Balaam

American  

[bey-luhm] / ˈbeɪ ləm /

noun

1. (in the Bible) a Mesopotamian diviner who, when commanded by Balak to curse the Israelites, blessed them and uttered favorable prophecies after having been rebuked by the ass he rode.

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Balaam British  

/ ˈbeɪlæm /

noun

1. Old Testament a Mesopotamian diviner who, when summoned to curse the Israelites, prophesied future glories for them instead, after being reproached by his ass (Numbers 22–23)

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Other Word Forms

• Balaamite noun
• Balaamitical adjective

Etymology

Origin of Balaam

From Late Latin Balaam, from Greek Balaám, from Hebrew Bilʿām, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Renner successfully towed the car free, but when he got out, the plough began to move while empty, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said at the time.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2023

"He was being a great neighbor and he was plowing those roads for his neighbor," Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam told CNN.

From Salon • Jan. 18, 2023

Investigators will inspect the snowplow for possible mechanical failure to determine why it started to roll, Balaam said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 5, 2023

“After successfully towing his vehicle, Mr. Renner got out of the PistenBully to speak to a family member,” Balaam said.

From Washington Post • Jan. 4, 2023

When Balak’s messengers were with Balaam, God came to Balaam also, and asked what men they were.

From Theological Essays by Bradlaugh, Charles