Numbers 31:7
Numbers 31:7 in Multiple Translations
Then they waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male.
And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.
And they warred against Midian, as Jehovah commanded Moses; and they slew every male.
And they made war on Midian, as the Lord gave orders to Moses; and they put to death every male.
They attacked the Midianites, as the Lord had told Moses to do, and they killed all the men.
And they warred against Midian, as the Lord had commanded Moses, and slue all the males.
And they war against Midian, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses, and slay every male;
They fought against Midian, as the LORD commanded Moses. They killed every male.
And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.
And when they had fought against the Madianites and had overcome them, they slew all the men.
The Israeli men fought the soldiers from the Midian people-group, as Yahweh had told Moses/me to tell them to do, and they killed every man from the Midian people-group.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 31:7
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 31:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יִּצְבְּאוּ֙
עַל
מִדְיָ֔ן
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
צִוָּ֥ה
יְהוָ֖ה
אֶת
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
וַ/יַּֽהַרְג֖וּ
כָּל
זָכָֽר
וַֽ/יִּצְבְּאוּ֙
tsâbâʼ
H6633
to serve
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מִדְיָ֔ן
Midyân
H4080
Midian
N-proper
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וַ/יַּֽהַרְג֖וּ
hârag
H2026
to kill
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
זָכָֽר
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 31:7
וַֽ/יִּצְבְּאוּ֙
tsâbâʼ
H6633
"to serve"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To serve or go to war, this term is used to describe assembling for battle or serving at the sacred tent. It can also mean to fight or perform a duty, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe military or religious service.
Definition: 1) to go forth, wage war, fight, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wage war, fight, go forth to war 1a2) to serve (at sacred tent) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to go forth, muster
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: assemble, fight, perform, muster, wait upon, war. See also: Exodus 38:8; 2 Kings 25:19; Isaiah 29:7.
עַל
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.
מִדְיָ֔ן
Midyân
H4080
"Midian"
N-proper
Refers to Midian, a son of Abraham, his country, and descendants, known for being a tribe that lived in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula.
Definition: § Midian or Midianite = "strife" the tribe descended from Midian inhabitant of the territory of the tribe descended from Midian; located principally in the desert north of the Arabian peninsula; land to which Moses went when he fled from Pharaoh
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: Midian, Midianite. See also: Genesis 25:2; Judges 7:1; Psalms 83:10.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | 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.
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת
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.
מֹשֶׁ֑ה
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.
וַ/יַּֽהַרְג֖וּ
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
זָכָֽר
zâkâr
H2145
"male"
Adj
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
Study Notes — Numbers 31:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 31:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 31:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 31:7
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 31:7
- Sermons on Numbers 31:7
Context — Vengeance on Midian
5So a thousand men were recruited from each tribe of Israel—twelve thousand armed for war.
6And Moses sent the thousand from each tribe into battle, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar the priest, who took with him the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling.
7Then they waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male.
8Among the slain were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword. 9The Israelites captured the Midianite women and their children, and they plundered all their herds, flocks, and goods.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 21:11 | This is what you are to do: Devote to destruction every male, as well as every female who has had relations with a man.” |
| 2 | 1 Kings 11:15–16 | Earlier, when David was in Edom, Joab the commander of the army had gone to bury the dead and had struck down every male in Edom. Joab and all Israel had stayed there six months, until he had killed every male in Edom. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 27:9 | Whenever David attacked a territory, he did not leave a man or woman alive, but he took the flocks and herds, the donkeys, camels, and clothing. Then he would return to Achish, |
| 4 | Judges 6:33 | Then all the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east gathered together, crossed over the Jordan, and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. |
| 5 | Judges 6:1–2 | Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD; so He delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years, and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 20:13–14 | When the LORD your God has delivered it into your hand, you must put every male to the sword. But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you. |
Numbers 31:7 Summary
This verse tells us that the Israelites went to war against the Midianites, just like God had told Moses to do. They fought against the men of Midian and won the battle, which was a big victory for the Israelites. This shows us that God is a mighty and powerful God who can help us overcome any challenge, just like He helped the Israelites (Psalm 24:8). It also reminds us to trust and obey God, even when things seem hard or scary, because He has a plan to protect and provide for us (Jeremiah 29:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God command the Israelites to kill every male in Midian?
God commanded the Israelites to kill every male in Midian as an act of judgment for their wickedness and idolatry, as seen in Numbers 25:1-9, where the Midianites led the Israelites into sin. This act of judgment was also a protection for the Israelites, as the Midianites had been a thorn in their side for many years, leading them away from the Lord (Numbers 25:17-18).
Is this verse promoting violence or genocide?
This verse must be understood in the context of God's covenant with the Israelites and His plan to redeem the world. The command to kill every male in Midian was a specific, one-time command from God, not a general principle for the Israelites to follow (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).
How can we reconcile this verse with the command to love our enemies in the New Testament?
The command to love our enemies in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 5:44, is a principle for individual believers in their personal relationships, whereas the command in Numbers 31:7 was a specific, national judgment from God. We must understand the different contexts and purposes of these commands, recognizing that God's ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9).
What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience to God's command in this verse?
The Israelites' obedience to God's command in this verse demonstrates the importance of trusting and obeying God, even when His commands seem difficult or unclear (Proverbs 3:5-6). Their obedience also shows the value of submitting to God's sovereignty and plan, even when it involves difficult or challenging circumstances (Romans 11:33-36).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate obedience to God's commands in my own life, even when they are difficult or challenging?
- How can I balance the command to love my enemies with the need to stand firm against evil and injustice?
- What are some ways I can trust God's sovereignty and plan, even when circumstances seem unclear or uncertain?
- How can I apply the principle of submitting to God's authority in my own relationships and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 31:7
And they warred against the Midianites, as the Lord commanded Moses,.... Whether the Midianites came out against them with an army, and there was a pitched battle between them, is not certain;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 31:7
And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males. They slew all the males. This was in accordance with a divine order in all such cases (Deuteronomy 20:13).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 31:7
Namely, all whom they took in that war, or all who lived in those parts; for it is probable (and was then very usual) some colonies of them were sent forth to remoter places, which therefore had no hand either in their former sin, or ill this present ruin, of whom we read after this, Jude 6. And herein they did according to God’ s own order concerning such people, ; only their fault was, that they did not consider the special reason and great obligation which they had to involve the women in the destruction, for which reason Moses blames them afterward, ,16.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 31:7
(7) They slew all the males.—The reference appears to be to those who were engaged in the war. The words do not refer to the whole of the male population, as appears from Numbers 31:17; and it is probable that many of the Midianites who were not engaged in the war withdrew from the scene of conflict. The reference in this verse, unless the words are inserted proleptically, seems to be to the whole of the adult males who fell into the hands of the Israelites during the war.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 31:7
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 31:7
5-7. Twelve thousand — The conscription of so small a number against the hosts of Midian; the appointment, as commander, of Phinehas, who had recently so greatly signalized himself by his zeal
Sermons on Numbers 31:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Don't Be Dismayed, God Will Not Fail You by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joshua in the book of Joshua, chapter 8. The Lord speaks to Joshua and tells him not to fear or be discouraged, as He has given |
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The Trumpet Solo by James A. Stewart | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He begins by describing how the Midianites, Amalekites, and the children of the East gathered t |
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Hebrews 11:33-34 by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible. He emphasizes the battle that God has in our lives of bringing us to a place of obedience and building an |
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Jehovah Shalom by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Judges and the cycle of sin and repentance that the Israelites went through. He highlights the stories of Othniel, Ehud, and Debo |
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When Defeat Becomes Doctrine by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker passionately addresses the pursuit of self and how it aligns with the heart of Christ. He questions whether the pursuit of self can truly be considered |
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Bristol Conference 1976-15 Studies in the Judges by Bob Clark | Bob Clark discusses the life of Gideon from the book of Judges, emphasizing the importance of personal discipline and the need for a deep relationship with God. He highlights Gideo |
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A Vision of Revival by Sammy Tippit | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a spiritual revolution that took place in Romania. Despite facing tanks and machine guns, the people of Romania experienced a |