Numbers 23:5 Meaning and Explanation
“And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The LORD places a word in Balaam's mouth and commands him to return to Balak with a specific message.
The Context of Numbers 23:5
God gives Balaam a message to deliver to Balak.
What Does Numbers 23:5 Mean?
God takes the initiative to place a word directly in Balaam's mouth—he does not ask, invent, or negotiate what he will say. This divine speech-placement is the core mechanism of prophecy in Israel.
Balaam is directed to return to Balak and speak what God has given him. The structure shows God controlling not just the permission but the very content of what Balaam will say.
Numbers 23:5 in the Original Language
word (דָּבָר, dabar) — a spoken utterance; the fundamental unit of divine communication in Hebrew scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 23:5
What does Numbers 23:5 mean?
The LORD places a word in Balaam's mouth and commands him to return to Balak with a specific message.
What is the context of Numbers 23:5?
God gives Balaam a message to deliver to Balak.