Hebrew Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Book of Numbers, Chapter 23במדבר 23

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 seven-altar rituals cannot manufacture a curse: Balaam, though a foreign diviner, receives YHWH's own word placed in his mouth and delivers two oracles instead — Israel as a people set apart, too numerous to count, and as a nation whom no omen touches, blessed irrevocably because God, unlike man, does not lie or change his mind.

Translation & textual notes

The MT of Numbers 23 is textually stable in its narrative frame but preserves several notorious cruxes within Balaam's oracles. In v. 10, רֹבַע יִשְׂרָאֵל ('the fourth part of Israel') is lexically opaque: the root רבע yields 'four/fourth,' but the sense fits poorly, and proposals ranging from a 'dust-cloud raised by a host' (relating to רבץ) to 'stock, clan' remain unresolved; LXX and the Vulgate already show independent struggle with the line, and no rendering commands consensus. The unpointed doublet לך / לְכָה opening v. 13 is best read as a minor scribal dittography rather than a substantive variant. The double Strong's tagging of קבב (H5344/H6895) within v. 8 is a lexicographic artifact of the reference apparatus, not evidence of two distinct roots. תּוֹעֲפֹת (v. 22), traditionally 'horns,' is similarly disputed, its etymology contested between 'height/strength' and a more literal bovine referent. The recurring formulas (שָׂם דָּבָר בְּפִי; the sevenfold altar notices; the near-verbatim vv. 1//29 and vv. 5//16) are deliberate structural repetition proper to the chapter's ritual choreography, not dittography or corruption. Versification follows the MT throughout; no major LXX pluses or minuses affect the outline below.

1

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר בִּלְעָם֙ אֶל בָּלָ֔ק בְּנֵה לִ֥י בָזֶ֖ה שִׁבְעָ֣ה מִזְבְּחֹ֑ת וְהָכֵ֥ן לִי֙ בָּזֶ֔ה שִׁבְעָ֥ה פָרִ֖ים וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה אֵילִֽים

Balaam said to Balak, "Build me seven altars here, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams."

Narrative resumptionasyndeton
Balaam takes the initiative, directing Balak's ritual actions; vv. 1-6 form the preparatory frame (altar-building, sacrifice) that precedes the first oracle of vv. 7-10.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the standard verb introducing direct speech, here launching Balaam's ritual instructions to Balak.
בִּלְעָם֙BalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109), the Aramean/Mesopotamian seer hired by Balak; a diviner known also from the Deir ʿAlla plaster inscription.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee of the speech verb.
בָּלָ֔קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Object of preposition אֶלבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab, son of Zippor; hires Balaam to curse the approaching Israel.
בְּנֵהbuildQal impv 2ms · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate verb (direct imperative command)→ Volitional: imperative commandבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; here of altar construction, opening the seven-altars ritual pattern repeated three times in this chapter.
לִ֥יfor meprep לְ + suff 1cs · לְ (dative)Dative of interest/benefactionלְ + 1cs suffix; benefactive 'for me', marking Balaam as the one for whom Balak must build.
בָזֶ֖הhereprep בְּ + demonstr pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Locative adverbialבָּזֶה, lit. 'in/at this (place)' = 'here'; demonstrative זֶה (H2088) with locative בְּ.
שִׁבְעָ֣הsevennumeral m sg abs · שִׁבְעָה (H7651)Numeral modifying מִזְבְּחֹתשִׁבְעָה (H7651) 'seven'; the sacred number governing this chapter's ritual sequence — seven altars, twice over.
מִזְבְּחֹ֑תaltarsN m pl abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object of בְּנֵהמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', from זָבַח 'to slaughter/sacrifice'; seven altars mimic (and seek to co-opt) legitimate cultic form.
וְהָכֵ֥ןand prepareconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2ms · כּוּן (H3559)Coordinate imperative (parallel command)→ Volitional: imperative commandכּוּן (H3559) Hiphil 'to prepare, make ready'; parallels בְּנֵה in a coordinated command pair.
לִי֙for meprep לְ + suff 1csDative of interest/benefactionRepeats the benefactive לִי of the first clause.
בָּזֶ֔הhereprep בְּ + demonstr pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Locative adverbialRepeats בָּזֶה 'here', reinforcing the locative frame of the altar ritual.
שִׁבְעָ֥הsevennumeral m sg abs · שִׁבְעָה (H7651)Numeral modifying פָרִיםשִׁבְעָה (H7651) 'seven', repeated for the animal offerings.
פָרִ֖יםbullsN m pl abs · פָּר (H6499)Direct object of וְהָכֵןפָּר (H6499) 'young bull'; a costly, high-status sacrificial animal.
וְשִׁבְעָ֥הand sevenconj וְ + numeral m sg abs · שִׁבְעָה (H7651)Numeral modifying אֵילִים (second object)וְ joins the second animal pair to the first; שִׁבְעָה 'seven' again.
אֵילִֽיםramsN m pl abs · אַיִל (H352)Direct object of וְהָכֵן (second item)אַיִל (H352) 'ram'; paired with פָּר as the standard high-grade burnt-offering animals.
2

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ בָּלָ֔ק כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֣ר בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיַּ֨עַל בָּלָ֧ק וּבִלְעָ֛ם פָּ֥ר וָאַ֖יִל בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ

Balak did just as Balaam had said, and Balak and Balaam offered up a bull and a ram on each altar.

Narrative sequence — compliancewayyiqtol
Balak's obedient execution of Balaam's instructions; the compliance formula (כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר) marks precise ritual fidelity.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂand he didWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; Balak's compliant execution of Balaam's ritual instructions.
בָּלָ֔קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating conjunction introducing manner clauseכַּאֲשֶׁר (כְּ + אֲשֶׁר, H834) 'just as, according to as'; marks Balak's precise compliance with Balaam's word.
דִּבֶּ֣רhe had spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of subordinate כַּאֲשֶׁר clause→ Perfective: antecedent completed act (Balaam's instruction preceding Balak's action)דָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the standard verb for authoritative utterance, here of Balaam's ritual instructions.
בִּלְעָ֑םBalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subject of דִּבֶּרבִּלְעָם (H1109), the hired seer.
וַיַּ֨עַלand he offered upWaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to cause to go up' = 'to offer up (a sacrifice)'; standard causative for presenting a burnt offering on the altar.
בָּלָ֧קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Subject (compound, with וּבִלְעָם)בָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab; joined with Balaam as co-subject of the offering.
וּבִלְעָ֛םand Balaamconj וְ + N proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subject (compound, second member)וְ joins Balaam to Balak as co-officiants of the offering, though Balaam is the seer, not the king.
פָּ֥רa bullN m sg abs · פָּר (H6499)Direct object of וַיַּעַלפָּר (H6499) 'bull'; here singular — one bull per altar of the seven, distributively understood.
וָאַ֖יִלand a ramconj וְ + N m sg abs · אַיִל (H352)Direct object (second item)אַיִל (H352) 'ram', paired singular with פָּר, one pair offered per altar.
בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַon the altarprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Locative prepositional phraseמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', singular here (distributive 'on each altar'), completing the offering rite.
3

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר בִּלְעָ֜ם לְבָלָ֗ק הִתְיַצֵּב֮ עַל עֹלָתֶךָ֒ וְאֵֽלְכָ֗ה אוּלַ֞י יִקָּרֵ֤ה יְהוָה֙ לִקְרָאתִ֔י וּדְבַ֥ר מַה יַּרְאֵ֖נִי וְהִגַּ֣דְתִּי לָ֑ךְ וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ שֶֽׁפִי

Balaam said to Balak, "Station yourself here by your burnt offering, and let me go; perhaps YHWH will meet me, and whatever he shows me I will tell you." And he went to a bare height.

Narrative sequence — Balaam's withdrawalwayyiqtol
Balaam separates himself from Balak to seek revelation alone; his cautious 'perhaps' (אוּלַי) signals genuine uncertainty about whether — and how — God will respond.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Balaam's instructions before he withdraws to seek an oracle.
בִּלְעָ֜םBalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109), the seer.
לְבָלָ֗קto Balakprep לְ + N proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Object of preposition marking addresseeלְ + בָּלָק; marks Balak as the one addressed.
הִתְיַצֵּב֮station yourselfHitpael impv 2ms · יָצַב (H3320)Predicate verb (direct imperative command)→ Volitional: imperative commandיָצַב (H3320) Hitpael 'to take one's stand, station oneself'; Balaam directs Balak to remain by his own burnt offering while he withdraws.
עַלbesideprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, beside, by'; locates Balak at his burnt offering.
עֹלָתֶךָ֒your burnt offeringN f sg constr + suff 2ms · עֹלָה (H5930)Object of preposition עַלעֹלָה (H5930) 'whole burnt offering', from עָלָה 'to go up' (the offering wholly ascends in smoke); Balak's own sacrifice, distinct from Balaam's mediating role.
וְאֵֽלְכָ֗הand let me goconj וְ + Qal cohortative 1cs · הָלַךְ (H3212)Cohortative expressing self-directed intention→ Volitional: cohortative — Balaam's own resolve to seek an encounterהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, walk'; cohortative 1cs — Balaam announces he will withdraw alone to seek YHWH.
אוּלַ֞יperhapsadverb · אוּלַי (H194)Adverb of contingency modifying the following clauseאוּלַי (H194) 'perhaps'; signals Balaam's uncertainty about whether YHWH will meet him — genuine suspense in the narrative.
יִקָּרֵ֤הhe will meetNiphal impf 3ms · קָרָה (H7136)Predicate verb of subordinate clause introduced by אוּלַי→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a hoped-for, uncertain future encounterקָרָה (H7136) Niphal 'to encounter, meet, happen to'; used of chance or providential meetings — here of YHWH's possible self-disclosure to Balaam.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יִקָּרֵהיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name of Israel's God; notably it is YHWH, not a generic pagan deity, whom Balaam seeks — the narrative's theological crux.
לִקְרָאתִ֔יto meet meprep לְ + Qal inf constr + suff 1cs · קָרָא (H7125)Infinitival purpose/result complement of יִקָּרֵה→ Infinitive: purpose — the anticipated encounterקָרָא (H7125, לִקְרַאת) 'to meet, encounter'; infinitive construct with 1cs suffix, reinforcing יִקָּרֵה with a cognate-like idiom.
וּדְבַ֥רand the word ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · דָּבָר (H1697)Subject (construct chain) of יַּרְאֵנִידָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing'; anticipates the key motif שָׂם דָּבָר בְּפִי בִלְעָם (v. 5) — YHWH's 'word' placed in the seer's mouth.
מַהwhateverinterrogative pron · מָה (H4100)Relative-like complement, construct-chain head with דְּבַרמָה (H4100) here functioning quasi-relatively, 'whatever (he shows me)'; unusual syntax reflecting Balaam's uncertainty about the content of the coming revelation.
יַּרְאֵ֖נִיhe shows meHiphil impf 3ms + suff 1cs · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb of relative-like clause introduced by מַה→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — an anticipated future disclosureרָאָה (H7200) Hiphil 'to cause to see, show, reveal'; the verb of prophetic disclosure — YHWH will 'show' Balaam what to say.
וְהִגַּ֣דְתִּיand I will tellconj וְ + Hiphil weqatal 1cs · נָגַד (H5046)Weqatal continuing the cohortative sequence (Balaam's resolve)→ Weqatal: consequential/future — Balaam's promised report to Balakנָגַד (H5046) Hiphil 'to declare, tell, report'; Balaam commits to relaying whatever YHWH reveals.
לָ֑ךְto youprep לְ + suff 2fs (archaic/anomalous form) · לְIndirect object of וְהִגַּדְתִּילְ + 2ms suffix (the Masoretic pointing here is anomalously feminine, לָךְ, a known scribal peculiarity addressed to Balak, masculine).
וַיֵּ֖לֶךְand he wentWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go'; Balaam departs alone, as announced.
שֶֽׁפִיto a bare heightN m sg abs (adverbial accusative) · שֶׁפִי (H8205)Adverbial accusative of place/mannerשְׁפִי/שֶׁפִי (H8205) 'bare height, barren hilltop' (rare word, root שׁפה 'be smooth/bare'); Balaam withdraws to an exposed, treeless height to seek revelation — a lexical crux with few parallels (cf. Isa 41:18; Jer 3:2, 21).
4

וַיִּקָּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֗יו אֶת שִׁבְעַ֤ת הַֽמִּזְבְּחֹת֙ עָרַ֔כְתִּי וָאַ֛עַל פָּ֥ר וָאַ֖יִל בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ

And God met Balaam, and he said to him, "I have arranged the seven altars, and I have offered up a bull and a ram on each altar."

Narrative sequence — the encounterwayyiqtol
The hoped-for encounter of v. 3 is realized, though here with the generic אֱלֹהִים rather than יְהוָה; Balaam reports the completed ritual as if presenting it for divine inspection.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיִּקָּ֥רand he metWaw-consec + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָה (H7136)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the hoped-for encounter of v. 3 is realizedקָרָה (H7136) Niphal 'to meet, encounter'; echoes אוּלַי יִקָּרֵה of v. 3 — Balaam's uncertain hope is answered.
אֱלֹהִ֖יםGodN m pl (as sg) abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of וַיִּקָּראֱלֹהִים (H430); notably the generic term 'God' here rather than the covenant name יְהוָה, distinguishing this preliminary encounter from v. 5.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the one metאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Balaam as recipient of the divine encounter.
בִּלְעָ֑םBalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of preposition אֶלבִּלְעָם (H1109), the seer met by God on the height.
וַיֹּ֣אמֶרand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Balaam's report to God of the completed ritual.
אֵלָ֗יוto himprep אֶל + suff 3msIndirect object of וַיֹּאמֶראֶל + 3ms suffix, referring back to אֱלֹהִים.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking the definite direct object שִׁבְעַת הַמִּזְבְּחֹת; untranslated in English.
שִׁבְעַ֤תthe seven ofnumeral m sg constr · שִׁבְעָה (H7651)Construct head of שִׁבְעַת הַמִּזְבְּחֹת (direct object)שִׁבְעָה (H7651) 'seven', construct form governing הַמִּזְבְּחֹת.
הַֽמִּזְבְּחֹת֙the altarsart + N m pl abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Genitive complement of שִׁבְעַת (construct chain)מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', definite, referring back to the seven just built.
עָרַ֔כְתִּיI have arrangedQal perf 1cs · עָרַךְ (H6186)Predicate verb (main clause, Balaam's direct speech)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the altars are now fully set in orderעָרַךְ (H6186) 'to arrange, set in order'; the technical term for laying out a sacrificial array.
וָאַ֛עַלand I have offered upWaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 1cs · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol continuing Balaam's first-person report→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded sequential act, reported within direct speechעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to offer up'; Balaam reports having personally presented the sacrifice.
פָּ֥רa bullN m sg abs · פָּר (H6499)Direct object of וָאַעַלפָּר (H6499) 'bull'; distributive singular — one per altar.
וָאַ֖יִלand a ramconj וְ + N m sg abs · אַיִל (H352)Direct object (second item)אַיִל (H352) 'ram', paired with פָּר.
בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַon the altarprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Locative prepositional phraseמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196), distributive singular 'on each altar', completing the ritual report.
5

וַיָּ֧שֶׂם יְהוָ֛ה דָּבָ֖ר בְּפִ֣י בִלְעָ֑ם וַיֹּ֛אמֶר שׁ֥וּב אֶל בָּלָ֖ק וְכֹ֥ה תְדַבֵּֽר

And YHWH put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, "Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak."

Narrative sequence — commissioningwayyiqtol
The chapter's key formula (שָׂם דָּבָר בְּפִי) marks the transition from human ritual to divine speech-act; from this point the oracle's content is not Balaam's own but YHWH's implanted word.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיָּ֧שֶׂםand he putWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance — the pivotal act of the chapterשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place'; the key formula שָׂם דָּבָר בְּפִי, 'put a word in the mouth', casts inspiration as YHWH's direct placement of content in the prophet's mouth (echoed in v. 16; cf. Deut 18:18; Jer 1:9).
יְהוָ֛הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיָּשֶׂםיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; it is YHWH himself, not a generic deity, who now personally controls Balaam's speech.
דָּבָ֖רa wordN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of וַיָּשֶׂםדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing'; the specific content YHWH implants, guaranteeing the coming oracle originates wholly with him.
בְּפִ֣יin the mouth ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · פֶּה (H6310)Locative prepositional phrase (construct chain)פֶּה (H6310) 'mouth', construct governing בִלְעָם; the organ of prophetic speech, now filled with YHWH's own words.
בִלְעָ֑םBalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Genitive complement of פִּי (construct chain)בִּלְעָם (H1109), whose mouth becomes the vehicle of YHWH's word despite his being a foreign diviner.
וַיֹּ֛אמֶרand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces YHWH's instruction to Balaam.
שׁ֥וּבreturnQal impv 2ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (direct imperative command)→ Volitional: imperative commandשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return, turn back'; YHWH sends Balaam back to Balak bearing the implanted word.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking destinationאֶל (H413) 'to'.
בָּלָ֖קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Object of preposition אֶלבָּלָק (H1111), the waiting king.
וְכֹ֥הand thusconj וְ + adverb · כֹּה (H3541)Adverb of manner modifying תְדַבֵּרכֹּה (H3541) 'thus, so'; points forward to the precise, scripted content of the oracle Balaam must now deliver.
תְדַבֵּֽרyou shall speakPiel impf 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of imperatival yiqtol clause→ Yiqtol: modal/injunctive — a divinely scripted command for exactly what Balaam must sayדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the imperfect carries injunctive force — Balaam is bound to speak precisely the implanted word.
6

וַיָּ֣שָׁב אֵלָ֔יו וְהִנֵּ֥ה נִצָּ֖ב עַל עֹלָת֑וֹ ה֖וּא וְכָל שָׂרֵ֥י מוֹאָֽב

So he returned to him, and behold, he was standing by his burnt offering, he and all the officials of Moab.

Narrative sequence — returnwayyiqtol
The הִנֵּה-clause vividly frames the scene Balaam re-enters: Balak's anxious vigil, now attended by the full Moabite court, heightens anticipation for the oracle.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיָּ֣שָׁבand he returnedWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; Balaam comes back to Balak as commanded in v. 5.
אֵלָ֔יוto himprep אֶל + suff 3msIndirect object of וַיָּשָׁבאֶל + 3ms suffix, referring to Balak.
וְהִנֵּ֥הand beholdconj וְ + demonstrative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing a sceneהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, here is'; vividly presents the tableau Balaam encounters upon returning.
נִצָּ֖בstandingNiphal ptc m sg abs · נָצַב (H5324)Predicate participle (participial clause after הִנֵּה)→ Participle: durative — an ongoing posture observed at the moment of Balaam's returnנָצַב (H5324) Niphal 'to stand, be stationed'; describes Balak's fixed posture of waiting beside his offering.
עַלbesideprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, beside, by'.
עֹלָת֑וֹhis burnt offeringN f sg constr + suff 3ms · עֹלָה (H5930)Object of preposition עַלעֹלָה (H5930) 'burnt offering'; Balak's own sacrifice, at which he has remained stationed as instructed.
ה֖וּאheindependent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Appositional resumption of the subject (emphatic)הוּא (H1931) 'he'; emphatic apposition clarifying that Balak himself, not only his officials, stood there.
וְכָלand all ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct head, coordinate subjectכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; construct governing שָׂרֵי מוֹאָב.
שָׂרֵ֥יthe officials ofN m pl constr · שַׂר (H8269)Genitive complement of כָּל (construct chain)שַׂר (H8269) 'official, prince, chief'; Moab's court dignitaries accompany Balak throughout the ritual.
מוֹאָֽבMoabN proper (gentilic/national) · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive complement (construct chain)מוֹאָב (H4124), the nation whose king has hired Balaam.
7

וַיִּשָּׂ֥א מְשָׁל֖וֹ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר מִן אֲ֠רָם יַנְחֵ֨נִי בָלָ֤ק מֶֽלֶךְ מוֹאָב֙ מֵֽהַרְרֵי קֶ֔דֶם לְכָה֙ אָֽרָה לִּ֣י יַעֲקֹ֔ב וּלְכָ֖ה זֹעֲמָ֥ה יִשְׂרָאֵֽל

And he took up his oracle, and said: "From Aram Balak has led me, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east: 'Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, denounce Israel!'"

Direct discourse — oracle openingwayyiqtol
The narrative frame yields to poetry; the oracle opens by quoting Balak's original commission verbatim, setting up its own refusal in the verses that follow.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֥אand he took upWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (introducing direct discourse)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, take up'; idiomatic נָשָׂא מָשָׁל 'to take up/utter a poetic oracle' — a solemn formula introducing elevated speech (cf. Isa 14:4; Mic 2:4).
מְשָׁל֖וֹhis oracleN m sg constr + suff 3ms · מָשָׁל (H4912)Direct object of וַיִּשָּׂאמָשָׁל (H4912) 'proverb, poem, oracle, taunt-song'; from a root meaning 'to be like/compare' — a weighty pronouncement; here Balaam's inspired oracular poem, first of four in Num 23-24.
וַיֹּאמַ֑רand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the actual words of the oracle.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Prepositional phrase of source, fronted for emphasisמִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the geographic origin from which Balak summoned Balaam, fronted at the head of the first poetic colon.
אֲ֠רָםAramN proper (geographic) · אֲרָם (H758)Object of preposition מִןאֲרָם (H758), the region of Aram-Naharaim/Mesopotamia (cf. Deut 23:4), Balaam's homeland — a foreign seer from beyond the Euphrates.
יַנְחֵ֨נִיhe has led meHiphil impf 3ms + suff 1cs · נָחָה (H5148)Predicate verb of first poetic colon→ Yiqtol with past/perfective narrative nuance, typical of archaic Hebrew poetry: Balak's summoning actנָחָה (H5148) Hiphil 'to lead, guide'; describes Balak's active fetching of Balaam from afar.
בָלָ֤קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Subject of יַנְחֵנִיבָּלָק (H1111), identified in apposition by his royal title in the next colon.
מֶֽלֶךְking ofN m sg constr · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Appositional title of בָלָק (construct chain)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king', construct governing מוֹאָב, in apposition to בָלָק.
מוֹאָב֙MoabN proper (gentilic/national) · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive complement (construct chain)מוֹאָב (H4124), Balak's kingdom.
מֵֽהַרְרֵיfrom the mountains ofprep מִן + N m pl constr · הָרָר (H2042, poetic pl. of הַר)Prepositional phrase of source, parallel to מִן אֲרָם (construct chain)הַרְרֵי (H2042), poetic plural construct of הַר 'mountain'; synonymous parallelism with אֲרָם — the mountainous east as Balaam's remote origin.
קֶ֔דֶםthe eastN m sg abs · קֶדֶם (H6924)Genitive complement of הַרְרֵי (construct chain)קֶדֶם (H6924) 'east, aforetime'; geographic here — the eastern mountains, underscoring Balaam's foreignness and the distance Balak's summons spanned.
לְכָה֙comeQal impv 2ms (with paragogic ־ָה) · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (embedded quotation of Balak's original summons)→ Volitional: imperative commandהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go, come'; paragogic ־ָה lends urgency; first of a pair of imperatives (with אָרָה) quoting Balak's original commission.
אָֽרָהcurseQal impv 2ms (with paragogic ־ָה) · אָרַר (H779)Predicate verb, coordinate imperative (Balak's quoted request)→ Volitional: imperative commandאָרַר (H779) 'to curse'; the general curse-verb of the frame narrative, quoting exactly what Balak commissioned — a request the oracle itself will refuse.
לִּ֣יfor meprep לְ + suff 1csDative of interest/benefactionלְ + 1cs suffix, benefactive 'for me' — Balak's viewpoint quoted within Balaam's oracle.
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobN proper · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Direct object of אָרָהיַעֲקֹב (H3290), the patriarch's name for the nation Israel; first of the paired national names (Jacob // Israel) structuring the oracle's parallelism.
וּלְכָ֖הand comeconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms (paragogic ־ָה) · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb, coordinate imperative (second colon, parallel to לְכָה)→ Volitional: imperative commandהָלַךְ (H3212), repeated to open the parallel second colon, matching לְכָה of the first.
זֹעֲמָ֥הdenounceQal impv 2ms (paragogic ־ָה) · זָעַם (H2194)Predicate verb, coordinate imperative (parallel to אָרָה)→ Volitional: imperative commandזָעַם (H2194) 'to denounce, be indignant against, curse'; near-synonym of אָרַר forming synonymous parallelism (curse // denounce), answered in v. 8 by קבב/זעם.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽלIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Direct object of זֹעֲמָהיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), paired with יַעֲקֹב in synonymous parallelism, naming the one nation by both patriarchal and covenantal names.
8

מָ֣ה אֶקֹּ֔ב לֹ֥א קַבֹּ֖ה אֵ֑ל וּמָ֣ה אֶזְעֹ֔ם לֹ֥א זָעַ֖ם יְהוָֽה

How can I curse whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce whom YHWH has not denounced?

Poetic parallelism — rhetorical refusalasyndeton
Two tightly parallel rhetorical questions ground Balaam's refusal not in his own reluctance but in God's prior, settled decision not to curse Israel.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
מָ֣הhowinterrogative pron/adverb · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverb introducing rhetorical questionמָה (H4100) 'what, how'; introduces a rhetorical question expecting the answer 'I cannot' — the oracle's central refusal.
אֶקֹּ֔בshall I curseQal impf 1cs · קָבַב (H5344)Predicate verb of rhetorical question→ Yiqtol: modal (deliberative) — 'how could/should I curse?'קָבַב (H5344) 'to curse, denounce'; a rarer curse-verb (distinct from אָרַר), picking up Balak's request in v. 7.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates קַבֹּהלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle.
קַבֹּ֖הhe has cursedQal perf 3ms + suff 3ms · קָבַב (H6895)Predicate verb of relative clause modifying the implied object of אֶקֹּב→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — God's prior non-cursing grounds Balaam's refusalקָבַב (root shared with H5344, here catalogued H6895) 'to curse'; the double Strong's numbering for one root within this verse is a lexicographic quirk of Strong's/BDB for this rare verb, not a real semantic distinction.
אֵ֑לGodN m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Subject of קַבֹּהאֵל (H410), the generic/ancient divine name; grounds the refusal in God's own prior decision, not Balaam's power or choice.
וּמָ֣הand howconj וְ + interrogative pron/adverb · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverb introducing parallel rhetorical questionמָה (H4100), repeated to open the parallel second colon.
אֶזְעֹ֔םshall I denounceQal impf 1cs · זָעַם (H2194)Predicate verb of parallel rhetorical question→ Yiqtol: modal (deliberative)זָעַם (H2194) 'to denounce, be indignant'; parallels קָבַב, picking up Balak's זֹעֲמָה from v. 7.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates זָעַםלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle.
זָעַ֖םhe has denouncedQal perf 3ms · זָעַם (H2194)Predicate verb of relative clause, parallel to קַבֹּה→ Perfective: a completed, decisive actזָעַם (H2194) 'to denounce'; YHWH's prior non-denunciation of Israel is the oracle's premise.
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of זָעַםיְהוָה (H3068); the parallelism shifts from generic אֵל (colon 1) to the covenant name (colon 2) — Israel's own God, not merely 'a god', refuses to curse.
9

כִּֽי מֵרֹ֤אשׁ צֻרִים֙ אֶרְאֶ֔נּוּ וּמִגְּבָע֖וֹת אֲשׁוּרֶ֑נּוּ הֶן עָם֙ לְבָדָ֣ד יִשְׁכֹּ֔ן וּבַגּוֹיִ֖ם לֹ֥א יִתְחַשָּֽׁב

For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: behold, a people dwelling alone, not reckoning itself among the nations.

Poetic parallelism — visionary groundsכִּי
Balaam's physical vantage point becomes the basis for prophetic insight; the celebrated description of Israel as עָם לְבָדָד יִשְׁכֹּן functions as the oracle's thematic center.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
כִּֽיforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal/explanatory conjunction introducing the oracle's groundsכִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces Balaam's visionary grounds for refusing to curse — what he SEES from the height.
מֵרֹ֤אשׁfrom the top ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Locative prepositional phrase (construct chain)רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, top, summit'; construct governing צֻרִים — Balaam's vantage point atop the rocky heights.
צֻרִים֙rocksN m pl abs · צוּר (H6697)Genitive complement of רֹאשׁ (construct chain)צוּר (H6697) 'rock, cliff'; the rugged high ground (Pisgah/Zophim/Peor) from which the oracles are delivered.
אֶרְאֶ֔נּוּI see himQal impf 1cs + suff 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: present/durative — Balaam's ongoing visionary perception of Israel from the heightרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; Balaam's physical/visionary sight of the camp becomes the basis of oracular insight.
וּמִגְּבָע֖וֹתand from the hillsconj וְ + prep מִן + N f pl abs · גִּבְעָה (H1389)Locative prepositional phrase, parallel to מֵרֹאשׁ צֻרִיםגִּבְעָה (H1389) 'hill'; synonymous parallel to צֻרִים, reinforcing the elevated vantage point.
אֲשׁוּרֶ֑נּוּI behold himQal impf 1cs + suff 3ms · שׁוּר (H7789)Predicate verb, parallel to אֶרְאֶנּוּ→ Yiqtol: present/durative, parallel to אֶרְאֶנּוּשׁוּר (H7789) 'to behold, gaze at' (poetic synonym of רָאָה); the pair רָאָה // שׁוּר forms classic synonymous parallelism.
הֶןbeholdasseverative particle · הֵן (H2005)Presentative/asseverative particle introducing the oracle's key declarationהֵן (H2005) 'behold, lo'; emphatic particle (synonym of הִנֵּה) spotlighting the climactic description of Israel that follows.
עָם֙a peopleN m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject (casus pendens, resumed by יִשְׁכֹּן)עַם (H5971) 'people, nation'; the oracle's celebrated description עָם לְבָדָד יִשְׁכֹּן — Israel as a people set apart, its defining feature here.
לְבָדָ֣דaloneprep לְ + N m sg abs (adverbial) · בָּדָד (H910)Adverbial modifier of יִשְׁכֹּןבָּדָד (H910) 'isolation, separateness', with לְ forming the adverb 'alone, apart'; עָם לְבָדָד יִשְׁכֹּן becomes a classic description of Israel's distinctiveness among the nations.
יִשְׁכֹּ֔ןit dwellsQal impf 3ms · שָׁכַן (H7931)Predicate verb (main clause, resuming עָם)→ Yiqtol: gnomic/present — a durative, characteristic state of beingשָׁכַן (H7931) 'to dwell, settle, abide'; describes Israel's ongoing, defining mode of existence — separate among the nations.
וּבַגּוֹיִ֖םand among the nationsconj וְ + prep בְּ + art + N m pl abs · גּוֹי (H1471)Locative prepositional phrase, object of יִתְחַשָּׁבגּוֹי (H1471) 'nation'; the Gentile nations among whom Israel refuses to be counted/assimilated.
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִתְחַשָּׁבלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle.
יִתְחַשָּֽׁבit reckons itselfHitpael impf 3ms · חָשַׁב (H2803)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: gnomic/present, reflexive-Hitpael nuance — Israel does not count itself among the nationsחָשַׁב (H2803) Hitpael 'to reckon oneself, be counted/classified'; the reflexive stem stresses Israel's own self-differentiation — a people apart by its own nature and vocation.
10

מִ֤י מָנָה֙ עֲפַ֣ר יַעֲקֹ֔ב וּמִסְפָּ֖ר אֶת רֹ֣בַע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל תָּמֹ֤ת נַפְשִׁי֙ מ֣וֹת יְשָׁרִ֔ים וּתְהִ֥י אַחֲרִיתִ֖י כָּמֹֽהוּ

Who has counted the dust of Jacob, or numbered the fourth part (or: dust-cloud) of Israel? Let me die the death of the upright, and let my end be like his!

Poetic parallelism — climax and personal wishasyndeton
The oracle closes not with a curse or blessing formula but with Balaam's own startling personal wish to share Israel's destiny — an ironic aspiration given his eventual fate (Num 31:8).
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
מִ֤יwhointerrogative pron · מִי (H4310)Interrogative pronoun, subject of מָנָה (rhetorical question)מִי (H4310) 'who'; rhetorical question implying 'no one can' — Israel's uncountable multitude, echoing the patriarchal promise of Gen 13:16; 28:14.
מָנָה֙has countedQal perf 3ms · מָנָה (H4487)Predicate verb of rhetorical question→ Perfective used gnomically: an act no one has ever accomplished or could accomplishמָנָה (H4487) 'to count, number'; the impossibility of counting Jacob's 'dust' underscores the promised innumerability of Israel's offspring.
עֲפַ֣רthe dust ofN m sg constr · עָפָר (H6083)Direct object of מָנָה (construct chain)עָפָר (H6083) 'dust, dry earth'; figurative for countless multitude (cf. Gen 13:16, 'like the dust of the earth'), here of Jacob's descendants.
יַעֲקֹ֔בJacobN proper · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Genitive complement of עֲפַר (construct chain)יַעֲקֹב (H3290), the patriarch, standing for his innumerable descendants.
וּמִסְפָּ֖רor the number ofconj וְ + N m sg abs · מִסְפָּר (H4557)Direct object (parallel to עֲפַר), governing רֹבַע יִשְׂרָאֵלמִסְפָּר (H4557) 'number, count'; parallels עֲפַר, both objects of the verb מָנָה carried over from the first colon.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object markerאֵת (H853), marking רֹבַע יִשְׂרָאֵל as the definite object of the implied verb; untranslated in English.
רֹ֣בַעthe fourth part / dust-cloud ofN m sg constr · רֹבַע (H7255)Direct object, parallel to מִסְפָּר (construct chain)רֹבַע (H7255) is a genuine textual/lexical crux: traditionally 'fourth part' (from רבע 'four'), but the sense is deeply uncertain — proposals include 'dust-cloud raised by a host' (from רבץ 'crouch/lie') or 'stock, clan'; ancient versions (LXX, Vulgate) already differ. No rendering commands consensus.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑לIsraelN proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Genitive complement of רֹבַע (construct chain)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), paired with יַעֲקֹב in the oracle's characteristic parallelism.
תָּמֹ֤תlet it dieQal jussive 3fs · מוּת (H4191)Predicate verb (jussive wish, main clause)→ Volitional: jussive — Balaam's own personal wishמוּת (H4191) 'to die'; jussive expressing Balaam's fervent wish — startling from a hired diviner — that he might share Israel's ultimate destiny.
נַפְשִׁי֙my soulN common sg constr + suff 1cs · נֶפֶשׁ (H5315)Subject of תָּמֹתנֶפֶשׁ (H5315) 'soul, life, self'; nearly equivalent to 'I' — 'let ME die'.
מ֣וֹתthe death ofN m sg constr (cognate accusative) · מָוֶת (H4194)Adverbial accusative (cognate object) of תָּמֹתמָוֶת (H4194) 'death', construct governing יְשָׁרִים; cognate accusative with תָּמֹת intensifying the wish — 'die THE DEATH OF the upright'.
יְשָׁרִ֔יםthe uprightAdj m pl abs (substantival) · יָשָׁר (H3477)Genitive complement of מוֹת (construct chain)יָשָׁר (H3477) 'straight, upright, just'; substantival plural, 'the upright ones' — Balaam wishes to share the blessed destiny of the righteous, in tension with his own morally ambiguous role.
וּתְהִ֥יand let it beconj וְ + Qal jussive 3fs · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (jussive wish, parallel to תָּמֹת)→ Volitional: jussive, parallel to תָּמֹתהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; jussive parallel to תָּמֹת, extending the wish to Balaam's future/posterity.
אַחֲרִיתִ֖יmy endN f sg constr + suff 1cs · אַחֲרִית (H319)Subject of וּתְהִיאַחֲרִית (H319) 'end, latter part, future, posterity'; Balaam wishes his ultimate fate/legacy to resemble that of the righteous — poignant given his own later fate (cf. Num 31:8).
כָּמֹֽהוּlike hisprep כְּמוֹ + suff 3ms · כְּמוֹ (H3644)Predicate complement of וּתְהִי (comparative)כְּמוֹ (H3644) 'like, as', poetic form of כְּ, + 3ms suffix referring back to יְשָׁרִים (collective/distributive) — 'like his [the upright one's end]'.
11

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר בָּלָק֙ אֶל בִּלְעָ֔ם מֶ֥ה עָשִׂ֖יתָ לִ֑י לָקֹ֤ב אֹיְבַי֙ לְקַחְתִּ֔יךָ וְהִנֵּ֖ה בֵּרַ֥כְתָּ בָרֵֽךְ

Then Balak said to Balaam, "What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have done nothing but bless!"

Narrative sequence — Balak's protestwayyiqtol
Balak's furious complaint frames the failed oracle; the infinitive-absolute construction בֵּרַכְתָּ בָרֵךְ underscores the totality of the blessing he did not want.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Balak's angry rebuke of Balaam.
בָּלָק֙BalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab, now confronting Balaam in anger.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks Balaam as the one addressed.
בִּלְעָ֔םBalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of preposition אֶלבִּלְעָם (H1109), the hired seer, now confronted by Balak.
מֶ֥הwhatinterrogative pron · מָה (H4100)Interrogative predicate complement (fronted)מָה (H4100) 'what'; opens Balak's indignant question.
עָשִׂ֖יתָhave you doneQal perf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause, interrogative)→ Perfective: a completed act under interrogation — 'what have you done'עָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; Balak's accusing question about Balaam's action.
לִ֑יto meprep לְ + suff 1cs · לְ (dative)Dative of disadvantageלְ + 1cs suffix; 'to/against me' — Balak feels wronged.
לָקֹ֤בto curseprep לְ + Qal inf constr · קָבַב (H6895)Infinitival complement of purpose (governed by an implied verb of taking)→ Infinitive: purpose — the intended goal of hiring Balaamקָבַב (H6895) 'to curse, denounce'; Balak recalls his original purpose in summoning Balaam.
אֹיְבַי֙my enemiesQal ptc mpl constr + suff 1cs · אֹיֵב (H341)Direct object of לָקֹבאֹיֵב (H341), Qal participle of אָיַב 'to be hostile', substantivized 'enemy'; Balak's professed enemies = Israel.
לְקַחְתִּ֔יךָI took youQal perf 1cs + suff 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, Balak's recollection)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — the original hiringלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Balak recalls summoning Balaam for the express purpose of cursing.
וְהִנֵּ֖הand beholdconj וְ + demonstrative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Attention-directing particle introducing surprising contrastהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold, look'; marks Balak's shocked discovery — the opposite of what he expected has happened.
בֵּרַ֥כְתָּyou have blessedPiel perf 2ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (main clause), paired with infinitive absolute בָרֵךְ for emphasis→ Perfective + infinitive-absolute intensification: an emphatically completed act of blessingבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; paired with its own infinitive absolute (בָרֵךְ) for rhetorical emphasis — 'you have utterly blessed'.
בָרֵֽךְblessed indeedPiel inf abs · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Infinitive absolute intensifying the finite verb בֵּרַכְתָּ→ Infinitive absolute: emphatic/intensifying — underscores the totality of the blessing Balak did not wantבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel infinitive absolute reduplicating בֵּרַכְתָּ; the paronomastic construction stresses that Balaam's blessing was thorough and undeniable.
12

וַיַּ֖עַן וַיֹּאמַ֑ר הֲלֹ֗א אֵת֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָשִׂ֤ים יְהוָה֙ בְּפִ֔י אֹת֥וֹ אֶשְׁמֹ֖ר לְדַבֵּֽר

But he answered and said, "Must I not take care to speak what YHWH puts in my mouth?"

Narrative sequence — Balaam's defensewayyiqtol
Balaam's reply states the chapter's governing principle of prophetic constraint, anticipating his identical answer in v. 26.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיַּ֖עַןand he answeredWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, respond'; introduces Balaam's defense of his prophetic conduct.
וַיֹּאמַ֑רand saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause, paired with וַיַּעַן)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; paired with וַיַּעַן in the standard 'answered and said' formula introducing direct speech.
הֲלֹ֗אis it not [the case]interrog הֲ + neg · לֹא (H3808)Interrogative particle expecting an affirmative answer, governing the whole clauseהֲ (interrogative) + לֹא (H3808) 'not'; a rhetorical question expecting 'yes' — Balaam asserts his constrained role as a genuine principle.
אֵת֩[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker, fronted (casus pendens, resumed by אֹתוֹ)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi; here fronts the object clause אֲשֶׁר יָשִׂים יְהוָה בְּפִי, later resumed by the pronoun אֹתוֹ — a casus pendens construction emphasizing the content of the divine word.
אֲשֶׁ֨רthat whichrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing the fronted object clauseאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle; introduces 'whatever YHWH puts in my mouth' as the fronted, resumed object.
יָשִׂ֤יםputsQal impf 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Predicate verb of relative clause (subordinate)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/habitual — whatever YHWH characteristically puts in his mouthשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place'; the chapter's key formula — the prophetic word is not Balaam's own but placed by YHWH.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יָשִׂיםיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; Balaam names YHWH explicitly as the one who controls his speech.
בְּפִ֔יin my mouthprep בְּ + N m sg constr + suff 1cs · פֶּה (H6310)Locative prepositional phrase, complement of יָשִׂיםפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; the receptacle of YHWH's word, echoing the chapter's central formula (cf. v. 5).
אֹת֥וֹitobj marker + suff 3ms · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker with resumptive pronoun, resuming fronted אֵת אֲשֶׁר... (casus pendens)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix; resumes the fronted object clause, a classic Hebrew casus pendens/resumptive construction highlighting the content of the divine word as Balaam's sole authorized speech.
אֶשְׁמֹ֖רmust I not take careQal impf 1cs · שָׁמַר (H8104)Predicate verb (main clause, rhetorical question continued from הֲלֹא)→ Yiqtol: modal/obligatory — Balaam's binding duty to guard and speak only the given wordשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, take care'; here of Balaam's careful obligation to speak only what YHWH gives him.
לְדַבֵּֽרto speakprep לְ + Piel inf constr · דָּבַר (H1696)Infinitival complement of אֶשְׁמֹר→ Infinitive: complementary — specifies the content of the 'care' Balaam must takeדָּבַר (H1696) Piel infinitive construct 'to speak'; completes אֶשְׁמֹר — Balaam's programmatic statement of prophetic constraint that governs the whole oracle cycle.
13

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֵלָ֜יו בָּלָ֗ק לך לְכָה נָּ֨א אִתִּ֜י אֶל מָק֤וֹם אַחֵר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּרְאֶ֣נּוּ מִשָּׁ֔ם אֶ֚פֶס קָצֵ֣הוּ תִרְאֶ֔ה וְכֻלּ֖וֹ לֹ֣א תִרְאֶ֑ה וְקָבְנוֹ לִ֖י מִשָּֽׁם

And Balak said to him, "Please come with me to another place from which you may see them; you shall see only the edge of them, and shall not see all of them; and curse them for me from there."

Narrative sequence — relocation proposalwayyiqtol
Balak's superstitious logic — that a partial view of Israel might allow a successful curse — drives the chapter's first relocation, to the field of Zophim.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Balak's proposal to try a different vantage point.
אֵלָ֜יוto himprep אֶל + suff 3ms · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of וַיֹּאמֶראֶל (H413) + 3ms suffix, referring to Balaam.
בָּלָ֗קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab.
לךgoQal impv 2ms · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (imperative), doublet with following לְכָה→ Volitional: imperative commandהָלַךְ (H3212 as tagged) 'to go'; לך here is an unpointed consonantal form immediately followed by the pointed לְכָה — most likely a Ketiv/Qere-type dittography or textual doublet in the transmission rather than two distinct commands; treated cautiously as a scribal peculiarity.
לְכָהgoQal impv 2ms + paragogic ה · הָלַךְ (H1980)Predicate verb (imperative command), doublet with preceding לך→ Volitional: imperative command, emphatic with paragogic ההָלַךְ (H1980) 'to go, walk'; imperative with paragogic ה adding urgency — 'come now'; forms the doublet with the unpointed לך just before it.
נָּ֨אpleaseparticle of entreaty · נָאParticle of entreaty softening the imperativeנָא, particle of entreaty/urging 'please, now'; the Strong's number attached in the source scaffold (H3212) appears to be a tagging artifact carried over from the adjacent imperative — נָא itself is the standard volitive particle (cf. H4994), not a form of הָלַךְ.
אִתִּ֜יwith meprep אֵת/אִת + suff 1cs · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase of accompanimentאֵת/אִת (H854) 'with'; Balak invites Balaam to accompany him to the new site.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking destinationאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the goal of the proposed movement.
מָק֤וֹםa placeN m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of preposition אֶלמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place, location'; the new vantage point Balak proposes.
אַחֵר֙anotheradj m sg abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjective modifying מָקוֹםאַחֵר (H312) 'other, another'; signals Balak's strategy of shifting location, hoping a different view will yield a different prophetic outcome.
אֲשֶׁ֣רfrom whererelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing clause modifying מָקוֹם אַחֵראֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle; introduces the description of the new location.
תִּרְאֶ֣נּוּyou will see itQal impf 2ms + suff 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb of relative clause→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — Balaam's anticipated (limited) view of Israel from the new siteרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; with 3ms suffix referring to the people Israel — Balak's plan hinges on controlling what Balaam can see.
מִשָּׁ֔םfrom thereprep מִן + adverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbial phraseשָׁם (H8033) 'there', with מִן 'from'; marks the vantage point of the new site.
אֶ֚פֶסonlyparticle · אֶפֶס (H657)Restrictive/adversative particle introducing the limiting clauseאֶפֶס (H657) 'end, only, howbeit'; here as a restrictive particle, 'only, but' — Balak's calculated hope that a partial view will make cursing possible.
קָצֵ֣הוּits edgeN common sg constr + suff 3ms · קָצֶה (H7097)Direct object of תִרְאֶה (fronted for emphasis)קָצֶה (H7097) 'end, edge, extremity'; Balak wants Balaam to see only Israel's outer fringe, not the whole camp.
תִרְאֶ֔הyou will seeQal impf 2ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future — the restricted, partial sight Balak intendsרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; repeated three times in this verse, underscoring Balak's obsession with controlling Balaam's field of vision.
וְכֻלּ֖וֹand all of itconj וְ + N m sg constr + suff 3ms · כֹּל (H3605)Direct object of תִרְאֶה (fronted, contrastive)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, whole'; contrasted with קָצֵהוּ 'its edge' — Balak explicitly wants the whole people kept out of view.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִרְאֶהלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle.
תִרְאֶ֑הyou will [not] seeQal impf 2ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/future, negated — the whole of Israel remains hidden from Balaam's sightרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; third occurrence, completing Balak's careful restriction of Balaam's view.
וְקָבְנוֹand curse it for meconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms + suff 3ms · קָבַב (H6895)Predicate verb (imperative, main clause) with direct-object suffix→ Volitional: imperative command — Balak's renewed demand to curse Israelקָבַב (H6895) 'to curse, denounce'; with 3ms suffix, object = Israel; Balak repeats his original demand, hoping the new vantage will finally succeed.
לִ֖יfor meprep לְ + suff 1cs · לְ (dative)Dative of interest/benefactionלְ + 1cs suffix; benefactive 'for me', reinforcing Balak's personal stake in the curse.
מִשָּֽׁםfrom thereprep מִן + adverb · שָׁם (H8033)Locative adverbial phraseשָׁם (H8033) 'there'; repeats the locative frame, closing the verse on the new vantage point.
14

וַיִּקָּחֵ֨הוּ֙ שְׂדֵ֣ה צֹפִ֔ים אֶל רֹ֖אשׁ הַפִּסְגָּ֑ה וַיִּ֨בֶן֙ שִׁבְעָ֣ה מִזְבְּחֹ֔ת וַיַּ֛עַל פָּ֥ר וָאַ֖יִל בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ

So he took him to the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered up a bull and a ram on each altar.

Narrative sequence — second ritual cyclewayyiqtol
The seven-altar ritual is repeated verbatim in form, underscoring the chapter's cyclical, three-stage structure (altars – oracle – protest – relocation).
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּקָּחֵ֨הוּ֙and he took himWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + suff 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; Balak leads Balaam away, echoing the earlier relocation of v. 1.
שְׂדֵ֣הthe field ofN m sg constr · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Construct chain (genitival), head nounשָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; construct head governing צֹפִים.
צֹפִ֔יםZophimQal ptc mpl abs (as proper name) · צָפָה (H6839)Genitive complement of שְׂדֵה (construct chain); place nameצֹפִים (H6839), lit. 'watchers' — the Qal participle of צָפָה 'to watch, look out' used as a place name; 'the field of the Watchers/Lookouts', fitting for a site chosen for its vantage over Israel's camp.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking destinationאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks the further destination within the field of Zophim.
רֹ֖אשׁthe top ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Construct chain (genitival), head noun; object of preposition אֶלרֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, top, summit'; construct governing הַפִּסְגָּה.
הַפִּסְגָּ֑הthe Pisgahart + N proper · פִּסְגָּה (H6449)Genitive complement of רֹאשׁ (construct chain)פִּסְגָּה (H6449), a ridge/summit in the Abarim range east of the Jordan (cf. Deut 34:1); the second of three vantage points in Balaam's oracle cycle.
וַיִּ֨בֶן֙and he builtWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בָּנָה (H1129)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; repeats the altar-building act of v. 1, now Balak acting alone (unlike the imperative there).
שִׁבְעָ֣הsevennumeral m sg abs · שִׁבְעָה (H7651)Numeral modifying מִזְבְּחֹתשִׁבְעָה (H7651) 'seven'; the ritual pattern repeats exactly for the second oracle cycle.
מִזְבְּחֹ֔תaltarsN m pl abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object of וַיִּבֶןמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar'; seven altars built a second time, mirroring vv. 1-2.
וַיַּ֛עַלand he offered upWaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to offer up'; Balak (here alone, without Balaam named) presents the sacrifice.
פָּ֥רa bullN m sg abs · פָּר (H6499)Direct object of וַיַּעַלפָּר (H6499) 'bull'; distributive singular, one per altar as before.
וָאַ֖יִלand a ramconj וְ + N m sg abs · אַיִל (H352)Direct object (second item)אַיִל (H352) 'ram', paired with פָּר as in the first ritual cycle.
בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַon the altarprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Locative prepositional phraseמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196), distributive singular 'on each altar', completing the second ritual cycle.
15

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל בָּלָ֔ק הִתְיַצֵּ֥ב כֹּ֖ה עַל עֹלָתֶ֑ךָ וְאָנֹכִ֖י אִקָּ֥רֶה כֹּֽה

And he said to Balak, "Station yourself here by your burnt offering, while I meet [him] over there."

Narrative sequence — second withdrawalwayyiqtol
Balaam's instruction closely echoes v. 3, though more terse (כֹּה...כֹּה), reflecting the narrative's compression on repetition.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; Balaam again instructs Balak before withdrawing (cf. v. 3).
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Balak as addressee.
בָּלָ֔קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Object of preposition אֶלבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab.
הִתְיַצֵּ֥בstation yourselfHitpael impv 2ms · יָצַב (H3320)Predicate verb (direct imperative command)→ Volitional: imperative commandיָצַב (H3320) Hitpael 'to station oneself'; repeats the instruction of v. 3 for the second oracle cycle.
כֹּ֖הhereadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Locative adverb modifying הִתְיַצֵּבכֹּה (H3541) 'thus, here'; first of two occurrences in this verse, marking Balak's position by his offering.
עַלbesideprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, beside, by'; locates Balak at his burnt offering.
עֹלָתֶ֑ךָyour burnt offeringN f sg constr + suff 2ms · עֹלָה (H5930)Object of preposition עַלעֹלָה (H5930) 'whole burnt offering'; Balak's own sacrifice, as in v. 3.
וְאָנֹכִ֖יand Iconj וְ + independent pron 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Emphatic independent subject pronounאָנֹכִי (H595) 'I'; emphatic independent pronoun, contrasting Balaam's own movement with Balak's stationary role.
אִקָּ֥רֶהwill meetNiphal impf 1cs · קָרָה (H7136)Predicate verb (main clause, Balaam's stated intention)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — Balaam's anticipated encounter with Godקָרָה (H7136) Niphal 'to meet, encounter'; repeats the verb of vv. 3-4, now first person, as Balaam withdraws again to seek revelation.
כֹּֽהover thereadverb · כֹּה (H3541)Locative adverb modifying אִקָּרֶהכֹּה (H3541) 'thus, here'; second occurrence in the verse — the same word now points away from Balak's position toward Balaam's own place of encounter, contextually rendered 'there/yonder', a notable repetition contrasting the two men's locations.
16

וַיִּקָּ֤ר יְהוָה֙ אֶל בִּלְעָ֔ם וַיָּ֥שֶׂם דָּבָ֖ר בְּפִ֑יו וַיֹּ֛אמֶר שׁ֥וּב אֶל בָּלָ֖ק וְכֹ֥ה תְדַבֵּֽר

And YHWH met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, "Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak."

Narrative sequence — second commissioningwayyiqtol
Verbatim repetition of v. 5's key formula (שָׂם דָּבָר בְּפִיו) confirms that the second oracle, like the first, originates wholly with YHWH.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיִּקָּ֤רand he metWaw-consec + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָה (H7136)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָה (H7136) Niphal 'to meet, encounter'; repeats v. 4's encounter formula for the second oracle.
יְהוָה֙YHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיִּקָּריְהוָה (H3068); notably here it is YHWH (not אֱלֹהִים as in v. 4) who meets Balaam, sharpening the theological identification of the deity giving the oracle.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking the one metאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Balaam as recipient of the encounter.
בִּלְעָ֔םBalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of preposition אֶלבִּלְעָם (H1109), the seer, met a second time by the deity.
וַיָּ֥שֶׂםand he putWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשִׂים (H7760) 'to put, place'; the chapter's theological formula — YHWH placing his word in the prophet's mouth (cf. Balaam's own statement in v. 12).
דָּבָ֖רa wordN m sg abs · דָּבָר (H1697)Direct object of וַיָּשֶׂםדָּבָר (H1697) 'word, thing'; the divine oracle placed in Balaam's mouth, fulfilling the anticipation of vv. 3, 12.
בְּפִ֑יוin his mouthprep בְּ + N m sg constr + suff 3ms · פֶּה (H6310)Locative prepositional phrase, complement of וַיָּשֶׂםפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; completes the key formula שָׂם דָּבָר בְּפִיו — 'put a word in his mouth', the theological center of this chapter.
וַיֹּ֛אמֶרand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces YHWH's instruction to Balaam.
שׁ֥וּבreturnQal impv 2ms · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (direct imperative command)→ Volitional: imperative commandשׁוּב (H7725) 'to return'; repeats the instruction of v. 5 verbatim for the second oracle.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking destinationאֶל (H413) 'to'; marks Balak as the one to whom Balaam must return.
בָּלָ֖קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Object of preposition אֶלבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab, awaiting Balaam's report.
וְכֹ֥הand thusconj וְ + adverb · כֹּה (H3541)Manner adverb modifying תְדַבֵּרכֹּה (H3541) 'thus, so'; introduces the manner of speech YHWH prescribes — repeating v. 5's instruction exactly.
תְדַבֵּֽרyou shall speakPiel impf 2ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, divine command continued)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — a binding directive for what Balaam must sayדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; the content of Balaam's coming oracle is prescribed, not his own, exactly repeating v. 5.
17

וַיָּבֹ֣א אֵלָ֗יו וְהִנּ֤וֹ נִצָּב֙ עַל עֹ֣לָת֔וֹ וְשָׂרֵ֥י מוֹאָ֖ב אִתּ֑וֹ וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ בָּלָ֔ק מַה דִּבֶּ֖ר יְהוָֽה

And he came to him, and behold, he was standing by his burnt offering, and the officials of Moab with him; and Balak said to him, "What has YHWH spoken?"

Narrative sequence — return and inquirywayyiqtol
Balak's anxious question sets up the second oracle, echoing the scene of v. 6 with the officials again present.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיָּבֹ֣אand he cameWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) 'to come, go in'; Balaam returns to Balak as instructed in v. 16.
אֵלָ֗יוto himprep אֶל + suff 3ms · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of וַיָּבֹאאֶל (H413) + 3ms suffix, referring to Balak.
וְהִנּ֤וֹand behold he wasconj וְ + demonstrative particle + suff 3ms · הִנֵּה (H2009)Attention-directing particle introducing circumstantial clauseהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; with 3ms suffix, 'and behold, he (Balak)...' — vividly presents the scene Balaam finds on his return.
נִצָּב֙standingNiphal ptc ms · נָצַב (H5324)Predicate participle of circumstantial clause (הִנֵּה + participle)→ Participle: durative/circumstantial — Balak's continued stance while Balaam sought the oracleנָצַב (H5324) Niphal participle 'to stand, be stationed'; describes Balak still standing by his offering exactly as instructed (cf. הִתְיַצֵּב, v. 15).
עַלbesideprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, beside, by'; locates Balak at his burnt offering.
עֹ֣לָת֔וֹhis burnt offeringN f sg constr + suff 3ms · עֹלָה (H5930)Object of preposition עַלעֹלָה (H5930) 'whole burnt offering'; Balak's sacrifice, as throughout the chapter.
וְשָׂרֵ֥יand the officials ofconj וְ + N m pl constr · שַׂר (H8269)Construct chain (genitival), subject (compound with Balak, coordinate)שַׂר (H8269) 'chief, official, prince'; construct plural governing מוֹאָב — the Moabite dignitaries accompanying Balak, as in v. 6.
מוֹאָ֖בMoabN proper · מוֹאָב (H4124)Genitive complement of שָׂרֵי (construct chain)מוֹאָב (H4124); the nation whose officials stand with Balak.
אִתּ֑וֹwith himprep אֵת/אִת + suff 3ms · אֵת (H854)Prepositional phrase of accompaniment, modifying שָׂרֵי מוֹאָב's relation to Balakאֵת/אִת (H854) 'with'; the officials stand with Balak, repeating the scene of v. 6.
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Balak's eager question about the oracle.
לוֹ֙to himprep לְ + suff 3ms · לְIndirect object of וַיֹּאמֶרלְ + 3ms suffix, referring to Balaam.
בָּלָ֔קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab, eager for the oracle's content.
מַהwhatinterrogative pron · מָה (H4100)Interrogative direct object (fronted)מָה (H4100) 'what'; opens Balak's question, setting up the second oracle in v. 18.
דִּבֶּ֖רhas spokenPiel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb (main clause, interrogative)→ Perfective: a completed act under question — what YHWH has just spokenדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; Balak asks for the content of the divine word placed in Balaam's mouth (v. 16).
יְהוָֽהYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of דִּבֶּריְהוָה (H3068); Balak, though pagan, names YHWH directly as the source of the oracle he awaits.
18

וַיִּשָּׂ֥א מְשָׁל֖וֹ וַיֹּאמַ֑ר ק֤וּם בָּלָק֙ וּֽשֲׁמָ֔ע הַאֲזִ֥ינָה עָדַ֖י בְּנ֥וֹ צִפֹּֽר

And he took up his oracle, and said: "Rise, Balak, and hear; give ear to me, son of Zippor!"

Direct discourse — second oracle openingwayyiqtol
Balaam now commands Balak's attention directly by name and patronymic — a striking reversal of the initial power dynamic between king and hired seer.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֥אand he took upWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (introducing direct discourse)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, take up'; repeats the formula of v. 7, נָשָׂא מָשָׁל, introducing the second oracle.
מְשָׁל֖וֹhis oracleN m sg constr + suff 3ms · מָשָׁל (H4912)Direct object of וַיִּשָּׂאמָשָׁל (H4912) 'oracle, poem'; the second of Balaam's four oracles.
וַיֹּאמַ֑רand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces the oracle's words.
ק֤וּםriseQal impv 2ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (direct imperative, summons)→ Volitional: imperative commandקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, stand up'; a summons to attention, addressed pointedly to Balak by name — reversing the earlier pattern where Balak commanded Balaam.
בָּלָק֙BalakN proper (vocative) · בָּלָק (H1111)Vocative, direct addressבָּלָק (H1111), directly addressed by name — Balaam now speaks with prophetic authority TO the king who hired him.
וּֽשֲׁמָ֔עand hearconj וְ + Qal impv 2ms · שָׁמַע (H8085)Predicate verb, coordinate imperative→ Volitional: imperative commandשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen'; standard summons-to-attention verb, paired with הַאֲזִינָה in synonymous parallelism.
הַאֲזִ֥ינָהgive earHiphil impv 2ms (paragogic ־ָה) · אָזַן (H238)Predicate verb, coordinate imperative, parallel to וּשֲׁמָע→ Volitional: imperative commandאָזַן (H238) Hiphil 'to give ear, listen attentively'; poetic synonym of שָׁמַע, forming a classic hear // give-ear summons pair (cf. Deut 32:1; Isa 1:2).
עָדַ֖יto meprep עַד + suff 1cs · עַד (H5704)Object of preposition, complement of הַאֲזִינָהעַד (H5704) functioning here as 'to, unto' + 1cs suffix — 'give ear TO ME'.
בְּנ֥וֹson ofN m sg constr + suff 3ms · בֵּן (H1121)Appositional title of בָּלָק (vocative, construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son', construct governing צִפֹּר; identifies Balak by patronymic, reinforcing the formal address.
צִפֹּֽרZipporN proper · צִפּוֹר (H6834)Genitive complement (construct chain)צִפּוֹר (H6834), Balak's father, named here in solemn formal address opening the second oracle.
19

לֹ֣א אִ֥ישׁ אֵל֙ וִֽיכַזֵּ֔ב וּבֶן אָדָ֖ם וְיִתְנֶחָ֑ם הַה֤וּא אָמַר֙ וְלֹ֣א יַעֲשֶׂ֔ה וְדִבֶּ֖ר וְלֹ֥א יְקִימֶֽנָּה

God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

Poetic parallelism — theological credoasyndeton
The oracle's central theological statement on divine immutability, framed by two rhetorical questions affirming the certainty of God's fulfilled word.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the predicate nominal אִישׁלֹא (H3808), negating the clause אֵל אִישׁ, 'God is not a man'.
אִ֥ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Predicate nominativeאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; the oracle's programmatic statement that God's nature is categorically different from human fickleness.
אֵל֙GodN m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Subject of verbless clauseאֵל (H410) 'God'; subject of this famous credal statement on divine immutability and reliability, central to the chapter's theology.
וִֽיכַזֵּ֔בthat he should lieconj וְ + Piel impf 3ms (result/purpose) · כָּזַב (H3576)Predicate verb of purpose/result clause after אִישׁ→ Yiqtol: modal (result) — the hypothetical human failing denied of Godכָּזַב (H3576) Piel 'to lie, deceive'; denied categorically of God — unlike a man, God does not deceive.
וּבֶןnor a son ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · בֵּן (H1121)Predicate nominative, parallel to אִישׁ (construct chain)בֵּן (H1121) 'son', construct governing אָדָם; 'son of man' = a human being, restating אִישׁ in parallel.
אָדָ֖םman/humankindN m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Genitive complement of בֶּן (construct chain)אָדָם (H120) 'man, humankind, Adam'; בֶּן אָדָם 'son of man' is the classic idiom for a mortal human being.
וְיִתְנֶחָ֑םthat he should change his mindconj וְ + Hitpael impf 3ms (result/purpose) · נָחַם (H5162)Predicate verb of purpose/result clause, parallel to וִיכַזֵּב→ Yiqtol: modal (result), parallel to וִיכַזֵּבנָחַם (H5162) Hitpael 'to be sorry, relent, change one's mind'; denied of God — his blessing of Israel, once spoken, is irrevocable, unlike fickle human intention.
הַה֤וּאhas heinterrogative הַ (like הֲ) + independent pron 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Interrogative subject pronoun of the following verbהוּא (H1931) 'he', with interrogative הַ prefixed — 'has HE said...?', a rhetorical question affirming that what God has said, he unfailingly does.
אָמַר֙saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of rhetorical question→ Perfective: a completed, decisive utteranceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; God's spoken word, ground of the rhetorical question that follows.
וְלֹ֣אand will notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יַעֲשֶׂה (rhetorical question expecting 'of course he will')לֹא (H3808) within a rhetorical question implying the opposite — 'will he NOT do it?' = 'he certainly will'.
יַעֲשֶׂ֔הhe do itQal impf 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb of rhetorical question→ Yiqtol: future/modal — the certainty that God's spoken word will be enactedעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make, perform'; God's reliable follow-through on his spoken word.
וְדִבֶּ֖רor has he spokenconj וְ + Piel perf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of parallel rhetorical question→ Perfective: a completed, decisive utterance, parallel to אָמַרדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; parallels אָמַר, forming synonymous parallelism (say // speak).
וְלֹ֥אand will notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יְקִימֶנָּה (rhetorical question)לֹא (H3808), parallel to the first rhetorical negation.
יְקִימֶֽנָּהhe fulfill itHiphil impf 3ms + suff 3fs · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb of rhetorical question→ Yiqtol: future/modal — the certainty of fulfillmentקוּם (H6965) Hiphil 'to establish, fulfill, carry out'; 3fs suffix refers back to the spoken word/promise — God unfailingly fulfills what he has spoken.
20

הִנֵּ֥ה בָרֵ֖ךְ לָקָ֑חְתִּי וּבֵרֵ֖ךְ וְלֹ֥א אֲשִׁיבֶֽנָּה

Behold, I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.

Poetic parallelism — irrevocabilityהִנֵּה
Balaam confirms his commission is to bless, not curse, and that God's completed blessing lies beyond any human power to revoke, his own included.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
הִנֵּ֥הbeholddemonstrative particle · הִנֵּה (H2009)Presentative particle introducing the declarationהִנֵּה (H2009) 'behold'; draws attention to Balaam's personal testimony about his commission.
בָרֵ֖ךְto blessPiel inf abs (as complement) · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Complement of לָקָחְתִּי ('I have received [a charge] to bless')→ Infinitive: emphatic complement — Balaam's God-given mandate is precisely to blessבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; infinitive absolute used substantivally as the content of what Balaam has received — a striking reversal of Balak's intended purpose.
לָקָ֑חְתִּיI have receivedQal perf 1cs · לָקַח (H3947)Predicate verb (main clause, Balaam's personal testimony)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive act — Balaam's commission to bless is settled and irreversibleלָקַח (H3947) 'to take, receive'; here of receiving a divine charge — Balaam has been given the task of blessing, not cursing.
וּבֵרֵ֖ךְand he has blessedconj וְ + Piel perf 3ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (main clause, implied subject God)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive, irrevocable actבָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; God's completed blessing of Israel, already accomplished and thus unchangeable.
וְלֹ֥אand notconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates אֲשִׁיבֶנָּהלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle.
אֲשִׁיבֶֽנָּהcan I reverse itHiphil impf 1cs + suff 3fs · שׁוּב (H7725)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: modal (ability) — 'I am not able to revoke the blessing'שׁוּב (H7725) Hiphil 'to bring back, revoke, reverse'; Balaam declares his own powerlessness to undo God's blessing, the 3fs suffix referring to the blessing itself (בְּרָכָה).
21

לֹֽא הִבִּ֥יט אָ֨וֶן֙ בְּיַעֲקֹ֔ב וְלֹא רָאָ֥ה עָמָ֖ל בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהָיו֙ עִמּ֔וֹ וּתְרוּעַ֥ת מֶ֖לֶךְ בּֽוֹ

He has not beheld iniquity in Jacob, nor has he seen trouble in Israel; YHWH his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.

Poetic parallelism — covenantal favorasyndeton
Israel's standing before God is declared free of any condemning charge, grounded in YHWH's abiding presence as their divine king.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
לֹֽאnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates הִבִּיטלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle.
הִבִּ֥יטhe has beheldHiphil perf 3ms · נָבַט (H5027)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: a completed, decisive negation — God has never found iniquity in Jacobנָבַט (H5027) Hiphil 'to look at, regard, behold'; subject is God — he has not detected/reckoned iniquity meriting condemnation.
אָ֨וֶן֙iniquityN m sg abs · אָוֶן (H205)Direct object of הִבִּיטאָוֶן (H205) 'iniquity, wickedness, trouble'; God finds no ground for condemnation in Jacob — a covenantal/legal claim, not one of Israel's literal sinlessness.
בְּיַעֲקֹ֔בin Jacobprep בְּ + N proper · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Locative prepositional phraseיַעֲקֹב (H3290), the nation named again by its patriarchal name.
וְלֹאnorconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates רָאָה, coordinate with the first negationלֹא (H3808), parallel negation opening the second colon.
רָאָ֥הhas he seenQal perf 3ms · רָאָה (H7200)Predicate verb, parallel to הִבִּיט→ Perfective: a completed, decisive negation, parallel to הִבִּיטרָאָה (H7200) 'to see'; parallels הִבִּיט in synonymous parallelism.
עָמָ֖לtroubleN common sg abs · עָמָל (H5999)Direct object of רָאָהעָמָל (H5999) 'trouble, misery, wrongdoing'; parallels אָוֶן, both denied of Israel from God's vantage.
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לin Israelprep בְּ + N proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Locative prepositional phraseיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), paired with יַעֲקֹב.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject (compound) of verbless clause עִמּוֹיְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name, identified as 'his God' — YHWH's presence with Israel grounds their protection from any effective curse.
אֱלֹהָיו֙his GodN m pl (as sg) constr + suff 3ms · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Appositional title of יְהוָהאֱלֹהִים (H430) + 3ms suffix, 'his God' — in apposition to יְהוָה, affirming YHWH as Israel's own covenant God.
עִמּ֔וֹis with himprep עִם + suff 3ms · עִם (H5973)Predicate of verbless clauseעִם (H5973) 'with' + 3ms suffix; predicates YHWH's abiding presence with Israel — the ultimate reason no curse can take effect.
וּתְרוּעַ֥תand the shout ofconj וְ + N f sg constr · תְּרוּעָה (H8643)Subject (construct chain), coordinate with the preceding clauseתְּרוּעָה (H8643) 'shout, blast, acclamation'; construct governing מֶלֶךְ — the royal acclamation, evoking both military triumph and cultic celebration.
מֶ֖לֶךְof a kingN m sg abs (genitive complement) · מֶלֶךְ (H4428)Genitive complement of תְּרוּעַת (construct chain)מֶלֶךְ (H4428) 'king'; likely YHWH as Israel's true king present in the camp — 'the shout due a king resounds among them'.
בּֽוֹin himprep בְּ + suff 3msPredicate of verbless clauseבְּ + 3ms suffix, referring collectively to Israel — the royal acclamation resounds within the camp.
22

אֵ֖ל מוֹצִיאָ֣ם מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם כְּתוֹעֲפֹ֥ת רְאֵ֖ם לֽוֹ

God brings them out of Egypt; he has, as it were, the horns of the wild ox.

Poetic couplet — Exodus and strengthasyndeton
The Exodus is recalled as an ongoing characteristic of God's relationship to Israel, paired with an image of untamed strength that recurs almost verbatim in 24:8.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
אֵ֖לGodN m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Subject of participial clauseאֵל (H410) 'God'; subject of the participle מוֹצִיאָם, recalling the Exodus as the foundational act of Israel's relationship with God.
מוֹצִיאָ֣םbringing them outHiphil ptc m sg constr + suff 3mp · יָצָא (H3318)Predicate participle (durative/characterizing description of God)→ Participle: durative/characterizing — God's ongoing identity as the one who brought Israel out, not a one-time past fact onlyיָצָא (H3318) Hiphil 'to bring out'; the Exodus deliverance cast as an enduring characteristic of God's relationship to Israel — the same clause recurs in 24:8.
מִמִּצְרָ֑יִםfrom Egyptprep מִן + N proper · מִצְרַיִם (H4714)Locative/source prepositional phrase, complement of מוֹצִיאָםמִצְרַיִם (H4714), the land of bondage from which God delivered Israel — the Exodus grounds the divine commitment celebrated in this oracle.
כְּתוֹעֲפֹ֥תlike the horns ofprep כְּ + N f pl constr · תּוֹעָפָה (H8443)Comparative prepositional phrase (predicate complement, construct chain)תּוֹעָפָה (H8443) is a lexical crux: traditionally 'horns' (paired with רְאֵם), though the root is disputed — possibly 'height, loftiness, strength' rather than literal horns; the image conveys surging, untamed power regardless of the precise etymology.
רְאֵ֖םthe wild oxN m sg abs · רְאֵם (H7214)Genitive complement of תּוֹעֲפֹת (construct chain)רְאֵם (H7214), a powerful wild bovine (perhaps the extinct aurochs); its horns became proverbial for untamed strength (cf. Deut 33:17; Ps 22:22).
לֽוֹhe hasprep לְ + suff 3msPredicate complement (possessive)לְ + 3ms suffix, idiomatic possessive — 'he has [the strength of] the wild ox's horns', of God empowering Israel.
23

כִּ֤י לֹא נַ֨חַשׁ֙ בְּיַעֲקֹ֔ב וְלֹא קֶ֖סֶם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כָּעֵ֗ת יֵאָמֵ֤ר לְיַעֲקֹב֙ וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מַה פָּ֖עַל אֵֽל

For there is no omen against Jacob, nor divination against Israel; now it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, 'What has God wrought!'

Poetic parallelism — no efficacious magicכִּי
Balaam denies the very arts he himself practices any power over Israel, closing with an exclamatory acclamation of God's marvelous acts.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
כִּ֤יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal/explanatory conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'for'; introduces the oracle's grounds — no divinatory power can touch Israel.
לֹאthere is nonegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the verbless (existential) clauseלֹא (H3808), negating the existence of נַחַשׁ against Jacob.
נַ֨חַשׁ֙omenN m sg abs · נַחַשׁ (H5173)Subject of verbless (existential) clauseנַחַשׁ (H5173) 'omen, divination, augury'; the very art Balaam himself practiced (cf. 24:1) is declared powerless against Israel — an ironic self-referential denial from the diviner's own mouth.
בְּיַעֲקֹ֔בagainst Jacobprep בְּ + N proper · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Locative/adversative prepositional phraseיַעֲקֹב (H3290), the nation, target against whom no omen can operate.
וְלֹאnorconj וְ + negative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates the parallel verbless clauseלֹא (H3808), parallel negation opening the second colon.
קֶ֖סֶםdivinationN m sg abs · קֶסֶם (H7081)Subject of parallel verbless clauseקֶסֶם (H7081) 'divination, sorcery'; parallels נַחַשׁ — the standard pair of pagan mantic arts, both declared ineffective against Israel (cf. Deut 18:10, prohibited to Israel itself).
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑לagainst Israelprep בְּ + N proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Locative/adversative prepositional phraseיִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), paired with יַעֲקֹב.
כָּעֵ֗תnowprep כְּ + art + N common sg abs · עֵת (H6256)Temporal adverbial phraseעֵת (H6256) 'time'; כָּעֵת 'at this time, now' — marks the present moment as the occasion of Israel's marvelous destiny being proclaimed.
יֵאָמֵ֤רit will be saidNiphal impf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb (main clause, passive)→ Yiqtol: future — a coming, certain proclamationאָמַר (H559) Niphal 'to be said'; passive construction anticipating the future acclaim Jacob/Israel will receive among observers.
לְיַעֲקֹב֙of Jacobprep לְ + N proper · יַעֲקֹב (H3290)Complement of יֵאָמֵר (concerning whom it is said)יַעֲקֹב (H3290), the subject-matter of the coming proclamation.
וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֔לand of Israelconj וְ + prep לְ + N proper · יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478)Complement of יֵאָמֵר (parallel)יִשְׂרָאֵל (H3478), paired with יַעֲקֹב.
מַהwhatinterrogative pron (exclamatory) · מָה (H4100)Exclamatory pronoun, object of פָּעַלמָה (H4100), here exclamatory, 'what [great things]...!' introducing the quoted acclamation.
פָּ֖עַלhas wroughtQal perf 3ms · פָּעַל (H6466)Predicate verb of the quoted exclamation→ Perfective: a completed, decisive, marveled-at actפָּעַל (H6466) 'to do, work, accomplish'; the exclamation 'what God has wrought!' celebrates his mighty acts on Israel's behalf.
אֵֽלGodN m sg abs · אֵל (H410)Subject of פָּעַלאֵל (H410) 'God'; the true agent behind Israel's marvels, in contrast to the omens/divination futilely sought by Balak.
24

הֶן עָם֙ כְּלָבִ֣יא יָק֔וּם וְכַאֲרִ֖י יִתְנַשָּׂ֑א לֹ֤א יִשְׁכַּב֙ עַד יֹ֣אכַל טֶ֔רֶף וְדַם חֲלָלִ֖ים יִשְׁתֶּֽה

Behold, a people that rises up like a lioness, and lifts itself up like a lion; it does not lie down until it eats the prey and drinks the blood of the slain.

Poetic climax — martial imageryהֶן
The oracle closes with fierce predatory imagery, forming an inclusio with הֶן עָם of v. 9 and anticipating Israel's coming military conquests.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
הֶןbeholdasseverative particle · הֵן (H2005)Presentative/asseverative particle introducing the closing imageהֵן (H2005) 'behold, lo'; echoes הֶן עָם of v. 9, forming an inclusio bracketing the description of Israel across both oracles.
עָם֙a peopleN m sg abs · עַם (H5971)Subject of יָקוּםעַם (H5971) 'people'; the same term as v. 9, now depicted in fierce, predatory imagery.
כְּלָבִ֣יאlike a lionessprep כְּ + N common sg abs · לָבִיא (H3833)Comparative prepositional phrase (predicate complement)לָבִיא (H3833) 'lioness, (old) lion'; first of a pair of leonine images portraying Israel's formidable strength — the peaceable 'people dwelling alone' of the first oracle culminates here in ferocious military imagery.
יָק֔וּםit rises upQal impf 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Yiqtol: gnomic/characteristic — a description of Israel's essential, repeated behaviorקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, stand up'; of a predator rising to hunt — a vivid gnomic description.
וְכַאֲרִ֖יand like a lionconj וְ + prep כְּ + N m sg abs · אֲרִי (H738)Comparative prepositional phrase, parallel to כְּלָבִיאאֲרִי (H738) 'lion'; parallels לָבִיא in synonymous imagery of fearsome strength.
יִתְנַשָּׂ֑אit lifts itself upHitpael impf 3ms · נָשָׂא (H5375)Predicate verb, parallel to יָקוּם→ Yiqtol: gnomic/characteristic, reflexive-Hitpael nuance — the lion rousing itself before the huntנָשָׂא (H5375) Hitpael 'to lift oneself up, rouse oneself'; parallels יָקוּם, both describing the predator rising to action.
לֹ֤אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates יִשְׁכַּבלֹא (H3808), standard negative particle.
יִשְׁכַּב֙it lies downQal impf 3ms · שָׁכַב (H7901)Predicate verb (main clause, negated)→ Yiqtol: gnomic/characteristic — the predator's relentless behavior until its hunt is satisfiedשָׁכַב (H7901) 'to lie down'; the predator does not rest until it has consumed its prey — an image of unstoppable, victorious aggression.
עַדuntilprep · עַד (H5704)Temporal conjunction/preposition introducing subordinate clauseעַד (H5704) 'until'; marks the temporal limit of the predator's restlessness.
יֹ֣אכַלit eatsQal impf 3ms · אָכַל (H398)Predicate verb of temporal subordinate clause→ Yiqtol: future/characteristic — the anticipated consummation of the huntאָכַל (H398) 'to eat, devour'; of the predator consuming its kill.
טֶ֔רֶףpreyN m sg abs · טֶרֶף (H2964)Direct object of יֹאכַלטֶרֶף (H2964) 'prey, torn flesh'; from טָרַף 'to tear, rend' — the spoils of Israel's conquest depicted as a predator's kill.
וְדַםand the blood ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · דָּם (H1818)Direct object (construct chain), coordinate with טֶרֶףדָּם (H1818) 'blood', construct governing חֲלָלִים; intensifies the violent, victorious imagery.
חֲלָלִ֖יםthe slainAdj m pl abs (substantival) · חָלָל (H2491)Genitive complement of דַּם (construct chain)חָלָל (H2491) 'slain, pierced (one)'; substantival plural, 'the slain ones' — the casualties of Israel's conquest, completing the predator image.
יִשְׁתֶּֽהit drinksQal impf 3ms · שָׁתָה (H8354)Predicate verb (main clause), parallel to יֹאכַל→ Yiqtol: future/characteristic, parallel to יֹאכַלשָׁתָה (H8354) 'to drink'; completes the pair eat // drink, the predator consuming both flesh and blood — the oracle's climactic closing image.
25

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר בָּלָק֙ אֶל בִּלְעָ֔ם גַּם קֹ֖ב לֹ֣א תִקֳּבֶ֑נּוּ גַּם בָּרֵ֖ךְ לֹ֥א תְבָרֲכֶֽנּוּ

Then Balak said to Balaam, "Do not curse them at all, and do not bless them at all!"

Narrative sequence — exasperated retractionwayyiqtol
Balak's doubled infinitive-absolute prohibition (neither curse nor bless) shows him abandoning hope of either outcome, wanting only silence.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Balak's exasperated complaint after the second oracle blesses rather than curses Israel.
בָּלָק֙BalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab; here voicing sharp frustration at Balaam's unwanted blessing of Israel.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee of the speech verb.
בִּלְעָ֔םBalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of preposition אֶלבִּלְעָם (H1109), the hired seer, now rebuked by Balak for blessing Israel instead of cursing them.
גַּםnot at allparticle גַּם · גַּם (H1571)Correlative particle (גַּם ... גַּם, 'not at all ... nor at all') intensifying the double prohibitionגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; paired with the second גַּם below to frame Balak's furious 'neither curse nor bless them at all.'
קֹ֖בcurseQal inf abs · קָבַב (H6895)Infinitive absolute reinforcing the negated finite verb (emphatic prohibition)→ Infinitive absolute: intensifies the negation — 'you must NOT curse them at all'קָבַב (H6895) 'to curse'; the infinitive absolute here comes from a root distinct from the following finite verb נָקַב (heterogeneous paronomastic construction, cf. v. 8), both synonyms for cursing, piled up for maximal emphasis.
לֹ֣אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תִקֳּבֶנּוּלֹא (H3808), standard verbal negative.
תִקֳּבֶ֑נּוּyou shall curse himQal impf 2ms + suff 3ms · נָקַב (H5344)Predicate verb (main clause), negated by לֹא→ Yiqtol negated: emphatic prohibition — 'you must not curse them'נָקַב (H5344) 'to pierce, curse, denounce'; the finite verb of the pair, reinforced by the infinitive absolute קֹב from the synonymous root קבב.
גַּםnor at allparticle גַּם · גַּם (H1571)Correlative particle (second member of גַּם ... גַּם), introducing the parallel prohibition against blessingגַּם (H1571); balances the first גַּם, extending the total prohibition from cursing to blessing as well.
בָּרֵ֖ךְblessPiel inf abs · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Infinitive absolute reinforcing the negated finite verb (emphatic prohibition)→ Infinitive absolute: intensifies the negation — 'you must NOT bless them at all'בָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; same root as the following finite verb, a straightforward paronomastic infinitive absolute (unlike the mixed-root construction with קֹב above).
לֹ֥אnotnegative particle · לֹא (H3808)Negates תְבָרֲכֶנּוּלֹא (H3808), standard verbal negative.
תְבָרֲכֶֽנּוּyou shall bless himPiel impf 2ms + suff 3ms · בָּרַךְ (H1288)Predicate verb (main clause), negated by לֹא→ Yiqtol negated: emphatic prohibition — 'you must not bless them'בָּרַךְ (H1288) Piel 'to bless'; Balak's furious closing demand — Balaam is to do nothing at all to Israel, neither curse nor bless.
26

וַיַּ֣עַן בִּלְעָ֔ם וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אֶל בָּלָ֑ק הֲלֹ֗א דִּבַּ֤רְתִּי אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אֹת֥וֹ אֶֽעֱשֶֽׂה

But Balaam answered and said to Balak, "Did I not tell you, 'All that YHWH speaks, that I must do'?"

Narrative sequence — reiterated principlewayyiqtol
Balaam repeats his declaration from v. 12 nearly verbatim, reinforcing the chapter's refrain of absolute prophetic constraint.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
וַיַּ֣עַןand he answeredWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָנָה (H6030)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָנָה (H6030) 'to answer, respond'; paired with וַיֹּאמֶר in the common double verb of response, introducing Balaam's rebuttal.
בִּלְעָ֔םBalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109), the seer, answering Balak's protest by appeal to his own earlier warning.
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause), second verb of the standard 'answered and said' pair→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; completes the idiomatic וַיַּעַן ... וַיֹּאמֶר formula introducing direct speech.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee of the speech verb.
בָּלָ֑קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Object of preposition אֶלבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab, the addressee of Balaam's reminder.
הֲלֹ֗אdid I notinterrog הֲ + negative · הֲ...לֹא (H3808)Interrogative particle introducing a rhetorical question expecting the answer 'yes'הֲלֹא (interrogative הֲ + לֹא, H3808) 'is it not...?'; a rhetorical challenge — Balaam reasserts what he had already told Balak.
דִּבַּ֤רְתִּיI toldPiel perf 1cs · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the rhetorical question introduced by הֲלֹא→ Perfective: a completed act, referring back to Balaam's prior statement in v. 12דָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; Balaam recalls his own earlier declaration that he can only speak what YHWH puts in his mouth.
אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙to youprep אֶל + suff 2ms · אֶל (H413)Indirect object of דִּבַּרְתִּיאֶל (H413) + 2ms suffix; marks Balak as the one Balaam had already addressed.
לֵאמֹ֔רsayingprep לְ + Qal inf constr · אָמַר (H559)Infinitival complement introducing quoted speech ('saying')→ Infinitive construct: marks the onset of the reported words that followאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the standard quotation-formula infinitive introducing direct discourse.
כֹּ֛לall thatN m sg abs · כֹּל (H3605)Casus pendens — fronted head of the relative clause, resumed by אֹתוֹ later in the verseכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; fronted for emphasis, resumed by the pronominal suffix on אֹתוֹ — the same casus-pendens pattern Balaam used in v. 12.
אֲשֶׁרthatrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative pronoun introducing the relative clause modifying כֹּלאֲשֶׁר (H834), relative particle 'who, which, that'.
יְדַבֵּ֥רhe speaksPiel impf 3ms · דָּבַר (H1696)Predicate verb of the relative clause introduced by אֲשֶׁר→ Yiqtol: iterative/general — whatever YHWH characteristically speaksדָּבַר (H1696) Piel 'to speak'; a general, habitual imperfect — YHWH's word as an ongoing standard governing Balaam's speech.
יְהוָ֖הYHWHN proper · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of יְדַבֵּריְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; Balaam insists his words are entirely bound to YHWH's own utterance, not to Balak's wishes.
אֹת֥וֹ[obj] itobj marker + suff 3ms · אֵת (H853)Resumptive direct-object marker, resuming the fronted כֹּל (casus pendens)אֵת (H853) + 3ms suffix, referring back to כֹּל אֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּר יְהוָה; the resumptive pronoun completing the casus-pendens construction.
אֶֽעֱשֶֽׂהI will doQal impf 1cs · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (main clause), governing the resumed object אֹתוֹ→ Yiqtol: modal/obligatory — Balaam's declared, non-negotiable compulsion to obeyעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; Balaam's closing declaration that he is bound to speak only whatever YHWH speaks — he cannot be manipulated by Balak.
27

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר בָּלָק֙ אֶל בִּלְעָ֔ם לְכָה נָּא֙ אֶקָּ֣חֲךָ֔ אֶל מָק֖וֹם אַחֵ֑ר אוּלַ֤י יִישַׁר֙ בְּעֵינֵ֣י הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים וְקַבֹּ֥תוֹ לִ֖י מִשָּֽׁם

And Balak said to Balaam, "Please come, I will take you to another place; perhaps it will be right in God's eyes that you curse them for me from there."

Narrative sequence — third relocation proposalwayyiqtol
Balak's persistence, now hoping mere relocation might change God's mind, sets up the third and final altar sequence at Peor.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; introduces Balak's third proposal to relocate Balaam, still hoping for a curse.
בָּלָק֙BalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab, undeterred and proposing yet another site.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee of the speech verb.
בִּלְעָ֔םBalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Object of preposition אֶלבִּלְעָם (H1109), the seer whom Balak still hopes to redirect.
לְכָהcomeQal impv 2ms + directive/emphatic הֶ · הָלַךְ (H3212)Predicate verb (direct imperative, summons)→ Volitional: imperative commandהָלַךְ (H3212) 'to go'; imperative with emphatic ־ָה ending, idiomatic 'come (on)', urging Balaam to move.
נָּא֙pleaseparticle of entreaty · נָא (H4994)Particle of entreaty softening the imperative לְכָהנָא (H4994), enclitic particle of entreaty/urgency, 'please, now'; softens Balak's insistent summons.
אֶקָּ֣חֲךָ֔let me take youQal cohortative 1cs + suff 2ms · לָקַח (H3947)Cohortative expressing the speaker's proposed action→ Volitional: cohortative — Balak's proposal to relocate Balaam a third timeלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; cohortative with 2ms object suffix, Balak proposing yet another site in hope of a different outcome.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking destinationאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the destination of the proposed move.
מָק֖וֹםa placeN m sg abs · מָקוֹם (H4725)Object of preposition אֶלמָקוֹם (H4725) 'place, site'; the third proposed vantage point for viewing Israel.
אַחֵ֑רanotheradj m sg abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjective modifying מָקוֹםאַחֵר (H312) 'other, another'; Balak's persistence — a third relocation after two failed attempts.
אוּלַ֤יperhapsadverb · אוּלַי (H194)Adverb of contingency introducing Balak's hoped-for clauseאוּלַי (H194) 'perhaps'; echoes Balaam's own אוּלַי in v. 3, but now on Balak's lips — a desperate hope for a different divine verdict.
יִישַׁר֙it will be right/pleasingQal impf 3ms · יָשַׁר (H3474)Predicate verb of the subordinate clause introduced by אוּלַי→ Yiqtol: modal — a hoped-for, uncertain possibilityיָשַׁר (H3474) 'to be straight, right, pleasing'; idiom 'right in the eyes of' = pleasing/agreeable to.
בְּעֵינֵ֣יin the eyes ofprep בְּ + N c dual constr · עַיִן (H5869)Idiomatic prepositional phrase of perception/opinion, construct with הָאֱלֹהִיםעַיִן (H5869) 'eye', dual construct in the idiom 'in the eyes of' = 'in the opinion/judgment of'.
הָאֱלֹהִ֔יםthe Godart + N m pl (as sg) abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Genitive complement in construct chain with בְּעֵינֵיאֱלֹהִים (H430) with the article — striking generic 'the God/the deity' in Balak's mouth rather than the covenant name יְהוָה; reveals Balak's outsider, non-covenantal perspective on the divine.
וְקַבֹּ֥תוֹand you will curse himconj וְ + Qal weqatal 2ms + suff 3ms · קָבַב (H6895)Weqatal continuing the volitional sequence (intended result of the relocation)→ Weqatal: consequential/purposive — the outcome Balak still hopes forקָבַב (H6895) 'to curse'; Balak's persistent goal despite two failed oracles — he still wants Balaam to curse Israel from this new vantage point.
לִ֖יfor meprep לְ + suff 1cs · לְ (dative)Dative of interest/benefactionלְ + 1cs suffix; benefactive 'for me' — Balak still wants the curse to serve his own interest.
מִשָּֽׁםfrom thereprep מִן + adv · שָׁם (H8033)Locative prepositional phrase (source)שָׁם (H8033) 'there' with מִן 'from'; specifies the new vantage point as the source of the hoped-for curse.
28

וַיִּקַּ֥ח בָּלָ֖ק אֶת בִּלְעָ֑ם רֹ֣אשׁ הַפְּע֔וֹר הַנִּשְׁקָ֖ף עַל פְּנֵ֥י הַיְשִׁימֹֽן

So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which looks down upon the wasteland.

Narrative sequence — third relocationwayyiqtol
The move to Peor foreshadows the apostasy of ch. 25, subtly linking Balaam's oracles to the site of Israel's coming moral failure.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיִּקַּ֥חand he tookWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the third and final relocation, to the height of Peor — foreshadowing Israel's later apostasy there (ch. 25).
בָּלָ֖קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab, leading Balaam to the third site.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (definite object)אֵת (H853), nota accusativi marking בִּלְעָם as the definite direct object of וַיִּקַּח; untranslated in English.
בִּלְעָ֑םBalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Direct object of וַיִּקַּחבִּלְעָם (H1109), the seer, led to the summit of Peor for a third attempt.
רֹ֣אשׁthe top ofN m sg constr · רֹאשׁ (H7218)Construct chain head (adverbial accusative of goal, 'to the top of')רֹאשׁ (H7218) 'head, top, summit'; construct governing הַפְּעוֹר — the third and highest vantage point yet.
הַפְּע֔וֹרPeorart + N proper · פְּעוֹר (H6465)Genitive complement of רֹאשׁ (construct chain)פְּעוֹר (H6465), a mountain in Moab overlooking the Jordan valley; the site whose name will attach to Israel's later apostasy at Baal-Peor (Num 25).
הַנִּשְׁקָ֖ףwhich looks downart + Niphal ptc m sg abs · שָׁקַף (H8259)Attributive participle (relative clause) modifying הַפְּעוֹר→ Participle: durative/characteristic description of the mountain's outlookשָׁקַף (H8259) Niphal 'to look down, overlook'; describes Peor's commanding view over the wasteland below — the same participle used of the earlier vantage points (cf. 21:20, 23:14 with Pisgah).
עַלuponprep · עַל (H5921)Locative prepositional phraseעַל (H5921) 'on, over'; introduces the object overlooked by the summit.
פְּנֵ֥יthe face ofN c pl constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Construct head, complement of preposition עַלפָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; idiom עַל פְּנֵי 'facing, overlooking', governing הַיְשִׁימֹן.
הַיְשִׁימֹֽןthe wastelandart + N m sg abs · יְשִׁימֹן (H3452)Genitive complement of פְּנֵי (construct chain)יְשִׁימֹן (H3452) 'wasteland, desert, Jeshimon'; the barren tract overlooking the Jordan/Dead Sea region, viewed from Peor's height — a fitting desolate backdrop as Balak's schemes near collapse.
29

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר בִּלְעָם֙ אֶל בָּלָ֔ק בְּנֵה לִ֥י בָזֶ֖ה שִׁבְעָ֣ה מִזְבְּחֹ֑ת וְהָכֵ֥ן לִי֙ בָּזֶ֔ה שִׁבְעָ֥ה פָרִ֖ים וְשִׁבְעָ֥ה אֵילִֽים

Balaam said to Balak, "Build me seven altars here, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams."

Narrative resumption — third ritual cycleasyndeton
Verbatim repetition of v. 1 marks the third and final iteration of the seven-altar ritual, completing the chapter's triadic structure.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand he saidWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the standard verb introducing direct speech, here launching Balaam's ritual instructions to Balak.
בִּלְעָם֙BalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subjectבִּלְעָם (H1109), the Aramean/Mesopotamian seer hired by Balak; a diviner known also from the Deir ʿAlla plaster inscription.
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase marking addresseeאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the addressee of the speech verb.
בָּלָ֔קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Object of preposition אֶלבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab, son of Zippor; hires Balaam to curse the approaching Israel.
בְּנֵהbuildQal impv 2ms · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate verb (direct imperative command)→ Volitional: imperative commandבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; here of altar construction, opening the seven-altars ritual pattern repeated three times in this chapter.
לִ֥יfor meprep לְ + suff 1cs · לְ (dative)Dative of interest/benefactionלְ + 1cs suffix; benefactive 'for me', marking Balaam as the one for whom Balak must build.
בָזֶ֖הhereprep בְּ + demonstr pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Locative adverbialבָּזֶה, lit. 'in/at this (place)' = 'here'; demonstrative זֶה (H2088) with locative בְּ.
שִׁבְעָ֣הsevennumeral m sg abs · שִׁבְעָה (H7651)Numeral modifying מִזְבְּחֹתשִׁבְעָה (H7651) 'seven'; the sacred number governing this chapter's ritual sequence — seven altars, twice over.
מִזְבְּחֹ֑תaltarsN m pl abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Direct object of בְּנֵהמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196) 'altar', from זָבַח 'to slaughter/sacrifice'; seven altars mimic (and seek to co-opt) legitimate cultic form.
וְהָכֵ֥ןand prepareconj וְ + Hiphil impv 2ms · כּוּן (H3559)Coordinate imperative (parallel command)→ Volitional: imperative commandכּוּן (H3559) Hiphil 'to prepare, make ready'; parallels בְּנֵה in a coordinated command pair.
לִי֙for meprep לְ + suff 1csDative of interest/benefactionRepeats the benefactive לִי of the first clause.
בָּזֶ֔הhereprep בְּ + demonstr pron ms · זֶה (H2088)Locative adverbialRepeats בָּזֶה 'here', reinforcing the locative frame of the altar ritual.
שִׁבְעָ֥הsevennumeral m sg abs · שִׁבְעָה (H7651)Numeral modifying פָרִיםשִׁבְעָה (H7651) 'seven', repeated for the animal offerings.
פָרִ֖יםbullsN m pl abs · פָּר (H6499)Direct object of וְהָכֵןפָּר (H6499) 'young bull'; a costly, high-status sacrificial animal.
וְשִׁבְעָ֥הand sevenconj וְ + numeral m sg abs · שִׁבְעָה (H7651)Numeral modifying אֵילִים (second object)וְ joins the second animal pair to the first; שִׁבְעָה 'seven' again.
אֵילִֽיםramsN m pl abs · אַיִל (H352)Direct object of וְהָכֵן (second item)אַיִל (H352) 'ram'; paired with פָּר as the standard high-grade burnt-offering animals.
30

וַיַּ֣עַשׂ בָּלָ֔ק כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר אָמַ֣ר בִּלְעָ֑ם וַיַּ֛עַל פָּ֥ר וָאַ֖יִל בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ

And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered up a bull and a ram on each altar.

Narrative sequence — compliancewayyiqtol
The chapter closes on ritual compliance without any narrated oracle — the third oracle (Balaam's greatest, ch. 24) awaits the next chapter, building suspense through delay.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיַּ֣עַשׂand he didWaw-consec + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make'; Balak's compliant execution of Balaam's instructions for the third and final altar-building, at Peor.
בָּלָ֔קBalakN proper · בָּלָק (H1111)Subjectבָּלָק (H1111), king of Moab, complying once more despite two failed oracles.
כַּאֲשֶׁ֖רjust asprep כְּ + relative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Comparative subordinating conjunction introducing manner clauseכַּאֲשֶׁר (כְּ + אֲשֶׁר, H834) 'just as, according to as'; marks Balak's precise compliance with Balaam's instructions, as in v. 2.
אָמַ֣רhe had saidQal perf 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Predicate verb of subordinate כַּאֲשֶׁר clause→ Perfective: antecedent completed act (Balaam's instruction in v. 29 preceding Balak's action)אָמַר (H559) 'to say'; here replacing the דִּבֶּר of the parallel v. 2 — same referential function, recalling Balaam's seven-altars command just given in v. 29.
בִּלְעָ֑םBalaamN proper · בִּלְעָם (H1109)Subject of אָמַרבִּלְעָם (H1109), the seer whose instructions Balak again obeys.
וַיַּ֛עַלand he offered upWaw-consec + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · עָלָה (H5927)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main clause); subject Balak alone (unlike the compound 'Balak and Balaam' of v. 2)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceעָלָה (H5927) Hiphil 'to offer up'; here only Balak is named as offering, in contrast to the joint Balak-and-Balaam subject of the parallel v. 2.
פָּ֥רa bullN m sg abs · פָּר (H6499)Direct object of וַיַּעַלפָּר (H6499) 'bull'; distributive singular, one per altar, as in v. 2.
וָאַ֖יִלand a ramconj וְ + N m sg abs · אַיִל (H352)Direct object (second item)אַיִל (H352) 'ram', paired singular with פָּר, as in v. 2.
בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַon the altarprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · מִזְבֵּחַ (H4196)Locative prepositional phraseמִזְבֵּחַ (H4196), distributive singular 'on each altar', completing this third ritual, echoing v. 2 — the pattern about to culminate in the third oracle.