King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:14 Mean?

Numbers 31:14 in the King James Version says “And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which c...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle. battle: Heb. host of war”

Numbers 31:14 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle. battle: Heb. host of war

15

And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?

16

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

Read Numbers 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' anger against the officers for sparing Midianite women reveals the seriousness of the seduction that had caused Israel's plague. These women had 'caused the children of Israel...to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor' (verse 16), making their preservation dangerous. Moses' rebuke demonstrates that mercy toward God's enemies can constitute disobedience when God has commanded judgment. This difficult passage teaches that sometimes love for God requires executing His judgments without sentimental compromise.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Midianite women's role in seducing Israel to Baal worship (chapter 25) motivated this harsh treatment. The command to execute them seems severe by modern standards but represented holy war judgment on those who had deliberately attacked Israel spiritually. This parallels the later command to utterly destroy Canaanites who would lead Israel into idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:1-5). Such passages must be understood in their Old Testament context of God's direct theocratic governance, not as templates for church practice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you reconcile God's love and mercy with passages describing divine judgment on His enemies?
  2. What principles about spiritual warfare and resisting seduction apply today, even though the literal application differs?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיִּקְצֹ֣ף1 of 12

“was wroth”

H7107

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

מֹשֶׁ֔ה2 of 12

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עַ֖ל3 of 12
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּקוּדֵ֣י4 of 12

“with the officers”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

הֶחָ֑יִל5 of 12

“of the host”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

וְשָׂרֵ֣י6 of 12

“and captains”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הָֽאֲלָפִים֙7 of 12

“over thousands”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְשָׂרֵ֣י8 of 12

“and captains”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הַמֵּא֔וֹת9 of 12

“over hundreds”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

הַבָּאִ֖ים10 of 12

“which came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

מִצְּבָ֥א11 of 12

“from”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הַמִּלְחָמָֽה׃12 of 12

“the battle”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

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 31:14 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 31:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 15:13-14Exodus 32:191 Kings 20:422 Kings 13:19Ephesians 4:26Exodus 32:22

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