King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:22 Mean?

Numbers 31:22 in the King James Version says “Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,”

Numbers 31:22 · KJV

Context

20

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

21

And Eleazar the priest said unto the men of war which went to the battle, This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD commanded Moses;

22

Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,

23

Every thing that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make go through the water.

24

And ye shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and ye shall be clean, and afterward ye shall come into the camp.

Read Numbers 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead—this verse begins specifying which plundered materials could withstand fire purification (v.23). The Hebrew lists six metals: zahab (gold), kesef (silver), nechosheth (bronze/brass), barzel (iron), bedil (tin), and oferet (lead). This technical knowledge reflects ancient Near Eastern metallurgy—Israel distinguished metals by melting points and purification methods.

The list demonstrates God's concern for practical details: holiness isn't abstract spirituality divorced from material reality. Different materials require different cleansing methods—fire for heat-resistant metals, water for organic materials (v.20,23). This principle extends spiritually: God's refining fire purifies believers differently based on temperament and calling (1 Corinthians 3:12-15, 1 Peter 1:7). What matters isn't the method but the result: holiness suitable for God's presence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Bronze Age/early Iron Age metallurgy (c. 1400 BC) worked with these six metals commonly. Gold and silver were precious metals for currency and ornamentation. Bronze (copper-tin alloy) provided weapons, tools, and household items. Iron, increasingly common by this period, made superior weapons. Tin (alloyed with copper for bronze) and lead (for weights, sling bullets, and architectural purposes) completed the metal inventory. The Midianites likely possessed significant metalwork given their trading culture. Fire purification at high temperatures eliminated organic contamination from battlefield deaths while allowing metal reuse—economically wise and ritually necessary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's attention to technical details in purification encourage careful obedience in seemingly mundane areas of life?
  2. What 'metals' in your character—areas of strength—can withstand God's refining fire, and what requires gentler water cleansing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אַ֥ךְ1 of 13
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֶת2 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַזָּהָ֖ב3 of 13

“Only the gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וְאֶת4 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַכָּ֑סֶף5 of 13

“and the silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

אֶֽת6 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַנְּחֹ֙שֶׁת֙7 of 13

“the brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

אֶת8 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַבַּרְזֶ֔ל9 of 13

“the iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

אֶֽת10 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַבְּדִ֖יל11 of 13

“the tin”

H913

alloy (because removed by smelting); by analogy, tin

וְאֶת12 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָֽעֹפָֽרֶת׃13 of 13

“and the lead”

H5777

lead (from its dusty color)

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 31:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

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