Old Testament
Numbers 22:35
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The angel of the LORD told Balaam, "Go with the men, but speak only the words I give you." So Balaam continued on with Balak's officials.
Compare translations
And 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.
What Numbers 22:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the angel of the LORD gives Balaam specific instructions about his journey with Balak's officials. Although Balaam is permitted to go with them, he is warned to speak only the words that God provides. This emphasizes the importance of obedience to divine guidance. Balaam's role is not to express his own thoughts or desires but to convey God's message accurately. This moment highlights the tension between human desires and divine will, as Balaam had initially been hesitant to go with Balak due to God's earlier command. The angel's directive serves as a reminder that even when we are allowed to proceed with our plans, we must remain faithful to God's instructions and not deviate from His word. Balaam's journey is not just a physical one but also a spiritual test of his loyalty and integrity in delivering God's message.
How to apply Numbers 22:35 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of listening to God's guidance in our decisions. Even when we are given permission to act, we must ensure that our words and actions align with His will. This encourages us to seek God's direction in all aspects of our lives and to speak truthfully and faithfully.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 22:35
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 22:35
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 22:35 mean?
Numbers 22:35 means that the angel of the LORD instructed Balaam to accompany Balak's officials but to only speak the words given to him by God. This highlights the importance of obedience to divine instructions.
What is the significance of Balaam's instructions in Numbers 22:35?
The significance of Balaam's instructions in Numbers 22:35 is that it emphasizes the need for Balaam to communicate only God's message, reflecting the tension between human desires and divine will.
What does the phrase 'speak only the words I give you' mean in Numbers 22:35?
The phrase 'speak only the words I give you' in Numbers 22:35 means that Balaam is to refrain from expressing his own thoughts and instead convey only what God instructs him to say.
How does Numbers 22:35 relate to obedience?
Numbers 22:35 relates to obedience by showing that even when given permission to act, Balaam must remain faithful to God's instructions, highlighting the importance of aligning actions with divine will.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.