King James Version

What Does Numbers 24:16 Mean?

Numbers 24:16 in the King James Version says “He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almight...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 24:16 · KJV

Context

14

And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.

15

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said:

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:

17

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth . smite: or, smite through the princes of

18

And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Balaam again describes himself as 'He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High.' The addition of 'knew the knowledge of the most High' (Hebrew 'Elyon', God Most High) emphasizes intimate acquaintance with divine truth. Yet knowing God's truth without heart transformation produces religious knowledge without redemptive relationship—head knowledge without life change.

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Historical & Cultural Context

'Most High' (Elyon) was a divine title emphasizing God's supremacy over all other gods (Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 83:18). Balaam's use of this title acknowledged Yahweh's supreme authority, yet he still betrayed Israel for profit, showing theological knowledge alone doesn't save.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you possess extensive biblical knowledge yet lack genuine relationship with God?
  2. What's the difference between knowing about God and knowing God personally?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
נְאֻ֗ם1 of 13

“He hath said”

H5002

an oracle

שֹׁמֵ֙עַ֙2 of 13

“which heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אִמְרֵי3 of 13

“the words”

H561

something said

אֵ֔ל4 of 13

“of God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

וְיֹדֵ֖עַ5 of 13

“and knew”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

דַּ֣עַת6 of 13

“the knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

עֶלְי֑וֹן7 of 13

“of the most High”

H5945

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

מַֽחֲזֵ֤ה8 of 13

“the vision”

H4236

a vision

שַׁדַּי֙9 of 13

“of the Almighty”

H7706

the almighty

יֶֽחֱזֶ֔ה10 of 13

“which saw”

H2372

to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of

נֹפֵ֖ל11 of 13

“falling”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

וּגְל֥וּי12 of 13

“open”

H1540

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

עֵינָֽיִם׃13 of 13

“into a trance but having his eyes”

H5869

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

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 24:16 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 24:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 24:41 Corinthians 8:11 Corinthians 13:22 Samuel 23:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

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