Numbers 24:4
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
He has said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
American King James Version (AKJV)
He has said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
American Standard Version (ASV)
He saith, who heareth the words of God, Who seeth the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open:
Basic English Translation (BBE)
He says, whose ears are open to the words of God, who has seen the vision of the Ruler of all, falling down, but having his eyes open:
Webster's Revision
He hath said, who heard the words of God, who saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
World English Bible
he says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having his eyes open:
English Revised Version (ERV)
He saith, which heareth the words of God, Which seeth the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having his eyes open:
Clarke's Numbers 24:4 Bible Commentary
Falling into a trance - There is no indication in the Hebrew that he fell into a trance; these words are added by our translators, but they are not in the original. נפל nophel is the only word used, and simply signifies falling, or falling down, perhaps in this instance by way of religious prostration.
Barnes's Numbers 24:4 Bible Commentary
The "falling" of which Balaam speaks was the condition under which the inward opening of his eyes took place. It indicates the force of the divine inspiration overpowering the seer. The faithful prophets of the Lord do not appear to have been subject to these violent illapses Daniel 8:17; Revelation 1:17.
In Balaam and in Saul 1 Samuel 19:24 the word of God could only prevail by first subduing the alien will, and overpowering the bodily energies which the will ordinarily directs.
Wesley's Numbers 24:4 Bible Commentary
24:4 The vision - So called properly, because he was awake when this was revealed to him: A trance - Or, extasy, fainting and falling upon the ground, as the prophets used to do.