King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:50 Mean?

Numbers 31:50 in the King James Version says “We have therefore brought an oblation for the LORD, what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 31:50 · KJV


Context

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.

52

And all the gold of the offering that they offered up to the LORD, of the captains of thousands, and of the captains of hundreds, was sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels. offering: Heb. heave offering


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The military officers brought gold ornaments as 'atonement for our souls before the LORD,' recognizing that even righteous war (God-commanded) involved bloodshed requiring purification. The Hebrew 'kaphar' (atonement) means to cover or make reconciliation. Remarkably, not one Israelite soldier died (v.49) - a miraculous preservation pointing to God's protective power. Yet they still sought atonement, understanding that taking human life, even in divine judgment, required spiritual cleansing. This demonstrates that God's people must maintain tender consciences even when executing His just commands. The offering wasn't payment for sin but grateful acknowledgment of God's mercy and their need for cleansing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This voluntary offering followed the war against Midian where Israel executed divine judgment. The gold ornaments - likely plundered from Midianite idols - were consecrated to God's service, transforming spoils of paganism into holy offerings. The amount was substantial (16,750 shekels of gold), showing both the battle's magnitude and Israel's genuine gratitude. The priests kept half as memorial before the Lord in the tabernacle, creating lasting remembrance of God's deliverance and their consecration.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you maintain a tender conscience even in activities that seem spiritually neutral or justified?
  2. How can you consecrate to God the 'spoils' of your victories - turning success into opportunities for worship rather than pride?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַנַּקְרֵ֞ב1 of 19

We have therefore brought

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

אֶת2 of 19
H853

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

קָרְבַּ֣ן3 of 19

an oblation

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

יְהוָֽה׃4 of 19

for the LORD

H3068

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

אִישׁ֩5 of 19

what every 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)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר6 of 19
H834

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

מָצָ֤א7 of 19

hath gotten

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

כְלִֽי8 of 19

of jewels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

זָהָב֙9 of 19

of gold

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

אֶצְעָדָ֣ה10 of 19

chains

H685

properly, a step-chain; by analogy, a bracelet

וְצָמִ֔יד11 of 19

and bracelets

H6781

generally, a lid

טַבַּ֖עַת12 of 19

rings

H2885

properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind

עָגִ֣יל13 of 19

earrings

H5694

something round, i.e., a ring (for the ears)

וְכוּמָ֑ז14 of 19

and tablets

H3558

a jewel (probably gold beads)

לְכַפֵּ֥ר15 of 19

to make an atonement

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עַל16 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

נַפְשֹׁתֵ֖ינוּ17 of 19

for our souls

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לִפְנֵ֥י18 of 19

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָֽה׃19 of 19

for the LORD

H3068

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


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 31:50 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 31:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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