King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:41 Mean?

Numbers 31:41 in the King James Version says “And Moses gave the tribute, which was the LORD'S heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest, as the LORD commanded Moses.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 31:41 · KJV

Context

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.

42

And of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided from the men that warred,

43

(Now the half that pertained unto the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep ,

Read Numbers 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Moses gave the tribute, which was the LORD'S heave offering, unto Eleazar the priest—The Hebrew terumah YHWH (תְּרוּמַת יְהוָה, 'heave offering of Yahweh') emphasizes the offering's direction: lifted from common use toward holy purposes. Moses's mediation through Eleazar (Aaron's successor) established proper channels for consecrating spoils to God. Human hands cannot directly handle what belongs to God; priestly mediation is essential.

This foreshadows Christ's high priesthood—He alone mediates between holy God and sinful humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). All we offer to God must pass through Christ's priestly hands to be acceptable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Eleazar succeeded Aaron after his death (Numbers 20:28) and served as high priest during Israel's conquest of Canaan. His administrative role included receiving sacred offerings, maintaining the tabernacle, and overseeing Levitical service. Moses functioned as prophetic authority, but priestly mediation remained distinct.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you attempt to approach God directly, or do you recognize your need for Christ's mediating priesthood?
  2. What does it mean that no offering to God is acceptable except through Christ's mediation?
  3. How does the concept of 'heave offering' challenge consumer Christianity that keeps most resources for self?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן1 of 13

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מֹשֶֽׁה׃2 of 13

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

אֶת3 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מֶ֙כֶס֙4 of 13

“the tribute”

H4371

an assessment (as based upon a census)

תְּרוּמַ֣ת5 of 13

“heave offering”

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 13

“as the LORD”

H3068

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

לְאֶלְעָזָ֖ר7 of 13

“unto Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֑ן8 of 13

“the priest”

H3548

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר9 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֥ה10 of 13

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָ֖ה11 of 13

“as the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת12 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מֹשֶֽׁה׃13 of 13

“And Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

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 31:41 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 31:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 18:19Numbers 18:81 Corinthians 9:10-14Numbers 5:9Hebrews 7:9-12Matthew 10:10

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