King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:49 Mean?

Numbers 31:49 in the King James Version says “And they said unto Moses, Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war which are under our charge, and there lacket... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they said unto Moses, Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war which are under our charge, and there lacketh not one man of us. charge: Heb. hand

Numbers 31:49 · KJV


Context

47

Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

48

And the officers which were over thousands of the host, the captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, came near unto Moses:

49

And they said unto Moses, Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war which are under our charge, and there lacketh not one man of us. charge: Heb. hand

50

We have therefore brought an oblation for the LORD, what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD. gotten: Heb. found

51

And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The officers report: 'Thy servants have taken the sum of the men of war... and there lacketh not one man of us.' This miraculous preservation in warfare demonstrated God's protective power. The Hebrew 'ish echad' (one man) emphasizes complete preservation - not even one casualty. This military miracle led to grateful offerings (v.50), showing they recognized divine intervention. The incident typifies Christ's protection of His own - He loses none the Father gave Him (John 6:39, 17:12, 18:9). Though believers face spiritual warfare, ultimate victory and preservation are certain in Christ. God's power keeps us from falling (Jude 24).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This battle executed divine judgment on Midian for the Baal-Peor seduction (ch 25). Twelve thousand Israelite soldiers (1,000 per tribe, v.4-5) defeated Midian completely, killing all males including five kings and Balaam (v.7-8). The complete preservation with no casualties was unprecedented - even in victories, war normally produces casualties. The miracle demonstrated God's favor and judgment execution through Israel. The officers' offering of gold ornaments as atonement (v.50) showed humble recognition that even righteous war required spiritual cleansing. The incident encouraged future generations that obedience to divine commands brings supernatural protection.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you trust Christ's promise to preserve all the Father gave Him, or fear you might be lost?
  2. How does this miraculous preservation encourage your confidence in spiritual warfare that Christ ensures ultimate victory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙1 of 15

And they said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל2 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה3 of 15

unto Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עֲבָדֶ֣יךָ4 of 15

Thy servants

H5650

a servant

נָֽשְׂא֗וּ5 of 15

have taken

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת6 of 15
H853

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

רֹ֛אשׁ7 of 15

the sum

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אִֽישׁ׃8 of 15

not one man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

הַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה9 of 15

of war

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 15
H834

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

בְּיָדֵ֑נוּ11 of 15

which are under our charge

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְלֹֽא12 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִפְקַ֥ד13 of 15

and there lacketh

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ14 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

אִֽישׁ׃15 of 15

not one man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)


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 31:49 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 31:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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