King James Version
Numbers 31:17 in the King James Version says “Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman that hath known man by lying with him. him: He...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“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”
Numbers 31:17 · KJV
And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?
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.
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
But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.
And do ye abide without the camp seven days: whosoever hath killed any person, and whosoever hath touched any slain, purify both yourselves and your captives on the third day, and on the seventh day.
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“every male”
H2145properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“that hath known”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
“man”
H376a 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)
“by lying”
H4904a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
“every male”
H2145properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
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.
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