King James Version

What Does Numbers 31:8 Mean?

Numbers 31:8 in the King James Version says “And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, an...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.”

Numbers 31:8 · KJV

Context

6

And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.

7

And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.

8

And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.

9

And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.

10

And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire.

Read Numbers 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Balaam's death among Midian's kings is tragically ironic - the prophet who couldn't curse Israel for money (Num 22-24) died with those he helped corrupt Israel through immoral counsel. Though God prevented his direct cursing, Balaam found indirect means to harm Israel by advising Midianite women to seduce Israelite men (Num 31:16, Rev 2:14). Peter calls him an example of loving 'wages of unrighteousness' (2 Pet 2:15), while Jude warns against 'error of Balaam' who went 'greedily after... reward' (Jude 11). His death demonstrates that apparent orthodoxy without genuine righteousness leads to destruction.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Balaam, from Pethor in Mesopotamia, had genuine prophetic gifts yet lacked regenerate heart. His oracles of blessing on Israel (Num 23-24) include Messianic prophecy (24:17), yet he sought profit from his gifts. His presence with Midian's kings reveals he stayed nearby after failing to curse Israel, waiting for opportunities to profit from Israel's enemies. His death fulfilled his own ironic request: 'Let me die the death of the righteous' (23:10) - he didn't, dying among God's enemies.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are there ways you're using God-given gifts for selfish gain rather than His glory?
  2. How does Balaam's example warn you about the danger of orthodox words without transformed heart?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וְאֶת1 of 25
H853

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

מַלְכֵ֣י2 of 25

“kings”

H4428

a king

מִדְיָ֑ן3 of 25

“of Midian”

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

הָֽרְג֖וּ4 of 25

“And they slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

עַל5 of 25

“beside”

H5921

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

חַלְלֵיהֶ֗ם6 of 25

“the rest of them that were slain”

H2491

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

אֶת7 of 25
H853

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

אֱוִ֤י8 of 25

“namely Evi”

H189

evi, a midianitish chief

וְאֶת9 of 25
H853

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

רֶ֙קֶם֙10 of 25

“and Rekem”

H7552

rekem, the name of a place in palestine, also of a midianite and an israelite

וְאֶת11 of 25
H853

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

צ֤וּר12 of 25

“and Zur”

H6698

tsur, the name of a midianite and of an israelite

וְאֶת13 of 25
H853

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

חוּר֙14 of 25

“and Hur”

H2354

chur, the name of four israelites and one midianite

וְאֶת15 of 25
H853

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

רֶ֔בַע16 of 25

“and Reba”

H7254

reba, a midianite

חֲמֵ֖שֶׁת17 of 25

“five”

H2568

five

מַלְכֵ֣י18 of 25

“kings”

H4428

a king

מִדְיָ֑ן19 of 25

“of Midian”

H4080

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

וְאֵת֙20 of 25
H853

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

בִּלְעָ֣ם21 of 25

“Balaam”

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

בֶּן22 of 25

“also the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְּע֔וֹר23 of 25

“of Beor”

H1160

beor, the name of the father of an edomitish king; also of that of balaam

הָֽרְג֖וּ24 of 25

“And they slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

בֶּחָֽרֶב׃25 of 25

“with the sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

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 31:8 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 31:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 13:21-22Numbers 25:15Jude 1:11Revelation 2:14Numbers 22:10Numbers 24:25

Places in This Verse

MidianRegion · Modern: Al Bad · 28.49°N, 35.01°E51 verses across 11 books
View all places in Numbers 31 →

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