King James Version

What Does Numbers 25:17 Mean?

Numbers 25:17 in the King James Version says “Vex the Midianites, and smite them: — study this verse from Numbers chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Vex the Midianites, and smite them:

Numbers 25:17 · KJV


Context

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,

17

Vex the Midianites, and smite them:

18

For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor's sake.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The ongoing command 'For they vex you with their wiles' (continuing from verse 16) explains the reason for warfare: Midian's strategic deception. The Hebrew nekel (wiles/craftiness) indicates cunning schemes. This wasn't random conflict but calculated spiritual warfare. Midian couldn't defeat Israel militarily (Balaam's failed curses proved that), so they used seduction. This reveals Satan's strategy—when frontal assault fails, use subtle corruption. Paul warns similarly: 'lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices' (2 Corinthians 2:11). Recognizing spiritual strategies is essential to resisting them.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The incident at Baal Peor (where Midianite women seduced Israelite men into idolatry and fornication) resulted in 24,000 Israelite deaths by plague (25:9). This devastating judgment showed God's zero tolerance for syncretism. The event became a proverbial warning throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 4:3; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:28-29; Hosea 9:10) about the dangers of sexual and spiritual compromise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we recognize subtle spiritual strategies versus obvious attacks?
  2. What modern 'wiles' seek to corrupt God's people through seduction rather than persecution?
  3. How can we develop discernment to recognize and resist spiritual schemes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
צָר֖וֹר1 of 5

Vex

H6887

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

אֶת2 of 5
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמִּדְיָנִ֑ים3 of 5

the Midianites

H4084

a midjanite or descendant (native) of midjan

וְהִכִּיתֶ֖ם4 of 5

and smite

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אוֹתָֽם׃5 of 5
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)


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 25:17 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 25:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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