Thayer's Greek Lexicon

 Balaam meaning "perhaps"
1. A native of Pethor a city in Mesopotamia, endued by Jehovah with
prophetic power. He was hired by Balak to curse the Israelites;
and influenced by the love of reward, he wished to gratify Balak;
but he was compelled by Jehovah's power to bless them. Hence
later the Jews saw him as a most abandoned deceiver.