Numbers 24:13 Meaning and Explanation
“If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Balaam declares that no amount of payment could make him disobey God's commandment.
The Context of Numbers 24:13
Balaam affirms that obedience to God's word transcends financial reward.
What Does Numbers 24:13 Mean?
Balaam's statement is absolute: even if Balak offered his entire wealth—'his house full of silver and gold'—Balaam cannot and will not violate the LORD's commandment. Money cannot override divine will in his role as a prophet or medium of God's words.
The phrase 'either good or bad of mine own mind' emphasizes that Balaam cannot choose freely according to his own preferences. He is bound to speak what God tells him to speak, regardless of personal interest or financial incentive. This establishes the priority of divine word over human gain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 24:13
What does Numbers 24:13 mean?
Balaam declares that no amount of payment could make him disobey God's commandment.
What is the context of Numbers 24:13?
Balaam affirms that obedience to God's word transcends financial reward.