Balak Sends for Balaam

Numbers 22

Balac king of Moab, fearful of Israel, sends for Balaam to curse the people, but God tells Balaam not to go, and when Balaam finally sets out with a second delegation, an angel with a drawn sword blocks the way, unseen by Balaam but seen three times by his donkey. After the donkey speaks and Balaam's eyes are opened to see the angel, he is permitted to continue on condition that he speak only what the Lord tells him, and he meets Balac at the border of Moab.

About these editions

The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.

Thomson 1808Septuagint

Brenton 1851Septuagint

Greek · BrentonSeptuagint

KJV 1769Masoretic

JPS 1917Masoretic

ThomsonWHEN the Israelites had removed, and pitched their tents on the west of Moab, along the Jordan, over against Jericho;

BrentonAnd the children of Israel departed, and encamped on the west of Moab by Jordan toward Jericho.

GreekΚαὶ ἀπάραντες οἱ υἱοὶ Ἰσραὴλ παρενέβαλον ἐπὶ δυσμῶν Μωὰβ παρὰ τὸν Ἰορδάνην κατὰ Ἰεριχώ.

KJVAnd the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.

JPSAnd the children of Israel journeyed, and pitched in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho.

Thomsonand Balak, son of Sepphor, had seen all that Israel had done to the Amorites,

BrentonAnd when Balac son of Sepphor saw all that Israel did to the Amorite,

GreekΚαὶ ἰδὼν Βαλὰκ υἱὸς Σεπφὼρ πάντα ὅσα ἐποίησεν Ἰσραὴλ τῷ Ἀμοῤῥαίῳ,

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

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

Thomsonthough Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people because they were numerous, yet Moab was incensed at the sight of the Israelites,

Brentonthen Moab feared the people exceedingly because they were many; and Moab was grieved before the face of the children of Israel.

Greekκαὶ ἐφοβήθη Μωὰβ τὸν λαὸν σφόδρα ὅτι πολλοὶ ἦσαν· καὶ προσώχθισε Μωὰβ ἀπὸ προσώπου υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ.

KJVAnd Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

JPSAnd Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many; and Moab was overcome with dread because of the children of Israel.

Thomsonand said to the Senate of Madiam, Now will this congregation lick up all around us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. Now Balak, son of Sepphor, was at that time king of Moab,

BrentonAnd Moab said to the elders of Madiam, Now shall this assembly lick up all that are round about us, as a calf would lick up the green herbs of the field:—and Balac son of Sepphor was king of Moab at that time.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπε Μωὰβ τῇ γερουσίᾳ Μαδιὰμ, νῦν ἐκλείξει ἡ συναγωγὴ αὕτη πάντας τοὺς κύκλῳ ἡμῶν, ὡσεὶ ἐκλείξαι ὁ μόσχος τὰ χλωρὰ ἐκ τοῦ πεδίου· καὶ Βαλὰκ υἱὸς Σεπφὼρ βασιλεὺς Μωὰβ ἦν κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν ἐκεῖνον.

KJVAnd Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.

JPSAnd Moab said unto the elders of Midian: ‘Now will this multitude lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field.’—And Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time.—

Thomsonhe therefore had sent messengers to Balaam, son of Beor, at Pathoura, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to invite him to come to him, saying, Behold there is a people come out of Egypt; and lo! they have covered the face of this land, and are settled down near me.

BrentonAnd he sent ambassadors to Balaam the son of Beor, to Phathura, which is on a river of the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, a people is come out of Egypt, and behold it has covered the face of the earth, and it has encamped close to me.

GreekΚαὶ ἀπέστειλε πρέσβεις πρὸς Βαλαὰμ υἱὸν Βεὼρ Φαθουρὰ, ὅ ἐστιν ἐπὶ τοῦ ποταμοῦ γῆς υἱῶν λαοῦ αὐτοῦ, καλέσαι αὐτὸν, λέγων, ἰδοὺ λαὸς ἐξελήλυθεν ἐξ Αἰγύπτου, καὶ ἰδοὺ κατεκάλυψε τὴν ὄψιν τῆς γῆς, καὶ οὗτος ἐγκάθηται ἐχόμενός μου.

KJVHe sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:

JPSAnd he sent messengers unto Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying: ‘Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt; behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me.

ThomsonNow therefore come, curse for me this people; for they are stronger than I. Perhaps I may be able to smite some of them, and drive them out of this land: for I know that they whom thou blessest are blessed, and they whom thou cursest are cursed.

BrentonAnd now come, curse me this people, for it is stronger than we; if we may be able to smite some of them, and I will cast them out of the land: for I know that whomsoever thou dost bless, they are blessed, and whomsoever thou dost curse, they are cursed.

GreekΚαὶ νῦν δεῦρο ἄρασαί μοι τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον, ὅτι ἰσχύει οὗτος ἢ ἡμεῖς, ἐὰν δυνώμεθα πατάξαι ἐξ αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐκβαλῶ αὐτοὺς ἐκ τῆς γῆς· ὅτι οἶδα οὓς ἐὰν εὐλογήσῃς σὺ, εὐλόγηνται, καὶ οὓς ἂν καταράσῃ σὺ, κεκατήρανται.

KJVCome now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.

JPSCome now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me; peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.’

ThomsonSo the ambassadors of Moab, and the ambassadors of Madiam, went with the rewards of divination in their hands, and when they came to Balaam, and rehearsed to him the words of Balak,

BrentonAnd the elders of Moab went, and the elders of Madiam, and their divining instruments were in their hands; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balac.

GreekΚαὶ ἐπορεύθη ἡ γερουσία Μωὰβ, καὶ ἡ γερουσία Μαδιὰμ, καὶ τὰ μαντεῖα ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτῶν· καὶ ἦλθον πρὸς Βαλαὰμ, καὶ εἶπαν αὐτῷ τὰ ῥήματα Βαλάκ.

KJVAnd the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake unto him the words of Balak.

JPSAnd the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spoke unto him the words of Balak.

Thomsonhe said to them, Tarry here this night, and I will give you an answer according to what the Lord shall say to me. So the chiefs of Moab tarried with Balaam.

BrentonAnd he said to them, Tarry here the night, and I will answer you the things which the Lord shall say to me; and the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπε πρὸς αὐτοὺς, καταλύσατε αὐτοῦ τὴν νύκτα, καὶ ἀποκριθήσομαι ὑμῖν πράγματα ἃ ἂν λαλήσῃ Κύριος πρὸς μέ· καὶ κατέμειναν οἱ ἄρχοντες Μωὰβ παρὰ Βαλαάμ.

KJVAnd he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.

JPSAnd he said unto them: ‘Lodge here this night, and I will bring you back word, as the LORD may speak unto me’; and the princes of Moab abode with Balaam.

ThomsonAnd God came to Balaam, and said to him, What would these men with thee?

BrentonAnd God came to Balaam, and said to him, Who are these men with thee?

GreekΚαὶ ἦλθεν ὁ Θεὸς πρὸς Βαλαὰμ, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, τί οἱ ἄνθρωποι οὗτοι παρὰ σοί;

KJVAnd God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?

JPSAnd God came unto Balaam, and said: ‘What men are these with thee?’

ThomsonAnd Balaam said to God, Balak son of Sepphor, king of Moab, hath sent them to me, saying,

BrentonAnd Balaam said to God, Balac son of Sepphor, king of Moab, sent them to me, saying,

GreekΚαὶ εἶπε Βαλαὰμ πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν, Βαλὰκ υἱὸς Σεπφὼρ, βασιλεὺς Μωὰβ, ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς πρὸς μὲ, λέγων,

KJVAnd Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, saying,

JPSAnd Balaam said unto God: ‘Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me [saying]:

ThomsonBehold there is a people come out of Egypt, who have covered the face of this land, and they are settled down near me; now therefore come and curse them for me; perhaps I may be able to smite them, and drive them out of this land.

BrentonBehold, a people has come forth out of Egypt, and has covered the face of the land, and it has encamped near to me; and now come, curse it for me, if indeed I shall be able to smite it, and cast it out of the land.

Greekἰδοὺ λαὸς ἐξελήλυθεν ἐξ Αἰγύπτου, καὶ κεκάλυφεν τὴν ὄψιν τῆς γῆς, καὶ οὗτος ἐγκάθηται ἐχόμενός μου, καὶ νῦν δεῦρο ἄρασαί μοι αὐτὸν, εἰ ἄρα δυνήσομαι πατάξαι αὐτὸν, καὶ ἐκβαλῶ αὐτὸν ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς.

KJVBehold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome them, and drive them out.

JPSBehold the people that is come out of Egypt, it covereth the face of the earth; now, come curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to fight against them, and shall drive them out.’

ThomsonThereupon God said to Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them, nor curse that people, for they are blessed.

BrentonAnd God said to Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them, neither shalt thou curse the people; for they are blessed.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν ὁ Θεὸς πρὸς Βαλαὰμ, οὐ πορεύσῃ μετʼ αὐτῶν, οὐδὲ καταράσῃ τὸν λαόν· ἔστι γὰρ εὐλογημένος.

KJVAnd God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed.

JPSAnd God said unto Balaam: ‘Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people; for they are blessed.’

ThomsonSo when Balaam arose in the morning, he said to the chiefs of Balak, Return speedily to your Lord, for God doth not permit me to go with you.

BrentonAnd Balaam rose up in the morning, and said to the princes of Balac, Depart quickly to your lord; God does not permit me to go with you.

GreekΚαὶ ἀναστὰς Βαλαὰμ τοπρωῒ, εἶπε τοῖς ἄρχουσι Βαλὰκ, ἀποτρέχετε πρὸς τὸν κύριον ὑμῶν, οὐκ ἀφίησί με ὁ Θεὸς πορεύεσθαι μεθʼ ὑμῶν.

KJVAnd Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you.

JPSAnd Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak: ‘Get you into your land; for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with you.’

ThomsonAnd the chiefs of Moab arose, and went to Balak, and said to him, Balaam refuseth to come with us.

BrentonAnd the princes of Moab rose, and came to Balac, and said, Balaam will not come with us.

GreekΚαὶ ἀναστάντες οἱ ἄρχοντες Μωὰβ, ἦλθον πρὸς Βαλὰκ, καὶ εἶπαν, οὐ θέλει Βαλαὰμ πορευθῆναι μεθʼ ἡμῶν.

KJVAnd the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said, Balaam refuseth to come with us.

JPSAnd the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said: ‘Balaam refuseth to come with us.’

ThomsonThen Balak sent again other princes, more in number, and of greater dignity than them,

BrentonAnd Balac yet again sent more princes and more honourable than they.

GreekΚαὶ προσέθετο Βαλὰκ ἔτι ἀποστεῖλαι ἄρχοντας πλείους, καὶ ἐντιμοτέρους τούτων.

KJVAnd Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.

JPSAnd Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.

Thomsonand they went to Balaam and said to him, Thus saith Balak, the son of Sepphor, I entreat thee delay not to come to me,

BrentonAnd they came to Balaam, and they say to him, Thus says Balac the son of Sepphor: I beseech thee, delay not to come to me.

GreekΚαὶ ἦλθον πρὸς Βαλαὰμ, καὶ λέγουσιν αὐτῷ, τάδε λέγει Βαλὰκ ὁ τοῦ Σεπφώρ· ἀξιῶ σε μὴ ὀκνήσῃς ἐλθεῖν πρὸς μέ.

KJVAnd they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:

JPSAnd they came to Balaam, and said to him: ‘Thus saith Balak the son of Zippor: Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me;

Thomsonfor I will promote thee to great honour, and do for thee whatever thou sayest; therefore come, curse this people for me.

BrentonFor I will greatly honour thee, and will do for thee whatsoever thou shalt say; come then, curse me this people.

Greekἐντίμως γὰρ τιμήσω σε, καὶ ὅσα ἐὰν εἴπῃς ποιήσω σοι· καὶ δεῦρο ἐπικατάρασαί μοι τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον.

KJVFor I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.

JPSfor I will promote thee unto very great honour, and whatsoever thou sayest unto me I will do; come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people.’

ThomsonIn reply to which Balaam said to the princes of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot transgress the word of the Lord God, to do anything, small or great, of my own mere will.

BrentonAnd Balaam answered and said to the princes of Balac, If Balac would give me his house full of silver and gold, I shall not be able to go beyond the word of the Lord God, to make it little or great in my mind.

GreekΚαὶ ἀπεκρίθη Βαλαὰμ, καὶ εἶπε τοῖς ἄρχουσι Βαλὰκ, ἐὰν δῷ μοι Βαλὰκ πλήρη τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ ἀργυρίου καὶ χρυσίου, οὐ δυνήσομαι παραβῆναι τὸ ῥῆμα Κυρίου τοῦ Θεοῦ, ποιῆσαι αὐτὸ μικρὸν ἢ μέγα ἐν τῇ διανοίᾳ μου.

KJVAnd Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.

JPSAnd Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak: ‘If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do any thing, small or great.

ThomsonNow therefore tarry you also here this night, that I may know what the Lord will further say to me.

BrentonAnd now do ye also tarry here this night, and I shall know what the Lord will yet say to me.

GreekΚαὶ νῦν ὑπομείνατε αὐτοῦ καὶ ὑμεῖς τὴν νύκτα ταύτην, καὶ γνώσομαι τί προσθήσει Κύριος λαλῆσαι πρὸς μέ.

KJVNow therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will say unto me more.

JPSNow therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may know what the LORD will speak unto me more.’

ThomsonAnd God came to Balaam by night, and said to him, If these men come to call thee, arise and go with them: but what I say to thee, that thou shalt do.

BrentonAnd God came to Balaam by night, and said to him, If these men are come to call thee, rise and follow them; nevertheless the word which I shall speak to thee, it shalt thou do.

GreekΚαὶ ἦλθεν ὁ Θεὸς πρὸς Βαλαὰμ νυκτὸς, καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ, εἰ καλέσαι σε πάρεισιν οἱ ἄνθρωποι οὗτοι, ἀναστὰς ἀκολούθησον αὐτοῖς· ἀλλὰ τὸ ῥῆμα ὃ ἐὰν λαλήσω πρὸς σὲ, τοῦτο ποιήσεις.

KJVAnd God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do.

JPSAnd God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him: ‘If the men are come to call thee, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak unto thee, that shalt thou do.’

ThomsonWhereupon Balaam arose in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.

BrentonAnd Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.

GreekΚαὶ ἀναστὰς Βαλαὰμ τοπρωῒ, ἐπέσαξε τὴν ὄνον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐπορεύθη μετὰ τῶν ἀρχόντων Μωάβ.

KJVAnd Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.

JPSAnd Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab.

ThomsonAnd God was angry, because he went of himself to him; and the angel of God arose to stop him on the way. Now he was mounted on his ass, and had two servants with him.

BrentonAnd God was very angry because he went; and the angel of the Lord rose up to withstand him. Now he had mounted his ass, and his two servants were with him.

GreekΚαὶ ὠργίσθη θυμῷ ὁ Θεὸς ὅτι ἐπορεύθη αὐτός· καὶ ἀνέστη ὁ ἄγγελος τοῦ Θεοῦ διαβαλεῖν αὐτόν· καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπιβεβήκει ἐπὶ τῆς ὄνου αὐτοῦ, καὶ οἱ δύο παῖδες αὐτοῦ μετʼ αὐτοῦ.

KJVAnd God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.

JPSAnd God’s anger was kindled because he went; and the angel of the LORD placed himself in the way for an adversary against him.—Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.—

ThomsonAnd when the ass saw the angel of God standing opposite, in the way, with a drawn sword in his hand, the ass turned aside out of the way into the field; at which he struck the ass with his staff, to turn her into the road.

BrentonAnd when the ass saw the angel of God standing opposite in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand, then the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field; and Balaam smote the ass with his staff to direct her in the way.

GreekΚαὶ ἰδοῦσα ἡ ὄνος τὸν ἄγγελον τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀνθεστηκότα ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, καὶ τὴν ῥομφαίαν ἐσπασμένην ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐξέκλινεν ἡ ὄνος ἐκ τῆς ὁδοῦ, καὶ ἐπορεύετο εἰς τὸ πεδίον· καὶ ἐπάταξε τὴν ὄνον ἐν τῇ ῥάβδῳ αὐτοῦ τοῦ εὐθῦναι αὐτὴν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ.

KJVAnd the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

JPSAnd the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field; and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

ThomsonThen the angel of God took a station between the rows of the vines, there being a hedge on this side, and a hedge on that.

BrentonAnd the angel of the Lord stood in the avenues of the vines, a fence being on this side and a fence on that.

GreekΚαὶ ἔστη ὁ ἄγγελος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν ταῖς αὔλαξι τῶν ἀμπέλων, φραγμὸς ἐντεῦθεν καὶ φραγμὸς ἐντεῦθεν·

KJVBut the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.

JPSThen the angel of the LORD stood in a hollow way between the vineyards, a fence being on this side, and a fence on that side.

ThomsonAnd when the ass saw the angel of God, she threw herself against the wall, and bruised Balaam’s foot against the wall. Whereupon he struck her again.

BrentonAnd when the ass saw the angel of God, she thrust herself against the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall, and he smote her again.

GreekΚαὶ ἰδοῦσα ἡ ὄνος τὸν ἄγγελον τοῦ Θεοῦ, προσέθλιψεν ἑαυτὴν πρὸς τὸν τοῖχον, καὶ ἀπέθλιψεν τὸν πόδα Βαλαὰμ πρὸς τὸν τοῖχον· καὶ προσέθετο ἔτι μαστίξαι αὐτήν.

KJVAnd when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again.

JPSAnd the ass saw the angel of the LORD, and she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall; and he smote her again.

ThomsonThen the angel of God again retired, and stood in a narrow place, where there was no turning, to the right, or to the left.

BrentonAnd the angel of the Lord went farther, and came and stood in a narrow place where it was impossible to turn to the right or the left.

GreekΚαὶ προσέθετο ὁ ἄγγελος τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἀπελθὼν ὑπέστη ἐν τόπῳ στενῷ, εἰς ὃν οὐκ ἦν ἐκκλῖναι δεξιὰν ἢ ἀριστεράν.

KJVAnd the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

JPSAnd the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

ThomsonAnd when the ass saw the angel of God, she lay down under Balaam; at which Balaam was inflamed with wrath, and gave the ass a severe blow with the staff.

BrentonAnd when the ass saw the angel of God, she lay down under Balaam; and Balaam was angry, and struck the ass with his staff.

GreekΚαὶ ἰδοῦσα ἡ ὄνος τὸν ἄγγελον τοῦ Θεοῦ, συνεκάθισεν ὑποκάτω Βαλαάμ· καὶ ἐθυμώθη Βαλαὰμ, καὶ ἔτυπτε τὴν ὄνον τῇ ῥάβδῳ.

KJVAnd when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.

JPSAnd the ass saw the angel of the LORD, and she lay down under Balaam; and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with his staff.

ThomsonThereupon God opened the mouth of the ass, and she said to Balaam, What have I done to thee that thou hast corrected me this third time?

BrentonAnd God opened the mouth of the ass, and she says to Balaam, What have I done to thee, that thou hast smitten me this third time?

GreekΚαὶ ἤνοιξεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸ στόμα τῆς ὄνου, καὶ λέγει τῷ Βαλαὰμ, τί ἐποίησά σοι, ὅτι πέπαικάς με τρίτον τοῦτο;

KJVAnd the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

JPSAnd the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam: ‘What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?’

ThomsonAnd Balaam said to the ass, Because thou hast mocked me, and had I a sword in my hand I should now have run it through thee.

BrentonAnd Balaam said to the ass, Because thou hast mocked me; and if I had had a sword in my hand, I would now have killed thee.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπε Βαλαὰμ τῇ ὄνῳ, ὅτι ἐμπέπαιχάς μοι, καὶ εἰ εἶχον μάχαιραν ἐν τῇ χειρὶ ἤδη ἂν ἐξεκέντησά σε.

KJVAnd Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.

JPSAnd Balaam said unto the ass: ‘Because thou hast mocked me; I would there were a sword in my hand, for now I had killed thee.’

ThomsonAnd the ass said to Balaam, Am I not the ass on which thou hast ridden from thy youth even to this day? Did I ever through stubbornness, do such a thing as this to thee. And he said, No.

BrentonAnd the ass says to Balaam, Am not I thine ass on which thou hast ridden since thy youth till this day? did I ever do thus to thee, utterly disregarding thee? and he said, No.

GreekΚαὶ λέγει ἡ ὄνος τῷ Βαλαὰμ, οὐκ ἐγὼ ἡ ὄνος σου ἐφʼ ἧς ἐπέβαινες ἀπὸ νεότητός σου, ἕως τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας; μὴ ὑπεροράσει ὑπεριδούσα ἐποίησά σοι οὕτως; ὁ δὲ εἶπεν, οὐχί.

KJVAnd the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.

JPSAnd the ass said unto Balaam: ‘Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden all thy life long unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee?’ And he said: ‘Nay.’

ThomsonThen God opened the eyes of Balaam; and when he saw the angel of the Lord standing opposite, in the way, with a drawn sword in his hand, he bowed down, and fell flat on his face.

BrentonAnd God opened the eyes of Balaam, and he sees the angel of the Lord withstanding him in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand, and he stooped down and worshipped on his face.

GreekἈπεκάλυψε δὲ ὁ Θεὸς τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς Βαλαὰμ, καὶ ὁρᾷ τὸν ἄγγελον Κυρίου ἀνθεστηκότα ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, καὶ τὴν μάχαιραν ἐσπασμένην ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ κύψας προσεκύνησε τῷ προσώπῳ αὐτοῦ.

KJVThen the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

JPSThen the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face.

ThomsonAnd the angel of God said to him, Why didst thou strike thy ass three times? Behold I came out to stop thee, because thy journey is not seemly in my sight,

BrentonAnd the angel of God said to him, Why hast thou smitten thine ass this third time? and, behold, I came out to withstand thee, for thy way was not seemly before me; and when the ass saw me, she turned away from me this third time.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ ἄγγελος τοῦ Θεοῦ, διατί ἐπάταξας τὴν ὄνον σου τοῦτο τρίτον; καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἐξῆλθον εἰς διαβολήν σου, ὅτι οὐκ ἀστεία ἡ ὁδός σου ἐναντίον μου, καὶ ἰδοῦσά με ἡ ὄνος, ἐξέκλινεν ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ τρίτον τοῦτο.

KJVAnd 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:

JPSAnd the angel of the LORD said unto him: ‘Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I am come forth for an adversary, because thy way is contrary unto me;

Thomsonand the ass, seeing me, turned aside from me these three times. And had she not turned aside from me I should now have killed thee; but I would have preserved her alive.

BrentonAnd if she had not turned out of the way, surely now, I should have slain thee, and should have saved her alive.

GreekΚαὶ εἰ μὴ ἐξέκλινεν, νῦν οὖν σὲ μὲν ἀπέκτεινα, ἐκείνην δʼ ἂν περιεποιησάμην.

KJVAnd the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.

JPSand the ass saw me, and turned aside before me these three times; unless she had turned aside from me, surely now I had even slain thee, and saved her alive.’

ThomsonThen Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, I have sinned inadvertently; for I did not know that thou stoodest in the way against me. Now therefore, if it is not agreeable to thee, I will turn back.

BrentonAnd Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, I have sinned, for I did not know that thou wert standing opposite in the way to meet me; and now if it shall not be pleasing to thee for me to go on, I will return.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπε Βαλαὰμ τῷ ἀγγέλῳ Κυρίου, ἡμάρτηκα, οὐ γὰρ ἠπιστάμην ὅτι σύ μοι ἀνθέστηκας ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ εἰς συνάντησιν· καὶ νῦν εἰ μή σοι ἀρκέσει, ἀποστραφήσομαι.

KJVAnd Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back again.

JPSAnd Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD: ‘I have sinned; for I knew not that thou stoodest in the way against me; now therefore, if it displease thee, I will get me back.’

ThomsonAnd the angel of God said to Balaam, Go with these men; but whatever word I speak to thee be careful to deliver that.

BrentonAnd the angel of the Lord said to Balaam, Go with the men: nevertheless the word which I shall speak to thee, that thou shalt take heed to speak. And Balaam went with the princes of Balac.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν ὁ ἄγγελος τοῦ Θεοῦ πρὸς Βαλαὰμ, συμπορεύθητι μετὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων· πλὴν τὸ ῥῆμα ὃ ἐὰν εἴπω πρὸς σὲ, τοῦτο φυλάξῃ λαλῆσαι. Καὶ ἐπορεύθη Βαλαὰμ μετὰ τῶν ἀρχόντων Βαλάκ.

KJVAnd the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

JPSAnd the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam: ‘Go with the men; but only the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak.’ So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

ThomsonSo Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

BrentonAnd when Balac heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him, to a city of Moab, which is on the borders of Arnon, which is on the extreme part of the borders.

GreekΚαὶ ἀκούσας Βαλὰκ ὅτι ἥκει Βαλαὰμ, ἐξῆλθεν εἰς συνάντησιν αὐτῷ, εἰς πόλιν Μωάβ, ἥ ἐστιν ἐπὶ τῶν ὁρίων Ἀρνῶν, ἥ ἐστιν ἐκ μέρους τῶν ὁρίων.

KJVAnd when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost coast.

JPSAnd when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto Ir-moab, which is on the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost part of the border.

ThomsonAnd when Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him, to a city of Moab, which is on Arnon, which is a part of the boundary. And Balak said to Balaam, Did I not send for thee? Why then didst thou not come to me? Am not I able to promote thee to honour?

BrentonAnd Balac said to Balaam, Did I not send to thee to call thee? why hast thou not come to me? shall I not indeed be able to honour thee?

GreekΚαὶ εἶπε Βαλὰκ πρὸς Βαλαὰμ, οὐχὶ ἀπέστειλα πρὸς σὲ καλέσαι σε; διατί οὐκ ἤρχου πρὸς μέ; ὄντως οὐ δυνήσομαι τιμῆσαί σε;

KJVAnd Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?

JPSAnd Balak said unto Balaam: ‘Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote thee to honour?’

ThomsonAnd Balaam said to Balak, Behold now I am come to thee, shall I be able to say anything? Whatever word God shall put in my mouth, that I will speak.

BrentonAnd Balaam said to Balac, Behold, I am now come to thee: shall I be able to say anything? the word which God shall put into my mouth, that I shall speak.

GreekΚαὶ εἶπε Βαλαὰμ πρὸς Βαλὰκ, ἰδοὺ ἥκω πρὸς σὲ νῦν· δυνατὸς ἔσομαι λαλῆσαί τι; τὸ ῥῆμα ὃ ἐὰν ἐμβάλῃ ὁ Θεὸς εἰς τὸ στόμα μου, τοῦτο λαλήσω.

KJVAnd Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.

JPSAnd Balaam said unto Balak: ‘Lo, I am come unto thee; have I now any power at all to speak any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak.’

ThomsonSo Balaam went with Balak, and when they came to the cities of farms,

BrentonAnd Balaam went with Balac, and they came to the cities of streets.

GreekΚαὶ ἐπορεύθη Βαλαὰμ μετὰ Βαλὰκ, καὶ ἦλθον εἰς πόλεις ἐπαύλεων.

KJVAnd Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjathhuzoth.

JPSAnd Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kiriath-huzoth.

ThomsonBalak sacrificed sheep, and young bulls, and sent them to Balaam, and the princes with him.

BrentonAnd Balac offered sheep and calves, and sent to Balaam and to his princes who were with him.

GreekΚαὶ ἔθυσε Βαλὰκ πρόβατα καὶ μόσχους, καὶ ἀπέστειλε τῷ Βαλαὰμ καὶ τοῖς ἄρχουσι τοῖς μετʼ αὐτοῦ.

KJVAnd Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.

JPSAnd Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes that were with him.

ThomsonAnd early next morning Balak took Balaam, and led him up to the top of the pillar of Baal, and from it shewed him some part of the people.

BrentonAnd it was morning; and Balac took Balaam, and brought him up to the pillar of Baal, and shewed him thence a part of the people.

GreekΚαὶ ἐγενήθη πρωΐ· καὶ παραλαβὼν Βαλὰκ τὸν Βαλαάμ, ἀνεβίβασεν αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τὴν στήλην τοῦ Βαὰλ, καὶ ἔδειξεν αὐτῷ ἐκεῖθεν μέρος τι τοῦ λαοῦ.

KJVAnd it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost part of the people.

JPSAnd it came to pass in the morning that Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into Bamoth-baal, and he saw from thence the utmost part of the people.