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Numbers 22:31

Numbers 22:31 in Multiple Translations

Then the LORD opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. And Balaam bowed low and fell facedown.

Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

Then Jehovah opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of Jehovah standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face.

Then the Lord made Balaam's eyes open, and he saw the angel of the Lord in the way with his sword in his hand: and he went down on his face to the earth.

Then the Lord gave Balaam the ability to see the angel of the Lord standing in the road holding a drawn sword. Balaam bowed low and fell facedown on the ground.

And the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he sawe the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with his sword drawen in his hande: then he bowed him selfe, and fell flat on his face.

And Jehovah uncovereth the eyes of Balaam, and he seeth the messenger of Jehovah standing in the way, and his drawn sword in his hand, and he boweth and doth obeisance, to his face;

Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the LORD’s angel standing in the way, with his sword drawn in his hand; and he bowed his head, and fell on his face.

Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

Forthwith the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel standing in the way with a drawn sword, and he worshipped him falling flat on the ground.

Then Yahweh enabled Balaam to see the angel standing on the road, holding a sword in his hand. Balaam realized that it was an angel and prostrated himself on the ground in front of the angel.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 22:31

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 22:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְגַ֣ל יְהוָה֮ אֶת עֵינֵ֣י בִלְעָם֒ וַ/יַּ֞רְא אֶת מַלְאַ֤ךְ יְהוָה֙ נִצָּ֣ב בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ וְ/חַרְבּ֥/וֹ שְׁלֻפָ֖ה בְּ/יָד֑/וֹ וַ/יִּקֹּ֥ד וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ לְ/אַפָּֽי/ו
וַ/יְגַ֣ל gâlâh H1540 to reveal Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 eye N-cd
בִלְעָם֒ Bilʻâm H1109 Balaam N-proper
וַ/יַּ֞רְא râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
מַלְאַ֤ךְ mălʼâk H4397 messenger N-ms
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
נִצָּ֣ב nâtsab H5324 to stand V-Niphal
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs
וְ/חַרְבּ֥/וֹ chereb H2719 sword Conj | N-fs | Suff
שְׁלֻפָ֖ה shâlaph H8025 to draw V-Qal-Inf-c
בְּ/יָד֑/וֹ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff
וַ/יִּקֹּ֥ד qâdad H6915 to bow Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ shâchâh H7812 to bow Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/אַפָּֽי/ו ʼaph H639 face Prep | N-md | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 22:31

וַ/יְגַ֣ל gâlâh H1540 "to reveal" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
יְהוָה֮ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֵינֵ֣י ʻayin H5869 "eye" N-cd
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
בִלְעָם֒ Bilʻâm H1109 "Balaam" N-proper
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.
וַ/יַּ֞רְא râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מַלְאַ֤ךְ mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
נִצָּ֣ב nâtsab H5324 "to stand" V-Niphal
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
וְ/חַרְבּ֥/וֹ chereb H2719 "sword" Conj | N-fs | Suff
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
שְׁלֻפָ֖ה shâlaph H8025 "to draw" V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew verb means to pull or draw something out, like drawing a plant out of the ground. It is used in various contexts, including pulling out a sword or growing up. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of everyday life and warfare.
Definition: 1) to draw out or off, take off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw out 1a2) to draw off 1a3) to shoot up, draw out (of blade of grass on roof)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: draw (off), grow up, pluck off. See also: Numbers 22:23; Judges 20:46; Psalms 129:6.
בְּ/יָד֑/וֹ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
וַ/יִּקֹּ֥ד qâdad H6915 "to bow" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To bow means to shrivel up or bend the body in deference. In the Bible, it is often used to describe showing respect or worship, like bowing down to God. This act is seen in many stories, including those of Moses and the prophets.
Definition: (Qal) to bow down
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bow (down) (the) head, stoop. See also: Genesis 24:26; 1 Samuel 24:9; Nehemiah 8:6.
וַ/יִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ shâchâh H7812 "to bow" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
לְ/אַפָּֽי/ו ʼaph H639 "face" Prep | N-md | Suff
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.

Study Notes — Numbers 22:31

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Genesis 21:19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.
2 Luke 24:31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight.
3 Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’
4 Numbers 24:4 the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:
5 Numbers 24:16 the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:
6 1 Chronicles 21:16 When David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between heaven and earth, with a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem, David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell facedown.
7 Luke 24:16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.
8 Psalms 9:20 Lay terror upon them, O LORD; let the nations know they are but men. Selah
9 John 18:6 When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
10 Exodus 34:8 Moses immediately bowed down to the ground and worshiped.

Numbers 22:31 Summary

In Numbers 22:31, the Lord opens Balaam's eyes to see the angel standing in the road with a drawn sword, and Balaam responds with humility and reverence. This event shows us that the Lord is always at work, even when we can't see Him, and that He desires us to obey and follow Him (as seen in John 14:15 and Romans 12:1-2). When we encounter challenges or opposition, we can ask the Lord to open our eyes to see the truth and to guide us on His path. By responding with humility and obedience, we can experience the Lord's presence and guidance in our lives, just like Balaam did in this verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Lord open Balaam's eyes in Numbers 22:31?

The Lord opened Balaam's eyes so he could see the angel of the Lord standing in the road, which he had not seen before, and understand the spiritual reality of the situation, as seen in other instances where God opens people's eyes to spiritual truth, such as in Genesis 21:19 and 2 Kings 6:17.

What is the significance of the drawn sword in the angel's hand?

The drawn sword in the angel's hand represents the Lord's opposition to Balaam's actions and his willingness to judge him for his disobedience, similar to the angel with a sword in Joshua 5:13-15 who was a commander of the Lord's army.

Why did Balaam bow low and fall facedown when he saw the angel?

Balaam bowed low and fell facedown as an act of reverence and humility before the Lord, recognizing His power and authority, as seen in other instances of people responding to divine encounters, such as in Isaiah 6:1-5 and Ezekiel 1:28.

How does this event relate to Balaam's character and spiritual condition?

This event reveals Balaam's spiritual blindness and hardness of heart, as he was more concerned with his own interests than with obeying the Lord, but it also shows the Lord's patience and desire to correct him, as seen in other scriptures such as Proverbs 28:13 and 1 John 1:9.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be spiritually blind, and how can I ask the Lord to open my eyes to see the truth?
  2. How do I respond when I encounter opposition or challenges in my life, and what can I learn from Balaam's example in Numbers 22:31?
  3. In what ways can I cultivate humility and reverence in my relationship with the Lord, as seen in Balaam's actions when he saw the angel?
  4. How can I balance my own desires and interests with the Lord's will and purposes for my life, and what role does obedience play in this balance?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 22:31

Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam,.... Who either was struck with blindness, as the men of Sodom were, so some think, or rather his eyes were held, that he could not see the angel; he could see

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 22:31

Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 22:31

In token of reverence and submission.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 22:31

22–34. Jehovah was angry with Balaam for going, and His ‘Angel’ hindered him on the way.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 22:31

31. Opened the eyes — His natural eyes, which up to this time had been unable to see the angel. Luke 24:16, note.

Sermons on Numbers 22:31

SermonDescription
T. Austin-Sparks The Man Whose Eye Is Opened by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical need for spiritual sight in his sermon 'The Man Whose Eye Is Opened', illustrating how spiritual blindness is a pervasive issue affecting b
Thomas Brooks Such a Smoke in the Soul by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a person can possess true grace yet struggle with assurance due to the 'smoke' of doubts and fears that corruption creates within the soul. This obscu
Wagdi Iskander Ministering to Muslims by Wagdi Iskander In this sermon, the speaker discusses his experience in sharing the word of God with Muslims. He mentions baptizing over 700 individuals and witnessing their eyes being opened to t
Leonard Ravenhill The Resurrection by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and authority of Jesus Christ. He highlights how Jesus shattered the powers of darkness and brought redemption to those who seek hi
Jack Hibbs Life & Times of Jesus #04 by Jack Hibbs In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a mission in life, just like Jesus had a mission when he came into the world. The speaker mentions being a news junk
William MacDonald Seeing Dimly by William MacDonald William MacDonald reflects on the profound mystery of Christ's sacrifice as believers approach the Lord's Table, emphasizing the limitations of human understanding when faced with
Duncan Campbell Building the Walls by Duncan Campbell In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the word of God and fulfilling the commission given by God. He uses the story of Nehemiah as an example of som

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