King James Version
Numbers 31:18 in the King James Version says “But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.”
Numbers 31:18 · KJV
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.
And purify all your raiment, and all that is made of skins, and all work of goats' hair, and all things made of wood. that: Heb. instrument, or, vessel of skins
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“that have not known”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
“by lying”
H4904a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
“a man”
H2145properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)
“with him keep alive”
H2421to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
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.
Numbers 31:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Numbers 31:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge