King James Version
What Does Numbers 31:11 Mean?
“And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts.”
Numbers 31:11 · KJV
Context
9
And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.
10
And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire.
11
And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts.
12
And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and unto the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the camp at the plains of Moab, which are by Jordan near Jericho.
13
And Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them without the camp.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThey took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts—the Hebrew distinguishes shalal (inanimate spoil: goods, weapons, treasure) from malqowach (prey: living captives, livestock). This verse summarizes the totality of Israel's victory: complete material plunder and human/animal captives. Unlike typical ancient conquest where victors kept spoils by personal right, Israel operated under cherem (devoted thing) laws—God claimed first rights to all spoils (verse 28-30).
The enumeration of spoils establishes their accountability to God. Numbers 31:25-47 details precise distribution: portions for warriors, congregation, Levites, and Yahweh's tribute. This system taught Israel that military success came from God's power, not human might, and all belongs ultimately to Him (1 Chronicles 29:11-12). The principle continues: believers are stewards, not owners, of every blessing.
The enumeration of spoils establishes their accountability to God. Numbers 31:25-47 details precise distribution: portions for warriors, congregation, Levites, and Yahweh's tribute. This system taught Israel that military success came from God's power, not human might, and all belongs ultimately to Him (1 Chronicles 29:11-12). The principle continues: believers are stewards, not owners, of every blessing.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern warfare typically allowed soldiers to keep personal plunder, creating incentive for military service. Israel's system differed radically: spoils were pooled, counted, and distributed by law, with portions dedicated to tabernacle service. This prevented greed-driven warfare and maintained focus on executing divine judgment rather than personal enrichment. The detailed accounting in verses 32-47 (675,000 sheep, 72,000 cattle, 61,000 donkeys, 32,000 virgin women) shows the campaign's massive scale and Israel's meticulous obedience to distribution laws.
Reflection Questions
- Do you view your resources as personal property or as spoils of spiritual warfare to be stewarded under God's lordship?
- How does Israel's communal distribution of blessings challenge modern individualistic ownership mindsets?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsאֶת2 of 9
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל3 of 9
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וְאֵ֖ת5 of 9
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל6 of 9
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בָּֽאָדָ֖ם8 of 9
“both of men”
H120ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וּבַבְּהֵמָֽה׃9 of 9
“and of beasts”
H929properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
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 31:11 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 31:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge