King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:26 Mean?

Numbers 31:26 in the King James Version says “Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers o...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 · King James Version

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:

Read Numbers 31 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Take 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.

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

  1. Why does God require such detailed accounting rather than trusting individuals' honesty?
  2. How might transparent financial accountability strengthen church or ministry integrity today?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
שָׂ֗א1 of 13

“Take”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֵ֣ת2 of 13
H853

properly, 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”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

מַלְק֙וֹחַ֙4 of 13

“of the prey”

H4455

transitively (in dual) the jaws (as taking food)

הַשְּׁבִ֔י5 of 13

“that was taken”

H7628

exiled; captured; as noun, exile (abstractly or concretely and collectively); by extension, booty

בָּֽאָדָ֖ם6 of 13

“both of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וּבַבְּהֵמָ֑ה7 of 13

“and of beast”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

אַתָּה֙8 of 13
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְאֶלְעָזָ֣ר9 of 13

“thou and Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֔ן10 of 13

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְרָאשֵׁ֖י11 of 13

“and the chief”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֲב֥וֹת12 of 13

“fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

הָֽעֵדָֽה׃13 of 13

“of the congregation”

H5712

a 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.

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 31 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes