Numbers 24:4
Numbers 24:4 in Multiple Translations
the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open:
He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
He saith, who heareth the words of God, Who seeth the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open:
He says, whose ears are open to the words of God, who has seen the vision of the Ruler of all, falling down, but having his eyes open:
“This is the prophecy of Balaam, son of Beor, the prophecy of a man who sees with eyes that are wide open, the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees the vision given by Almighty, who bows down in respect with open eyes.
He hath sayde, which heard the wordes of God, and sawe the vision of the Almightie, and falling in a traunce had his eyes opened:
An affirmation of him who is hearing sayings of God — Who a vision of the Almighty seeth, Falling — and eyes uncovered:
he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open:
He hath said, who heard the words of God, who saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance , but having his eyes open:
The hearer of the words of God hath said, he that hath beheld the vision of the Almighty, he that falleth, and so his eyes are opened:
I hear this message from God; I see a vision from him who is all-powerful. My eyes are open as I prostrate myself in front of him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 24:4
BAB
Word Study
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Numbers 24:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נְאֻ֕ם
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
אִמְרֵי
אֵ֑ל
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
מַחֲזֵ֤ה
שַׁדַּי֙
יֶֽחֱזֶ֔ה
נֹפֵ֖ל
וּ/גְל֥וּי
עֵינָֽיִם
נְאֻ֕ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
word
N-mp
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
מַחֲזֵ֤ה
machăzeh
H4236
vision
N-ms
שַׁדַּי֙
Shadday
H7706
Almighty
N-proper
יֶֽחֱזֶ֔ה
châzâh
H2372
to see
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
נֹפֵ֖ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal
וּ/גְל֥וּי
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
עֵינָֽיִם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 24:4
נְאֻ֕ם
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.
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
"word"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a word or speech, like a promise or command from God. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's conversations with people.
Definition: utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 141:6; Psalms 5:2.
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
מַחֲזֵ֤ה
machăzeh
H4236
"vision"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a vision, like a prophetic dream. It appears in the book of Isaiah and Ezekiel, describing their experiences with God. The word is used to describe a vision from God.
Definition: vision (in the ecstatic state)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: vision. See also: Genesis 15:1; Numbers 24:16; Ezekiel 13:7.
שַׁדַּי֙
Shadday
H7706
"Almighty"
N-proper
Shadday means Almighty, referring to God's great power. It is another name for the Lord, emphasizing His strength and might. This name is used in the Bible to describe God's power and authority.
Definition: Shaddai, the Almighty (God) Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G) This name means almighty, most powerful
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: Almighty. See also: Genesis 17:1; Job 22:25; Psalms 68:15.
יֶֽחֱזֶ֔ה
châzâh
H2372
"to see"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Chazah means to see or perceive, and can also mean to have a vision or prophesy. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in your mind.
Definition: 1) to see, perceive, look, behold, prophesy, provide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to see, behold 1a2) to see as a seer in the ecstatic state 1a3) to see, perceive 1a3a) with the intelligence 1a3b) to see (by experience) 1a3c) to provide Aramaic equivalent: cha.zah (חֲזָה "to see" H2370)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: behold, look, prophesy, provide, see. See also: Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 24:32; Psalms 11:4.
נֹפֵ֖ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
וּ/גְל֥וּי
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
Conj | V-Qal-Inf-c
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.
עֵינָֽיִם
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 24:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 24:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:4
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:4
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:4
- Sermons on Numbers 24:4
Context — Balaam’s Third Oracle
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! 6They spread out like palm groves, like gardens beside a stream, like aloes the LORD has planted, like cedars beside the waters.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 1:17 | When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, |
| 2 | Revelation 1:10 | On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, |
| 3 | Numbers 12:6 | He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 1:28 | The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 12:1–4 | I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to Paradise. The things he heard were too sacred for words, things that man is not permitted to tell. |
| 6 | Acts 10:10 | He became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. |
| 7 | Acts 10:19 | As Peter continued to reflect on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. |
| 8 | Daniel 8:17–18 | As he came near to where I stood, I was terrified and fell facedown. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.” While he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me, helped me to my feet, |
| 9 | Psalms 89:19 | You once spoke in a vision; to Your godly ones You said, “I have bestowed help on a warrior; I have exalted one chosen from the people. |
| 10 | 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. |
Numbers 24:4 Summary
[This verse is talking about someone who is very close to God and can hear His voice and see His visions. It's like having a special connection with God where you can feel His presence and know what He wants you to do. This is similar to what we see in the lives of prophets like Moses, who had a special relationship with God, as described in Exodus 33:11. As believers, we can also experience this kind of connection with God through prayer and reading the Bible, as promised in Jeremiah 29:12-13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to hear the words of God?
Hearing the words of God means being attentive to His voice and will, as seen in the life of prophets like Balaam, and is also available to believers today through the Holy Spirit, as promised in Jeremiah 33:3 and John 10:27.
How does one see a vision from the Almighty?
Seeing a vision from the Almighty refers to a prophetic experience where God reveals His plans or messages to an individual, as seen in Numbers 24:4, and is also referenced in other parts of the Bible, such as in the book of Ezekiel and the prophetic ministry of Isaiah.
What does it mean to bow down with eyes wide open?
Bowing down with eyes wide open signifies an act of worship and reverence, where the individual is fully aware and surrendered to the presence of God, similar to the posture of humility and submission seen in Psalm 95:6 and Matthew 4:10.
Is this verse talking about a true prophet of God?
While Balaam is often seen as a complex figure, this verse highlights his prophetic gift, but it is also important to remember that his heart and actions were not always aligned with God's will, as seen in Numbers 22:22-35 and other passages, emphasizing the importance of discernment in evaluating prophets, as warned in Deuteronomy 13:1-5 and 1 John 4:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you to hear the words of God, and how do you cultivate this kind of listening in your own life?
- Have you ever had an experience where you felt like you were seeing a vision from God, or receiving a message from Him? What was that like, and how did you respond?
- In what ways can you bow down with eyes wide open in your daily life, surrendering to God's presence and will?
- How does this verse encourage or challenge you in your own relationship with God, and what steps can you take to deepen your connection with Him?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:4
He hath said, which heard the words of God,.... God speaking to him, which he did several times, and with which he was greatly elated, see Numbers 22:9: which saw the vision of the Almighty; not that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:4
He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: Which heard the words of God , [ 'imreey (H561) 'Eel (H410)] - a poetical term.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 24:4
The vision; so called either strictly and properly, because he was awake when this was revealed to him; or largely and improperly, for any extraordinary discovery of God’ s mind to him, whether sleeping or waking. A trance, or ecstasy, fainting and falling upon the ground, as the prophets used to do. See 3:23 43:3 ,18 10:15 . Others, falling suddenly into a sleep, as the prophets sometimes did, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:4
Numbers 24:4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open:Ver. 4. Falling into a trance.] As was usual with the prophets; They were carried out of and beyond themselves. And still - “ Amor Dei est ecstaticus, neque iuris Se sinit esse sui - ”
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:4
(4) Falling into a trance, but having his eyes open.—Better, falling (upon his face), and having his eyes opened. The physical effect produced upon Balaam appears to have been the same as that which was produced upon Saul (1 Samuel 19:24), upon Ezekiel (Num. i 28), upon Daniel (Num. viii, 17. 18). and upon St. John (Revelation 1:17). The word which is here rendered “open” (gelui) is a different word from that which is so rendered in Numbers 24:2, and is frequently used in reference to Divine communications and spiritual intuition. There may be a reference to the events which befel Balaam on his journey (Numbers 22:31).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 24:4
Verse 4. Falling into a trance] There is no indication in the Hebrew that he fell into a trance; these words are added by our translators, but they are not in the original. נפל nophel is the only word used, and simply signifies falling, or falling down, perhaps in this instance by way of religious prostration.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:4
4. The parallelism of these opening words with those in Numbers 24:15-16 suggests that the line ‘And knoweth the knowledge of the Most High’ has fallen out of the present passage. the Almighty] Heb. Shaddai. Numbers 24:16 and Genesis 49:25 are probably the only pre-exilic occurrences of the word. In the latter passage the divine title should probably be read ’El Shaddai, which occurs in Exodus 6:3, Ezekiel 10:5 and five times in Genesis. Shaddai alone occurs, besides here and Numbers 24:16, thirty-eight times, of which thirty-one are in Job, and it also forms a part of two or three proper names. Its original meaning is much disputed; ‘the Almighty’ has become a conventional equivalent, but is in no sense a rendering of the word. It is possible that its true spelling is Shadai. See the writer’s note in Exodus, pp. 40 f. Falling down, and having his eyes uncovered] This is generally understood to mean ‘falling asleep, or into a prophetic trance , but having the eyes of the mind open to receive God’s revelation.’ Balaam, however, is not represented as receiving his messages in a state of unconsciousness.
But there is nothing in the narrative which actually forbids this explanation.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:4
The “falling” of which Balaam speaks was the condition under which the inward opening of his eyes took place. It indicates the force of the divine inspiration overpowering the seer.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:4
4. Falling — He was thrown to the ground by the Spirit of God descending mightily upon him.
Sermons on Numbers 24:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Revelation) 02 Letters to the Seven Churches Part 1 by David Pawson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a woman on a plane who took a photograph of a storm and miraculously, the storm stopped as soon as she took the picture. The woman |
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Pure Heart and Pure Church by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the state of the church and individuals who are filled with carnality, pride, anger, and secret lust. He emphasizes the need for restoratio |
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My Own Resurrection by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the power of God, particularly focusing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the transformative impact it can have on individuals. It delves into the conc |
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The Way of the Cross by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a choice to follow God's way. He highlights the concept of falling into the ground and dying, which leads to bearin |
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(John - Part 21): The Impotent Man at the Pool of Bethesda by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in taking a leap and daring to believe in Christ. He tells the story of a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years an |
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Five Spiritual Vows by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. Despite his long-standing discouragement, the man had to make a decision to obey and |
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Being Filled With the Holy Spirit by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker begins by inviting the congregation to share any testimonies or words that God has spoken to them. They emphasize the power of the Word of God, describi |