King James Version

What Does Numbers 22:31 Mean?

Numbers 22:31 in the King James Version says “Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in hi...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. fell: or, bowed himself”

Numbers 22:31 · KJV

Context

29

And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.

30

And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay. upon: Heb. who hast ridden upon me ever since: or, ever since thou wast, etc

31

Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. fell: or, bowed himself

32

And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: to: Heb. to be an adversary unto thee

33

And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.

Read Numbers 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Balaam admits to the donkey 'And he said, Nay' (acknowledging the animal's consistent faithfulness). Then 'the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam' to see the angel with drawn sword. The phrase 'opened the eyes' indicates God's sovereign control over spiritual perception—Balaam needed divine revelation to see what his donkey naturally perceived. This humbling moment should have permanently reoriented Balaam's priorities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The angel of the LORD (likely a Christophany) stood with drawn sword ready to kill Balaam (v.33). Only the donkey's three refusals to advance saved Balaam's life, making the animal's disobedience providential rescue, not mere stubbornness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does pride blind us to spiritual realities obvious to simpler, humbler observers?
  2. When has God needed to forcefully open your eyes to danger you were blindly rushing toward?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיְגַ֣ל1 of 17

“opened”

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

יְהוָה֙2 of 17

“Then the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת3 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֵינֵ֣י4 of 17

“the eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

בִלְעָם֒5 of 17

“of Balaam”

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

וַיַּ֞רְא6 of 17

“and he saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת7 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַלְאַ֤ךְ8 of 17

“the angel”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

יְהוָה֙9 of 17

“Then the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

נִצָּ֣ב10 of 17

“standing”

H5324

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ11 of 17

“in the way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

וְחַרְבּ֥וֹ12 of 17

“and his sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

שְׁלֻפָ֖ה13 of 17

“drawn”

H8025

to pull out, up or off

בְּיָד֑וֹ14 of 17

“in his hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וַיִּקֹּ֥ד15 of 17

“and he bowed down”

H6915

to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference

וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ16 of 17

“his head and fell flat”

H7812

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לְאַפָּֽיו׃17 of 17

“on his face”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 22:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 22:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 21:19Luke 24:31Luke 24:16Numbers 24:161 Chronicles 21:16Acts 26:18

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