King James Version

What Does Numbers 25:14 Mean?

Numbers 25:14 in the King James Version says “Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, even that was slain with the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, even that was slain with the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites. chief: Heb. house of a father

Numbers 25:14 · KJV


Context

12

Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace:

13

And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

14

Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, even that was slain with the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites. chief: Heb. house of a father

15

And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian.

16

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The naming of the slain Israelite—'Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites'—emphasizes that this was not a low-status offender but tribal leadership publicly defying God's law. The Hebrew nasi (prince) indicates high rank. Leadership sin is more heinous because it influences the entire community. Zimri's public shamelessness (verse 6) and high position made his judgment exemplary—a warning that status provides no immunity from divine wrath. Leaders are held to higher standards (James 3:1).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Simeon's tribe would later be decimated and absorbed into Judah, receiving no independent territorial inheritance (Joshua 19:1-9). This judgment may connect to Zimri's sin and the tribe's participation in the Baal Peor incident. The tribe of Levi had earlier gained blessing by zealously executing judgment against the golden calf worshipers (Exodus 32:26-29). Now Phinehas the Levite executed judgment against Zimri the Simeonite, reversing tribal fortunes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does leadership position increase responsibility and accountability before God?
  2. What does public shameless sin by leaders do to a community?
  3. Why does God sometimes make examples of high-status offenders?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְשֵׁם֩1 of 15

Now the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אִ֨ישׁ2 of 15

of the Israelite

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל3 of 15
H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הֻכָּה֙4 of 15

even that was slain

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֲשֶׁ֤ר5 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֻכָּה֙6 of 15

even that was slain

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֶת7 of 15
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַמִּדְיָנִ֔ית8 of 15

with the Midianitish woman

H4084

a midjanite or descendant (native) of midjan

זִמְרִ֖י9 of 15

was Zimri

H2174

zimri, the name of five israelites, and of an arabian tribe

בֶּן10 of 15

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

סָל֑וּא11 of 15

of Salu

H5543

sallu or sallai, the name of two israelites

נְשִׂ֥יא12 of 15

a prince

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

בֵֽית13 of 15

house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָ֖ב14 of 15

of a chief

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לַשִּׁמְעֹנִֽי׃15 of 15

among the Simeonites

H8099

a shimonite (collectively) or descendants of shimon


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 25:14 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 25:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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