King James Version

What Does Numbers 24:3 Mean?

Numbers 24:3 in the King James Version says “And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: whose...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: whose: Heb. who had his eyes shut, but now opened”

Numbers 24:3 · KJV

Context

1

And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. to seek: Heb. to the meeting of

2

And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.

3

And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: whose: Heb. who had his eyes shut, but now opened

4

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:

5

How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!

Read Numbers 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Balaam introduces his third oracle with 'Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said.' The phrase 'eyes are open' contrasts with his earlier blindness when the donkey saw the angel he couldn't perceive (22:31). True spiritual sight comes from God, not human wisdom. Despite opened eyes, Balaam's subsequent treachery showed that seeing truth doesn't guarantee obeying it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This introduction established Balaam's authority as one who genuinely received divine revelation. Ancient Near Eastern oracles typically began with the seer's credentials and claim to supernatural vision, authenticating the message that followed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is spiritual sight (perceiving God's truth) distinct from spiritual obedience (living by it)?
  2. What truths have your eyes been opened to see that you resist obeying?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּשָּׂ֥א1 of 11

“And he took up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מְשָׁל֖וֹ2 of 11

“his parable”

H4912

properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)

וַיֹּאמַ֑ר3 of 11

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וּנְאֻ֥ם4 of 11

“hath said”

H5002

an oracle

בִּלְעָם֙5 of 11

“Balaam”

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

בְּנ֣וֹ6 of 11

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְעֹ֔ר7 of 11

“of Beor”

H1160

beor, the name of the father of an edomitish king; also of that of balaam

וּנְאֻ֥ם8 of 11

“hath said”

H5002

an oracle

הַגֶּ֖בֶר9 of 11

“and the man”

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

שְׁתֻ֥ם10 of 11

“are open”

H8365

to unveil (figuratively)

הָעָֽיִן׃11 of 11

“whose 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 24:3 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 24:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 24:16Numbers 23:7Numbers 24:4Numbers 22:31Numbers 23:18

Test Your Knowledge

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