King James Version
What Does Numbers 31:43 Mean?
“(Now the half that pertained unto the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep ,”
Numbers 31:43 · KJV
Context
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 ,
44
And thirty and six thousand beeves,
45
And thirty thousand asses and five hundred,
Commentary
KJV Study Commentary(Now the half that pertained unto the congregation was three hundred thousand and thirty thousand and seven thousand and five hundred sheep—The parenthetical structure marks this as explanatory detail, listing the congregation's exact share: 337,500 צֹאן (tzon, "sheep/small livestock"). The precision demonstrates covenantal accountability—every animal was counted, nothing hidden or misappropriated.
This massive number (half of 675,000 sheep) reveals the extraordinary scale of Midianite wealth and God's judgment upon them. The צֹאן provided wool, milk, meat, and sacrificial animals—sustaining Israel's entire economy. That the non-combatant community received such abundance shows God's provision extends beyond those who directly engage in His battles.
This massive number (half of 675,000 sheep) reveals the extraordinary scale of Midianite wealth and God's judgment upon them. The צֹאן provided wool, milk, meat, and sacrificial animals—sustaining Israel's entire economy. That the non-combatant community received such abundance shows God's provision extends beyond those who directly engage in His battles.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The Midianites were prosperous pastoralists controlling trade routes through Transjordan. Their vast flocks represented generational wealth. This single distribution gave each Israelite household multiple sheep, transforming the economic landscape as Israel prepared to settle Canaan. The accounting occurred under Eleazar the priest's supervision, ensuring religious legitimacy.
Reflection Questions
- What does the meticulous counting of spoils teach about financial integrity and transparency in God's kingdom?
- How does the congregation receiving spoils without fighting reflect the doctrine of grace through Christ's victory?
- What responsibilities come with receiving unearned abundance from God's provision?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 14 wordsוַתְּהִ֛י1 of 14
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הָֽעֵדָ֖ה3 of 14
“that pertained unto the congregation”
H5712a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
אֲלָפִ֖ים8 of 14
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
אֲלָפִ֖ים10 of 14
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
שִׁבְעַ֥ת11 of 14
“and seven”
H7651seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
אֲלָפִ֖ים12 of 14
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
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 31:43 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.