King James Version

What Does Numbers 24:6 Mean?

Numbers 24:6 in the King James Version says “As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath pla...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.”

Numbers 24:6 · KJV

Context

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!

6

As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.

7

He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

8

God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.

Read Numbers 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The agricultural metaphors—'As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters'—picture abundance, fruitfulness, and permanence. The Hebrew imagery moves from horizontal spread (valleys, gardens) to vertical height (aloes, cedars), showing complete blessing. The phrase 'which the LORD hath planted' establishes that Israel's flourishing comes from divine cultivation, not human effort. This anticipates Jesus' metaphor of the vine (John 15:5)—fruitfulness flows from abiding in Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

These metaphors would resonate powerfully with Balak viewing Israel from drought-prone Moab. Water imagery symbolized life and prosperity in the arid Near East. The comparison to cedars of Lebanon (the region's most majestic trees) and aromatic aloes indicated nobility and value. Balaam's oracle prophesied Israel's future prosperity in Canaan, the land flowing with milk and honey.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's planting ensure His people's fruitfulness versus self-effort?
  2. What does it mean to be rooted by streams of water in a spiritual sense?
  3. How should believers cultivate dependence on God for spiritual fruitfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
כִּנְחָלִ֣ים1 of 11

“As the valleys”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

נִטָּ֔יוּ2 of 11

“are they spread forth”

H5186

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

כְּגַנֹּ֖ת3 of 11

“as gardens”

H1593

a garden

עֲלֵ֣י4 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

נָהָ֑ר5 of 11

“by the river's side”

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

כַּֽאֲהָלִים֙6 of 11

“as the trees of lign aloes”

H174

aloe wood (i.e., sticks)

נָטַ֣ע7 of 11

“hath planted”

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

יְהוָ֔ה8 of 11

“which the LORD”

H3068

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

כַּֽאֲרָזִ֖ים9 of 11

“and as cedar trees”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

עֲלֵי10 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מָֽיִם׃11 of 11

“beside the waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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 24:6 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 24:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 1:3Isaiah 58:11Psalms 104:16Song of Solomon 6:11Genesis 2:8-10Ezekiel 31:3-4

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 24 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes