Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened: New Living Translation the message of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: English Standard Version the oracle of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down with his eyes uncovered: Berean Standard Bible the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: King James Bible 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: New King James Version The utterance of him who hears the words of God, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Who falls down, with eyes wide open: New American Standard Bible The declaration of him who hears the words of God, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered, NASB 1995 The oracle of him who hears the words of God, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered, NASB 1977 The oracle of him who hears the words of God, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered, Legacy Standard Bible The oracle of him who hears the words of God, Who beholds the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, yet having his eyes opened, Amplified Bible The oracle of one who hears the words of God, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, but having his eyes open and uncovered, Christian Standard Bible the oracle of one who hears the sayings of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls into a trance with his eyes uncovered: Holman Christian Standard Bible the oracle of one who hears the sayings of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls into a trance with his eyes uncovered: American Standard Version He saith, who heareth the words of God, Who seeth the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open: Contemporary English Version It comes from the LORD, the God All-Powerful. I bowed down to him and saw a vision of Israel. English Revised Version He saith, which heareth the words of God, Which seeth the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open: GOD'S WORD® Translation This is the message of the one who hears the words of God, has a vision from the Almighty, and falls [into a trance] with his eyes open: Good News Translation Who can hear what God is saying. With staring eyes I see in a trance A vision from Almighty God. International Standard Version A declaration from one who hears what God has to say, who saw the vision that the Almighty revealed, who keeps stumbling with open eyes. NET Bible the oracle of the one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, although falling flat on the ground with eyes open: New Heart English Bible he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of Shaddai, falling down, and having his eyes open: Webster's Bible Translation 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: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblethe prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who bows down with eyes wide open: World English Bible he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open: Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAn affirmation of him who is hearing sayings of God, "" Who sees a vision of the Almighty, "" Falling—and eyes uncovered: Young's Literal Translation An affirmation of him who is hearing sayings of God -- Who a vision of the Almighty seeth, Falling -- and eyes uncovered: Smith's Literal Translation He said, hearing the sayings of God, who will see the vision of the Almighty, falling, and the eyes being uncovered: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe 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: Catholic Public Domain Version the hearer of the sermon of God, he who has gazed upon a vision of the Almighty, he who falls down and so his eyes are opened, has declared: New American Bible The oracle of one who hears what God says, and knows what the Most High knows, Of one who sees what the Almighty sees, in rapture and with eyes unveiled: New Revised Standard Version the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, but with eyes uncovered: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe has said, who heard the word of God, who saw the vision of God, falling into a trance but having his eyes open: Peshitta Holy Bible Translated He who heard the speech of God and seeing the appearance of God said, when raising and opening his eyes. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The saying of him who heareth the words of God, Who seeth the vision of the Almighty, Fallen down, yet with opened eyes: Brenton Septuagint Translation he says who hears the oracle of the Mighty One, who saw a vision of God in sleep; his eyes were opened: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Balaam's Third Oracle…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 Numbers 22:38 “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.” Numbers 23:5 Then the LORD put a message in Balaam’s mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and give him this message.” Numbers 23:16 And the LORD met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth, saying, “Return to Balak and speak what I tell you.” Numbers 23:26 But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?” 2 Peter 1:21 For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:17 ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, / but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. 1 Samuel 9:9 (Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.) 1 Samuel 10:6 Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person. 1 Samuel 19:20-24 he sent messengers to seize him. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon them, and Saul’s messengers also began to prophesy. / When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy. / Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the large cistern at Secu, where he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “At Naioth in Ramah,” he was told. ... Isaiah 44:26 who confirms the message of His servant and fulfills the counsel of His messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be inhabited,’ and of the cities of Judah, ‘They will be rebuilt, and I will restore their ruins,’ Ezekiel 1:1 In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God. Ezekiel 3:12-14 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard a great rumbling sound behind me: “Blessed be the glory of the LORD in His dwelling place!” / It was the sound of the wings of the living creatures brushing against one another and the sound of the wheels beside them, a great rumbling sound. / So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me. Ezekiel 37:1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by His Spirit and set me down in the middle of the valley, and it was full of bones. Joel 2:28 And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Treasury of Scripture He has said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: Jump to Previous Affirmation Almighty Ears Eyes Heard Heareth Hearing Hears Open Opened Oracle Prostrate Sayings Trance Uncovered Vision WordsJump to Next Affirmation Almighty Ears Eyes Heard Heareth Hearing Hears Open Opened Oracle Prostrate Sayings Trance Uncovered Vision WordsNumbers 24 1. Balaam, leaving divinations, prophesies the happiness of Israel10. Balak, in anger, dismisses him 15. He prophesies of the Star of Jacob, and the destruction of some nations the prophecy of one who hears the words of God This phrase indicates a divine revelation, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's voice. In the context of Numbers, Balaam is a non-Israelite prophet who receives messages from God, highlighting that God's communication is not limited to Israel alone. This echoes the broader biblical theme that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes, as seen with figures like Cyrus in Isaiah 45:1. The act of hearing God's words is central to the prophetic role, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:18, where God promises to raise a prophet like Moses who will speak His words. who sees a vision from the Almighty who bows down with eyes wide open Persons / Places / Events 1. BalaamA non-Israelite prophet who is hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. Instead, he delivers blessings as directed by God. 2. Balak The king of Moab who fears the Israelites and seeks to curse them through Balaam. 3. Moab The region where Balak rules, located east of the Dead Sea, representing opposition to Israel. 4. Israelites The people of God, journeying to the Promised Land, whom Balak seeks to curse. 5. The Almighty (El Shaddai) A name for God emphasizing His power and sovereignty, who reveals His will to Balaam. Teaching Points Hearing God's WordsBalaam's experience reminds us of the importance of listening to God's words. We should seek to hear God through Scripture and prayer, ensuring our actions align with His will. Vision and Revelation Balaam's vision from the Almighty teaches us that God can reveal His plans to anyone He chooses. We should remain open to God's guidance and be willing to act on His revelations. Humility Before God Balaam's posture of bowing with eyes wide open signifies humility and readiness to receive from God. We should approach God with humility, acknowledging His sovereignty in our lives. God's Sovereignty Despite Balaam's initial intentions, God's sovereignty prevails. This assures us that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human actions, and we can trust in His ultimate control over our circumstances. Blessing Instead of Curse Balaam's blessing over Israel, instead of a curse, illustrates how God can turn intended harm into good. We should trust God to protect and bless us, even when others may wish us harm. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 24:4?2. How does Numbers 24:4 demonstrate God's sovereignty in revealing visions to Balaam? 3. What can we learn about spiritual discernment from Balaam's experience in Numbers 24:4? 4. How does Balaam's vision in Numbers 24:4 connect to God's promises to Israel? 5. In what ways can we seek to be "one who hears the words"? 6. How can Balaam's encounter in Numbers 24:4 inspire our faith and obedience today? 7. What does Numbers 24:4 reveal about Balaam's relationship with God? 8. How does Numbers 24:4 challenge the concept of divine inspiration? 9. Why is Balaam's vision in Numbers 24:4 significant in biblical prophecy? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 24? 11. What are the signs of the end times? 12. Why did the Millerites' prophecy fail in 1844? 13. What are Jehovah's Witnesses and their core beliefs? 14. How do we reconcile the prophecy of a 'star out of Jacob' in Numbers 24:17 with the lack of historical or astronomical evidence for such an event? What Does Numbers 24:4 Mean the prophecy of one who hears the words of GodNumbers 24:4 opens by spotlighting a messenger whose message flows directly from God, not personal opinion. Balaam—though a Gentile seer hired to curse Israel—announces that the words he is about to speak are God’s own words. • This underscores accountability; genuine prophecy cannot contradict prior revelation (Deuteronomy 18:18–22). • Throughout Scripture, faithful servants are marked by an attentive ear: “Speak, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). • Isaiah paints the same picture of an obedient listener: “He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen like those being taught” (Isaiah 50:4). By stressing that he “hears,” Balaam testifies that God can make His truth known even through unlikely instruments—and that the hearer must faithfully relay, not reshape, the message. who sees a vision from the Almighty Hearing is coupled with seeing; revelation engages both senses. Balaam isn’t working up fantasies but receiving a divinely granted glimpse. • God spoke to Abram “in a vision” (Genesis 15:1), and to Ezekiel when “the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God” (Ezekiel 1:1). • The title “Almighty” (El Shaddai) stresses God’s sovereign power to reveal future realities no human could foresee. • In Balaam’s case, the vision includes Israel’s blessed destiny and the future “star out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17), forecasting Messiah’s reign. True vision anchors faith in what God shows rather than what circumstances suggest; Moab wants a curse, but God reveals blessing. who bows down with eyes wide open Revelation does not breed pride; it produces worship. Balaam “bows down,” acknowledging the One who has interrupted his plans. Yet his “eyes [are] wide open”—he remains conscious, absorbing what God displays. • Moses reacted similarly: “Moses immediately bowed down to the ground and worshiped” (Exodus 34:8). • John fell at Jesus’ feet “as though dead” when given Revelation’s visions (Revelation 1:17). This posture blends humility and alertness—heart low, eyes lifted. It models how believers receive God’s Word today: surrendering self while staying spiritually awake to see His purposes. summary Numbers 24:4 presents a three-fold portrait of authentic prophecy: a servant who hears God’s words, sees God’s vision, and responds in humble, wide-eyed worship. In context, Balaam’s reluctant obedience proves that God’s blessing on Israel is unstoppable. For us, the verse invites the same pattern—listen carefully to Scripture, look expectantly for God’s perspective, and bow willingly in reverent awe. (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 (1Samuel 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).Verse 4. - Falling into a trance. Rather, "falling down." Qui cadit, Vulgate. The case of Saul, who "fell down naked all that day" (1 Samuel 19:24), overcome by the illapse of the Spirit, affords the best comparison. Physically, it would seem to have been a kind of catalepsy, in which the senses were closed to outward things, and the eyes open but unseeing. The word for "open" in this verse is the ordinary one, not that used in verse 3.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew the prophecyנְאֻ֕ם (nə·’um) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5002: An oracle of one who hears שֹׁמֵ֖עַ (šō·mê·a‘) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently the words אִמְרֵי־ (’im·rê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 561: Something said of God, אֵ֑ל (’êl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty who אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that sees יֶֽחֱזֶ֔ה (ye·ḥĕ·zeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2372: To gaze at, to perceive, contemplate, to have a, vision of a vision מַחֲזֵ֤ה (ma·ḥă·zêh) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4236: A vision from the Almighty, שַׁדַּי֙ (šad·day) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7706: The Almighty who bows down נֹפֵ֖ל (nō·p̄êl) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie with eyes עֵינָֽיִם׃ (‘ê·nā·yim) Noun - cd Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain wide open: וּגְל֥וּי (ū·ḡə·lui) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal Links Numbers 24:4 NIVNumbers 24:4 NLT Numbers 24:4 ESV Numbers 24:4 NASB Numbers 24:4 KJV Numbers 24:4 BibleApps.com Numbers 24:4 Biblia Paralela Numbers 24:4 Chinese Bible Numbers 24:4 French Bible Numbers 24:4 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 24:4 He says who hears the words (Nu Num.) |
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