King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:16 Mean?

Numbers 31:16 in the King James Version says “Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the m... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 31:16 · KJV


Context

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.

17

Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him. him: Heb. a male

18

But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals Balaam's wicked strategy: 'These caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor.' Unable to curse what God had blessed, Balaam taught Midian how to cause Israel to curse themselves through idolatry and sexual immorality. This 'doctrine of Balaam' (Rev 2:14) represents compromise with worldliness, teaching God's people to sin so judgment falls. The Hebrew 'ma'al' (trespass/unfaithfulness) indicates covenant violation - spiritual adultery. This passage warns that Satan's greatest weapon isn't external persecution but internal corruption through worldly enticement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Baal-Peor incident (Num 25) occurred at Shittim as Israel prepared to enter Canaan. Moabite and Midianite women invited Israelite men to sacrificial feasts involving ritual prostitution in Baal worship. This syncretism - attempting to worship both Yahweh and Baal - brought plague killing 24,000. Only when Phinehas executed judgment did the plague stop. This background explains the severity of judgment on Midian - they had deliberately sought Israel's spiritual destruction.

Reflection Questions

  1. What seemingly innocent relationships or entertainments are subtly drawing you away from wholehearted devotion to Christ?
  2. How do you resist the 'Balaam strategy' - the world's attempts to make you comfortable with compromise?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הֵ֣ן1 of 17
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

הֵ֜נָּה2 of 17

Behold these

H2007

themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)

וַתְּהִ֥י3 of 17

caused

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לִבְנֵ֤י4 of 17

the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙5 of 17

of Israel

H3478

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

דְּבַר6 of 17

in the matter

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

בִּלְעָ֔ם7 of 17

of Balaam

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

לִמְסָר8 of 17

to commit

H4560

to sunder, i.e., (transitively) set apart, or (reflexive) apostatize

מַ֥עַל9 of 17

trespass

H4604

treachery, i.e., sin

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 17

against the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עַל11 of 17
H5921

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

דְּבַר12 of 17

in the matter

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

פְּע֑וֹר13 of 17

of Peor

H6465

peor, a mountain east of jordan in moab; baal peor, (for h1187) a deity worshipped there

וַתְּהִ֥י14 of 17

caused

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַמַּגֵּפָ֖ה15 of 17

and there was a plague

H4046

a pestilence; by analogy, defeat

בַּֽעֲדַ֥ת16 of 17

among the congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

יְהוָֽה׃17 of 17

against the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god


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 31:16 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 31:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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