Then the LORD opened the mouth of the ass does not mean that the LORD physically opened the mouth of the donkey more widely, as a literal translation might suggest, but that he “made the donkey speak” (Revised English Bible, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Bijbel in Gewone Taal, De Nieuwe Bijbelvertaling). The Hebrew does not refer specifically to “the power of speech” (Good News Translation) as a distinct human-like ability. The same expression is used for “opening” the prophet Ezekiel’s mouth (Ezek 3.27; 33.22). Here the LORD uses the vocal chords of a lowly beast of burden to reveal reality to an unaware prophet and what he must do in the uncertain situation at hand.

And she said to Balaam introduces what the donkey said. Since a question follows it, the generic verb said may be rendered “asked” (Contemporary English Version, New Living Translation).

What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?: This question is seemingly spoken with some emotion, and a natural equivalent should be sought in translation. It may also be helpful to divide this long question into two, as in Good News Translation, which has “What have I done to you? Why have you beaten me these three times?” (similarly New International Readers Version).

Quoted with permission from de Regt, Lénart J. and Wendland, Ernst R. A Handbook on Numbers. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .