King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:4 Mean?

Numbers 31:4 in the King James Version says “Of every tribe a thousand , throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war. Of: Heb. A thousand of a trib... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Of every tribe a thousand , throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war. Of: Heb. A thousand of a tribe, a thousand of a tribe

Numbers 31:4 · KJV


Context

2

Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.

3

And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian.

4

Of every tribe a thousand , throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war. Of: Heb. A thousand of a tribe, a thousand of a tribe

5

So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

6

And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel—The equal conscription (elef echad, אֶלֶף אֶחָד, one thousand each) ensured tribal solidarity in holy war. All twelve tribes shared responsibility for defending covenant holiness, not just warrior tribes like Gad or Naphtali. This unified response to the Midianite threat contrasts with later tribal divisions.

The total force of 12,000 (v. 5) was modest compared to Israel's fighting-age men (over 600,000, Numbers 26:51), signifying trust in divine power rather than numerical superiority. Gideon's 300 against the Midianites (Judges 7) and Jonathan's "nothing can hinder the LORD from saving" (1 Samuel 14:6) echo this principle: victory belongs to God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This selective conscription preserved most of Israel for the impending Jordan crossing and Canaan conquest. The campaign was surgical and specific, targeting the Midianite leadership and those directly involved in the Baal-Peor seduction. It was not total annihilation of the Midianite people—Midianites appear later in Judges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the equal tribal contribution to holy war challenge individualism in the church's spiritual battles today?
  2. What does the modest army size (12,000 from 600,000) teach about trusting God's power over human resources?
  3. In what areas of spiritual warfare might you be relying on numerical strength rather than divine empowerment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אֶ֖לֶף1 of 9

a thousand

H505

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

מַטּ֣וֹת2 of 9

Of every tribe

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

אֶ֖לֶף3 of 9

a thousand

H505

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

מַטּ֣וֹת4 of 9

Of every tribe

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

לְכֹל֙5 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַטּ֣וֹת6 of 9

Of every tribe

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל7 of 9

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

תִּשְׁלְח֖וּ8 of 9

shall ye send

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לַצָּבָֽא׃9 of 9

to the war

H6635

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


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 31:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 31:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study