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:

NUMBERS 24:4KJV
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Numbers 24:4 (KJV)

What does Numbers 24:4 mean?

Numbers 24:4 describes someone who has received a message from God, experiencing a vision from the Almighty while in a trance-like state but still conscious and aware. The verse highlights the unusual way this person receives divine communication, with open eyes even while overwhelmed by the experience.

In this verse, the speaker is Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse Israel. Instead, Balaam describes how he hears God's words and sees visions from שַׁדַּי (Shaddai, "the Almighty"), emphasizing the seriousness and authenticity of his prophecy. The scene shows Balaam’s unique position: though physically affected ("falling into a trance"), he remains alert enough ("having his eyes open") to witness and report what God reveals.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 24:4

  • שַׁדַּי (Shaddai, transliterated "Shaddai"): This word means "the Almighty" and is a special title for God, stressing His power and authority in the vision Balaam receives.
  • מַחֲזֶה (machazeh, "vision"): This word refers to a supernatural revelation, not just a dream or ordinary sight, highlighting that Balaam’s experience is a direct encounter with God’s message.
  • נָפַל (naphal, "falling"): This verb often means to physically fall, but here it describes Balaam’s trance-like state—he is overcome by the vision, yet not unconscious.
  • גָּלָה (galah, "open"): This word means "uncovered" or "revealed," showing that even though Balaam is in a trance, his eyes are open to see what God wants to show him.

Why Numbers 24:4 matters

  • Numbers 24:4 clarifies that Balaam’s prophecy is not self-generated but comes directly from God, lending weight and authority to his words.
  • The verse emphasizes the unusual and powerful way God communicates with people, even those outside Israel, showing that God’s message can reach unexpected individuals.
  • This description sets up the seriousness of Balaam’s following prophecy, making it clear to the audience that what he says next is not to be dismissed as ordinary speech.

Where else these words appear

“vision” Hebrew H4236 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
  • 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:
  • Ezekiel 13:7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?

“words” Hebrew H561 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 49:21 Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.
  • Job 34:37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth his hands among us, and multiplieth his words against God.
  • Proverbs 5:7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

“saw” Hebrew H2372 · used in 47 verses

  • Exodus 18:21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
  • Psalms 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
  • Isaiah 33:17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

“Almighty” Hebrew H7706 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
  • Job 11:7 Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?
  • Job 29:5 When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me;