Numbers 31:16

Verse

“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.

American Standard Version (1901)

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Jehovah in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English

It was these who, moved by Balaam, were the cause of Israel's sin against the Lord in the question of Peor, because of which disease came on the people of the Lord.

Free Bible Version

“You realize that these were the women seduced the Israelite men, leading them to be unfaithful to the Lord at Peor, following Balaam's advice! That's why the Lord's people suffered from the plague!

King James (Authorized) Version

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

One Unity Resource Bible

Behold, these caused the children of Israel [God prevails], through the counsel of Balaam [Not people, Destroyer of people], to commit trespass against Adonai in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Adonai .

Translation for Translators

They are the ones who did what Balaam suggested and urged/persuaded our people to worship Baal instead of Yahweh. As a result, Yahweh caused a plague to strike his people while they were at Peor.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Look, these women caused the people of Israel, through Balaam's advice, to commit sin against Yahweh in the matter of Peor, when the plague spread among Yahweh's community.

Noah Webster Bible

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD, in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

World English Bible

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Yahweh in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Yahweh.

Young's Literal Translation

lo, they — they have been to the sons of Israel, through the word of Balaam, to cause a trespass against Jehovah in the matter of Peor, and the plague is in the company of Jehovah.

Context

Vengeance on Midian

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.¹⁷So now, kill all the boys, as well as every woman who has had relations with a man,

Summary

In this verse, the Israelites are reprimanded for allowing the Midianite women to seduce them into idolatry and sexual immorality. This incident highlights the danger of compromising one's faith and falling into sin due to external influences. It serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in following God's commandments and to avoid being swayed by worldly temptations. The consequences of disobedience are severe, as seen in the subsequent judgment upon the Israelites and the Midianites. Ultimately, this verse underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and fidelity to God amidst a corrupt and sinful world.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

But all the women children,.... The females among the little ones: that have not known a man by lying with him; which might be pretty clear, and easily concluded, from their age: keep for yourselves; either to be handmaids to them, or to be married among them when grown up, and become proselytes, and initiated into their religion.