Numbers 22:31 net — Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his sword drawn in his ha…

NET Bible

"Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his sword drawn in his hand; so he bowed his head and threw himself down with his face to the ground."

— Numbers 22:31, NET Bible

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Numbers 22:31 in Other Translations

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Numbers 22 — Context

28

Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam,“What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?”

29

And Balaam said to the donkey,“You have made me look stupid; I wish there were a sword in my hand, for I would kill you right now.”

30

The donkey said to Balaam,“Am I not your donkey that you have ridden ever since I was yours until this day? Have I ever attempted to treat you this way?” And he said,“No.”

31

Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his sword drawn in his hand; so he bowed his head and threw himself down with his face to the ground.

32

The angel of the LORD said to him,“Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Look, I came out to oppose you because what you are doing is perverse before me.

33

The donkey saw me and turned from me these three times. If she had not turned from me, I would have killed you but saved her alive.”

34

Balaam said to the angel of the LORD,“I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood against me in the road. So now, if it is evil in your sight, I will go back home.”

Numbers 22:31 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Numbers 22:31 say?
Numbers 22:31 in the NET Bible reads: “Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his sword drawn in his hand; so he bowed his head and threw himself down with his face to the ground.”
Where is Numbers 22:31 in the Bible?
Numbers 22:31 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Numbers, chapter 22, verse 31.
Who wrote Numbers?
Numbers is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Numbers about?
Numbers records Israel's forty years of wilderness wandering — two censuses (hence the name), rebellions, the failure at Kadesh-Barnea, and the slow journey to the plains of Moab. It is a sober portrait of human unbelief and God's patient faithfulness across a generation.
What are the major themes of Numbers?
Numbers explores themes including Wilderness, Faithfulness, Rebellion, Guidance, Provision. These themes shape the meaning and context of Numbers 22:31.
What translation should I read Numbers 22:31 in?
Numbers 22:31 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Numbers 22:31?
Numbers 22:31 reads (NET): “Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his sword drawn in his hand; so he bowed his head and threw himself down with his face to the ground.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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