King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:36 Mean?

Numbers 31:36 in the King James Version says “And the half, which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and seven and thi...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the half, which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five hundred sheep:”

Numbers 31:36 · KJV

Context

34

And threescore and one thousand asses,

35

And thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him.

36

And the half, which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five hundred sheep:

37

And the LORD'S tribute of the sheep was six hundred and threescore and fifteen .

38

And the beeves were thirty and six thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and twelve .

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the half, which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep—The soldiers' half: 337,500 sheep from the 675,000 total. This precise accounting continues through verses 37-40, showing 36,000 cattle, 30,500 donkeys, 16,000 persons. Transparency prevents corruption.

The repetitive detail might seem tedious, but it establishes judicial precedent and demonstrates covenant recordkeeping. These numbers were read publicly, ensuring no embezzlement by leadership. God cares about financial integrity: 'Provide things honest in the sight of all men' (Romans 12:17). The Church must likewise practice transparent stewardship, not hiding behind 'spiritual' justifications for opaque finances.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings often exaggerated military success and plunder in royal inscriptions. Biblical precision suggests historical reliability—invented numbers would be rounder. The detail also served legal/administrative purposes: tribes needed exact figures for distribution, tax collection, and future reference. Israel maintained written records throughout the wilderness period.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God inspire Scripture to record these detailed financial figures rather than just spiritual lessons?
  2. How does public, detailed accounting combat both actual corruption and suspicion of corruption in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַתְּהִי֙1 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַֽמֶּחֱצָ֔ה2 of 16

“And the half”

H4275

a halving

חֵ֕לֶק3 of 16

“which was the portion”

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

הַיֹּֽצְאִ֖ים4 of 16

“of them that went out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

בַּצָּבָ֑א5 of 16

“to war”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

מִסְפַּ֣ר6 of 16

“was in number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

הַצֹּ֗אן7 of 16

“sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

שְׁלֹשׁ8 of 16

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵאֽוֹת׃9 of 16

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אֲלָפִ֖ים10 of 16

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים11 of 16

“and thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

אֲלָפִ֖ים12 of 16

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְשִׁבְעַ֥ת13 of 16

“and seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

אֲלָפִ֖ים14 of 16

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וַֽחֲמֵ֥שׁ15 of 16

“and five”

H2568

five

מֵאֽוֹת׃16 of 16

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

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 31:36 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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Continue Your Study

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