King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:51 Mean?

Numbers 31:51 in the King James Version says “And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels. — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 31:51 · King James Version


Context

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

53

( For the men of war had taken spoil, every man for himself.)


Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels—Moses and Eleazar received gold offerings (זָהָב zahav) described as wrought jewels (כְּלִי מַעֲשֶׂה keli ma'aseh, 'vessels of craftsmanship'), indicating elaborate metalwork rather than raw gold. This voluntary offering (v.50) from military officers expressed gratitude that no soldiers died in the Midianite campaign (v.49)—a miraculous preservation requiring thankful acknowledgment.

The officers' grateful response models proper stewardship: recognizing God's deliverance and responding with generous offerings. Their attitude contrasts with Achan's secret hoarding of war spoils (Joshua 7), bringing judgment on Israel. The New Testament teaches: 'Freely you have received, freely give' (Matthew 10:8)—blessings incur stewardship responsibility, not ownership entitlement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Midianite war (Numbers 31) avenged Midian's seduction scheme at Baal-peor (Numbers 25:16-18; 31:16). The miraculous zero-casualty victory (31:49) among 12,000 Israelite warriors in ancient combat was unprecedented, prompting officers' voluntary 16,750-shekel gold offering (31:52)—approximately 420 pounds of gold, a massive treasury contribution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the officers' grateful gold offering model proper response to divine deliverance and protection?
  2. What does the zero-casualty miracle teach about God's ability to protect His people in impossible circumstances?
  3. How can you cultivate gratitude that responds to blessings with generous stewardship rather than entitled hoarding?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 10

took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֹשֶׁ֜ה2 of 10

And Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאֶלְעָזָ֧ר3 of 10

and Eleazar

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֛ן4 of 10

the priest

H3548

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

אֶת5 of 10
H853

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

הַזָּהָ֖ב6 of 10

the gold

H2091

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

מֵֽאִתָּ֑ם7 of 10
H853

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

כֹּ֖ל8 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כְּלִ֥י9 of 10

jewels

H3627

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

מַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃10 of 10

of them even all wrought

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property


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 31:51 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 31:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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