Numbers 24:3
Numbers 24:3 in Multiple Translations
and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,
And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor saith, And the man whose eye was closed saith;
And moved by the spirit, he said, These are the words of Balaam, son of Beor, the words of the man whose eyes are open:
He gave a declaration, saying:
And he vttered his parable, and sayd, Balaam the sonne of Beor hath sayde, and the man, whose eyes were shut vp, hath sayd,
and he taketh up his simile, and saith: 'An affirmation of Balaam son of Beor — And an affirmation of the man whose eyes are shut —
He took up his parable, and said, “Balaam the son of Beor says, the man whose eyes are open says;
And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
He took up his parable and said: Balaam the son of Beor hath said: The man hath said, whose eye ire stopped up:
and enabled him to give this prophetic message to Balak: “I, Balaam, the son of Beor, am giving this prophecy; I am speaking as a man who sees what will happen in the future clearly speaks.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:3
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 24:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֥א
מְשָׁל֖/וֹ
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
נְאֻ֤ם
בִּלְעָם֙
בְּנ֣/וֹ
בְעֹ֔ר
וּ/נְאֻ֥ם
הַ/גֶּ֖בֶר
שְׁתֻ֥ם
הָ/עָֽיִן
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מְשָׁל֖/וֹ
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
נְאֻ֤ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
בִּלְעָם֙
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
בְּנ֣/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
בְעֹ֔ר
Bᵉʻôwr
H1160
Beor
N-proper
וּ/נְאֻ֥ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
Conj | N-ms
הַ/גֶּ֖בֶר
geber
H1397
great man
Art | N-ms
שְׁתֻ֥ם
shâtham
H8365
to open
V-Qal-Inf-c
הָ/עָֽיִן
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 24:3
וַ/יִּשָּׂ֥א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
מְשָׁל֖/וֹ
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
N-ms | Suff
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
וַ/יֹּאמַ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נְאֻ֤ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
בִּלְעָם֙
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.
בְּנ֣/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בְעֹ֔ר
Bᵉʻôwr
H1160
"Beor"
N-proper
Beor was a man in the Bible, the father of Balaam, a famous prophet, and also the father of Bela, an Edomite king. His name means 'burning' and he is mentioned in the book of Numbers. The KJV translates it as 'Beor'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; father of: Balaam (H1109A) Also named: Bosor, Beōr (Βοσόρ, Βεώρ "Beor" G1007) § Beor = "burning" 1) father of Balaam 2) father of Bela, king of Edom
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Beor. See also: Genesis 36:32; Deuteronomy 23:5; Micah 6:5.
וּ/נְאֻ֥ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
"utterance"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to an utterance or declaration from God, often through a prophet. It is used in the Bible to describe a revelation or message from God, like in Exodus or Numbers.
Definition: 1) (Qal) utterance, declaration (of prophet) 1a) utterance, declaration, revelation (of prophet in ecstatic state) 1b) utterance, declaration (elsewhere always preceding divine name)
Usage: Occurs in 358 OT verses. KJV: (hath) said, saith. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 22:16; Psalms 36:2.
הַ/גֶּ֖בֶר
geber
H1397
"great man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
שְׁתֻ֥ם
shâtham
H8365
"to open"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This verb means to open or unveil something, like a secret or a hidden truth. It is used figuratively in the Bible to reveal something new.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to open 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: be open. See also: Numbers 24:3; Numbers 24:15.
הָ/עָֽיִן
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Art | N-cs
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 24:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:3
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:3
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:3
- Sermons on Numbers 24:3
Context — Balaam’s Third Oracle
1And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not seek omens as on previous occasions, but he turned his face toward the wilderness.
2When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him,
3and he lifted up an oracle, saying: “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,
4the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: 5How lovely are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 22:31 | 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. |
| 2 | 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: |
| 3 | Numbers 23:7 | And Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the mountains of the east. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘put a curse on Jacob for me; come and denounce Israel!’ |
| 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 23:18 | Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor. |
Numbers 24:3 Summary
[In Numbers 24:3, Balaam says that he is speaking a prophecy from God, and that his eyes are open to see and understand God's truth. This means that Balaam has been given a special gift of insight and understanding from God, similar to the prophets in the Bible, such as in 1 Samuel 3:1-14. As we read this verse, we can ask God to open our eyes to see and understand His truth, just like Balaam. We can also remember that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the story of Balaam and other biblical characters.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Balaam's eyes to be open in Numbers 24:3?
In Numbers 24:3, Balaam's eyes being open signifies that he has been given spiritual insight and understanding by God, allowing him to see and proclaim God's truth, as also seen in 2 Kings 6:17 where Elisha's servant has his eyes opened to see the spiritual realm.
How did Balaam receive this prophecy?
The prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:3 came as a result of the Spirit of God coming upon him, as mentioned in Numbers 24:2, similar to how the prophets in the Bible received their messages from God, such as in Ezekiel 2:2.
Is Balaam a true prophet of God?
Although Balaam is not an Israelite and has a questionable character, as seen in Numbers 22:22-35, God still uses him to proclaim His truth, demonstrating God's sovereign power to use anyone to fulfill His purposes, as also seen in Isaiah 45:1-5 where God uses a pagan king for His purposes.
What is the significance of Balaam calling himself the son of Beor?
By referring to himself as the son of Beor in Numbers 24:3, Balaam is likely establishing his lineage and credibility as a prophet, similar to how other prophets and leaders in the Bible introduce themselves, such as in Jeremiah 1:1.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for my eyes to be 'open' spiritually, and how can I seek this kind of spiritual understanding from God?
- How can I, like Balaam, be a vessel for God's truth, even if I don't feel qualified or worthy?
- What are some ways that God has spoken to me in the past, and how can I be more attentive to His voice in my life?
- How can I balance the desire for spiritual insight with the need for humility and recognition of my limitations, as seen in Balaam's complex character?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:3
And he took up his parable,.... His parable of prophecy, as the Targums, his prophetic speech, which, with a loud voice, he expressed in the hearing of Balak and his nobles: and said, Balaam the son
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:3
And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: Balaam the son of Beor hath said - `Balaam the son of Beor prophesies, And the man,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:3
The eyes, either, 1. Of his body, as in the following verse; or, 2. Of his mind, which God had opened in a peculiar and prophetical manner, whence prophets are called seers, . He implies that before he was blind and stupid, having eyes, but not seeing nor understanding. Some render the words having his eyes shut, as the Hebrew verb satham signifies, the letters schin and samech being frequently exchanged; and so the meaning is, that he received this revelation either in a dream, when men’ s eyes are simply shut; or in an ecstasy or trance, when men’ s eyes, though open, are in a manner shut, to wit, as to the use and exercise of them.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:3
Numbers 24:3 And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:Ver. 3. Whose eyes are open.] And therefore can speak it of a certainty: for what is more sure than sight? q.d., Israel shall be blessed, and I will stand to it. He is blessed, "yea, and he shall be blessed."
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:3
(3) Balaam the son of Beor hath said.—The Hebrew word (neum) is imperfectly rendered by hath said. It is the word which is commonly used in the prophetical books of Scripture to denote a Divine saying, and is rarely used when a human author is named. It occurs in the Pentateuch only in Genesis 22:16, Numbers 14:28, and in this chapter, where it is found in Numbers 24:3-4; Numbers 24:15-16. The man whose eyes are open.—There is great diversity of opinion respecting the meaning of the word which is here rendered open, and which, as it is here written, occurs in no other place. If shatham is identified with satham, it means to close, not to open. The meaning, however, of this verse is sufficiently explained by that which follows, whichever rendering of the word shethum is adopted. Balaam appears to have been thrown into an ecstatic state, as was Saul, and as were many of the ancient prophets; and whilst the eye of the outer senses was closed, the eye of the inner senses was preternaturally opened.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:3
Verse 3. He took up his parable] His prophetic declaration couched in highly poetic terms, and in regular metre, as the preceding were. The man whose eyes are open] I believe the original שתם shethum, should be translated shut, not open; for in the next verse, where the opening of his eyes is mentioned, a widely different word is used, גלה galah, which signifies to open or reveal. At first the eyes of Balaam were shut, and so closely too that he could not see the angel who withstood him, till God opened his eyes; nor could he see the gracious intentions of God towards Israel, till the eyes of his understanding were opened by the powers of the Divine Spirit. This therefore he mentions, we may suppose, with humility and gratitude, and to the credit of the prophecy which he is now about to deliver, that the Moabites may receive it as the word of God, which must be fulfilled in due season. His words, in their meaning, are similar to those of the blind man in the Gospel: "Once I was blind, but now I see."
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:3
3–9. Balaam’s first prophetic message. In its present form this consists of nine couplets and two triplets. But the text has undergone corruption, and perhaps there were originally eleven couplets.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:3
Whose eyes are open - i. e., opened in inward vision, to discern things that were hidden from ordinary beholders.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:3
3. Parable — See Numbers 23:7, note. Whose eyes are open — Thus, says Furst, the Syriac and several rabbins read; but Keil, the Vulgate, the Revised Version, and others say that the Hebrew means
Sermons on Numbers 24:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Dynamic Daniel by Greg Locke | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being careful about what we watch and listen to, as it can have a negative impact on our hearts and minds. He warns agains |
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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 |
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The Issue of Spiritual Sight by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks addresses the critical issue of spiritual sight, emphasizing that true spiritual vision is a miraculous gift from God, essential for both the initiation and growth |
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The Optimism of Faith by George Kulp | George Kulp preaches about the importance of having open eyes and a vision from God, using examples from history and the Bible to illustrate how those who trust in God's promises a |
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Backslidings of Balaam by Charles Banna | This sermon emphasizes the dangers of falling into covetousness and pride, using the example of Balaam who was led astray by these sins. It highlights the importance of fleeing fro |
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God at War With Flesh by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the battle between Joshua and Amalek. The preacher emphasizes that the outcome of the battle was not dependent on Joshua's abilities, but ra |
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Heaven's View of Our Failures by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Balaam and the Israelites in the book of Numbers. Balaam, a prophet, sees a vision from God and falls down in awe. He describes |