Numbers 31:2
Numbers 31:2 in Multiple Translations
“Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.”
Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.
Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.
Give the Midianites punishment for the wrong they did to the children of Israel: and after that you will go to rest with your people.
“Punish the Midianites because of what they did to the Israelites. After that you will join your forefathers in death.”
Reuenge the children of Israel of the Midianites, and afterwarde shalt thou be gathered vnto thy people.
'Execute the vengeance of the sons of Israel against the Midianites — afterwards thou art gathered unto thy people.'
“Avenge the children of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.”
Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered to thy people.
Revenge first the children of Israel on the Madianites, and so thou shalt be gathered to thy people.
“Before you die, tell the Israeli people that they should ◄pay back/get revenge on► the Midian people-group for what they did to you.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 31:2
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 31:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נְקֹ֗ם
נִקְמַת֙
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
הַ/מִּדְיָנִ֑ים
אַחַ֖ר
תֵּאָסֵ֥ף
אֶל
עַמֶּֽי/ךָ
נְקֹ֗ם
nâqam
H5358
to avenge
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נִקְמַת֙
nᵉqâmâh
H5360
vengeance
N-fs
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep
הַ/מִּדְיָנִ֑ים
Midyânîy
H4084
Midianite
Art | Ngmpa
אַחַ֖ר
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
תֵּאָסֵ֥ף
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עַמֶּֽי/ךָ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 31:2
נְקֹ֗ם
nâqam
H5358
"to avenge"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to avenge or punish, often used to describe God's justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:43 where God avenges His people.
Definition: 1) to avenge, take vengeance, revenge, avenge oneself, be avenged, be punished 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to avenge, take vengeance 1a2) to entertain revengeful feelings 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to avenge oneself 1b2) to suffer vengeance 1c) (Piel) to avenge 1d) (Hophal) to be avenged, vengeance be taken (for blood) 1e) (Hithpael) to avenge oneself
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: avenge(-r, self), punish, revenge (self), [idiom] surely, take vengeance. See also: Genesis 4:15; Esther 8:13; Psalms 8:3.
נִקְמַת֙
nᵉqâmâh
H5360
"vengeance"
N-fs
This noun means avengement or vengeance, often used to describe God's punishment of the wicked, as seen in Psalm 99:8 where God avenges His people.
Definition: 1) vengeance 1a) vengeance (by God, by Israel, by enemies of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, revenge(-ing), vengeance. See also: Numbers 31:2; Jeremiah 20:12; Psalms 18:48.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
מֵ/אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
הַ/מִּדְיָנִ֑ים
Midyânîy
H4084
"Midianite"
Art | Ngmpa
A Midianite is someone from the tribe of Midian, which was known for its strife and conflict. In the book of Genesis, Moses married a Midianite woman, Zipporah. The Midianites are also mentioned in the book of Numbers.
Definition: Someone from Midian Group of mid.yan (מִדְיָן "Midian" H4080H) § Midianite, of Midian "strife" a member of the tribe of Midian 2) an inhabitant of the land of Midian
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Midianite. Compare H4092 (מְדָנִי). See also: Genesis 37:28; Numbers 25:14; Numbers 31:2.
אַחַ֖ר
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
תֵּאָסֵ֥ף
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עַמֶּֽי/ךָ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-mp | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — Numbers 31:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 31:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 31:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 31:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 31:2
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:2
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 31:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 31:2
- Sermons on Numbers 31:2
Context — Vengeance on Midian
1And the LORD said to Moses,
2“Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people.”
3So Moses told the people, “Arm some of your men for war, that they may go against the Midianites and execute the LORD’s vengeance on them. 4Send into battle a thousand men from each tribe of Israel.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 27:13 | After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was; |
| 2 | Numbers 25:14–18 | The name of the Israelite who was slain with the Midianite woman was Zimri son of Salu, the leader of a Simeonite family. And the name of the slain Midianite woman was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur, a tribal chief of a Midianite family. And the LORD said to Moses, “Attack the Midianites and strike them dead. For they assailed you deceitfully when they seduced you in the matter of Peor and their sister Cozbi, the daughter of the Midianite leader, the woman who was killed on the day the plague came because of Peor.” |
| 3 | Revelation 6:10 | And they cried out in a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?” |
| 4 | Judges 2:10 | After that whole generation had also been gathered to their fathers, another generation rose up who did not know the LORD or the works that He had done for Israel. |
| 5 | Genesis 25:1–4 | Now Abraham had taken another wife, named Keturah, and she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were the Asshurites, the Letushites, and the Leummites. The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were descendants of Keturah. |
| 6 | Hebrews 10:30 | For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge His people.” |
| 7 | Judges 16:28–30 | Then Samson called out to the LORD: “O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more, so that with one vengeful blow I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.” And Samson reached out for the two central pillars supporting the temple. Bracing himself against them with his right hand on one pillar and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people in it. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life. |
| 8 | Deuteronomy 32:35 | Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” |
| 9 | Nahum 1:2 | The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and full of wrath. The LORD takes vengeance on His foes and reserves wrath for His enemies. |
| 10 | Romans 13:4 | For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer. |
Numbers 31:2 Summary
This verse is about God telling Moses to lead the Israelites in taking vengeance on the Midianites, who had done wrong to them. After this is done, Moses will die and join his ancestors. This is not about promoting violence, but about God's justice and judgment, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19. It's a reminder that God is in control and will take care of those who do wrong, and we can trust in His sovereignty and timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites?
God instructed Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites because they had led the Israelites into idolatry and immorality, as seen in Numbers 25. This was a judgment from God for their wicked actions, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 23:3-6.
What does it mean to be 'gathered to your people'?
To be 'gathered to your people' means to die and join one's ancestors in death, as seen in Genesis 25:8 and Genesis 35:29. In this context, God is telling Moses that after he has fulfilled his task of taking vengeance on the Midianites, his life on earth will come to an end.
Is this verse promoting violence or revenge?
This verse is not promoting violence or revenge, but rather God's justice and judgment. As seen in Romans 12:19, God says 'vengeance is mine, I will repay'. This verse is an example of God's sovereign judgment on a wicked people, rather than a call to personal revenge or violence.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of the larger story of God's relationship with the Israelites, as described in the book of Exodus and the rest of the Pentateuch. It also foreshadows the concept of God's justice and judgment, which is a theme throughout the Bible, including in Revelation 20:12-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have been led astray by the 'Midianites' in my own life, and how can I seek God's vengeance on those things?
- How can I balance the idea of God's justice and judgment with His love and mercy, as seen in this verse and elsewhere in the Bible?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, rather than taking matters into my own hands?
- How can I apply the principle of 'vengeance is mine, I will repay' to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:2
Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites,.... For the injury they had done them, by sending their daughters among them, who enticed them to commit uncleanness with them, and then drew them
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:2
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Avenge ... of the Midianites - a semi-nomadic people, descended from Abraham and Keturah, occupying a tract of country east
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 31:2
Of the Midianites, for their malicious designs and practices against Israel, both by hiring Balaam to curse them, and by sending their women to enslave them. The Moabites also were guilty, but God out of his own good pleasure, and in kindness to Lot, was pleased to spare them, the rather, because the measure of their iniquity was not yet full.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 31:2
Numbers 31:2 Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.Ver. 2. Avenge the children of Israel.] This is called the vengeance of Jehovah. The righteous Judge will not fail to avenge our unrighteous vexations, if we "commit ourselves to him in well doing."
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 31:2
Verse 2. Gathered unto thy people.] Where? Not in the grave surely. Moses was gathered with none of them, his burial-place no man ever knew. "But being gathered unto one's people means dying." It does imply dying, but it does not mean this only. The truth is, God considers all those who are dead to men in a state of conscious existence in another world. Therefore he calls himself the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob; now God is not the God of the dead, but of the living; because all LIVE to HIM, whether dead to men or not. Moses therefore was to be gathered to his people-to enter into that republic of Israel which, having died in the faith, fear, and love of God, were now living in a state of conscious blessedness beyond the confines of the grave. See Clarke on Genesis 25:8, and "Genesis 49:33".
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:2
2. This command is anticipated by an editor in Numbers 25:16 ff. See note there.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 31:2
The Midianites - The Moabites are not included. It would thus seem that it was the Midianites, and they only, who deliberately set themselves to work the corruption of Israel.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 31:2
MIDIAN AND BALAAM SLAIN, Numbers 31:1-12. 2. Avenge the children of Israel — This is stronger than an ordinary declaration of war. It is the execution of the righteous sentence of Jehovah.
Sermons on Numbers 31:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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My Sorrows (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher expresses a concern about the current state of the religious scene, where there is a lack of desire for correction and reproof. The preacher criticizes |
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The Mark of the Beast by John Rhys Watkins | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of the mark of the beast and the presence of the Antichrist within the church. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and re |
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The French Reformer John Calvin by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life and teachings of John Calvin, a reformer who sought to spread the gospel of Christ. Calvin initially believed he could reform the Ro |
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Rev. 6:10. How Long? by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar explores the profound question 'How long?' as expressed in Revelation 6:10, emphasizing its significance in human experience and divine communication. He categorizes |
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The Blood of Sprinkling, and the Blood of Abel by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the profound contrast between the blood of Abel and the blood of Christ, illustrating how Abel's blood cries out for vengeance while Christ's blood speaks |
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Unbroken Fellowship Essential by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'Despotes' in the Bible, emphasizing its representation of ownership and authority, both in the secular and spiritual realms. While the term |
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Those Who Strike at God's Eyes by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound connection between God and His people, illustrating that those who harm God's followers are, in essence, striking at God Himself. He draws fro |