Numbers 31:26
Numbers 31:26 in Multiple Translations
“You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the congregation are to take a count of what was captured, both of man and beast.
Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation:
Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers’ houses of the congregation;
Get an account of everything which was taken in the war, of man and of beast, you and Eleazar the priest and the heads of families of the people:
“You, Eleazar the priest, and the Israelite family leaders are to take a record of the people and animals that were captured.
Take the summe of the praie that was taken, both of persons and of cattell, thou and Eleazar the Priest, and the chiefe fathers of the Congregation.
'Take up the sum of the prey of the captives, among man and among beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers of the company;
“Count the plunder that was taken, both of man and of animal, you, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the congregation;
Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation:
Take the sum of the things that were taken both of man and beast, thou and Eleazar the priest and the princes of the multitude:
“Tell Eleazar and the leaders of the family groups that they must write down a list of all the goods, the women, and the animals that were captured in the battle.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 31:26
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 31:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׂ֗א
אֵ֣ת
רֹ֤אשׁ
מַלְק֨וֹחַ֙
הַ/שְּׁבִ֔י
בָּ/אָדָ֖ם
וּ/בַ/בְּהֵמָ֑ה
אַתָּה֙
וְ/אֶלְעָזָ֣ר
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן
וְ/רָאשֵׁ֖י
אֲב֥וֹת
הָ/עֵדָֽה
שָׂ֗א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רֹ֤אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
מַלְק֨וֹחַ֙
malqôwach
H4455
prey
N-ms
הַ/שְּׁבִ֔י
shᵉbîy
H7628
captivity
Art | N-cs
בָּ/אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Prep | N-ms
וּ/בַ/בְּהֵמָ֑ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
Conj | Prep | N-fs
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וְ/אֶלְעָזָ֣ר
ʼElʻâzâr
H499
Eleazar
Conj | N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
וְ/רָאשֵׁ֖י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Conj | N-mp
אֲב֥וֹת
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp
הָ/עֵדָֽה
ʻêdâh
H5712
congregation
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 31:26
שָׂ֗א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֵ֣ת
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.
רֹ֤אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
מַלְק֨וֹחַ֙
malqôwach
H4455
"prey"
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.
הַ/שְּׁבִ֔י
shᵉbîy
H7628
"captivity"
Art | N-cs
This word describes someone who has been captured or taken away, like the Israelites who were exiled to Babylon. It can also refer to the act of taking someone or something away, or to the state of being a captive.
Definition: 1) captivity, captives 1a) (state of) captivity 1b) (act of) capture 1c) captives
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: captive(-ity), prisoners, [idiom] take away, that was taken. See also: Exodus 12:29; Isaiah 49:24; Psalms 68:19.
בָּ/אָדָ֖ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Prep | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
וּ/בַ/בְּהֵמָ֑ה
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וְ/אֶלְעָזָ֣ר
ʼElʻâzâr
H499
"Eleazar"
Conj | N-proper
Eleazar means God has helped, and was the name of several Israelites, including a high priest and one of David's warriors.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.42 § Eleazar = "God has helped" 1) the high priest son of Aaron 2) Abinadab's son who cared for the ark 3) the priest who rebuilt and dedicated the restored walls of Jerusalem in time of Ezra 4) one of David's mighty warriors 5) a Levite 6) one of the line of Parosh
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: Eleazar. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 31:51; Nehemiah 12:42.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וְ/רָאשֵׁ֖י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Conj | N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
אֲב֥וֹת
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
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 31:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Division of the Spoils
24On the seventh day you are to wash your clothes, and you will be clean. After that you may enter the camp.”
25The LORD said to Moses,
26“You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the congregation are to take a count of what was captured, both of man and beast.
27Then divide the captives between the troops who went out to battle and the rest of the congregation. 28Set aside a tribute for the LORD from what belongs to the soldiers who went into battle: one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, or sheep.Numbers 31:26 Summary
[This verse is about Moses, Eleazar, and the leaders of the Israelites taking a count of the people and animals they had captured in battle. They wanted to make sure they knew how many there were, so they could divide them fairly among the troops and the rest of the people, as instructed in Numbers 31:27. This count also helped them to set aside a tribute for the Lord, as seen in Numbers 31:28, which reminds us that everything we have belongs to God, and we should give back to Him a portion of what He has given to us, just like we see in Malachi 3:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was it necessary for Moses, Eleazar, and the family heads to take a count of the captured people and animals?
This count was necessary to determine the total number of captives and animals, which would then be divided among the troops and the rest of the congregation, as instructed in Numbers 31:27, to ensure fairness and to set aside a tribute for the Lord, as seen in Numbers 31:28.
What is the significance of Eleazar the priest being included in the count?
As the priest, Eleazar represented the spiritual leadership of the Israelites, and his inclusion in the count emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty over all aspects of their lives, including their military victories, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:4.
How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship in the Bible?
This verse highlights the responsibility of leaders to manage and account for the resources God has provided, as seen in Luke 14:28-30, where Jesus teaches about the importance of counting the cost before embarking on a project, and in Matthew 25:14-30, where the parable of the talents emphasizes the need for faithful stewardship.
What can we learn from the Israelites' practice of setting aside a tribute for the Lord?
The Israelites' practice of setting aside a tribute for the Lord, as seen in Numbers 31:28, teaches us about the importance of giving back to God a portion of what He has given to us, as expressed in Malachi 3:10, where we are encouraged to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can acknowledge God's sovereignty over my life, just as the Israelites did through their count of captives and animals?
- How can I apply the principle of stewardship in my own life, recognizing that everything I have belongs to God?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to take a 'count' and assess my priorities, to ensure I am using my resources wisely and for God's glory?
- In what ways can I give back to God a portion of what He has given to me, just as the Israelites did with their tribute?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:26
Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and beast,.... The number of the females that were taken captive and spared, and of the cattle, the sheep, oxen, and asses: thou, and Eleazar the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:26
Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation: Take the sum of the prey - i:e., of the captives and
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:26
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 31:26
THE OF THE SPOILS, Numbers 31:25-47. 26. Chief fathers — This means heads of the fathers’ houses. See full form, Exodus 6:14.