders of Midian, "Now this assembly will lick up everything around us, as the ox licks up the green growth of the field." Now Balak son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.

Direct speech (Balak's rationale) with narratorial asideוַ
Balak's speech to the Midianite elders supplies the chapter's governing simile — Israel as a grazing ox stripping the land bare; the verse closes with a narratorial aside formally introducing Balak as Moab's reigning king, preparing for the embassy to Balaam.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Balak's direct speech to the elders of Midian.
מוֹאָ֜בMoabproper N · מוֹאָב (H4124)Subjectמוֹאָב (H4124); metonymy for Balak as Moab's king, or the Moabite leadership collectively.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; introduces the recipients of the speech.
זִקְנֵ֣יthe elders ofadj (subst.) m pl constr · זָקֵן (H2205)Construct chain (genitival), object of prepositionזָקֵן (H2205) 'elder, old man'; substantival plural construct, the tribal leadership consulted for the alliance.
מִדְיָ֗ןMidianproper N · מִדְיָן (H4080)Genitive of the construct chainמִדְיָן (H4080), a Transjordanian people descended from Abraham through Keturah (Gen 25:2); Moab's ally in the plot against Israel.
עַתָּ֞הnowadv · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverb, fronted for emphasisעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; marks the urgency of Balak's alarm.
יְלַחֲכ֤וּwill lick upPiel impf 3mp · לָחַךְ (H3897)Predicate verb (main clause of direct speech)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — an anticipated, ongoing devouringלָחַךְ (H3897) 'to lick up, lap'; Piel intensive, a vivid image of total consumption, as an ox strips a field bare.
הַקָּהָל֙the assemblyart + N m sg abs · קָהָל (H6951)Subjectקָהָל (H6951) 'assembly, congregation'; Balak's contemptuous term for the mass of Israel.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking כָּל סְבִיבֹתֵינוּ as the definite direct object.
כָּלall ofN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head of the object phraseכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; construct governing סְבִיבֹתֵינוּ, 'all our surroundings'.
סְבִ֣יבֹתֵ֔ינוּour surroundingsN c pl constr + 1cp suffix · סָבִיב (H5439)Genitive completing the construct ('all around us')סָבִיב (H5439) 'surroundings, that which is around'; with the 1cp suffix, the territory encircling Moab.
כִּלְחֹ֣ךְas ... licks upprep כְּ + Qal inf constr · לָחַךְ (H3897)Comparative infinitival clause ('as the ox licks up')→ Infinitive construct: durative comparison, a characteristic actionלָחַךְ (H3897), now Qal — the plain action of licking, forming the vehicle of the simile.
הַשּׁ֔וֹרthe oxart + N m sg abs · שׁוֹר (H7794)Subject of the comparative infinitive clauseשׁוֹר (H7794) 'ox, bull'; the grazing animal that strips vegetation bare — the image for Israel's consuming advance.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking יֶרֶק הַשָּׂדֶה as the object of the ox's licking.
יֶ֣רֶקthe green growth ofN m sg constr · יֶרֶק (H3418)Construct head (direct object)יֶרֶק (H3418) 'green plants, verdure'; construct with הַשָּׂדֶה, the vegetation of the field.
הַשָּׂדֶ֑הthe fieldart + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Genitive completing the constructשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; the pasture whose vegetation the ox strips bare.
וּבָלָ֧קand Balakconj וּ + proper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Subject of a new nominal clause (narrator's aside)בָּלָק (H1111); the narrator interrupts the direct speech to identify Balak formally as reigning king.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival), in appositionבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; patronymic apposition, as in v. 2.
צִפּ֛וֹרZipporproper N · צִפּוֹר (H6834)Genitive of the construct chainצִפּוֹר (H6834); Balak's father, as in v. 2.
מֶ֥לֶךְwas kingN m sg abs · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Predicate nominativeמֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; predicate identifying Balak's office in this narratorial aside.
לְמוֹאָ֖בof Moabprep לְ + proper N · מוֹאָב (H4124)Prepositional phrase specifying the kingship's domainמוֹאָב (H4124) with לְ, 'king belonging to/over Moab'.
בָּעֵ֥תat the timeprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · עֵת (H6256)Temporal prepositional phraseעֵת (H6256) 'time'; with the article and demonstrative, 'at that time' — a narratorial synchronism.
הַהִֽואthatart + pron (demonstrative use) 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Demonstrative modifying עֵת ('that time')הִוא (H1931) used demonstpronominally with the article as 'that' (fem., agreeing with עֵת).
5

וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח מַלְאָכִ֜ים אֶל בִּלְעָ֣ם בֶּן בְּע֗וֹר פְּ֠תוֹרָה אֲשֶׁ֧ר עַל הַנָּהָ֛ר אֶ֥רֶץ בְּנֵי עַמּ֖וֹ לִקְרֹא ל֑וֹ לֵאמֹ֗ר הִ֠נֵּה עַ֣ם יָצָ֤א מִמִּצְרַ֨יִם֙ הִנֵּ֤ה כִסָּה֙ אֶת עֵ֣ין הָאָ֔רֶץ וְה֥וּא יֹשֵׁ֖ב מִמֻּלִֽי

And he sent messengers to Balaam son of Beor, at Pethor, which is by the River, in the land of his kinsfolk, to summon him, saying, "Behold, a people has come out of Egypt; behold, it covers the surface of the land, and it is dwelling opposite me."

Narrative continuation — embassy dispatched, with quoted messageוַ
The narrator names Balaam and his distant homeland before quoting Balak's message verbatim; the doubled הִנֵּה ('behold... behold...') dramatizes Balak's alarm, and יָצָא מִמִּצְרַיִם pointedly echoes Exodus language from a foreign king's mouth.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨חand he sentconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Balak dispatches envoys — the same verb recurs in his repeated attempts to summon Balaam.
מַלְאָכִ֜יםmessengersN m pl abs · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Direct objectמַלְאָךְ (H4397) 'messenger, envoy, angel'; human ambassadors here — the same word denotes the divine 'angel of YHWH' later in the chapter (v. 22), a deliberate echo.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'; introduces the recipient, Balaam.
בִּלְעָ֣םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of preposition (addressee)בִּלְעָם (H1109), the non-Israelite seer from the Euphrates region; the etymology is debated ('devourer of the people(s)' is one proposal) and may be pointedly ironic here.
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival), in apposition to Balaamבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; patronymic.
בְּע֗וֹרBeorproper N · בְּעוֹר (H1160)Genitive of the construct chainבְּעוֹר (H1160), Balaam's father; a 'Balaam son of Beor' also appears in the extra-biblical Deir 'Alla plaster inscription.
פְּ֠תוֹרָהto Pethorproper N + directional הָ · פְּתוֹר (H6604)Locative (directional-he) specifying Balaam's residenceפְּתוֹר (H6604), a town on the Euphrates (cf. Deut 23:5), Balaam's home far northeast of Moab.
אֲשֶׁ֧רwhichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a locating clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative, introduces the geographic gloss on Pethor's location.
עַלbyprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of locationעַל (H5921) 'upon, by'; here 'by the River'.
הַנָּהָ֛רthe Riverart + N m sg abs · נָהָר (H5104)Object of the preposition (the Euphrates)נָהָר (H5104) 'river'; with the article, the standard designation for the Euphrates.
אֶ֥רֶץin the land ofN c sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Appositional phrase further locating Pethorאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; construct opening 'the land of the sons of his people' — Balaam's kin-territory.
בְּנֵיthe sons ofN m pl constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival)בֵּן (H1121); construct plural continuing the locating phrase.
עַמּ֖וֹhis peopleN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · עַם (H5971)Genitive completing the construct chainעַם (H5971) 'people' with 3ms suffix; Balaam's own kin, likely Aramean/Amorite stock.
לִקְרֹאto summonprep לְ + Qal inf constr · קָרָא (H7121)Purpose infinitive clause (goal of the sending)→ Infinitive construct: purpose of the sendingקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, summon'; states the embassy's purpose.
ל֑וֹhimprep לְ + 3ms suffixIndirect object of the infinitive (referent: Balaam)לְ with 3ms suffix, 'to/for him'.
לֵאמֹ֗רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Quotative frame introducing direct speech→ Infinitive construct: formulaic introduction to direct discourseאָמַר (H559); the standing formula לֵאמֹר introduces the envoys' message verbatim.
הִ֠נֵּהbeholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle opening the quoted messageהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; a vivid presentative opening the direct speech.
עַ֣םa peopleN m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subjectעַם (H5971) 'people'; Israel described neutrally-yet-ominously as an undefined mass, from the envoys' outsider viewpoint.
יָצָ֤אhas come outQal perf 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb (asyndetic relative clause)→ Perfective: a completed event with present relevanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, come forth'; echoes Exodus terminology, striking from the mouth of a foreign king.
מִמִּצְרַ֨יִם֙from Egyptprep מִן + proper N · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Source prepositional phraseמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'; source of the people's exodus.
הִנֵּ֤הbeholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle (second clause)הִנֵּה (H2009), repeated for vividness, introducing the second alarming claim.
כִסָּה֙it coversPiel perf 3ms · כָּסָה (H3680)Predicate verb→ Perfective (resultative): a completed covering with ongoing effectכָּסָה (H3680) Piel 'to cover, overspread'; a hyperbolic image of Israel's numbers blanketing the visible land.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking עֵין הָאָרֶץ as the object of כִסָּה.
עֵ֣יןthe surface ofN c sg constr · עַיִן (H5869)Construct head (direct object)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; idiomatic 'surface, visible expanse' — 'the eye of the land' = all that meets the eye.
הָאָ֔רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive completing the constructאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the visible territory Israel's camp now covers.
וְה֥וּאand itconj וְ + indep pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the new clause (emphatic independent pronoun)הוּא (H1931), resumptive/emphatic subject pronoun, 'and it (this people)'.
יֹשֵׁ֖בis dwellingQal ptc ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Predicate participle (durative present)→ Participle: ongoing, present stateיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, settle'; the participle depicts Israel's camp as already, threateningly, in place.
מִמֻּלִֽיopposite meprep מִן + prep מוּל + 1cs suffix · מוּל (H4136)Locative prepositional phraseמוּל (H4136) 'front, opposite'; with מִן and the 1cs suffix, 'facing me' — Balak's personal sense of exposure.
6

וְעַתָּה֩ לְכָה נָּ֨א אָֽרָה לִּ֜י אֶת הָעָ֣ם הַזֶּ֗ה כִּֽי עָצ֥וּם הוּא֙ מִמֶּ֔נִּי אוּלַ֤י אוּכַל֙ נַכֶּה בּ֔וֹ וַאֲגָרְשֶׁ֖נּוּ מִן הָאָ֑רֶץ כִּ֣י יָדַ֗עְתִּי אֵ֤ת אֲשֶׁר תְּבָרֵךְ֙ מְבֹרָ֔ךְ וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר תָּאֹ֖ר יוּאָֽר

Now come, please, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me; perhaps I shall be able to strike them and drive them out of the land, for I know that whomever you bless is blessed, and whomever you curse is cursed.

Direct speech continues — the request itselfוְ
Balak's actual petition, framed by two volitional forms (לְכָה, אָרָה) and grounded in a maxim about Balaam's reputed spiritual power — the theological premise (blessing/cursing as effective performative speech) that the rest of the chapter will test and complicate.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
וְעַתָּה֩and nowconj וְ + adv · עַתָּה (H6258)Transitional adverb introducing the petitionעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; marks the shift from rationale (v. 5) to the actual request.
לְכָהcomeQal impv 2ms + he-volitive · הָלַךְ/יָלַךְ (H3212)Volitional verb opening the petition→ Volitional: an urging summonsהָלַךְ/יָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go'; the cohortative-flavored imperative לְכָה, 'come now', a stock idiom of urgent invitation.
נָּ֨אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty reinforcing the imperativesנָא (H4994), enclitic particle softening/urging a command, 'please, now'.
אָֽרָהcurseQal impv 2ms + he-volitive · אָרַר (H779)Volitional main verb of the petition→ Volitional: the imperative request itselfאָרַר (H779) 'to curse, bind with a curse'; the stronger, more formal of the chapter's two curse-verbs (cf. קָבַב in v. 11, 17).
לִּ֜יfor meprep לְ + 1cs suffixDative of advantageלְ with 1cs suffix, 'for me, on my behalf' — Balak as beneficiary of the curse.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הָעָם הַזֶּה as the direct object of the curse.
הָעָ֣םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct objectעַם (H5971) 'people'; Israel, the intended target of the curse.
הַזֶּ֗הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088), demonstrative 'this'; deictically points to the visible camp Balak has just described.
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Subordinating conjunction introducing a causal clauseכִּי (H3588), causal 'for, because'.
עָצ֥וּםmightyadj m sg abs · עָצוּם (H6099)Predicate adjective (comparative sense with מִמֶּנִּי)עָצוּם (H6099) 'mighty, numerous, vast'; Balak's assessment of Israel's overwhelming strength relative to Moab.
הוּא֙it (is)indep pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the verbless clauseהוּא (H1931), subject/copula referring to הָעָם.
מִמֶּ֔נִּיthan Iprep מִן + 1cs suffixComparative prepositional phraseמִן with 1cs suffix expressing comparison, 'more than I (am)'.
אוּלַ֤יperhapsadv · אוּלַי (H194)Adverb of possibility modifying the following clauseאוּלַי (H194) 'perhaps'; signals Balak's uncertainty even as he hopes for success.
אוּכַל֙I shall be ableQal impf 1cs · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb governing the following verb→ Yiqtol: modal — expressing potential abilityיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able'; modal auxiliary governing נַכֶּה.
נַכֶּהwe may strikeHiphil impf 1cp · נָכָה (H5221)Complementary verb (purpose/result of אוּכַל)→ Yiqtol: modal/purposive — a hoped-for military outcomeנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike, smite'; the military option Balak hopes cursing will enable.
בּ֔וֹitprep בְּ + 3ms suffixObject of the preposition (referent: the people)בְּ with 3ms suffix, marking the object struck.
וַאֲגָרְשֶׁ֖נּוּand I will drive it outconj וַ + Piel impf 1cs + 3ms suffix · גָּרַשׁ (H1644)Coordinate verb continuing the purpose clause→ Yiqtol: modal/purposive, sequential with נַכֶּהגָּרַשׁ (H1644) Piel 'to drive out, expel'; the intended climax of the military plan — expulsion from the land.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Source prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from'; marks separation, 'out of the land'.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of the source prepositionאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'; the territory Balak wants Israel expelled from — his own, threatened by their proximity.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction introducing Balak's grounding maximכִּי (H3588), causal, introducing the reputation-maxim that grounds Balak's whole request.
יָדַ֗עְתִּיI knowQal perf 1cs · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective (stative): a settled state of knowledge/convictionיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; Balak's confident, proverb-like conviction about Balaam's reputed power.
אֵ֤ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker introducing the object clauseאֵת (H853), marking the whole relative clause 'whomever you bless...' as the object known.
אֲשֶׁרwhomeverrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the object clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative, here indefinite-generalizing, 'whomever'.
תְּבָרֵךְ֙you blessPiel impf 2ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: gnomic/habitual — a general, timeless truth about Balaam's powerבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; the maxim's first half, the premise the whole narrative will complicate.
מְבֹרָ֔ךְis blessedPual ptc ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate participle (passive), gnomic→ Participle (passive/gnomic): a general, resultative stateבָּרַךְ (H1288) Pual passive participle 'blessed'; the maxim's resolution — Balaam's word is treated as effective, performative speech.
וַאֲשֶׁ֥רand whomeverconj וְ + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Coordinate relative particle (parallel clause)אֲשֶׁר (H834), relative, parallel to the first clause, introducing the curse half of the maxim.
תָּאֹ֖רyou curseQal impf 2ms · אָרַר (H779)Predicate verb of the parallel relative clause→ Yiqtol: gnomic/habitual — the same timeless-truth claimאָרַר (H779) 'to curse'; the same verb Balak used in his imperative request (v. 6a).
יוּאָֽרis cursedHophal impf 3ms · אָרַר (H779)Predicate verb (passive), gnomic→ Yiqtol (passive/gnomic): a general, resultative truthאָרַר (H779) Hophal 'is cursed'; the maxim's closing clause, completing Balak's stated theology of Balaam's efficacious word.
7

וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּ זִקְנֵ֤י מוֹאָב֙ וְזִקְנֵ֣י מִדְיָ֔ן וּקְסָמִ֖ים בְּיָדָ֑ם וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ אֶל בִּלְעָ֔ם וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ אֵלָ֖יו דִּבְרֵ֥י בָלָֽק

And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian set out, with the fees for divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak.

Narrative continuation — embassy arrivesוַ
The unusual joint Moabite-Midianite delegation, carrying קְסָמִים (payment for divination) in hand, confirms that Balaam is being approached as a hired professional diviner, not merely consulted as a prophet — a detail that colors everything that follows.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֵּ֨לְכ֜וּand they wentconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; the envoys' departure, obeying Balak's command of v. 6.
זִקְנֵ֤יthe elders ofadj (subst.) m pl constr · זָקֵן (H2205)Subject (construct chain)זָקֵן (H2205); the Moabite delegation, paralleling v. 4.
מוֹאָב֙Moabproper N · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹאָב (H4124).
וְזִקְנֵ֣יand the elders ofconj וְ + adj (subst.) m pl constr · זָקֵן (H2205)Coordinate subject (construct chain)זָקֵן (H2205) with וְ; the Midianite delegation joins, an unusual two-nation coalition.
מִדְיָ֔ןMidianproper N · מִדְיָן (H4080)Genitive of the construct chainמִדְיָן (H4080).
וּקְסָמִ֖יםand divination-feesconj וְ + N m pl abs · קֶסֶם (H7081)Coordinate subject / attendant circumstanceקֶסֶם (H7081) 'divination, fee for divination'; plural, likely concrete payment/tokens — marks Balaam explicitly as a diviner hired for pay.
בְּיָדָ֑םin their handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 3mp suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phrase (accompaniment)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; idiom for possession, 'in their hand' = they brought it along.
וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ֙and they cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, enter'; arrival at Balaam's home in Pethor.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the destinationאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בִּלְעָ֔םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of prepositionבִּלְעָם (H1109).
וַיְדַבְּר֥וּand they spokeconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3mp · דָּבַר (H1696)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; delivering Balak's message to Balaam.
אֵלָ֖יוto himprep אֶל + 3ms suffixIndirect objectאֶל with 3ms suffix, referring to Balaam.
דִּבְרֵ֥יthe words ofN m pl constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object (construct head)דָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter'; construct, 'the words/message of Balak'.
בָלָֽקBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Genitive of the construct chainבָּלָק (H1111); the message's source and authority.
8

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם לִ֤ינוּ פֹה֙ הַלַּ֔יְלָה וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֤י אֶתְכֶם֙ דָּבָ֔ר כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר יְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֵלָ֑י וַיֵּשְׁב֥וּ שָׂרֵֽי מוֹאָ֖ב עִם בִּלְעָֽם

And he said to them, "Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, just as YHWH speaks to me." And the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.

Direct speech (Balaam's reply) with narrative complianceוַ
Balaam's answer already presupposes real access to YHWH by name — he expects a specific nocturnal word from Israel's own God, not generic omen-reading, a detail that complicates any simple reading of him as a mere pagan sorcerer.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Balaam's reply to the envoys.
אֲלֵיהֶ֗םto themprep אֶל + 3mp suffixIndirect objectאֶל with 3mp suffix, referring to the envoys.
לִ֤ינוּlodgeQal impv 2mp · לִין (H3885)Volitional main verb (invitation)→ Volitional: an invitation/commandלִין (H3885) 'to spend the night, lodge'; a standard hospitality invitation.
פֹה֙hereadv · פֹּה (H6311)Locative adverbפֹּה (H6311) 'here'.
הַלַּ֔יְלָהtonightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Adverbial accusative of timeלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; used adverbially with the article, 'tonight'.
וַהֲשִׁבֹתִ֤יand I will bring backconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 1cs · שׁוּב (H7725)Weqatal continuing the volitional sequence→ Weqatal: sequential future — Balaam's promised follow-throughשׁוּב (H7725) Hiphil 'to bring back, return (something)'; here 'bring back word, an answer'.
אֶתְכֶם֙youobj marker + 2mp suffix · אֵת (H853)Object marker with suffix (dative sense, 'to you')אֵת (H853) with 2mp suffix; idiomatic with הֵשִׁיב, functioning almost datively, 'back to you'.
דָּבָ֔רwordN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct objectדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, matter'; the answer Balaam will report back.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֛רasprep כְּ + rel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative conjunction introducing the basis of the answerאֲשֶׁר (H834) with כְּ, 'according as, just as' — Balaam conditions his answer on divine speech.
יְדַבֵּ֥רspeaksPiel impf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the comparative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective — an anticipated future disclosureדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; anticipates a nocturnal revelation from YHWH.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; strikingly, Balaam himself uses this name — he already knows and names Israel's God as the one he expects to consult.
אֵלָ֑יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffixIndirect objectאֶל with 1cs suffix, referring to Balaam.
וַיֵּשְׁב֥וּand they stayedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, stay, remain'; the envoys comply and wait overnight.
שָׂרֵֽיthe princes ofN m pl constr · שַׂר (H8269)Subject (construct chain)שַׂר (H8269) 'prince, official'; a more elevated term than the זְקֵנִים of vv. 4, 7, perhaps the same delegation described honorifically.
מוֹאָ֖בMoabproper N · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹאָב (H4124).
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase of accompanimentעִם (H5973) 'with'.
בִּלְעָֽםBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of prepositionבִּלְעָם (H1109).
9

וַיָּבֹ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֕אמֶר מִ֛י הָאֲנָשִׁ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה עִמָּֽךְ

And God came to Balaam and said, "Who are these men with you?"

Narrative continuation — divine interrogationוַ
The shift from Balaam's own יְהוָה (v. 8) to the narrator's אֱלֹהִים marks God's first appearance to Balaam; the question 'who are these men' functions rhetorically, inviting Balaam's own account rather than seeking information (as with Adam or Cain).
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיָּבֹ֥אand he cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; God's approach to Balaam, presumably in a night vision.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl (of majesty) abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subjectאֱלֹהִים (H430); the shift from Balaam's own יְהוָה (v. 8) to the narrator's generic אֱלֹהִים here may mark the theological ambiguity of a non-Israelite's encounter with the divine.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בִּלְעָ֑םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of prepositionבִּלְעָם (H1109).
וַיֹּ֕אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces God's question to Balaam.
מִ֛יwho?interrogative pron · מִי (H4310)Interrogative pronoun, predicate of the verbless questionמִי (H4310) 'who?'; opens God's rhetorical question, inviting Balaam's own account.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֥יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subject of the verbless clauseאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; plural with article, referring to the Moabite/Midianite envoys.
הָאֵ֖לֶּהtheseart + dem pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Demonstrative modifying הָאֲנָשִׁיםאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these'; demonstrative plural.
עִמָּֽךְwith youprep עִם + 2ms suffix (archaic ־ָךְ form) · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase, predicate complementעִם (H5973) 'with'; the suffix עִמָּךְ is an archaic/poetic 2ms form (not feminine), addressing Balaam.
10

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר בִּלְעָ֖ם אֶל הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים בָּלָ֧ק בֶּן צִפֹּ֛ר מֶ֥לֶךְ מוֹאָ֖ב שָׁלַ֥ח אֵלָֽי

And Balaam said to God, "Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me:"

Narrative continuation — Balaam reports to Godוַ
Balaam answers God's question by relaying Balak's identity, setting up the verbatim quotation of the summons in v. 11.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Balaam's reply to God.
בִּלְעָ֖םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
הָאֱלֹהִ֑יםGodart + N m pl (of majesty) abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Object of prepositionאֱלֹהִים (H430) with the article, 'the God' — the specific deity who has just addressed Balaam.
בָּלָ֧קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Subject of the embedded quotationבָּלָק (H1111).
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival), in appositionבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; patronymic apposition.
צִפֹּ֛רZipporproper N · צִפֹּר (H6834)Genitive of the construct chainצִפֹּר (H6834), a defective spelling of צִפּוֹר; Balak's father, as in v. 2.
מֶ֥לֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Construct chain (genitival), in apposition to Balakמֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; construct, 'king of Moab'.
מוֹאָ֖בMoabproper N · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹאָב (H4124).
שָׁלַ֥חhas sentQal perf 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb (main clause of the quoted report)→ Perfective: a completed act reported as factשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Balaam summarizes Balak's embassy for God.
אֵלָֽיto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffixIndirect objectאֶל with 1cs suffix, referring to Balaam.
11

הִנֵּ֤ה הָעָם֙ הַיֹּצֵ֣א מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם וַיְכַ֖ס אֶת עֵ֣ין הָאָ֑רֶץ עַתָּ֗ה לְכָ֤ה קָֽבָה לִּי֙ אֹת֔וֹ אוּלַ֥י אוּכַ֛ל לְהִלָּ֥חֶם בּ֖וֹ וְגֵרַשְׁתִּֽיו

"Behold, the people that came out of Egypt covers the surface of the land; now come, curse it for me; perhaps I shall be able to fight against it and drive it out."

Direct speech — Balaam quotes Balak's message to Godasyndeton
Balaam reports Balak's summons nearly verbatim but reframes it — the curse-verb shifts to קָבַב (rather than אָרַר, v. 6) and the goal becomes explicit combat (לְהִלָּחֶם) rather than the ox-simile, subtly sharpening the request as he relays it.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
הִנֵּ֤הbeholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle opening the quoted messageהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; Balaam begins quoting Balak's message to God.
הָעָם֙the peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subjectעַם (H5971) 'people'; Israel, now with the article as previously introduced.
הַיֹּצֵ֣אthat came outart + Qal ptc ms · יָצָא (H3318)Attributive participle modifying הָעָם→ Participle: a past event described as an identifying traitיָצָא (H3318); repeats Balak's description almost verbatim (cf. v. 5) as Balaam quotes it back to God.
מִמִּצְרַ֔יִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + proper N · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Source prepositional phraseמִצְרַיִם (H4714) 'Egypt'.
וַיְכַ֖סand it coversconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · כָּסָה (H3680)Wayyiqtol continuing Balaam's quoted report→ Wayyiqtol: narrative-style report even within quoted speechכָּסָה (H3680) Piel 'to cover'; Balaam recasts Balak's message with a wayyiqtol, folding the report into narrative style.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking עֵין הָאָרֶץ as the object of the covering.
עֵ֣יןthe surface ofN c sg constr · עַיִן (H5869)Construct head (direct object)עַיִן (H5869) 'eye'; idiomatic 'surface, visible expanse', as in v. 5.
הָאָ֑רֶץthe landart + N c sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Genitive completing the constructאֶרֶץ (H776) 'land'.
עַתָּ֗הnowadv · עַתָּה (H6258)Transitional adverb introducing the petitionעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; as in v. 6, shifting from rationale to request.
לְכָ֤הcomeQal impv 2ms + he-volitive · הָלַךְ (H3212)Volitional verb opening the petition→ Volitional: an urging summonsהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go'; לְכָה, 'come now', repeating Balak's own invitation (v. 6).
קָֽבָהcurseQal impv 2ms + he-volitive · קָבַב (H6895)Volitional main verb of the petition→ Volitional: an imperative requestקָבַב (H6895) 'to curse, denounce'; the second of the chapter's two curse-verbs, near-synonymous with אָרַר but perhaps more forensic — to pronounce a curse-formula against.
לִּי֙for meprep לְ + 1cs suffixDative of advantageלְ with 1cs suffix, 'for me' — Balak as speaker within his own quoted request.
אֹת֔וֹitobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with suffixאֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, marking הָעָם as the object of the curse.
אוּלַ֥יperhapsadv · אוּלַי (H194)Adverb of possibilityאוּלַי (H194) 'perhaps'; as in v. 6, uncertainty even amid hope.
אוּכַ֛לI shall be ableQal impf 1cs · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb governing the following infinitive→ Yiqtol: modal — expressing potential abilityיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able'; modal auxiliary governing לְהִלָּחֶם.
לְהִלָּ֥חֶםto fightprep לְ + Niphal inf constr · לָחַם (H3898)Complementary infinitive (purpose)→ Infinitive construct: purposive — the hoped-for military engagementלָחַם (H3898) Niphal 'to fight, wage war'; the report shifts to explicit combat, sharper than the ox-simile of vv. 4-6.
בּ֖וֹagainst itprep בְּ + 3ms suffixObject of the preposition (referent: the people)בְּ with 3ms suffix, 'against it'.
וְגֵרַשְׁתִּֽיוand drive it outconj וְ + Piel weqatal 1cs + 3ms suffix · גָּרַשׁ (H1644)Weqatal continuing the purpose sequence→ Weqatal: sequential/purposive resultגָּרַשׁ (H1644) Piel 'to drive out, expel'; echoing v. 6, the intended expulsion from the land.
12

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל בִּלְעָ֔ם לֹ֥א תֵלֵ֖ךְ עִמָּהֶ֑ם לֹ֤א תָאֹר֙ אֶת הָעָ֔ם כִּ֥י בָר֖וּךְ הֽוּא

And God said to Balaam, "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed."

Direct speech — God's first, flat refusalוַ
God's answer is unambiguous and doubly negative (לֹא תֵלֵךְ ... לֹא תָאֹר), grounded in a one-word verdict, בָּרוּךְ 'blessed'. This is the chapter's theological center: Israel's status is already fixed and cannot be altered by professional cursing, however famous the diviner.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces God's direct answer to Balaam.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl (of majesty) abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subjectאֱלֹהִים (H430).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בִּלְעָ֔םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of prepositionבִּלְעָם (H1109).
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle forming a prohibition with the following verbלֹא (H3808), the standard negative, here giving a durative/absolute prohibition with the yiqtol.
תֵלֵ֖ךְyou shall goQal impf 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (negated — prohibition)→ Yiqtol used volitively: a firm negative commandהָלַךְ (H3212); the negated yiqtol forms an emphatic prohibition, 'you must not go'.
עִמָּהֶ֑םwith themprep עִם + 3mp suffixPrepositional phrase of accompanimentעִם (H5973) with 3mp suffix, referring to the Moabite/Midianite envoys.
לֹ֤אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle forming a second prohibitionלֹא (H3808), repeated for a second, parallel prohibition.
תָאֹר֙you shall curseQal impf 2ms · אָרַר (H779)Predicate verb (negated — prohibition)→ Yiqtol used volitively: a firm negative commandאָרַר (H779); God's direct veto uses Balak's own verb (v. 6), flatly denying the request.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הָעָם as the object of the forbidden curse.
הָעָ֔םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct objectעַם (H5971) 'people'; Israel, the subject of the following verdict.
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction grounding the prohibitionכִּי (H3588), causal, introducing God's grounding verdict.
בָר֖וּךְblessedQal passive ptc ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate of the verbless clause→ Participle (passive, stative): a settled, existing state of blessednessבָּרַךְ (H1288) Qal passive participle 'blessed'; God's own verdict on Israel — the theological center of the chapter.
הֽוּאit (is)indep pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the verbless clauseהוּא (H1931), subject/copula referring back to הָעָם.
13

וַיָּ֤קָם בִּלְעָם֙ בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל שָׂרֵ֣י בָלָ֔ק לְכ֖וּ אֶֽל אַרְצְכֶ֑ם כִּ֚י מֵאֵ֣ן יְהוָ֔ה לְתִתִּ֖י לַהֲלֹ֥ךְ עִמָּכֶֽם

And Balaam rose in the morning and said to Balak's princes, "Go to your land, for YHWH has refused to let me go with you."

Narrative continuation — Balaam reports God's refusalוַ
Balaam reports God's veto but tellingly softens it: he omits the 'they are blessed' verdict and casts the refusal as a personal denial of permission (לְתִתִּי) rather than the moral judgment God actually gave — an early hint of Balaam's evasiveness.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיָּ֤קָםand he roseconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) 'to arise'; Balaam's compliance with reporting back as promised (v. 8).
בִּלְעָם֙Balaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
בַּבֹּ֔קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phraseבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Balaam's dismissal of the envoys.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
שָׂרֵ֣יthe princes ofN m pl constr · שַׂר (H8269)Construct chain (genitival), object of prepositionשַׂר (H8269), as in v. 8.
בָלָ֔קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Genitive of the construct chainבָּלָק (H1111).
לְכ֖וּgoQal impv 2mp · הָלַךְ (H3212)Volitional main verb (dismissal)→ Volitional: a dismissal commandהָלַךְ (H3212); Balaam sends the envoys home.
אֶֽלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase of destinationאֶל (H413) 'to'.
אַרְצְכֶ֑םyour landN c sg constr + 2mp suffix · אֶרֶץ (H776)Object of prepositionאֶרֶץ (H776) with 2mp suffix, 'your land' — Moab.
כִּ֚יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588), causal, introducing Balaam's summary of the divine refusal.
מֵאֵ֣ןhas refusedPiel perf 3ms · מָאֵן (H3985)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a completed, decisive refusalמָאֵן (H3985) Piel 'to refuse'; Balaam's own summary of God's veto, a stronger term than a simple negative command.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068); Balaam again uses the covenant name of Israel's God.
לְתִתִּ֖יto let meprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 1cs suffix · נָתַן (H5414)Complementary infinitive, object of מֵאֵן→ Infinitive construct: the content of the refusalנָתַן (H5414) 'to give, allow'; idiomatic causative — 'refused to give me (leave)'.
לַהֲלֹ֥ךְto goprep לְ + Qal inf constr · הָלַךְ (H1980)Complementary infinitive, epexegetical to לְתִתִּי→ Infinitive construct: the specific act in questionהָלַךְ (H1980); the act permission for which is withheld.
עִמָּכֶֽםwith youprep עִם + 2mp suffixPrepositional phrase of accompanimentעִם (H5973) with 2mp suffix, referring to the envoys.
14

וַיָּק֨וּמוּ֙ שָׂרֵ֣י מוֹאָ֔ב וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ אֶל בָּלָ֑ק וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ מֵאֵ֥ן בִּלְעָ֖ם הֲלֹ֥ךְ עִמָּֽנוּ

And the princes of Moab rose and went to Balak, and they said, "Balaam refused to come with us."

Narrative continuation — envoys report the refusalוַ
The envoys report only the bare refusal, without reason; Balak will respond by assuming Balaam simply needs a better offer (vv. 15-17), missing or ignoring the theological substance of God's answer.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיָּק֨וּמוּ֙and they roseconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) 'to arise'; the envoys' departure for home.
שָׂרֵ֣יthe princes ofN m pl constr · שַׂר (H8269)Subject (construct chain)שַׂר (H8269), as in vv. 8, 13.
מוֹאָ֔בMoabproper N · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹאָב (H4124).
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּand they cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; arrival back at Balak's court.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the destinationאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בָּלָ֑קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Object of prepositionבָּלָק (H1111).
וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּand they saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); the envoys' report to Balak.
מֵאֵ֥ןhas refusedPiel perf 3ms · מָאֵן (H3985)Predicate verb (main clause of the report)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive refusalמָאֵן (H3985) Piel 'to refuse'; the envoys' terse summary, echoing Balaam's own word (v. 13).
בִּלְעָ֖םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
הֲלֹ֥ךְto comeQal inf constr · הָלַךְ (H1980)Infinitive complement of מֵאֵן→ Infinitive construct: the refused actionהָלַךְ (H1980); the bare infinitive object of מֵאֵן, summarizing Balaam's refusal for the envoys' report.
עִמָּֽנוּwith usprep עִם + 1cp suffixPrepositional phrase of accompanimentעִם (H5973) with 1cp suffix, the envoys speaking of themselves.
15

וַיֹּ֥סֶף ע֖וֹד בָּלָ֑ק שְׁלֹ֣חַ שָׂרִ֔ים רַבִּ֥ים וְנִכְבָּדִ֖ים מֵאֵֽלֶּה

And Balak sent princes again, more numerous and more honored than these.

Narrative continuation — Balak escalatesוַ
Balak misreads the refusal as a matter of insufficient honor rather than divine prohibition, and responds by upgrading the delegation's rank — the same category error that recurs in his later offers of wealth (vv. 17-18).
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
וַיֹּ֥סֶףand he again (sent)conj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָסַף (H3254)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (auxiliary verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil 'to add, do again'; auxiliary governing the infinitive שְׁלֹחַ, 'he again sent'.
ע֖וֹדagainadv · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb reinforcing the repetitionעוֹד (H5750) 'again, still, yet'; reinforces the repeated action alongside יֹסֶף.
בָּלָ֑קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111).
שְׁלֹ֣חַto sendQal inf constr · שָׁלַח (H7971)Complementary infinitive, object of וַיֹּסֶף→ Infinitive construct: the repeated actionשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; the action repeated — Balak's second embassy.
שָׂרִ֔יםprincesN m pl abs · שַׂר (H8269)Direct objectשַׂר (H8269) 'prince, official'; indefinite here — a new, grander delegation.
רַבִּ֥יםmore numerousadj m pl abs · רַב (H7227)Attributive adjective modifying שָׂרִיםרַב (H7227) 'many, great'; comparative force from context, 'more ... than these'.
וְנִכְבָּדִ֖יםand more honoredconj וְ + Niphal ptc mp · כָּבַד (H3513)Attributive participle, coordinate with רַבִּים→ Participle (stative): a quality attributed to the new envoysכָּבַד (H3513) Niphal 'to be honored, weighty'; the new delegation outranks the first — Balak escalates his appeal.
מֵאֵֽלֶּהthan theseprep מִן + dem pron c pl · אֵלֶּה (H428)Comparative prepositional phraseאֵלֶּה (H428) 'these', with מִן forming the comparison to the first delegation (vv. 4-7).
16

וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ אֶל בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ ל֗וֹ כֹּ֤ה אָמַר֙ בָּלָ֣ק בֶּן צִפּ֔וֹר אַל נָ֥א תִמָּנַ֖ע מֵהֲלֹ֥ךְ אֵלָֽי

And they came to Balaam and said to him, "Thus says Balak son of Zippor: Please, do not let anything hold you back from coming to me."

Direct speech — Balak's renewed entreatyוַ
The classic ancient Near Eastern messenger formula כֹּה אָמַר frames Balak's plea; his phrasing (אַל נָא תִמָּנַע, 'please do not be held back') treats Balaam's refusal as personal reluctance rather than divine command, setting up the escalating offer of v. 17.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּand they cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the second delegation's arrival.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the destinationאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בִּלְעָ֑םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of prepositionבִּלְעָם (H1109).
וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּand they saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces the second delegation's message.
ל֗וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffixIndirect objectלְ with 3ms suffix, referring to Balaam.
כֹּ֤הthusadv · כֹּה (H3541)Adverb introducing the messenger-quotation formulaכֹּה (H3541) 'thus'; the standard messenger-formula opening, כֹּה אָמַר, 'thus says...'.
אָמַר֙saysQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of the messenger formula→ Perfective used performatively: the standing message-formula 'thus says X'אָמַר (H559); the classic ancient Near Eastern messenger-speech opening.
בָּלָ֣קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111).
בֶּןson ofN m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Construct chain (genitival), in appositionבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; patronymic apposition.
צִפּ֔וֹרZipporproper N · צִפּוֹר (H6834)Genitive of the construct chainצִפּוֹר (H6834); Balak's father, as in v. 2.
אַלdo notvolitive neg particle · אַל (H408)Negative particle with the jussive verbאַל (H408), the volitive negative (distinct from indicative לֹא), used with the jussive for a specific, immediate prohibition.
נָ֥אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty softening the prohibitionנָא (H4994), softening the prohibition into a plea.
תִמָּנַ֖עbe held backNiphal jussive 2ms · מָנַע (H4513)Predicate verb (negative volitive)→ Jussive (negated by אַל): a specific, urgent requestמָנַע (H4513) Niphal 'to be withheld, refrain'; Balak begs Balaam not to let anything hold him back.
מֵהֲלֹ֥ךְfrom comingprep מִן + Qal inf constr · הָלַךְ (H1980)Complementary infinitive (separation from the verb of restraint)→ Infinitive construct: the specific act being withheldהָלַךְ (H1980); the action Balak fears will be withheld.
אֵלָֽיto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffixIndirect objectאֶל with 1cs suffix, Balak referring to himself.
17

כִּֽי כַבֵּ֤ד אֲכַבֶּדְךָ֙ מְאֹ֔ד וְכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר תֹּאמַ֥ר אֵלַ֖י אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֑ה וּלְכָה נָּא֙ קָֽבָה לִּ֔י אֵ֖ת הָעָ֥ם הַזֶּֽה

"For I will surely honor you greatly, and whatever you say to me I will do; so please come, curse this people for me."

Direct speech continues — Balak's blank-check offerasyndeton
Balak's rhetoric escalates from status (v. 16) to an open-ended promise of honor and unconditional compliance (אֲשֶׁר תֹּאמַר אֵלַי אֶעֱשֶׂה); the emphatic infinitive absolute כַּבֵּד אֲכַבֶּדְךָ underlines the offer's intensity, setting up Balaam's famous reply in v. 18.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal/asseverative conjunction opening the offerכִּי (H3588), here asseverative, 'indeed, surely', reinforcing the promise that follows.
כַבֵּ֤דsurelyPiel inf abs · כָּבַד (H3513)Infinitive absolute reinforcing the following finite verb→ Infinitive absolute + finite verb: emphatic certaintyכָּבַד (H3513) Piel 'to honor'; the infinitive absolute before the finite verb intensifies Balak's promise.
אֲכַבֶּדְךָ֙I will honor youPiel impf 1cs + 2ms suffix · כָּבַד (H3513)Predicate verb, emphasized by the preceding infinitive absolute→ Yiqtol: emphatic future promiseכָּבַד (H3513) Piel 'to honor, make weighty'; Balak's promise of rich reward, matching his earlier upgrade of envoys' rank (v. 15).
מְאֹ֔דgreatlyadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifierמְאֹד (H3966) 'very, exceedingly'; intensifies the promised honor.
וְכֹ֛לand whateverconj וְ + N m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Subject of the generalizing relative clauseכֹּל (H3605) 'all'; heads the generalizing clause, 'whatever you say'.
אֲשֶׁרthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the object clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative, 'that, which'.
תֹּאמַ֥רyou sayQal impf 2ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: habitual/conditional futureאָמַר (H559); whatever Balaam might say.
אֵלַ֖יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffixIndirect objectאֶל with 1cs suffix, Balak referring to himself.
אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֑הI will doQal impf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (apodosis of the conditional relative)→ Yiqtol: promissory futureעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; Balak offers Balaam unconditional compliance — a blank check meant to override the divine refusal.
וּלְכָהso comeconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms + he-volitive · הָלַךְ (H3212)Volitional verb reopening the petition→ Volitional: a renewed urging summonsהָלַךְ (H3212); the same invitation as vv. 6, 11, now backed by the blank-check promise.
נָּא֙pleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreatyנָא (H4994), softening the imperative.
קָֽבָהcurseQal impv 2ms + he-volitive · קָבַב (H6895)Volitional main verb of the petition→ Volitional: the imperative request itselfקָבַב (H6895) 'to curse'; repeating the verb of v. 11.
לִּ֔יfor meprep לְ + 1cs suffixDative of advantageלְ with 1cs suffix, 'for me'.
אֵ֖ת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הָעָם הַזֶּה as the object of the curse.
הָעָ֥םthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Direct objectעַם (H5971) 'people'; Israel, the target of the curse.
הַזֶּֽהthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifying הָעָםזֶה (H2088), demonstrative 'this'.
18

וַיַּ֣עַן בִּלְעָ֗ם וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל עַבְדֵ֣י בָלָ֔ק אִם יִתֶּן לִ֥י בָלָ֛ק מְלֹ֥א בֵית֖וֹ כֶּ֣סֶף וְזָהָ֑ב לֹ֣א אוּכַ֗ל לַעֲבֹר֙ אֶת פִּי֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֔י לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת קְטַנָּ֖ה א֥וֹ גְדוֹלָֽה

And Balaam answered and said to Balak's servants, "Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to transgress the command of YHWH my God, to do less or more."

Direct speech — Balaam's principled refusal (the chapter's classic line)asyndeton
Balaam's reply is the chapter's most quoted line: he frames obedience to YHWH's mouth/command as inherent incapacity, not mere unwillingness, and explicitly calls YHWH 'my God' — yet the verse's integrity is immediately complicated by what follows (vv. 19-20), where he nonetheless asks to consult further.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
וַיַּ֣עַןand he answeredconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, respond'; paired with וַיֹּאמֶר, a formal double verb of speech introducing a solemn reply.
בִּלְעָ֗םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Balaam's formal reply.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
עַבְדֵ֣יthe servants ofN m pl constr · עֶבֶד (H5650)Construct chain (genitival), object of prepositionעֶבֶד (H5650) 'servant, official'; Balak's envoys now termed 'servants'.
בָלָ֔קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Genitive of the construct chainבָּלָק (H1111).
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the hypothetical protasisאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces Balaam's famous hypothetical.
יִתֶּןhe were to giveQal impf 3ms · נָתַן (H5414)Predicate verb of the conditional protasis→ Yiqtol: hypothetical/conditional — an extreme, unreal caseנָתַן (H5414) 'to give'; the hypothetical maximal bribe.
לִ֥יto meprep לְ + 1cs suffixIndirect objectלְ with 1cs suffix, referring to Balaam.
בָלָ֛קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111).
מְלֹ֥אthe fullness ofN m sg constr · מְלֹא (H4393)Direct object (construct head)מְלֹא (H4393) 'fullness'; construct, 'a houseful of'.
בֵית֖וֹhis houseN m sg constr + 3ms suffix · בַּיִת (H1004)Genitive completing the constructבַּיִת (H1004) 'house'; the totality of Balak's household wealth.
כֶּ֣סֶףsilverN m sg abs · כֶּסֶף (H3701)Appositional specification of מְלֹא בֵיתוֹכֶּסֶף (H3701) 'silver'; paired with זָהָב, the stock image for maximal wealth.
וְזָהָ֑בand goldconj וְ + N m sg abs · זָהָב (H2091)Coordinate appositional nounזָהָב (H2091) 'gold'.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle with the following verbלֹא (H3808), negating אוּכַל in the apodosis.
אוּכַ֗לI would be ableQal impf 1cs · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb (apodosis)→ Yiqtol: modal — categorical incapacity, not mere unwillingnessיָכֹל (H3201); Balaam frames his refusal as inherent inability — theologically weighty phrasing.
לַעֲבֹר֙to transgressprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָבַר (H5674)Complementary infinitive, object of אוּכַל→ Infinitive construct: the forbidden actionעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass over, transgress'; idiom 'transgress the mouth of' = disobey or exceed the command of.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking פִּי יְהוָה as the object of לַעֲבֹר.
פִּי֙the mouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Direct object (construct head)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; construct, 'the mouth/command of YHWH' — idiom for the spoken word and its binding authority.
יְהוָ֣הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
אֱלֹהָ֔יmy GodN m pl constr + 1cs suffix · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Apposition to יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) with 1cs suffix; Balaam explicitly claims YHWH as 'my God' — a striking personal confession from a non-Israelite.
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Complementary infinitive, epexegetical to לַעֲבֹר→ Infinitive construct: specifying the scope of the restrictionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; specifies the totalizing scope of the incapacity — 'small or great', i.e. anything at all.
קְטַנָּ֖הa small thingadj (subst.) f sg abs · קָטָן (H6996)Direct object of לַעֲשׂוֹתקָטָן (H6996) 'small'; substantival feminine, 'a small thing'.
א֥וֹorconj · אוֹ (H176)Coordinating disjunctive conjunctionאוֹ (H176) 'or'.
גְדוֹלָֽהa great thingadj (subst.) f sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Coordinate direct objectגָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great'; substantival feminine, 'a great thing' — merism with קְטַנָּה for 'anything whatsoever'.
19

וְעַתָּ֗ה שְׁב֨וּ נָ֥א בָזֶ֛ה גַּם אַתֶּ֖ם הַלָּ֑יְלָה וְאֵ֣דְעָ֔ה מַה יֹּסֵ֥ף יְהוָ֖ה דַּבֵּ֥ר עִמִּֽי

"And now, please stay here, you also, tonight, that I may learn what more YHWH will say to me."

Direct speech continues — Balaam requests a second inquiryוְ
Despite his own categorical claim in v. 18, Balaam invites a second consultation, as though the answer might change with a grander delegation — the narrative's central irony, since God has already given a definitive answer.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְעַתָּ֗הand nowconj וְ + adv · עַתָּה (H6258)Transitional adverbעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; introduces Balaam's request for a further night.
שְׁב֨וּstayQal impv 2mp · יָשַׁב (H3427)Volitional main verb (invitation)→ Volitional: an invitation/commandיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, stay'; Balaam extends the overnight stay a second time.
נָ֥אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreatyנָא (H4994), softening the imperative.
בָזֶ֛הhereprep בְּ + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Locative prepositional phraseזֶה (H2088) with בְּ, idiomatic 'in this (place)' = here.
גַּםalsoadv · גַּם (H1571)Adverb emphasizing the pronoun אַתֶּםגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; emphasizes 'you too', including this second delegation.
אַתֶּ֖םyouindep pron 2mp · אַתֶּם (H859)Emphatic subject pronoun (redundant with the imperative)אַתֶּם (H859), independent 2mp pronoun, emphatic.
הַלָּ֑יְלָהtonightart + N m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Adverbial accusative of timeלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night'; used adverbially, as in v. 8.
וְאֵ֣דְעָ֔הand let me knowconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cs · יָדַע (H3045)Cohortative expressing purpose→ Cohortative: a self-directed volitional wishיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; Balaam's stated purpose in delaying — to learn whether God will add anything to his answer.
מַהwhatinterrogative pron · מָה (H4100)Interrogative pronoun, object of the following verbמָה (H4100) 'what?'; introduces the indirect question.
יֹּסֵ֥ףwill addHiphil impf 3ms · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb governing the infinitive דַּבֵּר→ Yiqtol: anticipated future disclosureיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil 'to add, continue'; 'what YHWH will add to speak' = say further.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
דַּבֵּ֥רto speakPiel inf constr · דָּבַר (H1696)Complementary infinitive of יֹסֵף→ Infinitive construct: content of the anticipated additionדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; completes the idiom 'add to speak' = speak further.
עִמִּֽיwith meprep עִם + 1cs suffixPrepositional phrase of accompanimentעִם (H5973) with 1cs suffix, referring to Balaam.
20

וַיָּבֹ֨א אֱלֹהִ֥ים אֶל בִּלְעָם֮ לַיְלָה֒ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֗וֹ אִם לִקְרֹ֤א לְךָ֙ בָּ֣אוּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֔ים ק֖וּם לֵ֣ךְ אִתָּ֑ם וְאַ֗ךְ אֶת הַדָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר אֲדַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶ֖יךָ אֹת֥וֹ תַעֲשֶֽׂה

And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, "If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall do."

Narrative continuation — divine reversal, with a binding conditionוַ
God's permission directly reverses v. 12 (לֹא תֵלֵךְ becomes קוּם לֵךְ), producing the chapter's famous crux — did God change his mind, or is this a concession to Balaam's own desire, later judged in v. 22? The reversal is bounded by an absolute restriction: Balaam may go only to speak precisely what God dictates.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
וַיָּבֹ֨אand he cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; God's second nocturnal approach to Balaam.
אֱלֹהִ֥יםGodN m pl (of majesty) abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subjectאֱלֹהִים (H430).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בִּלְעָם֮Balaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of prepositionבִּלְעָם (H1109).
לַיְלָה֒at nightN m sg abs · לַיְלָה (H3915)Adverbial accusative of timeלַיְלָה (H3915) 'night', anarthrous, adverbial 'by night'.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces God's revised instruction.
ל֗וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms suffixIndirect objectלְ with 3ms suffix, referring to Balaam.
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction introducing the protasisאִם (H518) 'if'; introduces the condition of God's permission.
לִקְרֹ֤אto callprep לְ + Qal inf constr · קָרָא (H7121)Purpose infinitive within the conditional protasis→ Infinitive construct: purpose of the men's comingקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, summon'; repeats the purpose-verb of v. 5.
לְךָ֙youprep לְ + 2ms suffixIndirect object of the infinitiveלְ with 2ms suffix, 'to summon you'.
בָּ֣אוּhave comeQal perf 3cp · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the conditional protasis→ Perfective: a completed arrival, the basis of the conditionבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'; the men's arrival is now accomplished fact.
הָאֲנָשִׁ֔יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Subjectאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the second delegation.
ק֖וּםriseQal impv 2ms · קוּם (H6965)Volitional main verb (permission granted)→ Volitional: permission/commandקוּם (H6965) 'to arise'; God now grants what he had refused (v. 12) — the reversal driving the chapter's central tension.
לֵ֣ךְgoQal impv 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Volitional main verb, coordinate with קוּם→ Volitional: permission/command, reversing v. 12הָלַךְ (H3212); the very verb God had forbidden in v. 12 (לֹא תֵלֵךְ) is now commanded — the tension is deliberate, not resolved by simple harmonization.
אִתָּ֑םwith themprep אֵת/אֶת (accompaniment) + 3mp suffix · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase of accompanimentאֵת (H854) 'with' (the accompaniment preposition, distinct from the object-marker אֵת H853); with 3mp suffix, referring to the envoys.
וְאַ֗ךְbut onlyconj וְ + adv · אַךְ (H389)Restrictive adverb qualifying the permissionאַךְ (H389) 'only, surely'; sharply limits the permission just granted — go, but strictly under this one condition.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הַדָּבָר as the object, fronted before the verb for emphasis.
הַדָּבָ֛רthe wordart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object, fronted for emphasisדָּבָר (H1697) 'word'; the sole permitted content of Balaam's future speech.
אֲשֶׁרthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the modifying clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative, 'that, which'.
אֲדַבֵּ֥רI speakPiel impf 1cs · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: future/habitual — 'whatever I shall say'דָּבַר (H1696); God's controlling condition — Balaam's speech restricted entirely to divine dictation.
אֵלֶ֖יךָto youprep אֶל + 2ms suffixIndirect objectאֶל with 2ms suffix, referring to Balaam.
אֹת֥וֹitobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (resumptive, fronted for emphasis)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, resuming הַדָּבָר: 'that — that alone — you shall do'.
תַעֲשֶֽׂהyou shall doQal impf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (apodosis, main command)→ Yiqtol used volitively: a binding commandעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the chapter's controlling condition on the whole journey ahead.
21

וַיָּ֤קָם בִּלְעָם֙ בַּבֹּ֔קֶר וַֽיַּחֲבֹ֖שׁ אֶת אֲתֹנ֑וֹ וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ עִם שָׂרֵ֥י מוֹאָֽב

And Balaam rose in the morning and saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.

Narrative continuation — Balaam's departureוַ
The mundane, businesslike notice of saddling the donkey (חָבַשׁ) sets up the story's central irony: this very animal will see what her seer-rider cannot.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיָּ֤קָםand he roseconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) 'to arise'; Balaam now acts on God's permission (v. 20).
בִּלְעָם֙Balaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
בַּבֹּ֔קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phraseבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'.
וַֽיַּחֲבֹ֖שׁand he saddledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָבַשׁ (H2280)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָבַשׁ (H2280) 'to bind, saddle'; ironic given the donkey will soon show more perception than the seer riding her.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking אֲתֹנוֹ as the object of חבשׁ.
אֲתֹנ֑וֹhis donkeyN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָתוֹן (H860)Direct objectאָתוֹן (H860) 'she-donkey'; the story's second-most important character, about to speak.
וַיֵּ֖לֶךְand he wentconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212); Balaam finally departs, the very act permitted in v. 20.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase of accompanimentעִם (H5973) 'with'.
שָׂרֵ֥יthe princes ofN m pl constr · שַׂר (H8269)Object of preposition (construct chain)שַׂר (H8269), the second delegation of vv. 15-16.
מוֹאָֽבMoabproper N · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹאָב (H4124).
22

וַיִּֽחַר אַ֣ף אֱלֹהִים֮ כִּֽי הוֹלֵ֣ךְ הוּא֒ וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֞ב מַלְאַ֧ךְ יְהוָ֛ה בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ לְשָׂטָ֣ן ל֑וֹ וְהוּא֙ רֹכֵ֣ב עַל אֲתֹנ֔וֹ וּשְׁנֵ֥י נְעָרָ֖יו עִמּֽוֹ

And God's anger burned because he was going, and the angel of YHWH stationed himself in the road as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.

Narrative continuation — the classic crux: anger despite permissionוַ
The verse's abruptness is the chapter's most debated point: God has just told Balaam to go (v. 20), yet his anger burns 'because he was going'. Proposed resolutions include a difference of motive (eagerness for reward versus bare obedience) or a test of whether Balaam will speak only God's word; the text itself declines to resolve the tension, and it should be named rather than harmonized away.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיִּֽחַרand it burnedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָרָה (H2734) 'to burn, be kindled (of anger)'; the standard idiom for divine anger, וַיִּחַר אַף.
אַ֣ףthe anger ofN c sg constr · אַף (H639)Subject of וַיִּחַראַף (H639) 'nose, anger'; construct with אֱלֹהִים, 'the anger of God'.
אֱלֹהִים֮of GodN m pl (of majesty) abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive of the construct chainאֱלֹהִים (H430).
כִּֽיbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588), causal, introducing the reason for the anger — the chapter's central crux.
הוֹלֵ֣ךְwas goingQal ptc ms · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate participle of the causal clause→ Participle: durative — the ongoing fact of his goingהָלַךְ (H1980); the participle underscores that Balaam is already underway when the anger flares, despite God's own permission in v. 20.
הוּא֒heindep pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the participial clauseהוּא (H1931), referring to Balaam.
וַיִּתְיַצֵּ֞בand he stationed himselfconj וַ + Hitpael wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצַב (H3320)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצַב (H3320) Hitpael 'to station, take one's stand'; the angel deliberately takes a blocking position.
מַלְאַ֧ךְthe angel ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Subject (construct chain)מַלְאָךְ (H4397); the same word used for Balak's human envoys (v. 5) now denotes the divine messenger himself.
יְהוָ֛הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְin the roadprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Locative prepositional phraseדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'road, way'; the literal road becomes the site of confrontation, and 'the way' recurs as a motif (vv. 23, 26, 32, 34).
לְשָׂטָ֣ןas an adversaryprep לְ + N m sg abs · שָׂטָן (H7854)Predicate complement (role/purpose)שָׂטָן (H7854) 'adversary, opponent'; the common noun here, not yet the later proper title — one who blocks or opposes, exactly the role this angel plays.
ל֑וֹagainst himprep לְ + 3ms suffixPrepositional phrase completing לְשָׂטָןלְ with 3ms suffix, 'against him' — Balaam is the target of the angel's opposition.
וְהוּא֙and heconj וְ + indep pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject of the circumstantial clauseהוּא (H1931), referring to Balaam, introducing a circumstantial nominal clause.
רֹכֵ֣בwas ridingQal ptc ms · רָכַב (H7392)Predicate participle (circumstantial clause)→ Participle: durative — describing Balaam's ongoing situationרָכַב (H7392) 'to ride'; sets the scene for what only the donkey will perceive.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of locationעַל (H5921) 'upon, on'.
אֲתֹנ֔וֹhis donkeyN f sg constr + 3ms suffix · אָתוֹן (H860)Object of prepositionאָתוֹן (H860) 'she-donkey'.
וּשְׁנֵ֥יand two ofconj וְ + numeral m dual constr · שְׁנַיִם (H8147)Coordinate subject (construct chain)שְׁנַיִם (H8147) 'two'; construct dual, 'two of his servants'.
נְעָרָ֖יוhis servantsN m pl constr + 3ms suffix · נַעַר (H5288)Genitive completing the constructנַעַר (H5288) 'young man, servant'; Balaam's silent entourage, who unlike the donkey apparently perceive nothing.
עִמּֽוֹwith himprep עִם + 3ms suffixPrepositional phrase of accompanimentעִם (H5973) with 3ms suffix, referring to Balaam.
23

וַתֵּ֣רֶא הָאָתוֹן֩ אֶת מַלְאַ֨ךְ יְהוָ֜ה נִצָּ֣ב בַּדֶּ֗רֶךְ וְחַרְבּ֤וֹ שְׁלוּפָה֙ בְּיָד֔וֹ וַתֵּ֤ט הָֽאָתוֹן֙ מִן הַדֶּ֔רֶךְ וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה וַיַּ֤ךְ בִּלְעָם֙ אֶת הָ֣אָת֔וֹן לְהַטֹּתָ֖הּ הַדָּֽרֶךְ

And the donkey saw the angel of YHWH standing in the road with his sword drawn in his hand, and the donkey turned aside from the road and went into the field; and Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back onto the road.

Narrative continuation — first of three donkey-sees-seer episodesוַ
The chapter's central irony is staged with deliberate repetition: the donkey perceives the drawn-sword angel that the professional seer cannot, and Balaam's response is to beat, not to look — the first of three identical failures (vv. 23, 25, 27).
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַתֵּ֣רֶאand she sawconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; the donkey, not Balaam, is the one who perceives — the story's controlling irony begins here.
הָאָתוֹן֩the donkeyart + N f sg abs · אָתוֹן (H860)Subjectאָתוֹן (H860) 'she-donkey'.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה as the object seen.
מַלְאַ֨ךְthe angel ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Direct object (construct chain)מַלְאָךְ (H4397), as in v. 22.
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
נִצָּ֣בstandingNiphal ptc ms · נָצַב (H5324)Attributive/predicate participle describing the angel→ Participle: durative, describing the angel's posture as perceivedנָצַב (H5324) Niphal 'to stand, be stationed'; near-synonym of יָצַב (v. 22).
בַּדֶּ֗רֶךְin the roadprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Locative prepositional phraseדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'road'.
וְחַרְבּ֤וֹand his swordconj וְ + N f sg constr + 3ms suffix · חֶרֶב (H2719)Coordinate subject of the circumstantial clauseחֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword' with 3ms suffix; the drawn sword makes the angel's hostile posture explicit — to the donkey.
שְׁלוּפָה֙drawnQal passive ptc fs · שָׁלַף (H8025)Predicate of the circumstantial clause (agreeing with חַרְבּוֹ)→ Participle (passive, stative): a completed, visible stateשָׁלַף (H8025) 'to draw out (a weapon)'; passive participle, the sword already unsheathed.
בְּיָד֔וֹin his handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 3ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) 'hand'.
וַתֵּ֤טand she turned asideconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · נָטָה (H5186)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָטָה (H5186) 'to stretch out, turn aside'; the donkey's first evasive action of three.
הָֽאָתוֹן֙the donkeyart + N f sg abs · אָתוֹן (H860)Subject (resumed)אָתוֹן (H860).
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Source prepositional phraseמִן (H4480) 'from'.
הַדֶּ֔רֶךְthe roadart + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Object of the source prepositionדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'road'.
וַתֵּ֖לֶךְand she wentconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212).
בַּשָּׂדֶ֑הinto the fieldprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Locative prepositional phrase (goal)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field'; off the road into open ground.
וַיַּ֤ךְand he struckconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike'; the first of three beatings — the seer, blind to the danger, punishes the animal that alone perceives it.
בִּלְעָם֙Balaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הָאָתוֹן as the object struck.
הָ֣אָת֔וֹןthe donkeyart + N f sg abs · אָתוֹן (H860)Direct objectאָתוֹן (H860).
לְהַטֹּתָ֖הּto turn herprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr + 3fs suffix · נָטָה (H5186)Purpose infinitive of וַיַּךְ→ Infinitive construct: Balaam's intended corrective purposeנָטָה (H5186) Hiphil 'to cause to turn, redirect'; Balaam's goal — to force the donkey back onto the road.
הַדָּֽרֶךְonto the roadart + N c sg abs (accusative of goal) · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Adverbial accusative of direction, completing לְהַטֹּתָהּדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'road'; unmarked accusative of goal, 'toward/onto the road'.
24

וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהוָ֔ה בְּמִשְׁע֖וֹל הַכְּרָמִ֑ים גָּדֵ֥ר מִזֶּ֖ה וְגָדֵ֥ר מִזֶּֽה

And the angel of YHWH stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, a wall on one side and a wall on the other.

Narrative continuation — second confrontation, escalatedוַ
The angel now chooses a spot with no room for evasion — walled on both sides — intensifying the test that the donkey alone can see.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙and he stoodconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָמַד (H5975)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; the angel repositions to a narrower, more constricting spot — an escalation of the test.
מַלְאַ֣ךְthe angel ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Subject (construct chain)מַלְאָךְ (H4397).
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
בְּמִשְׁע֖וֹלin a path ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · מִשְׁעוֹל (H4934)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)מִשְׁעוֹל (H4934) 'narrow path'; a rare word, a track just wide enough for passage.
הַכְּרָמִ֑יםthe vineyardsart + N c pl abs · כֶּרֶם (H3754)Genitive completing the constructכֶּרֶם (H3754) 'vineyard'; the path runs between walled rows of vines.
גָּדֵ֥רa wallN m sg abs · גָּדֵר (H1447)Subject of the verbless clauseגָּדֵר (H1447) 'wall, fence'; a stone wall bordering the vineyard terrace.
מִזֶּ֖הon this sideprep מִן + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Locative prepositional phraseזֶה (H2088) with מִן, 'from this (side)' = on one side.
וְגָדֵ֥רand a wallconj וְ + N m sg abs · גָּדֵר (H1447)Coordinate subjectגָּדֵר (H1447), repeated for the opposite side, leaving no room to swerve.
מִזֶּֽהon that sideprep מִן + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Locative prepositional phrase (parallel)זֶה (H2088) with מִן, the parallel opposite side.
25

וַתֵּ֨רֶא הָאָת֜וֹן אֶת מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהוָ֗ה וַתִּלָּחֵץ֙ אֶל הַקִּ֔יר וַתִּלְחַ֛ץ אֶת רֶ֥גֶל בִּלְעָ֖ם אֶל הַקִּ֑יר וַיֹּ֖סֶף לְהַכֹּתָֽהּ

And the donkey saw the angel of YHWH, and she pressed herself against the wall and pressed Balaam's foot against the wall; and he struck her again.

Narrative continuation — second donkey-sees-seer episodeוַ
Constrained by the walls, the donkey's evasion now injures Balaam himself — an ironic foretaste of the harm his mission courts — and he responds again with violence rather than inquiry.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַתֵּ֨רֶאand she sawconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200); the donkey perceives the angel a second time.
הָאָת֜וֹןthe donkeyart + N f sg abs · אָתוֹן (H860)Subjectאָתוֹן (H860).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה as the object seen.
מַלְאַ֣ךְthe angel ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Direct object (construct chain)מַלְאָךְ (H4397).
יְהוָ֗הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
וַתִּלָּחֵץ֙and she pressed herselfconj וַ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3fs · לָחַץ (H3905)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָחַץ (H3905) Niphal 'to press oneself, squeeze'; the donkey's second evasive maneuver, now constrained by the walls.
אֶלagainstprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase of directionאֶל (H413) 'to, against'.
הַקִּ֔ירthe wallart + N m sg abs · קִיר (H7023)Object of the prepositionקִיר (H7023) 'wall'; the vineyard wall of v. 24.
וַתִּלְחַ֛ץand she pressedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · לָחַץ (H3905)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָחַץ (H3905) Qal (transitive) 'to press, crush'; the same root now transitive — she presses Balaam's foot, unintentionally injuring him.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking רֶגֶל בִּלְעָם as the object pressed.
רֶ֥גֶלthe foot ofN f sg constr · רֶגֶל (H7272)Direct object (construct head)רֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; construct, Balaam's foot crushed against the wall.
בִּלְעָ֖םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Genitive of the construct chainבִּלְעָם (H1109).
אֶלagainstprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase of directionאֶל (H413) 'to, against'.
הַקִּ֑ירthe wallart + N m sg abs · קִיר (H7023)Object of the prepositionקִיר (H7023) 'wall'.
וַיֹּ֖סֶףand he again (struck)conj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָסַף (H3254)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (auxiliary verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil 'to add, do again'; governing לְהַכֹּתָהּ, the second beating.
לְהַכֹּתָֽהּto strike herprep לְ + Hiphil inf constr + 3fs suffix · נָכָה (H5221)Complementary infinitive of וַיֹּסֶף→ Infinitive construct: the repeated actionנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike'; the second beating, again misdirected at the perceptive animal.
26

וַיּ֥וֹסֶף מַלְאַךְ יְהוָ֖ה עֲב֑וֹר וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙ בְּמָק֣וֹם צָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֵֽין דֶּ֥רֶךְ לִנְט֖וֹת יָמִ֥ין וּשְׂמֹֽאול

And the angel of YHWH went on further and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn to the right or to the left.

Narrative continuation — third and final confrontationוַ
The angel's third position removes all possibility of evasion — no way right or left — building to the moment the donkey simply stops, and Balaam's anger finally boils over (v. 27).
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיּ֥וֹסֶףand he again (went)conj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · יָסַף (H3254)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (auxiliary verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָסַף (H3254) Hiphil; governs the infinitive עֲבוֹר, 'he went on further'.
מַלְאַךְthe angel ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Subject (construct chain)מַלְאָךְ (H4397).
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
עֲב֑וֹרto pass onQal inf constr · עָבַר (H5674)Complementary infinitive of וַיּוֹסֶף→ Infinitive construct: the continued actionעָבַר (H5674) 'to pass over, go on'; the angel advances to a third, still more constrictive position.
וַֽיַּעֲמֹד֙and he stoodconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָמַד (H5975)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָמַד (H5975) 'to stand'; the third positioning of the angel.
בְּמָק֣וֹםin a placeprep בְּ + N m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Locative prepositional phraseמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place'.
צָ֔רnarrowadj m sg abs · צַר (H6862)Attributive adjective modifying מָקוֹםצַר (H6862) 'narrow, constricted'; the third and tightest confrontation site.
אֲשֶׁ֛רwhererel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a locative relative clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative, 'where'.
אֵֽיןthere is noneg existential particle · אַיִן (H369)Negative existential particle, predicate of the relative clauseאַיִן (H369), negative existential 'there is not'; governs דֶּרֶךְ as its logical subject.
דֶּ֥רֶךְwayN c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Subject of the existential negative clauseדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way'; 'there is no way to turn'.
לִנְט֖וֹתto turnprep לְ + Qal inf constr · נָטָה (H5186)Epexegetical infinitive specifying the 'way'→ Infinitive construct: the impossible actionנָטָה (H5186) 'to turn aside'; the same verb used of the donkey's own evasion (v. 23), now denied to her entirely.
יָמִ֥יןrightN f sg abs · יָמִין (H3225)Adverbial accusative of directionיָמִין (H3225) 'right hand/side'.
וּשְׂמֹֽאולor leftconj וְ + N m sg abs · שְׂמֹאול (H8040)Coordinate adverbial accusativeשְׂמֹאול (H8040) 'left hand/side'; merism with יָמִין for 'anywhere at all'.
27

וַתֵּ֤רֶא הָֽאָתוֹן֙ אֶת מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהוָ֔ה וַתִּרְבַּ֖ץ תַּ֣חַת בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיִּֽחַר אַ֣ף בִּלְעָ֔ם וַיַּ֥ךְ אֶת הָאָת֖וֹן בַּמַּקֵּֽל

And the donkey saw the angel of YHWH, and she lay down under Balaam; and Balaam's anger burned, and he struck the donkey with his staff.

Narrative continuation — third donkey-sees-seer episode, crisis reachedוַ
The donkey's third and most drastic evasion — simply lying down — exhausts Balaam's patience; his anger (the same idiom used of God's anger in v. 22) now ironically mirrors the divine anger he cannot perceive, and he escalates from an open-handed strike to a staff.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַתֵּ֤רֶאand she sawconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200); the donkey's third and final sighting of the angel.
הָֽאָתוֹן֙the donkeyart + N f sg abs · אָתוֹן (H860)Subjectאָתוֹן (H860).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה as the object seen.
מַלְאַ֣ךְthe angel ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Direct object (construct chain)מַלְאָךְ (H4397).
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
וַתִּרְבַּ֖ץand she lay downconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · רָבַץ (H7257)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָבַץ (H7257) 'to lie down, crouch'; with no room left to swerve, the donkey simply stops — her final, most drastic evasive act.
תַּ֣חַתunderprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Locative prepositional phraseתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, beneath'.
בִּלְעָ֑םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of prepositionבִּלְעָם (H1109).
וַיִּֽחַרand it burnedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָרָה (H2734) 'to burn (of anger)'; the same idiom used of God's anger in v. 22, now ironically Balaam's own.
אַ֣ףthe anger ofN c sg constr · אַף (H639)Subject of וַיִּחַראַף (H639) 'nose, anger'; construct, 'the anger of Balaam'.
בִּלְעָ֔םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Genitive of the construct chainבִּלְעָם (H1109).
וַיַּ֥ךְand he struckconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · נָכָה (H5221)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil 'to strike'; the third beating, now escalated with a weapon.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הָאָתוֹן as the object struck.
הָאָת֖וֹןthe donkeyart + N f sg abs · אָתוֹן (H860)Direct objectאָתוֹן (H860).
בַּמַּקֵּֽלwith the staffprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מַקֵּל (H4731)Instrumental prepositional phraseמַקֵּל (H4731) 'staff, rod'; the beating escalates from bare force to a weapon.
28

וַיִּפְתַּ֥ח יְהוָ֖ה אֶת פִּ֣י הָאָת֑וֹן וַתֹּ֤אמֶר לְבִלְעָם֙ מֶה עָשִׂ֣יתִֽי לְךָ֔ כִּ֣י הִכִּיתַ֔נִי זֶ֖ה שָׁלֹ֥שׁ רְגָלִֽים

And YHWH opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?"

Narrative continuation — the miracle: the donkey speaksוַ
The Torah's second talking animal (after the serpent, Gen 3) speaks with the plaintive logic of a wronged party — the professional diviner is rebuked by his own beast, in the idiom of ordinary human complaint (מֶה עָשִׂיתִי לְךָ).
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיִּפְתַּ֥חand he openedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · פָּתַח (H6605)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceפָּתַח (H6605) 'to open'; the pivotal miracle — YHWH directly enables speech, the Torah's second talking animal after the serpent (Gen 3).
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068); the miracle is explicitly YHWH's own act.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking פִּי הָאָתוֹן as the object opened.
פִּ֣יthe mouth ofN m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Direct object (construct head)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; the organ opened for speech.
הָאָת֑וֹןthe donkeyart + N f sg abs · אָתוֹן (H860)Genitive of the construct chainאָתוֹן (H860).
וַתֹּ֤אמֶרand she saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); the donkey speaks intelligibly, in the idiom of ordinary human complaint.
לְבִלְעָם֙to Balaamprep לְ + proper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Indirect objectבִּלְעָם (H1109) with לְ.
מֶהwhatinterrogative pron · מָה (H4100)Interrogative pronoun, object of the following verbמָה (H4100) 'what?'; opens the donkey's plaintive question.
עָשִׂ֣יתִֽיhave I doneQal perf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of the question→ Perfective: a completed act under scrutinyעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'; the donkey's rhetorical self-defense.
לְךָ֔to youprep לְ + 2ms suffixIndirect objectלְ with 2ms suffix, addressing Balaam.
כִּ֣יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Conjunction introducing the result/reason clauseכִּי (H3588), here 'that, so that'.
הִכִּיתַ֔נִיyou have struck meHiphil perf 2ms + 1cs suffix · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb of the result clause→ Perfective: a completed, repeated actנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil; the donkey names precisely what Balaam has done to her three times.
זֶ֖הthesedem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative in the idiom 'these three times'זֶה (H2088), idiomatic with a following numeral, 'this makes three times' = 'these three times'.
שָׁלֹ֥שׁthreenumeral f sg abs · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral, part of the adverbial time phraseשָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'.
רְגָלִֽיםtimesN f pl abs · רֶגֶל (H7272)Adverbial accusative of numberרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; idiomatically 'occasion, time' (cf. Exod 23:14), 'three times'.
29

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר בִּלְעָם֙ לָֽאָת֔וֹן כִּ֥י הִתְעַלַּ֖לְתְּ בִּ֑י ל֤וּ יֶשׁ חֶ֨רֶב֙ בְּיָדִ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה הֲרַגְתִּֽיךְ

And Balaam said to the donkey, "Because you have made a mockery of me! If there were a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now."

Direct speech — Balaam's furious, ironic accusationוַ
Balaam wishes aloud for the very sword the angel already holds drawn against him (v. 23) — an irony visible only to the reader, since Balaam still cannot see what his donkey sees.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Balaam's furious reply to his own donkey.
בִּלְעָם֙Balaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
לָֽאָת֔וֹןto the donkeyprep לְ + art + N f sg abs · אָתוֹן (H860)Indirect objectאָתוֹן (H860) with לְ.
כִּ֥יbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal/exclamatory conjunction opening the accusationכִּי (H3588), here exclamatory-causal, 'because'.
הִתְעַלַּ֖לְתְּyou have mockedHitpael perf 2fs · עָלַל (H5953)Predicate verb of Balaam's accusation→ Perfective: a completed, injurious act (as Balaam perceives it)עָלַל (H5953) Hitpael 'to deal wantonly/abusively with, make a mockery of'; Balaam's furious and mistaken charge against his own donkey.
בִּ֑יagainst meprep בְּ + 1cs suffixObject of the prepositionבְּ with 1cs suffix, 'against/with me'.
ל֤וּif onlyconj · לוּ (H3863)Conjunction introducing an unreal/wished-for conditionלוּ (H3863) 'if only, would that'; introduces a contrary-to-fact wish.
יֶשׁthere wereexistential particle · יֵשׁ (H3426)Existential particle, predicate of the conditional clauseיֵשׁ (H3426), existential 'there is'; here within an unreal condition, 'if there were'.
חֶ֨רֶב֙a swordN f sg abs · חֶרֶב (H2719)Subject of the existential clauseחֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword'; Balaam wishes for the very weapon the angel already holds unseen — the story's sharpest irony.
בְּיָדִ֔יin my handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 1cs suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) with 1cs suffix.
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Conjunction introducing the apodosisכִּי (H3588), here resultative, 'then, for'.
עַתָּ֖הnowadv · עַתָּה (H6258)Adverb of timeעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'.
הֲרַגְתִּֽיךְI would have killed youQal perf 1cs + 2fs suffix · הָרַג (H2026)Predicate verb (apodosis of the unreal condition)→ Perfective in an irrealis apodosis: 'I would have killed'הָרַג (H2026) 'to kill, slay'; Balaam's murderous rage at the very animal that has just saved his life three times over.
30

וַתֹּ֨אמֶר הָאָת֜וֹן אֶל בִּלְעָ֗ם הֲלוֹא֩ אָנֹכִ֨י אֲתֹֽנְךָ֜ אֲשֶׁר רָכַ֣בְתָּ עָלַ֗י מֵעֽוֹדְךָ֙ עַד הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה הַֽהַסְכֵּ֣ן הִסְכַּ֔נְתִּי לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת לְךָ֖ כֹּ֑ה וַיֹּ֖אמֶר לֹֽא

And the donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life until this day? Have I ever been accustomed to do this to you before?" And he said, "No."

Direct speech — the donkey's rhetorical defense, and Balaam's forced concessionוַ
The donkey's appeal to a lifetime of faithful, unremarkable service forces from Balaam a one-word admission that undercuts his own fury — the animal reasons more soundly than the diviner, immediately before his eyes are finally opened (v. 31).
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַתֹּ֨אמֶרand she saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); the donkey's rebuttal.
הָאָת֜וֹןthe donkeyart + N f sg abs · אָתוֹן (H860)Subjectאָתוֹן (H860).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בִּלְעָ֗םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of prepositionבִּלְעָם (H1109).
הֲלוֹא֩is it notinterrog הֲ + neg לוֹא · הֲלוֹא (H3808)Interrogative-negative particle introducing a rhetorical question expecting 'yes'הֲלוֹא, interrogative he + negative לֹא, 'is it not?'; a rhetorical question form expecting affirmation.
אָנֹכִ֨יIindep pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Emphatic subject pronounאָנֹכִי (H595), independent 1cs pronoun, emphatic 'I'.
אֲתֹֽנְךָ֜your donkeyN f sg constr + 2ms suffix · אָתוֹן (H860)Predicate nominativeאָתוֹן (H860) with 2ms suffix; the donkey names the relationship of long service.
אֲשֶׁרon whichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the modifying clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative.
רָכַ֣בְתָּyou have riddenQal perf 2ms · רָכַב (H7392)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Perfective: a completed, habitual action over timeרָכַב (H7392) 'to ride'; the donkey recalls a lifetime of faithful service.
עָלַ֗יon meprep עַל + 1cs suffixLocative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) with 1cs suffix.
מֵעֽוֹדְךָ֙all your lifeprep מִן + adv עוֹד + 2ms suffix · עוֹד (H5750)Temporal prepositional phraseעוֹד (H5750) with מִן and 2ms suffix, idiomatic 'from your existing (as my owner)' = ever since you have owned me.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal prepositional phraseעַד (H5704) 'until'.
הַיּ֣וֹםthe dayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Object of the temporal prepositionיוֹם (H3117) 'day'.
הַזֶּ֔הthisart + dem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative modifying הַיּוֹםזֶה (H2088), demonstrative 'this'.
הַֽהַסְכֵּ֣ןhave I everinterrog הֲ + Hiphil inf abs · סָכַן (H5532)Infinitive absolute reinforcing the following finite verb in a rhetorical question→ Infinitive absolute + finite verb, interrogative: emphatic rhetorical questioningסָכַן (H5532) Hiphil 'to be accustomed to, be wont'; the infinitive absolute intensifies the following finite verb.
הִסְכַּ֔נְתִּיhave I been accustomedHiphil perf 1cs · סָכַן (H5532)Predicate verb, emphasized by the preceding infinitive absolute→ Perfective: habitual past behavior under questionסָכַן (H5532) Hiphil 'to be accustomed'; the donkey's rhetorical appeal to her unblemished record.
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹתto doprep לְ + Qal inf constr · עָשָׂה (H6213)Complementary infinitive of הִסְכַּנְתִּי→ Infinitive construct: the habitual behavior in questionעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do'.
לְךָ֖to youprep לְ + 2ms suffixIndirect objectלְ with 2ms suffix, addressing Balaam.
כֹּ֑הthusadv · כֹּה (H3541)Adverb referring back to her present unusual behaviorכֹּה (H3541) 'thus, so'; 'have I ever done so to you before?'
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); Balaam's terse reply.
לֹֽאnoneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle functioning as a one-word answerלֹא (H3808) 'no'; Balaam's forced admission — he cannot deny her faithful record.
31

וַיְגַ֣ל יְהוָה֮ אֶת עֵינֵ֣י בִלְעָם֒ וַיַּ֞רְא אֶת מַלְאַ֤ךְ יְהוָה֙ נִצָּ֣ב בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ וְחַרְבּ֥וֹ שְׁלֻפָ֖ה בְּיָד֑וֹ וַיִּקֹּ֥ד וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ לְאַפָּֽיו

And YHWH uncovered Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of YHWH standing in the road with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head and fell prostrate on his face.

Narrative climax — Balaam finally seesוַ
The same divine action that opened the donkey's mouth (וַיִּפְתַּח, v. 28) now opens Balaam's eyes (וַיְגַל); the professional seer finally perceives what his own animal saw three times, and his response — immediate prostration — implicitly indicts his earlier violence.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיְגַ֣לand he uncoveredconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · גָּלָה (H1540)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceגָּלָה (H1540) Piel 'to uncover, reveal'; 'uncover the eyes' = grant sight, echoing the mouth-opening miracle-formula of v. 28.
יְהוָה֮YHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subjectיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking עֵינֵי בִלְעָם as the object opened.
עֵינֵ֣יthe eyes ofN c dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Direct object (construct head)עַיִן (H5869) dual construct, 'the two eyes of Balaam'.
בִלְעָם֒Balaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Genitive of the construct chainבִּלְעָם (H1109).
וַיַּ֞רְאand he sawconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200); Balaam finally perceives what the donkey saw.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה as the object seen.
מַלְאַ֤ךְthe angel ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Direct object (construct chain)מַלְאָךְ (H4397).
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
נִצָּ֣בstandingNiphal ptc ms · נָצַב (H5324)Attributive/predicate participle describing the angel→ Participle: durativeנָצַב (H5324) Niphal 'to stand, be stationed'; the same posture the donkey alone had seen (v. 23).
בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְin the roadprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Locative prepositional phraseדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'road'.
וְחַרְבּ֥וֹand his swordconj וְ + N f sg constr + 3ms suffix · חֶרֶב (H2719)Coordinate subject of the circumstantial clauseחֶרֶב (H2719) 'sword' with 3ms suffix.
שְׁלֻפָ֖הdrawnQal passive ptc fs · שָׁלַף (H8025)Predicate of the circumstantial clause (agreeing with חַרְבּוֹ)→ Participle (passive, stative): a completed, visible stateשָׁלַף (H8025) 'to draw out (a weapon)'; the sword still drawn, exactly as Balaam's donkey had seen.
בְּיָד֑וֹin his handprep בְּ + N c sg constr + 3ms suffix · יָד (H3027)Locative prepositional phraseיָד (H3027) with 3ms suffix.
וַיִּקֹּ֥דand he bowedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָדַד (H6915)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָדַד (H6915) 'to bow down, kneel'; Balaam's immediate, unforced act of reverence once he finally sees.
וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּand he prostrated himselfconj וַ + Hishtaphel wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁחָה (H7812)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁחָה (H7812) 'to bow down, worship'; paired with קָדַד for full prostration, the same verb used of Israel's worship of YHWH.
לְאַפָּֽיוon his faceprep לְ + N m dual constr + 3ms suffix · אַף (H639)Locative/manner prepositional phraseאַף (H639) dual with 3ms suffix, 'his nostrils/face'; idiom for full prostration.
32

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהוָ֔ה עַל מָ֗ה הִכִּ֨יתָ֙ אֶת אֲתֹ֣נְךָ֔ זֶ֖ה שָׁל֣וֹשׁ רְגָלִ֑ים הִנֵּ֤ה אָנֹכִי֙ יָצָ֣אתִי לְשָׂטָ֔ן כִּֽי יָרַ֥ט הַדֶּ֖רֶךְ לְנֶגְדִּֽי

And the angel of YHWH said to him, "Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary, because your way is reckless before me."

Direct speech — the angel's rebuke and self-disclosureוַ
The angel repeats the donkey's own question back to Balaam (cf. v. 28) and names himself explicitly as לְשָׂטָן, confirming what only the donkey had perceived; the rare verb יָרַט ('reckless, headlong') characterizes Balaam's whole course, not merely his physical path.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); the angel now speaks directly to Balaam.
אֵלָיו֙to himprep אֶל + 3ms suffixIndirect objectאֶל with 3ms suffix, referring to Balaam.
מַלְאַ֣ךְthe angel ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Subject (construct chain)מַלְאָךְ (H4397).
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
עַלconcerningprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase introducing the question's topicעַל (H5921) 'upon, concerning'; with מָה, 'about what, why'.
מָ֗הwhatinterrogative pron · מָה (H4100)Interrogative pronoun, object of the compound prepositionמָה (H4100) 'what?'; עַל מָה, 'why'.
הִכִּ֨יתָ֙have you struckHiphil perf 2ms · נָכָה (H5221)Predicate verb of the question→ Perfective: a completed, repeated act under rebukeנָכָה (H5221) Hiphil; the angel now voices the very accusation the donkey herself made (v. 28).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking אֲתֹנְךָ as the object struck.
אֲתֹ֣נְךָ֔your donkeyN f sg constr + 2ms suffix · אָתוֹן (H860)Direct objectאָתוֹן (H860) with 2ms suffix.
זֶ֖הthesedem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative in the idiom 'these three times'זֶה (H2088), idiomatic with the numeral, as in v. 28.
שָׁל֣וֹשׁthreenumeral f sg abs · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral, part of the adverbial time phraseשָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'.
רְגָלִ֑יםtimesN f pl abs · רֶגֶל (H7272)Adverbial accusative of numberרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; idiomatically 'occasion, time'.
הִנֵּ֤הbeholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle opening the angel's self-disclosureהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'.
אָנֹכִי֙Iindep pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Emphatic subject pronounאָנֹכִי (H595), emphatic 'I'.
יָצָ֣אתִיhave come outQal perf 1cs · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a completed act, now revealedיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; the angel's self-disclosure of his purpose.
לְשָׂטָ֔ןas an adversaryprep לְ + N m sg abs · שָׂטָן (H7854)Predicate complement (role/purpose)שָׂטָן (H7854), as in v. 22 — the angel now confirms his adversarial role directly to Balaam.
כִּֽיbecauseconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588), causal.
יָרַ֥טis recklessQal perf 3ms · יָרַט (H3399)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a settled characterizationיָרַט (H3399) 'to be headstrong, hurl oneself headlong' (rare, disputed root); characterizes Balaam's whole course as reckless before the angel.
הַדֶּ֖רֶךְthe wayart + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Subject of the causal clauseדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'way'; both the literal road and, by extension, Balaam's whole course of action.
לְנֶגְדִּֽיbefore meprep לְ + prep נֶגֶד + 1cs suffix · נֶגֶד (H5048)Locative/adversative prepositional phraseנֶגֶד (H5048) 'in front of, opposite'; with לְ and 1cs suffix, 'in my sight, contrary to me'.
33

וַתִּרְאַ֨נִי֙ הָֽאָת֔וֹן וַתֵּ֣ט לְפָנַ֔י זֶ֖ה שָׁלֹ֣שׁ רְגָלִ֑ים אוּלַי֙ נָטְתָ֣ה מִפָּנַ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֛ה גַּם אֹתְכָ֥ה הָרַ֖גְתִּי וְאוֹתָ֥הּ הֶחֱיֵֽיתִי

And the donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times; if she had not turned aside from me, surely I would by now have killed you and let her live.

Direct speech continues — the angel explains the stakesוַ
The angel's counterfactual reveals the true stakes retroactively: it was Balaam's own life at risk, not the donkey's. The reversal of Balaam's threat in v. 29 (he would have killed the donkey; the angel would have killed him and spared her) is the chapter's sharpest irony.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַתִּרְאַ֨נִי֙and she saw meconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs + 1cs suffix · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200) with 1cs suffix; the angel confirms explicitly that the donkey saw him, validating her perception as objectively real.
הָֽאָת֔וֹןthe donkeyart + N f sg abs · אָתוֹן (H860)Subjectאָתוֹן (H860).
וַתֵּ֣טand she turned asideconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · נָטָה (H5186)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָטָה (H5186) 'to turn aside', as in v. 23, now recounted from the angel's perspective.
לְפָנַ֔יbefore meprep לְ + N c pl constr + 1cs suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Locative prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) with לְ and 1cs suffix, 'before my face'.
זֶ֖הthesedem pron m sg · זֶה (H2088)Demonstrative in the idiom 'these three times'זֶה (H2088), idiomatic with the numeral, as in vv. 28, 32.
שָׁלֹ֣שׁthreenumeral f sg abs · שָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969)Numeral, part of the adverbial time phraseשָׁלוֹשׁ (H7969) 'three'.
רְגָלִ֑יםtimesN f pl abs · רֶגֶל (H7272)Adverbial accusative of numberרֶגֶל (H7272) 'foot'; idiomatically 'occasion, time'.
אוּלַי֙if notadv · אוּלַי (H194)Conditional adverb introducing a counterfactualאוּלַי (H194) 'perhaps'; here conditional, 'unless, if not'.
נָטְתָ֣הshe had turned asideQal perf 3fs · נָטָה (H5186)Predicate verb of the conditional clause→ Perfective: a hypothetical completed action (protasis)נָטָה (H5186) 'to turn aside'; explained here as the donkey's life-saving action.
מִפָּנַ֔יfrom before meprep מִן + N c pl constr + 1cs suffix · פָּנִים (H6440)Source prepositional phraseפָּנִים (H6440) with מִן and 1cs suffix.
כִּ֥יsurelyconj · כִּי (H3588)Asseverative conjunction introducing the apodosisכִּי (H3588), here asseverative, 'surely, indeed'.
עַתָּ֛הnowadv · עַתָּה (H6258)Adverb of timeעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'.
גַּםindeedadv · גַּם (H1571)Emphatic adverbגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; emphasizes the certainty of the hypothetical outcome.
אֹתְכָ֥הyouobj marker + 2ms suffix (archaic אֹתְכָה) · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with suffixאֵת (H853) with 2ms suffix; the angel confirms it was Balaam himself, not just the donkey, at mortal risk.
הָרַ֖גְתִּיI would have killedQal perf 1cs · הָרַג (H2026)Predicate verb (apodosis of the counterfactual)→ Perfective in an irrealis apodosis: 'I would have killed'הָרַג (H2026); the angel reveals that Balaam's own life, not the donkey's, was in danger.
וְאוֹתָ֥הּand herconj וְ + obj marker + 3fs suffix · אֵת (H853)Coordinate direct-object marker with suffixאֵת (H853) with 3fs suffix, referring to the donkey, contrasted with Balaam.
הֶחֱיֵֽיתִיI would have let liveHiphil perf 1cs · חָיָה (H2421)Coordinate predicate verb (apodosis, contrastive)→ Perfective in an irrealis apodosis: 'I would have let live'חָיָה (H2421) Hiphil 'to keep alive'; the donkey alone would have been spared — a startling reversal of Balaam's own murderous wish in v. 29.
34

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר בִּלְעָ֜ם אֶל מַלְאַ֤ךְ יְהוָה֙ חָטָ֔אתִי כִּ֚י לֹ֣א יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֥י אַתָּ֛ה נִצָּ֥ב לִקְרָאתִ֖י בַּדָּ֑רֶךְ וְעַתָּ֛ה אִם רַ֥ע בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ אָשׁ֥וּבָה לִּֽי

And Balaam said to the angel of YHWH, "I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the road to meet me; and now, if it is evil in your sight, I will turn back."

Direct speech — Balaam's confession and offer to withdrawוַ
Balaam's unambiguous confession (חָטָאתִי) is one of the narrative's rare moments of clarity; his offer to turn back entirely will be met not with dismissal but with the same conditional permission already given (v. 35), reiterating that the mission may proceed only under strict divine constraint.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Balaam's confession.
בִּלְעָ֜םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
מַלְאַ֤ךְthe angel ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Object of preposition (construct chain)מַלְאָךְ (H4397).
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
חָטָ֔אתִיI have sinnedQal perf 1cs · חָטָא (H2398)Predicate verb, Balaam's confession→ Perfective: an acknowledged completed actחָטָא (H2398) 'to sin, miss the mark'; Balaam's direct, unqualified confession — a rare moment of clarity.
כִּ֚יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588), causal.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle with the following verbלֹא (H3808).
יָדַ֔עְתִּיI knewQal perf 1cs · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb of the causal clause→ Perfective: a state of ignorance now acknowledgedיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; Balaam's confession of blindness undercuts his professional claim to special insight.
כִּ֥יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Conjunction introducing the object clauseכִּי (H3588), 'that'.
אַתָּ֛הyouindep pron 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Emphatic subject pronounאַתָּה (H859), independent 2ms pronoun.
נִצָּ֥בwere standingNiphal ptc ms · נָצַב (H5324)Predicate participle of the object clause→ Participle: durativeנָצַב (H5324) Niphal 'to stand'.
לִקְרָאתִ֖יto meet meprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 1cs suffix · קָרָא (H7125)Purpose infinitive→ Infinitive construct: purpose/goalקָרָא (H7125) 'to meet, encounter'; the angel's positioning was directed at Balaam specifically.
בַּדָּ֑רֶךְin the roadprep בְּ + art + N c sg abs · דֶּרֶךְ (H1870)Locative prepositional phraseדֶּרֶךְ (H1870) 'road'.
וְעַתָּ֛הand nowconj וְ + adv · עַתָּה (H6258)Transitional adverbעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; shifts from confession to offer.
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunctionאִם (H518) 'if'.
רַ֥עit is evilQal perf 3ms (stative) · רָעַע (H7489)Predicate of the conditional clause→ Perfective (stative): a present evaluative stateרָעַע (H7489) 'to be evil, displeasing'; Balaam offers to abandon the mission if it displeases God.
בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָin your eyesprep בְּ + N c dual constr + 2ms suffix · עַיִן (H5869)Locative/evaluative prepositional phraseעַיִן (H5869) dual with 2ms suffix, idiom 'in your sight/opinion'.
אָשׁ֥וּבָהI will turn backQal cohortative 1cs · שׁוּב (H7725)Cohortative expressing Balaam's offer→ Cohortative: a self-directed volitional offerשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, turn back'; Balaam offers to abort the mission, an offer God declines in favor of the conditional permission already given (v. 35).
לִּֽיfor myselfprep לְ + 1cs suffixReflexive dative, completing the cohortativeלְ with 1cs suffix, ethical dative reinforcing the cohortative 'I will just go back'.
35

וַיֹּאמֶר֩ מַלְאַ֨ךְ יְהוָ֜ה אֶל בִּלְעָ֗ם לֵ֚ךְ עִם הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔ים וְאֶ֗פֶס אֶת הַדָּבָ֛ר אֲשֶׁר אֲדַבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶ֖יךָ אֹת֣וֹ תְדַבֵּ֑ר וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ בִּלְעָ֖ם עִם שָׂרֵ֥י בָלָֽק

And the angel of YHWH said to Balaam, "Go with the men; but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall speak." And Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

Narrative continuation — the condition reiterated, journey resumesוַ
The angel restates the identical restriction of v. 20 almost verbatim (with the intensified אֶפֶס replacing אַךְ), removing any doubt that the crisis has changed the terms; the mission is not aborted, only re-emphasized in its sole condition.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֩and he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); the angel's final instruction.
מַלְאַ֨ךְthe angel ofN m sg constr · מַלְאָךְ (H4397)Subject (construct chain)מַלְאָךְ (H4397).
יְהוָ֜הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive of the construct chainיְהוָה (H3068).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בִּלְעָ֗םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of prepositionבִּלְעָם (H1109).
לֵ֚ךְgoQal impv 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Volitional main verb (permission reiterated)→ Volitional: permission/commandהָלַךְ (H3212); the permission of v. 20 formally reiterated after the confrontation.
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase of accompanimentעִם (H5973) 'with'.
הָ֣אֲנָשִׁ֔יםthe menart + N m pl abs · אִישׁ (H376)Object of prepositionאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the delegation.
וְאֶ֗פֶסbut onlyconj וְ + N m sg abs (adverbial) · אֶפֶס (H657)Restrictive adverb qualifying the permissionאֶפֶס (H657) 'end, only, nothing but'; a stronger synonym of אַךְ (v. 20), reinforcing the sole restriction.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking הַדָּבָר as the object, fronted for emphasis.
הַדָּבָ֛רthe wordart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object, fronted for emphasisדָּבָר (H1697) 'word'; the sole permitted content of Balaam's speech.
אֲשֶׁרthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particleאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative.
אֲדַבֵּ֥רI speakPiel impf 1cs · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: future — 'whatever I shall say'דָּבַר (H1696); identical wording to v. 20.
אֵלֶ֖יךָto youprep אֶל + 2ms suffixIndirect objectאֶל with 2ms suffix, referring to Balaam.
אֹת֣וֹitobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (resumptive, fronted for emphasis)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, resuming הַדָּבָר, fronted for emphasis.
תְדַבֵּ֑רyou shall speakPiel impf 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (apodosis, binding command)→ Yiqtol used volitively: a binding commandדָּבַר (H1696) Piel; the identical restriction of v. 20, restated after the crisis to remove all ambiguity.
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְand he wentconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212); the journey resumes.
בִּלְעָ֖םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase of accompanimentעִם (H5973) 'with'.
שָׂרֵ֥יthe princes ofN m pl constr · שַׂר (H8269)Object of preposition (construct chain)שַׂר (H8269).
בָלָֽקBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Genitive of the construct chainבָּלָק (H1111).
36

וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע בָּלָ֖ק כִּ֣י בָ֣א בִלְעָ֑ם וַיֵּצֵ֨א לִקְרָאת֜וֹ אֶל עִ֣יר מוֹאָ֗ב אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל גְּב֣וּל אַרְנֹ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר בִּקְצֵ֥ה הַגְּבֽוּל

And Balak heard that Balaam had come, and he went out to meet him, at the city of Moab that is on the border of the Arnon, at the edge of the territory.

Narrative continuation — Balak's welcome, geography notedוַ
The narrative resumes its main line after the angel episode; the precise border geography (the Arnon, Moab's contested frontier with the Amorites) situates the meeting at the edge of territory Israel has just taken, underscoring the stakes.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֥עand he heardconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear'; the narrative resumes its main line after the angel episode.
בָּלָ֖קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111).
כִּ֣יthatconj · כִּי (H3588)Conjunction introducing the object clauseכִּי (H3588), 'that'.
בָ֣אhad comeQal perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb of the object clause→ Perfective: a completed arrivalבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'.
בִלְעָ֑םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
וַיֵּצֵ֨אand he went outconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out'; Balak personally comes out to greet his hired diviner.
לִקְרָאת֜וֹto meet himprep לְ + Qal inf constr + 3ms suffix · קָרָא (H7125)Purpose infinitive→ Infinitive construct: purposeקָרָא (H7125) 'to meet'; the same root used of the angel's positioning against Balaam (v. 34), now benign.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase of destinationאֶל (H413) 'to'.
עִ֣ירthe city ofN f sg constr · עִיר (H5892)Object of preposition (construct head)עִיר (H5892) 'city'; construct, 'city of Moab' — a border town, not the capital.
מוֹאָ֗בMoabproper N · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive of the construct chainמוֹאָב (H4124).
אֲשֶׁר֙whichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a locating clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative.
עַלonprep · עַל (H5921)Prepositional phrase of locationעַל (H5921) 'upon'.
גְּב֣וּלthe border ofN m sg constr · גְּבוּל (H1366)Object of preposition (construct head)גְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory'; the Arnon marks Moab's contested northern frontier, recently taken by Israel (ch. 21).
אַרְנֹ֔ןthe Arnonproper N · אַרְנֹן (H769)Genitive of the construct chainאַרְנֹן (H769), the river boundary between Moab and the former Amorite kingdom of Sihon.
אֲשֶׁ֖רwhichrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing a second locating clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative.
בִּקְצֵ֥הat the edge ofprep בְּ + N c sg constr · קָצֶה (H7097)Locative prepositional phrase (construct head)קָצֶה (H7097) 'end, edge'; further specifying the location.
הַגְּבֽוּלthe territoryart + N m sg abs · גְּבוּל (H1366)Genitive completing the constructגְּבוּל (H1366) 'border, territory', repeated — the meeting point lies at the very edge of Moab's remaining land.
37

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר בָּלָ֜ק אֶל בִּלְעָ֗ם הֲלֹא֩ שָׁלֹ֨חַ שָׁלַ֤חְתִּי אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙ לִקְרֹא לָ֔ךְ לָ֥מָּה לֹא הָלַ֖כְתָּ אֵלָ֑י הַֽאֻמְנָ֔ם לֹ֥א אוּכַ֖ל כַּבְּדֶֽךָ

And Balak said to Balaam, "Did I not urgently send to you to summon you? Why did you not come to me? Am I really not able to honor you?"

Direct speech — Balak's wounded, uncomprehending complaintוַ
Balak's rhetorical questions betray total ignorance of the angelic confrontation just narrated — he reads the delay purely as insult to his honor, continuing the chapter's pattern of characters talking past one another.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); introduces Balak's complaint.
בָּלָ֜קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בִּלְעָ֗םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of prepositionבִּלְעָם (H1109).
הֲלֹא֩did I notinterrog הֲ + neg לוֹא · הֲלוֹא (H3808)Interrogative-negative particle expecting affirmationהֲלוֹא (H3808), as in v. 30, rhetorical 'is it not?'
שָׁלֹ֨חַurgentlyQal inf abs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Infinitive absolute reinforcing the finite verb→ Infinitive absolute + finite verb: emphatic — 'I most certainly sent'שָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; infinitive absolute intensifying שָׁלַחְתִּי.
שָׁלַ֤חְתִּיI sentQal perf 1cs · שָׁלַח (H7971)Predicate verb, emphasized by the preceding infinitive absolute→ Perfective: a completed, emphatic actשָׁלַח (H7971) 'to send'; Balak's exasperated recounting of his repeated embassies.
אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙to youprep אֶל + 2ms suffixIndirect objectאֶל with 2ms suffix, addressing Balaam.
לִקְרֹאto callprep לְ + Qal inf constr · קָרָא (H7121)Purpose infinitive→ Infinitive construct: purpose of the sendingקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, summon'.
לָ֔ךְyouprep לְ + 2ms suffix (archaic ־ָךְ form)Indirect object of the infinitiveלְ with an archaic 2ms suffix form (לָךְ), addressing Balaam.
לָ֥מָּהwhyprep לְ + interrogative pron · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverbial phraseמָה (H4100) with לְ, 'for what' = 'why'.
לֹאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle with the following verbלֹא (H3808).
הָלַ֖כְתָּdid you comeQal perf 2ms · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate verb of the question→ Perfective: a completed (non-)action under questionהָלַךְ (H1980); Balak's complaint about the delay, unaware of the intervening angelic confrontation.
אֵלָ֑יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suffixIndirect objectאֶל with 1cs suffix, Balak referring to himself.
הַֽאֻמְנָ֔םis it really trueinterrog הֲ + adv · אֻמְנָם (H552)Interrogative adverb introducing a rhetorical questionאֻמְנָם (H552) 'truly, really'; with interrogative הֲ, 'is it really the case that...?'
לֹ֥אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negative particle with the following verbלֹא (H3808).
אוּכַ֖לI am ableQal impf 1cs · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb of the rhetorical question→ Yiqtol: present capability under an ironic questionיָכֹל (H3201); Balak's wounded pride — surely he, a king, is capable of rewarding properly.
כַּבְּדֶֽךָto honor youPiel inf constr + 2ms suffix · כָּבַד (H3513)Complementary infinitive of אוּכַל→ Infinitive construct: the capability in questionכָּבַד (H3513) Piel 'to honor'; echoing Balak's earlier lavish promise (v. 17), now voiced as wounded incredulity.
38

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר בִּלְעָ֜ם אֶל בָּלָ֗ק הִֽנֵּה בָ֨אתִי֙ אֵלֶ֔יךָ עַתָּ֕ה הֲיָכ֥וֹל אוּכַ֖ל דַּבֵּ֣ר מְא֑וּמָה הַדָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָשִׂ֧ים אֱלֹהִ֛ים בְּפִ֖י אֹת֥וֹ אֲדַבֵּֽר

And Balaam said to Balak, "Behold, I have come to you; now, am I able to speak anything at all? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I will speak."

Direct speech — Balaam restates the condition to Balak directlyוַ
Balaam now tells Balak himself what he had already told the angel (v. 35) — he has arrived, but reiterates that he has no freedom of speech, only the capacity to relay whatever God places in his mouth.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559); Balaam's reply to Balak's complaint.
בִּלְעָ֜םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בָּלָ֗קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Object of prepositionבָּלָק (H1111).
הִֽנֵּהbeholdpresentative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particleהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'.
בָ֨אתִי֙I have comeQal perf 1cs · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb→ Perfective: a completed arrivalבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'.
אֵלֶ֔יךָto youprep אֶל + 2ms suffixIndirect objectאֶל with 2ms suffix, addressing Balak.
עַתָּ֕הnowadv · עַתָּה (H6258)Adverb of timeעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'.
הֲיָכ֥וֹלam I ableinterrog הֲ + Qal inf abs · יָכֹל (H3201)Infinitive absolute reinforcing the following finite verb, interrogative→ Infinitive absolute + finite verb, interrogative: rhetorical emphasis on incapacityיָכֹל (H3201) 'to be able'; the infinitive absolute intensifies אוּכַל, echoing Balaam's claim in v. 18.
אוּכַ֖לam I ableQal impf 1cs · יָכֹל (H3201)Predicate verb, emphasized by the preceding infinitive absolute→ Yiqtol: modal — capability under rhetorical questionיָכֹל (H3201); Balaam reasserts the very limitation stated in v. 18.
דַּבֵּ֣רto speakPiel inf constr · דָּבַר (H1696)Complementary infinitive of אוּכַל→ Infinitive construct: the restricted actionדָּבַר (H1696) 'to speak'.
מְא֑וּמָהanythingN f sg abs · מְאוּמָה (H3972)Direct object of דַּבֵּרמְאוּמָה (H3972) 'anything, something'; in the rhetorical question, 'anything at all (of my own)'.
הַדָּבָ֗רthe wordart + N m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Subject of the new nominal clauseדָּבָר (H1697) 'word'.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthatrel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the modifying clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative.
יָשִׂ֧יםputsQal impf 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb of the relative clause→ Yiqtol: future/habitual — whatever God shall placeשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place'; a vivid image of God placing words directly in Balaam's mouth.
אֱלֹהִ֛יםGodN m pl (of majesty) abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subjectאֱלֹהִים (H430).
בְּפִ֖יin my mouthprep בְּ + N m sg constr + 1cs suffix · פֶּה (H6310)Locative prepositional phraseפֶּה (H6310) with בְּ and 1cs suffix; the same 'mouth' idiom as vv. 18, 28.
אֹת֥וֹitobj marker + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (resumptive, fronted for emphasis)אֵת (H853) with 3ms suffix, resuming הַדָּבָר, fronted for emphasis.
אֲדַבֵּֽרI will speakPiel impf 1cs · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol used volitively: a firm commitmentדָּבַר (H1696); Balaam's closing commitment, matching the divine condition stated in vv. 20, 35.
39

וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ בִּלְעָ֖ם עִם בָּלָ֑ק וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ קִרְיַ֥ת חֻצֽוֹת

And Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth.

Narrative continuation — brief itinerary noticeוַ
A terse travel notice moves the pair toward the ritual site of the coming oracles; Kiriath-huzoth ('town of streets') is otherwise unattested and its exact location unknown.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְand he wentconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212).
בִּלְעָ֖םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
עִםwithprep · עִם (H5973)Prepositional phrase of accompanimentעִם (H5973) 'with'.
בָּלָ֑קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Object of prepositionבָּלָק (H1111).
וַיָּבֹ֖אוּand they cameconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come'.
קִרְיַ֥תKiriath-proper N (constr) · קִרְיַת (H7155)Place name (construct chain), object of preceding verbקִרְיָה 'city/town', construct form קִרְיַת; part of the place name קִרְיַת חֻצוֹת.
חֻצֽוֹת-huzothproper N · חֻצוֹת (H7155)Genitive completing the place nameחֻצוֹת 'streets'; קִרְיַת חֻצוֹת, 'town of streets', an otherwise unidentified Moabite town.
40

וַיִּזְבַּ֥ח בָּלָ֖ק בָּקָ֣ר וָצֹ֑אן וַיְשַׁלַּ֣ח לְבִלְעָ֔ם וְלַשָּׂרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתּֽוֹ

And Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and sent portions to Balaam and to the princes who were with him.

Narrative continuation — royal welcome feastוַ
The sacrificial feast is conventional royal hospitality before a formal enterprise, and also anticipates the altars and offerings of the oracle scenes to come (ch. 23).
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיִּזְבַּ֥חand he sacrificedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · זָבַח (H2076)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceזָבַח (H2076) 'to slaughter, sacrifice'; a royal feast/welcome, perhaps also a covenant-sealing gesture before the oracles begin.
בָּלָ֖קBalakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111).
בָּקָ֣רcattleN c sg abs (collective) · בָּקָר (H1241)Direct objectבָּקָר (H1241) 'cattle, oxen', collective.
וָצֹ֑אןand sheepconj וְ + N c sg abs (collective) · צֹאן (H6629)Coordinate direct objectצֹאן (H6629) 'flock, sheep/goats', collective; standard pair for a lavish feast.
וַיְשַׁלַּ֣חand he sentconj וַ + Piel wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁלַח (H7971)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁלַח (H7971) Piel 'to send (portions)'; distributing the sacrificial meat, standard hospitality.
לְבִלְעָ֔םto Balaamprep לְ + proper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Indirect objectבִּלְעָם (H1109) with לְ.
וְלַשָּׂרִ֖יםand to the princesconj וְ + prep לְ + art + N m pl abs · שַׂר (H8269)Coordinate indirect objectשַׂר (H8269), 'and to the princes'.
אֲשֶׁ֥רwhorel particle · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative particle introducing the modifying clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative.
אִתּֽוֹwere with himprep אֵת (comitative) + 3ms suffix · אֵת (H854)Locative prepositional phrase (predicate of the relative clause)אֵת (H854) 'with', comitative preposition, with 3ms suffix, referring to Balaam's entourage.
41

וַיְהִ֣י בַבֹּ֔קֶר וַיִּקַּ֤ח בָּלָק֙ אֶת בִּלְעָ֔ם וַֽיַּעֲלֵ֖הוּ בָּמ֣וֹת בָּ֑עַל וַיַּ֥רְא מִשָּׁ֖ם קְצֵ֥ה הָעָֽם

And it happened in the morning, that Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal, and he saw from there the edge of the people.

Narrative closing — ascent to the high place, first glimpse of Israelוַ
The chapter ends at a pagan high place named for Baal, with Balaam viewing only the fringe (קְצֵה) of Israel's camp — a fittingly partial, provisional vantage that sets up the fuller, escalating oracles of chapters 23-24.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיְהִ֣יand it happenedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main verb)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, happen'; the standard narrative-transition formula וַיְהִי בַבֹּקֶר, 'and it happened in the morning'.
בַבֹּ֔קֶרin the morningprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · בֹּקֶר (H1242)Temporal prepositional phraseבֹּקֶר (H1242) 'morning'.
וַיִּקַּ֤חand he tookconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Balak personally escorts Balaam, eager to begin.
בָּלָק֙Balakproper N · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111).
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking בִּלְעָם as the object taken.
בִּלְעָ֔םBalaamproper N · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Direct objectבִּלְעָם (H1109).
וַֽיַּעֲלֵ֖הוּand he brought him upconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms + 3ms suffix · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to bring up, cause to ascend'; the ascent to a high-place viewpoint, standard for divinatory ritual.
בָּמ֣וֹתBamoth-proper N (place, plural form) · בָּמוֹת (H1120)Locative accusative (place name, directional)בָּמוֹת (H1120) 'high places'; here a proper toponym, part of בָּמוֹת בַּעַל.
בָּ֑עַל-baalproper N · בַּעַל (H1120)Genitive completing the place nameבַּעַל, the Canaanite/Moabite storm-god; 'high places of Baal' marks the site as a pagan cultic installation.
וַיַּ֥רְאand he sawconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceרָאָה (H7200); Balaam's first sight of Israel's camp, closing the chapter's motif of seeing and not-seeing.
מִשָּׁ֖םfrom thereprep מִן + adv · שָׁם (H8033)Locative/source adverbial phraseשָׁם (H8033) 'there', with מִן, 'from there'.
קְצֵ֥הthe edge ofN c sg constr · קָצֶה (H7097)Direct object (construct head)קָצֶה (H7097) 'end, edge, extremity'; Balaam sees only the outer fringe of the vast camp — the chapter closes with partial sight of Israel.
הָעָֽםthe peopleart + N m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Genitive completing the constructעַם (H5971) 'people'; Israel, glimpsed at last, if only partially.