King James Version
What Does Numbers 31:44 Mean?
“And thirty and six thousand beeves,”
Numbers 31:44 · KJV
Context
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,
46
And sixteen thousand persons ;)
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd thirty and six thousand beeves—The Hebrew בָּקָר (baqar, "cattle/oxen") refers to large livestock essential for agriculture, transportation, and sacrifice. The congregation's half was 36,000 head (from 72,000 total), representing enormous wealth and productive capacity for the settlement ahead.
Unlike sheep, cattle required significant pastureland and provided draft power for plowing—critical for transforming Canaan from conquest to cultivation. That God allotted cattle to the entire congregation (not just warriors) shows His provision included the means of production for future generations, not merely consumable goods.
Unlike sheep, cattle required significant pastureland and provided draft power for plowing—critical for transforming Canaan from conquest to cultivation. That God allotted cattle to the entire congregation (not just warriors) shows His provision included the means of production for future generations, not merely consumable goods.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern economies depended on cattle for agriculture. A single ox could plow enough land to feed multiple families. The 36,000 cattle distributed to Israel's 600,000+ population ensured adequate plowing capacity for Canaan's hill country agriculture. This occurred just before Joshua's conquest, equipping Israel economically for sedentary life.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's provision of productive assets (cattle) rather than just consumables reflect His long-term care?
- What does this distribution teach about equipping God's people not just for survival but for fruitful labor?
- In what ways should ministry provide people with tools for productivity, not just immediate relief?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 4 wordsוּבָקָ֕ר1 of 4
“beeves”
H1241a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
שִׁשָּׁ֥ה2 of 4
“and six”
H8337six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
אָֽלֶף׃4 of 4
“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 31:44 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.