Numbers 31:14

Numbers 31:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But Moses was angry with the officers of the army—the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds—who were returning from the battle.

King James Version KJV

And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle.

American Standard Version ASV

And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, who came from the service of the war.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Moses was angry with the chiefs of the army, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds who had come back from the war.

Free Bible Version FBV

Moses was angry with the army officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, who returned from the battle.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Moses was angry with the captaines of the hoste, with the captaines ouer thousands, and captaines ouer hundreds, which came from the warre and battel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Moses is wroth against the inspectors of the force, chiefs of the thousands, and chiefs of the hundreds, who are coming in from the host of the battle.

World English Bible WEB

Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, who came from the service of the war.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, who came from the battle.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Moses being angry with the chief officers of the army, the tribunes, and the centurions that were come from the battle,

Translation for Translators T4T

But Moses/I was angry with some of the men who had returned from the battle. He/I was angry with the army officers and the men who were commanders of 1,000 men and those who were commanders of 100 men.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 31:14

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 31:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּקְצֹ֣ף מֹשֶׁ֔ה עַ֖ל פְּקוּדֵ֣י הֶ/חָ֑יִל שָׂרֵ֤י הָ/אֲלָפִים֙ וְ/שָׂרֵ֣י הַ/מֵּא֔וֹת הַ/בָּאִ֖ים מִ/צְּבָ֥א הַ/מִּלְחָמָֽה

וַ/יִּקְצֹ֣ף qâtsaph H7107 be angry Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פְּקוּדֵ֣י pâqad H6485 to reckon V-Qal-Inf-c

הֶ/חָ֑יִל chayil H2428 Helech Art | N-ms

שָׂרֵ֤י sar H8269 ruler N-mp

הָ/אֲלָפִים֙ ʼeleph H505 thousand Art | Adj

וְ/שָׂרֵ֣י sar H8269 ruler Conj | N-mp

הַ/מֵּא֔וֹת mêʼâh H3967 hundred Art | Adj

הַ/בָּאִ֖ים bôwʼ H935 Lebo Art | V-Qal

מִ/צְּבָ֥א tsâbâʼ H6635 army Prep | N-cs

הַ/מִּלְחָמָֽה milchâmâh H4421 battle Art | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 31:14

וַ/יִּקְצֹ֣ף qâtsaph H7107 "be angry" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be angry or furious, like God's wrath in Psalm 2:12. It describes intense rage or displeasure, often used to warn against provoking God's anger. This word appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to be displeased, be angry, fret oneself, be wroth 1a) (Qal) to be wroth, to be full of wrath, to be furious 1b) (Hiphil) to provoke to wrath or anger 1c) (Hithpael) to put oneself in a rage, anger oneself Aramaic equivalent: qe.tsaph (קְצַף "be angry" H7108)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: (be) anger(-ry), displease, fret self, (provoke to) wrath (come), be wroth. See also: Genesis 40:2; Esther 1:12; Psalms 106:32.

מֹשֶׁ֔ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

פְּקוּדֵ֣י pâqad H6485 "to reckon" V-Qal-Inf-c

This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.

Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered

Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.

הֶ/חָ֑יִל chayil H2428 "Helech" Art | N-ms

This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.

Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad

Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.

שָׂרֵ֤י sar H8269 "ruler" N-mp

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden

Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.

הָ/אֲלָפִים֙ ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Art | Adj

A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.

Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.

וְ/שָׂרֵ֣י sar H8269 "ruler" Conj | N-mp

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

הַ/מֵּא֔וֹת mêʼâh H3967 "hundred" Art | Adj

Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.

הַ/בָּאִ֖ים bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Art | V-Qal

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

מִ/צְּבָ֥א 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.

הַ/מִּלְחָמָֽה 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.

Study Notes — Numbers 31:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 31:14 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:14
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 31:14
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 31:14
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:14
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 31:14
Sermons on Numbers 31:14

Context — Vengeance on Midian

12They brought the captives, spoils, and plunder to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of Israel at the camp on the plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho. 13And Moses, Eleazar the priest, and all the leaders of the congregation went to meet them outside the camp.

14But Moses was angry with the officers of the army—the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds—who were returning from the battle.

15“Have you spared all the women?” he asked them. 16“Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Kings 13:19	But the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to it. But now you will strike down Aram only three times.”
2	1 Samuel 15:13–14	When Samuel reached him, Saul said to him, “May the LORD bless you. I have carried out the LORD’s instructions.” But Samuel replied, “Then what is this bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle that I hear?”
3	Numbers 31:48	Then the officers who were over the units of the army—the commanders of thousands and of hundreds—approached Moses
4	Numbers 12:3	Now Moses was a very humble man, more so than any man on the face of the earth.
5	Leviticus 10:16	Later, Moses searched carefully for the goat of the sin offering, and behold, it had been burned up. He was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s remaining sons, and asked,
6	Exodus 32:22	“Do not be enraged, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know that the people are intent on evil.
7	1 Kings 20:42	And the prophet said to the king, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have let slip from your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, your life will be exchanged for his life, and your people for his people.’”
8	Exodus 32:19	As Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, he burned with anger and threw the tablets out of his hands, shattering them at the base of the mountain.
9	Ephesians 4:26	“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger,

Numbers 31:14 Summary

In Numbers 31:14, Moses is angry with the army officers because they did not follow God's instructions to destroy the Midianite women who had led the Israelites into sin, as seen in Numbers 25:1-9. This shows how important it is to obey God's commands, even when it is hard, as in Deuteronomy 8:1-3. Moses' anger reflects God's holy character, and we can learn from his example to prioritize obedience to God's Word, as in Leviticus 18:5. By following God's commands, we can avoid leading others astray and instead be a positive influence, as seen in Proverbs 27:17.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Moses angry with the officers of the army in Numbers 31:14?

Moses was angry because the officers had spared the women who were responsible for leading the Israelites into idolatry, as seen in Numbers 31:16, which references the incident at Peor in Numbers 25:1-9, where the Israelites sinned against the LORD.

What battle is being referred to in Numbers 31:14?

The battle being referred to is the one against the Midianites, which is described in the preceding verses, Numbers 31:1-13, where the Israelites, under the leadership of Moses, fought against the Midianites and were victorious.

Who were the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds in Numbers 31:14?

The commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds were the military leaders of the Israelites, who were responsible for leading the army into battle, as seen in Numbers 31:14, and were answerable to Moses, the leader of the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 18:21-26 and Deuteronomy 1:15.

How does Moses' anger in Numbers 31:14 relate to God's character?

Moses' anger reflects God's holy character, as seen in Numbers 25:1-9, where God's anger was kindled against the Israelites for their sin, and in Deuteronomy 32:51, where Moses is forbidden to enter the Promised Land due to his own disobedience, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands, as in Leviticus 18:5 and Deuteronomy 8:1-3.

Reflection Questions

What are some situations where I have compromised on God's standards, and how can I learn from Moses' example in Numbers 31:14 to stand firm on God's Word?
How can I, like Moses, prioritize obedience to God's commands, even when it is difficult or unpopular, as seen in Exodus 32:26 and Joshua 24:15?
What are some ways I can examine my own heart and actions to ensure I am not leading others astray, as the women did in Numbers 31:16, and instead, be a positive influence, as seen in Proverbs 27:17 and 1 Corinthians 15:33?
In what ways can I demonstrate a passion for God's holiness and a zero-tolerance policy for sin, as Moses did in Numbers 31:14, and how can I apply this to my own life, as in Romans 6:1-2 and 1 Peter 1:15-16?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:14

And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host,.... The general officers who had the command of the army, for there does not appear to be anyone that was one general over the whole, otherwise the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:14

And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle. Moses was wroth.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 31:14

Because they had spared those who were most criminal, and who by the law of God and of nature were worthy of death.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 31:14

Numbers 31:14 And Moses was wroth with the officers of the host, [with] the captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, which came from the battle.Ver. 14. And Moses was wroth.] For all the joy he could not but be zealous for the Lord of hosts, when he saw the train. Zeal is the cream of all the affections.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:14

1–18. The utter destruction of every Midianite, with the exception of the virgins who are to be kept as spoil.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 31:14

14. Moses was wroth — The meekest man on earth was, (Numbers 12:3, note,) under personal abuse, often angry in the interest of justice. The more Godlike a man is, the more capable he is of indignation against sin.

Sermons on Numbers 31:14

	Sermon	Description
	The Danger of Substitutes by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of substituting words and actions in our relationship with God. He highlights the importance of not just saying we have fellowshi
	Moses, God's Servant: Last 40 Years by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of Moses and the lessons he had to learn before being used by God. Moses spent forty years in the wilderness, where he had to learn a
	Old Testament Survey - Part 20 by Dick Woodward	This sermon delves into the book of Numbers, focusing on the greatness, meekness, and intimate relationship of Moses with God. It explores the concept of meekness, Moses' sin that
	Studies in the Psalms 05 Handfuls From God by Neil Fraser	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their 45 years of full-time service for the Lord, emphasizing that they have never asked people for money. They highlight the idea that accu
	Those to Whom God Gives Revelation by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking revelation from God, drawing parallels between Moses' deep understanding of God's ways and the need for humility to receive divine
	On Eagles' Wings Pt 173 by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for individuals, families, churches, and communities to turn back to God and bring about a revival. He encourages listeners to appro
	The Beatitudes the Third Beatitude by A.W. Pink	A.W. Pink expounds on the third Beatitude, 'Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth,' emphasizing that meekness is synonymous with humility. He illustrates this by r