King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:39 Mean?

Numbers 31:39 in the King James Version says “And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one.”

Numbers 31:39 · KJV

Context

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 .

39

And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one.

40

And the persons were sixteen thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was thirty and two persons.

41

And Moses gave the tribute, which was the LORD'S heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Read Numbers 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one—The Hebrew chamor (חֲמוֹר, 'donkey/ass') designated essential beasts of burden in Israel's economy. Unlike horses associated with warfare and Egyptian oppression, donkeys represented humble transport and agricultural work. The 61 animals consecrated to God underscore that even mundane resources belong to Him.

Nothing is too common for God's claim. The same donkey species carried Mary to Bethlehem and bore Christ into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5), demonstrating God's sovereign use of humble instruments for His glory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Donkeys were more valuable than horses in ancient Israel's terrain and economy. They transported goods, plowed fields, and provided reliable transport. The large number captured (30,500) reveals Midian operated extensive trade networks—fitting for descendants of Abraham's Keturah (Genesis 25:2).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you reserve only 'special' things for God, or does He have claim on the ordinary aspects of your life?
  2. How might God want to use your 'donkey'—your mundane skills and resources—for His purposes?
  3. What does it mean that Jesus chose a humble donkey rather than a warhorse for His triumphal entry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַֽחֲמֹרִ֕ים1 of 9

“And the asses”

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים2 of 9

“were thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

אֶ֖לֶף3 of 9

“thousand”

H505

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

וַֽחֲמֵ֣שׁ4 of 9

“and five”

H2568

five

מֵא֑וֹת5 of 9

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וּמִכְסָ֥ם6 of 9

“tribute”

H4371

an assessment (as based upon a census)

לַֽיהוָ֖ה7 of 9

“of which the LORD'S”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶחָ֥ד8 of 9

“and one”

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְשִׁשִּֽׁים׃9 of 9

“was threescore”

H8346

sixty

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 31:39 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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