Numbers 31:48
Numbers 31:48 in Multiple Translations
Then the officers who were over the units of the army—the commanders of thousands and of hundreds—approached Moses
¶ And the officers which were over thousands of the host, the captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, came near unto Moses:
And the officers that were over the thousands of the host, the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, came near unto Moses;
Then the men in authority over the thousands of the army, the captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, came to Moses,
The army officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, came to Moses
Then the captaines which were ouer thousandes of the hoste, the captaines ouer the thousandes, and the captaines ouer the hundreds came vnto Moses:
And the inspectors whom the thousands of the host hath, (heads of the thousands and heads of the hundreds), draw near unto Moses,
The officers who were over the thousands of the army, the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, came near to Moses.
And the officers who were over thousands of the hosts, the captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, came near to Moses:
And when the commanders of the army, and the tribunes and centurions were come to Moses, they said:
Then the army officers and those who commanded 1,000 men and those who commanded 100 men came to Moses/me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 31:48
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 31:48 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יִּקְרְבוּ֙
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
הַ/פְּקֻדִ֕ים
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
לְ/אַלְפֵ֣י
הַ/צָּבָ֑א
שָׂרֵ֥י
הָ/אֲלָפִ֖ים
וְ/שָׂרֵ֥י
הַ/מֵּאֽוֹת
וַֽ/יִּקְרְבוּ֙
qârab
H7126
to present
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֔ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
הַ/פְּקֻדִ֕ים
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לְ/אַלְפֵ֣י
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Prep | Adj
הַ/צָּבָ֑א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
Art | N-cs
שָׂרֵ֥י
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
הָ/אֲלָפִ֖ים
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Art | Adj
וְ/שָׂרֵ֥י
sar
H8269
ruler
Conj | N-mp
הַ/מֵּאֽוֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 31:48
וַֽ/יִּקְרְבוּ֙
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
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.
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.
הַ/פְּקֻדִ֕ים
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
Art | 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.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לְ/אַלְפֵ֣י
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Prep | 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.
הַ/צָּבָ֑א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
Art | 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.
שָׂרֵ֥י
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/אֲלָפִ֖ים
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/שָׂרֵ֥י
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.
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.
הַ/מֵּאֽוֹת
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 31:48
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Voluntary Offering
46and 16,000 people.
47From the Israelites’ half, Moses took one out of every fifty persons and animals and gave them to the Levites who kept charge of the tabernacle of the LORD, as the LORD had commanded him.
48Then the officers who were over the units of the army—the commanders of thousands and of hundreds—approached Moses
49and said, “Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one of us is missing. 50So we have brought to the LORD an offering of the gold articles each man acquired—armlets, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD.”Numbers 31:48 Summary
This verse shows us that the officers of the Israelite army came to Moses to report on the battle, demonstrating their respect for his leadership. It's like when we have to report to our parents or teachers about what we've done, and we want to be honest and respectful. The officers were being accountable for their actions, just like we should be, as taught in Romans 14:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10. By following the officers' example, we can learn to be more responsible and respectful in our own lives, and trust in God's guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the officers mentioned in Numbers 31:48?
The officers mentioned are the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, who were over the units of the army, as seen in Numbers 31:48. They were the leaders of the Israelite army, responsible for the soldiers under their command, as noted in Numbers 31:49.
What is the significance of the officers approaching Moses?
The officers approaching Moses in Numbers 31:48 shows their respect and accountability to their leader, as they were about to report on the outcome of the battle, similar to how Joshua reported to Moses in Exodus 17:13-14.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is a transition from the description of the spoils of war in Numbers 31:32-47 to the report of the officers and their offering to the Lord in Numbers 31:49-50, demonstrating the Israelites' obedience to the Lord's commands, such as in Numbers 31:47.
What can we learn from the officers' actions in this verse?
The officers' actions in Numbers 31:48 demonstrate their commitment to following God's commands and their respect for authority, as seen in Moses' leadership, which is a key aspect of Christian living, as taught in Ephesians 6:1-3 and Hebrews 13:17.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the character of the officers, and how can I apply their example to my own life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate respect and accountability to my own leaders, just like the officers did with Moses?
- How does this verse contribute to the overall narrative of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, and what can I learn from their experiences?
- What role does leadership play in this verse, and how can I develop my own leadership skills to serve others effectively?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:48
And the officers which were over thousands of the host,.... Over the twelve thousand, of which the host or army consisted: namely, the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, came near
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:48
And the officers which were over thousands of the host, the captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, came near unto Moses: Officers ... said ... there lacketh not one man of us.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:48
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).