Numbers 24:12

12 Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not tell the messengers you sent me,

Numbers 24:12 in Other Translations

12 And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying,

12 And Balaam said to Balak, "Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me,

12 Balaam told Balak, “Don’t you remember what I told your messengers? I said,

12 Balaam said to Balak, "Didn't I tell you up front when you sent your emissaries,

12 Balaam answered Balak, "Didn't I previously tell the messengers you sent me:

Numbers 24:12 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 24:12

And Balaam said unto Balak
In order to mitigate his wrath, and bring him into a better temper:

spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me:
those that came to him a second time; for to the first he said nothing of what is after related, but to the last he did much the same as he had afterwards said to Balak himself: saying,

Numbers 24:12 In-Context

10 Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam. He struck his hands together and said to him, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed them these three times.

11 Now leave at once and go home! I said I would reward you handsomely, but the LORD has kept you from being rewarded.”

12 Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not tell the messengers you sent me,

13 ‘Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD—and I must say only what the LORD says’?

14 Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you of what this people will do to your people in days to come.”

Cross References

• 1. Numbers 22:18