Numbers 22:32 Meaning and Explanation
“And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The angel asks why Balaam beat his donkey and explains he came to block Balaam's path.
The Context of Numbers 22:32
The angel explains his role in blocking Balaam's journey.
What Does Numbers 22:32 Mean?
The angel confronts Balaam with his own actions: the three beatings of his innocent donkey. The angel's question is rhetorical, meant to make Balaam aware of his unjust anger.
The angel then explains his mission: he went out to withstand—to oppose, to block—Balaam because Balaam's way (his intended course of action) is perverse before the LORD. The Hebrew word conveys crookedness or deviation from what is right.
Numbers 22:32 in the Original Language
Perverse (iqesh, עִקֵּשׁ) means twisted or contrary to what is straight and right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 22:32
What does Numbers 22:32 mean?
The angel asks why Balaam beat his donkey and explains he came to block Balaam's path.
What is the context of Numbers 22:32?
The angel explains his role in blocking Balaam's journey.