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:
Original Language Analysis
שֹׁמֵ֙עַ֙
which heard
H8085
שֹׁמֵ֙עַ֙
which heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֵ֔ל
of God
H410
אֵ֔ל
of God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
4 of 13
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וְיֹדֵ֖עַ
and knew
H3045
וְיֹדֵ֖עַ
and knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 13
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
עֶלְי֑וֹן
of the most High
H5945
עֶלְי֑וֹן
of the most High
Strong's:
H5945
Word #:
7 of 13
an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme
יֶֽחֱזֶ֔ה
which saw
H2372
יֶֽחֱזֶ֔ה
which saw
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
10 of 13
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
נֹפֵ֖ל
falling
H5307
נֹפֵ֖ל
falling
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
11 of 13
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you possess extensive biblical knowledge yet lack genuine relationship with God?
- What's the difference between knowing about God and knowing God personally?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.