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Numbers 31:27

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Numbers 31:27 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then divide the captives between the troops who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation.

King James Version KJV

And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation:

American Standard Version ASV

and divide the prey into two parts: between the men skilled in war, that went out to battle, and all the congregation.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And let division be made of it into two parts, one for the men of war who went out to the fight, and one for all the people:

Free Bible Version FBV

Then divide them between the troops who went into battle and the rest of the Israelites.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And deuide the praye betweene the souldiers that went to the warre, and all the Congregation.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and thou hast halved the prey between those handling the battle who go out to the host and all the company;

World English Bible WEB

and divide the plunder into two parts: between the men skilled in war, who went out to battle, and all the congregation.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And thou shalt divide the spoil equally, between them that fought and went out to the war, and between the rest of the multitude.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then they must divide all those things, half given to the men who fought in the battle and the other half given to the rest of the people.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 31:27

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 31:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/חָצִ֨יתָ֙ אֶת הַ/מַּלְק֔וֹחַ בֵּ֚ין תֹּפְשֵׂ֣י הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה הַ/יֹּצְאִ֖ים לַ/צָּבָ֑א וּ/בֵ֖ין כָּל הָ/עֵדָֽה
וְ/חָצִ֨יתָ֙ châtsâh H2673 to divide Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/מַּלְק֔וֹחַ malqôwach H4455 prey Art | N-ms
בֵּ֚ין bêyn H996 between Prep
תֹּפְשֵׂ֣י tâphas H8610 to capture V-Qal
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Art | N-fs
הַ/יֹּצְאִ֖ים yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Art | V-Qal
לַ/צָּבָ֑א tsâbâʼ H6635 army Prep | N-cs
וּ/בֵ֖ין bêyn H996 between Conj | Prep
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הָ/עֵדָֽה ʻêdâh H5712 congregation Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 31:27

וְ/חָצִ֨יתָ֙ châtsâh H2673 "to divide" Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To divide means to cut or split something in two, like the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus. This word can also mean to live half of one's life, as seen in the story of Isaac.
Definition: 1) to divide, cut in two, cut short, live half (of one's life) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide 1a2) to half, cut in two 1b) (Niphal) to be divided
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: divide, [idiom] live out half, reach to the midst, participle See also: Genesis 32:8; 2 Kings 2:8; Psalms 55:24.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מַּלְק֔וֹחַ malqôwach H4455 "prey" Art | N-ms
The jaw or mouth is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to taking food or spoils of war. It is used in Job 29:17 to describe taking prey.
Definition: booty, prey
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: booty, jaws, prey. See also: Numbers 31:11; Numbers 31:32; Psalms 22:16.
בֵּ֚ין bêyn H996 "between" Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
תֹּפְשֵׂ֣י tâphas H8610 "to capture" V-Qal
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
הַ/מִּלְחָמָ֔ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Art | N-fs
This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.
Definition: battle, war
Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.
הַ/יֹּצְאִ֖ים yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
לַ/צָּבָ֑א tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
וּ/בֵ֖ין bêyn H996 "between" Conj | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עֵדָֽה ʻêdâh H5712 "congregation" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gathering of people, like a congregation or crowd, often referring to a group of Israelites. It is used in various books, including Exodus and Psalms. The word is about people coming together.
Definition: congregation, gathering
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare H5713 (עֵדָה). See also: Exodus 12:3; Numbers 20:1; Psalms 1:5.

Study Notes — Numbers 31:27

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Joshua 22:8 saying, “Return to your homes with your great wealth, with immense herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and very many clothes. Divide with your brothers the spoil of your enemies.”
2 Psalms 68:12 “Kings and their armies flee in haste; she who waits at home divides the plunder.
3 1 Samuel 30:24–25 Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.” And so it has been from that day forward. David established this statute as an ordinance for Israel to this very day.
4 1 Samuel 30:4 So David and the troops with him lifted up their voices and wept until they had no strength left to weep.

Numbers 31:27 Summary

Numbers 31:27 teaches us about the importance of sharing and being fair, just like the Israelites were instructed to divide the spoils of war between the soldiers and the rest of the congregation. This principle of fairness and equality is rooted in God's love and care for His people, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 20:1-16. By following God's instructions, the Israelites were able to demonstrate their trust in His provision and care, and we can do the same by being mindful of how we share our resources and recognize the contributions of others. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can apply this principle in our own lives, and trust God to guide us in being good stewards of what He has given us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Numbers 31:27 and why is it significant?

Numbers 31:27 is part of the instructions given by God to Moses regarding the division of spoils after a battle, highlighting the importance of fairness and gratitude towards God, as seen in Deuteronomy 26:12-13 and Leviticus 27:30-32.

How does the division of captives in Numbers 31:27 relate to the concept of stewardship in the Bible?

The division of captives between the troops and the rest of the congregation demonstrates the principle of stewardship, where God's people are called to manage and distribute resources wisely, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 12:42-48.

What can we learn from the way the Israelites were instructed to divide the spoils of war in Numbers 31:27?

The instruction to divide the spoils between those who fought and the rest of the congregation teaches us about the value of teamwork, equality, and the importance of recognizing the contributions of all members, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and Romans 12:3-8.

How does Numbers 31:27 relate to the broader theme of God's provision and care for His people?

The division of spoils in Numbers 31:27 demonstrates God's provision and care for His people, ensuring that everyone's needs are met, as seen in Psalm 23:1-4 and Philippians 4:19.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can apply the principle of fairness and equality in my own life, especially when it comes to sharing resources or credit with others?
  2. How can I cultivate a sense of gratitude towards God for the blessings and provisions He has given me, just like the Israelites were instructed to do in Numbers 31:27?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I can practice good stewardship, and how can I trust God to guide me in managing the resources He has given me?
  4. In what ways can I recognize and appreciate the contributions of others, whether in my community, family, or workplace, and how can I show my gratitude towards them?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:27

And divide the prey into two parts,.... Into two equal parts, both the number of the people and of the cattle, when taken: between them that took the war upon them, and went out to battle; the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:27

And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation: No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 31:27

The congregation hath some share, because the warriors went in the name of all, and because all having been injured by the Midianites, all were to have some share in the reparations; but the warriors, who were but 12,000, have a far greater share than others of their brethren, because they underwent greater pains and dangers.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 31:27

(27) And divide the prey into two parts . . . —It was reasonable that those who had encountered the perils and hardships of the war should receive a larger share of the spoil than those who had remained in the camp. It was equally reasonable that the latter should not be left without some substantial benefit from the victory miraculously achieved over the enemies of the Lord and of His people. A similar direction is found in Joshua 22:8 in regard to the division of spoil taken from enemies, but no general ordinance appears to have been made in regard to the division of the spoils of war until the time of David. (See 1 Samuel 30:24-25.)

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:27

25–54. The apportionment of the spoil. Those who fought and those who remained behind were to receive equal shares. This was an ancient custom, which was traced to the action of David (1 Samuel 30:24 f.). But before the appropriation by individuals, a religious tax was to be paid. The fighters were to pay from their share 1/500th to the priests, and the others 1/50th to the Levites. Such a tax is not mentioned elsewhere in the O.T., but perhaps, like the foregoing regulation, it had an ancient custom behind it. Mohammed, whose religion was ultimately based on the O.T., enjoined a similar tax of 1/5th (Koran viii. 42, cited by Gray).

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 31:27

27. The prey — The spoils and captives. Two parts — The soldiers and the congregation were to share equally. Joshua 22:8, note.

Sermons on Numbers 31:27

SermonDescription
Thomas Bradbury Forsaken and Found by Thomas Bradbury Thomas Bradbury preaches on the marvellous grace of Jehovah-Jesus revealed in the narrative of David finding an Egyptian in the field. The sermon highlights the kindness and compas
David Wilkerson A Salute to Those Who Stayed With It by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the diverse callings within the body of Christ. Using the story of David and his army in 1 Samuel 30, it highligh
Mary Wilder Tileston Waiting or Doing by Mary Wilder Tileston Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of contentment and obedience to God's will, emphasizing that whether we are called to worship in stillness or serve in busyness,
A.B. Simpson Tarrying by the Stuff by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the vital role of those who 'tarry by the stuff' in the mission of God, paralleling David's decision to share the spoils of victory with those who stayed be
A.B. Simpson Staying by the Stuff by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of those who 'stay by the stuff' in the context of David's victory over the Amalekites, illustrating that both the front-line soldiers and th
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