Bible Strands
Numbers 24:12
Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Balaam addresses Balak immediately after Balak declares that the Lord has denied the promised reward and commands him to flee home.
The words — הֲ/לֹא (ha./Lo') translates as "did I not" or "is it not yet," and גַּם (gam) translates as "also" or "already," combining to form Balaam’s reminder that he had previously communicated with Balak’s envoys.
The thread — This reference to prior instruction matches Balaam’s earlier statements in Numbers 22:18 and 22:38 regarding his inability to act outside divine command.
Why it lands — The text establishes that prophetic declaration follows received instruction rather than human persuasion or wealth.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,
Cross-references
- Numbers 22:18 But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God.
- Numbers 22:38 “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.”