King James Version
What Does Numbers 31:26 Mean?
“Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation: that: Heb. of the captivity”
Numbers 31:26 · KJV
Context
24
And ye shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and ye shall be clean, and afterward ye shall come into the camp.
25
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
26
Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation: that: Heb. of the captivity
27
And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation:
28
And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryTake the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast—The Hebrew malqowach (prey/booty) included 675,000 sheep, 72,000 cattle, 61,000 donkeys, and 32,000 captive virgins (31:32-35). Moses, Eleazar, and tribal leaders must census everything before distribution.
This meticulous accounting reveals God's concern for justice in material affairs. The spoils represented enormous wealth, yet required transparent inventory by religious and civil authorities together. No soldier could hide plunder; no leader could embezzle. The principle: when God grants increase, His people must handle it with integrity and communal awareness, not private greed.
This meticulous accounting reveals God's concern for justice in material affairs. The spoils represented enormous wealth, yet required transparent inventory by religious and civil authorities together. No soldier could hide plunder; no leader could embezzle. The principle: when God grants increase, His people must handle it with integrity and communal awareness, not private greed.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The census of plunder parallels Numbers' broader census theme (chs. 1-4, 26). Eleazar the priest (Aaron's son) now shares leadership with Moses, preparing for Joshua's succession. The 'chief fathers' were tribal representatives, ensuring fair witness across all Israel.
Reflection Questions
- Why does God require such detailed accounting rather than trusting individuals' honesty?
- How might transparent financial accountability strengthen church or ministry integrity today?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 13 wordsשָׂ֗א1 of 13
“Take”
H5375to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֵ֣ת2 of 13
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְרָאשֵׁ֖י3 of 13
“and the chief”
H7218the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הַשְּׁבִ֔י5 of 13
“that was taken”
H7628exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty
בָּֽאָדָ֖ם6 of 13
“both of man”
H120ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה7 of 13
“and of beast”
H929properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן10 of 13
“the priest”
H3548literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וְרָאשֵׁ֖י11 of 13
“and the chief”
H7218the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הָֽעֵדָֽה׃13 of 13
“of the congregation”
H5712a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
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 31:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.