Numbers 24:16
Numbers 24:16 in Multiple Translations
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:
He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
He saith, who heareth the words of God, And knoweth the knowledge of the Most High, Who seeth the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open:
He says, whose ear is open to the words of God, who has knowledge of the Most High, who has seen the vision of the Ruler of all, falling down and having his eyes open:
the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who receives knowledge from the Most High, who sees the vision given by Almighty, who bows down in respect with open eyes.
He hath said that heard the words of God, and hath the knowledge of the most High, 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 — And knowing knowledge of the Most High; A vision of the Almighty he seeth, Falling — and eyes uncovered:
he says, who hears the words of God, knows the knowledge of the Most High, and who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open:
He hath said, who heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the Most High, 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, who knoweth the doctrine of the Highest, and seeth the visions of the Almighty, who falling hath his eyes opened:
I hear a message from God; I know things that God, who lives in heaven, has revealed to me. 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 24:16
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 24:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נְאֻ֗ם
שֹׁמֵ֨עַ֙
אִמְרֵי
אֵ֔ל
וְ/יֹדֵ֖עַ
דַּ֣עַת
עֶלְי֑וֹן
מַחֲזֵ֤ה
שַׁדַּי֙
יֶֽחֱזֶ֔ה
נֹפֵ֖ל
וּ/גְל֥וּי
עֵינָֽיִם
נְאֻ֗ם
nᵉʼum
H5002
utterance
N-ms
שֹׁמֵ֨עַ֙
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
word
N-mp
אֵ֔ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
וְ/יֹדֵ֖עַ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal
דַּ֣עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
עֶלְי֑וֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
high
Adj
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 24:16
נְאֻ֗ם
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.
שֹׁמֵ֨עַ֙
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.
אֵ֔ל
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.
וְ/יֹדֵ֖עַ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
דַּ֣עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
עֶלְי֑וֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
"high"
Adj
The Most High, a name for God emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It appears in Psalm 57:2, where David cries out to the Most High God for help, showing trust in God's power. This name highlights God's lofty position above all things.
Definition: adj 1) high, upper 1a) of Davidic king exalted above monarchs
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most). See also: Genesis 14:18; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 7:18.
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 24:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 24:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:16
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:16
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:16
- Sermons on Numbers 24:16
Context — Balaam’s Fourth Oracle
14Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you what this people will do to your people in the days to come.”
15Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying, “This is the prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of a man whose eyes are open,
16the 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:
17I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth. 18Edom will become a possession, as will Seir, his enemy; but Israel will perform with valor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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: |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 8:1 | Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 23:1–2 | These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 13:2 | If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. |
Numbers 24:16 Summary
This verse describes the prophetic experience of Balaam, who hears God's words, receives knowledge from the Most High, and sees visions from the Almighty. It highlights the importance of listening to God's voice and being open to His revelation, as seen in other Bible verses like Psalm 119:105, where the psalmist talks about God's word being a lamp to his feet. By positioning ourselves to hear God's words and receive His knowledge, we can gain a deeper understanding of His plans and purposes, similar to what is described in Jeremiah 29:11. As we seek to follow God, we can learn from Balaam's example of reverence and awe in the presence of God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'hear the words of God' as mentioned in Numbers 24:16?
Hearing the words of God refers to receiving divine revelation or inspiration, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Isaiah 6:1-13 or Ezekiel 1:1-3, where prophets received messages from God to deliver to His people.
How does Balaam's ability to 'see a vision from the Almighty' relate to his role as a prophet?
As a prophet, Balaam's role was to receive and convey God's messages, and his ability to see visions from the Almighty was a key part of this, as seen in Numbers 24:16 and supported by other scriptures like Proverbs 29:18, which emphasizes the importance of vision and revelation from God.
What is the significance of Balaam 'bowing down with eyes wide open'?
Balaam bowing down with eyes wide open signifies his reverence and awe in the presence of God, similar to other biblical accounts such as Genesis 17:3, where Abraham falls on his face in reverence, or Isaiah 6:5, where the prophet is overwhelmed by God's holiness.
How does this verse relate to the concept of prophecy in the Bible?
This verse highlights the prophetic role of Balaam, who receives knowledge from the Most High and sees visions from the Almighty, illustrating the biblical concept of prophecy as seen in Deuteronomy 18:15-22, where Moses speaks about the role of prophets in Israel.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to truly 'hear the words of God' in my own life, and how can I cultivate a deeper listening ear to His voice?
- In what ways can I, like Balaam, position myself to receive 'knowledge from the Most High' and see 'a vision from the Almighty'?
- How can I maintain a posture of reverence and awe, like Balaam 'bowing down with eyes wide open', in my daily walk with God?
- What are some ways I can apply the prophetic principles seen in Numbers 24:16 to my own life and relationships, and how can I use these principles to bring glory to God?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 24:16
[See comments on Numbers 24:15]
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 24:16
And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: (See the note on the word "said," Numbers 23:7) The repetition of the prefatory
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 24:16
Numbers 24:16 He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, [which] saw the vision of the Almighty, falling [into a trance], but having his eyes open:Ver. 16. And knew the knowledge of the Most High.] The eye may be clear while the hand is palsied. Baalam’ s great knowledge was but intuitiva, standing in speculation; it was not directiva vitae: he knew but by hearsay, as a blind man knows colours; his light served but to light him into utter darkness. Neronis Quantus artifex pereo, quadrabit in te peritum, et periturum.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 24:16
(16) Which heard . . . and knew.—Better, which heareth . . . and knoweth.Which saw.—Better, he seeth.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 24:16
15–19. Balaam’s second prophetic message. This consists of seven couplets and a triplet.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 24:16
And knew, the knowledge of the Most High - With the addition of these words, which point to the greater importance and the more distinctly predictive character of what follows, the introduction to
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 24:16
THE FOURTH , Numbers 24:15-24.In these prophecies there is a gradual unfolding of the divine purposes respecting Israel and his foes. In the first, there is a denial of any ability to curse those blessed of Jehovah.
Sermons on Numbers 24:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
|
Brokenness by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God breaking us in order to use us effectively. He uses the example of Jacob being broken for twenty years in his father-in |
|
Christian Ethics by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead addresses the complexities of Christian ethics in a culture rife with idolatry, particularly in Corinth, where meat offered to idols posed a dilemma for believers. H |
|
The Life of the Mind and the Love of God by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our minds. He lists seven or eight things that we should avoid in order to cultivate a love for God. Th |
|
Church Life Revisited- 1 Corinthians 13 by Ron Bailey | This sermon focuses on Paul's criteria for what is useful in the church, emphasizing the importance of edification and building up the covenant community. Paul's key question throu |
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The Danger of Loving a Theological System More Than the Savior by Daniel L. Akin | In this sermon, Danny Akin addresses the issue of extreme Calvinism and its negative impact on believers. He emphasizes the importance of loving Jesus and his church above any theo |
|
Carnal Christians by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three important things to remember when thinking about the church. He references Matthew 3:12, where John the Baptist speaks about Jesus. The |