Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version From the Israelites’ half, Moses selected one out of every fifty people and animals, as the LORD commanded him, and gave them to the Levites, who were responsible for the care of the LORD’s tabernacle. New Living Translation From the half-share given to the people, Moses took one of every fifty prisoners and animals and gave them to the Levites, who maintained the LORD’s Tabernacle. All this was done as the LORD had commanded Moses. English Standard Version from the people of Israel’s half Moses took one of every 50, both of persons and of beasts, and gave them to the Levites who kept guard over the tabernacle of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses. Berean Standard Bible From 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. Berean Literal Bible And Moses took from the sons of Israel half of one possession of every fifty, man and beast, and he gave to them to the Levites who kept charge of the tabernacle of YHWH, as YHWH had commanded Moses. King James Bible Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses. New King James Version and from the children of Israel’s half Moses took one of every fifty, drawn from man and beast, and gave them to the Levites, who kept charge of the tabernacle of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses. New American Standard Bible from the sons of Israel’s half Moses took one drawn from every fifty, both of people and of animals, and gave them to the Levites, who performed the duty of the tabernacle of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. NASB 1995 and from the sons of Israel’s half, Moses took one drawn out of every fifty, both of man and of animals, and gave them to the Levites, who kept charge of the tabernacle of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. NASB 1977 and from the sons of Israel’s half, Moses took one drawn out of every fifty, both of man and of animals, and gave them to the Levites, who kept charge of the tabernacle of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Legacy Standard Bible and from the sons of Israel’s half, Moses took one drawn out of every fifty, both of man and of animals, and gave them to the Levites, who kept the responsibility of the tabernacle of Yahweh, just as Yahweh had commanded Moses. Amplified Bible and from the Israelites’ half, Moses took one out of every fifty, both of persons and animals, and gave them to the Levites, who were in charge of the tabernacle of the LORD, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Berean Annotated Bible From the Israelites’ (he wrestles with God) half, Moses (drawn out) took one out of every fifty persons and animals and gave them to the Levites who kept charge of the tabernacle of the LORD {YHWH}, as the LORD had commanded him. Christian Standard Bible Moses took one out of every fifty, selected from the people and the livestock of the Israelites’ half. He gave them to the Levites who perform the duties of the LORD’s tabernacle, as the LORD had commanded him. Holman Christian Standard Bible Moses took one out of every 50, selected from the people and the livestock of the Israelites’ half. He gave them to the Levites who perform the duties of the LORD’s tabernacle, as the LORD had commanded him. American Standard Version even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one drawn out of every fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, that kept the charge of the tabernacle of Jehovah; as Jehovah commanded Moses. English Revised Version even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one drawn out of every fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses. GOD'S WORD® Translation From the Israelites' half Moses collected one out of every 50 things, including people and animals, as the LORD commanded him. Then he gave all this to the Levites who were in charge of the work done at the LORD's tent. Good News Translation From this share Moses took one out of every fifty prisoners and animals, and as the LORD had commanded, gave them to the Levites who were in charge of the LORD's Tent. International Standard Version Moses took a portion drawn from every 50 Israelis, including from both human and animals, and gave them to the descendants of Levi who maintained the LORD's tent, just as the LORD had commanded him. NET Bible From the Israelites' share Moses took one of every fifty people and animals and gave them to the Levites who were responsible for the care of the Lord's tabernacle, just as the LORD commanded Moses. New Heart English Bible even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one drawn out of every fifty, both of man and of animal, and gave them to the Levites, who performed the duty of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses. Webster's Bible Translation Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them to the Levites, who kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFrom 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. World English Bible even of the children of Israel’s half, Moses took one drawn out of every fifty, both of man and of animal, and gave them to the Levites, who performed the duty of Yahweh’s tabernacle, as Yahweh commanded Moses. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionMoses takes from the sons of Israel’s half one possession from the fifty, of man and of beast, and gives them to the Levites keeping the charge of the Dwelling Place of YHWH, as YHWH has commanded Moses. Berean Literal Bible And Moses took from the sons of Israel half of one possession of every fifty, man and beast, and he gave to them to the Levites who kept charge of the tabernacle of YHWH, as YHWH had commanded Moses. Young's Literal Translation Moses taketh from the sons of Israel's half the one possession from the fifty, of man and of beast, and giveth them to the Levites keeping the charge of the tabernacle of Jehovah, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses. Smith's Literal Translation Moses will take from the sons of Israel's half, one taking from fifty, from man and from cattle, and he will give them to the Levites watching the watches of the tent of Jehovah; as Jehovah commanded Moses. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleMoses took the fiftieth head, and gave it to the Levites that watched in the tabernacle of the Lord, as the Lord had commanded. Catholic Public Domain Version Moses took the fiftieth head, and gave it to the Levites who stand watch at the tabernacle of the Lord, just as the Lord had instructed. New American Bible From the Israelites’ half, Moses took one captive from every fifty, from human being and beast alike, and gave them to the Levites, who performed the duties of the LORD’s tabernacle, exactly as the LORD had commanded Moses. New Revised Standard Version From the Israelites’ half Moses took one of every fifty, both of persons and of animals, and gave them to the Levites who had charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleEven of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of every fifty, both of man and of beasts, and gave them to the Levites, who have charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Moshe took from the half of the children Israel, one of fifty of the children of men, and from beasts, and he gave them to the Levites who keep guard of the Tabernacle of LORD JEHOVAH, as LORD JEHOVAH commanded Moshe. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one drawn out of every fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, that kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Moses took of the half belonging to the children of Israel the fiftieth part, of men and of cattle, and he gave them to the Levites who keep the charges of the tabernacle of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Division of the Spoils…46and 16,000 people. 47 From 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. Cross References From the Israelites’ half, 1 Samuel 30:24-25 Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.” / And so it has been from that day forward. David established this statute and ordinance for Israel to this very day. Deuteronomy 20:14 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. 1 Chronicles 26:27 They had dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD. Moses took one out of every fifty persons and animals Numbers 8:16-18 For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel. / For every firstborn male in Israel is Mine, both man and beast. I set them apart for Myself on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. / But I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel. Numbers 3:40-45 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names. / You are to take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites.” / So Moses numbered all the firstborn of the Israelites, as the LORD had commanded him. … Exodus 13:12-13 you are to present to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb. All the firstborn males of your livestock belong to the LORD. / You must redeem every firstborn donkey with a lamb, and if you do not redeem it, you are to break its neck. And every firstborn of your sons you must redeem. and gave them to the Levites Numbers 18:21-24 Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. / No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. / The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. … Deuteronomy 14:27-29 And do not neglect the Levite within your gates, since he has no portion or inheritance among you. / At the end of every three years, bring a tenth of all your produce for that year and lay it up within your gates. / Then the Levite (because he has no portion or inheritance among you), the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow within your gates may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands. Nehemiah 10:37-38 Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor. / A priest of Aaron’s line is to accompany the Levites when they collect the tenth, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of these tithes to the storerooms of the treasury in the house of our God. who kept charge of the tabernacle of the LORD, Numbers 3:7-8 They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. / They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. Numbers 18:3-5 And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. / They are to join you and attend to the duties of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent; but no outsider may come near you. / And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. Numbers 1:53 But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.” as the LORD had commanded him. Exodus 40:16 Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded him. Leviticus 8:4-5 So Moses did as the LORD had commanded him, and the assembly gathered at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. / And Moses said to them, “This is what the LORD has commanded to be done.” Numbers 27:22-23 Moses did as the LORD had commanded him. He took Joshua, had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, / and laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the LORD had instructed through Moses. Joshua 22:8 saying, “Return to your homes with your great wealth, with immense herds of livestock, with silver, gold, bronze, iron, and very many clothes. Divide with your brothers the spoil of your enemies.” Treasury of Scripture Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them to the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses. the Levites Numbers 18:21-25 And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation… Deuteronomy 12:17-19 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand: … Luke 10:1-8 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come… kept the charge Numbers 31:30 And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD. Psalm 134:1 A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD. Isaiah 56:10,11 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber… Jump to Previous Animal Beast Charge Children Commanded Drawn Duty Half Israel's Kept Levites Moses Performed Portion TabernacleJump to Next Animal Beast Charge Children Commanded Drawn Duty Half Israel's Kept Levites Moses Performed Portion TabernacleNumbers 31 1. The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain13. Moses is angry with the officers, for saving the women alive 19. How the soldiers, with their captives and spoil, are to be purified 25. The proportion in which the prey is to be divided 48. The voluntary offering unto the treasure of the Lord From the Israelites’ half This phrase refers to the division of the spoils of war after the Israelites' victory over the Midianites. The spoils were divided into two equal parts: one for the warriors who fought in the battle and one for the rest of the community. This division underscores the communal nature of Israelite society, where even those who did not directly participate in battle shared in the victory. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is overseeing the distribution of the spoils of war. 2. Eleazar the Priest The son of Aaron, who assists Moses in religious duties and the distribution process. 3. The Israelites The people of God, who have just returned from a victorious battle against the Midianites. 4. The Levites The tribe set apart for religious duties, who receive a portion of the spoils. 5. The Midianites The people defeated by the Israelites, whose possessions are being divided. Teaching Points Stewardship and FairnessThe division of spoils among the Israelites and the Levites teaches us about the importance of fair distribution and stewardship of resources. Support for Ministry The allocation to the Levites underscores the need to support those dedicated to spiritual service. Obedience to God's Commands The Israelites' adherence to God's instructions through Moses reflects the importance of obedience in our lives. Community and Sharing The communal aspect of sharing resources highlights the value of community and mutual support among believers. God's Provision This passage reminds us of God's provision and faithfulness in supplying the needs of His people. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 31:47?2. How does Numbers 31:47 illustrate God's provision for the Levites' service? 3. What can we learn about leadership from Moses' actions in Numbers 31:47? 4. How does Numbers 31:47 connect to the concept of tithing in Scripture? 5. In what ways can we support church leaders, reflecting Numbers 31:47's principles? 6. How does sharing resources in Numbers 31:47 apply to our community involvement today? 7. Why did Moses allocate spoils of war to the Levites in Numbers 31:47? 8. How does Numbers 31:47 reflect God's justice and mercy? 9. What is the significance of the Levites receiving a portion in Numbers 31:47? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 31? 11. Numbers 4 - Given the large census numbers in previous chapters, is there any historical or scientific basis to confirm the vast manpower needed for these Tabernacle tasks? 12. Numbers 31:28-30: How does distributing people as spoils align with the broader biblical theme of human worth? 13. What rationale is given for excluding Levites from the census in Numbers 1:47-53, and how does this affect the overall population count? 14. Numbers 3 - How do we reconcile these population figures with other biblical passages that present different census counts? What Does Numbers 31:47 Mean From the Israelites’ halfThe verse begins by recalling that the spoils of war had been divided equally between the warriors and the rest of the nation (Numbers 31:25-27). • This “half” refers to the share assigned to the general congregation. • It underscores that every Israelite benefited from God’s victory, not just the soldiers (Joshua 22:8). • By highlighting “the Israelites’ half,” Scripture reminds us that even what the people retained was still subject to the Lord’s directions (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). Moses took one out of every fifty persons and animals • A ratio of 1/50 is generous toward the Levites yet still leaves the people with 98 percent of their portion. • The giving of both “persons and animals” shows that every kind of spoil—human captives, livestock, and other goods—was to serve God’s purposes (Exodus 13:2). • Similar proportional offerings appear in Leviticus 27:30-33, where God claims a tithe of produce and animals. and gave them to the Levites • The Levites had no territorial inheritance (Numbers 18:20-24); their livelihood came from tithes and special portions like this. • By assigning part of the booty to them, Moses ensured that those devoted to temple service were provided for, echoing Deuteronomy 12:19. • This act affirms the principle that the people’s increase supports spiritual leadership (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). who kept charge of the tabernacle of the LORD • The Levites’ main task was guarding, transporting, and ministering within the tabernacle (Numbers 3:5-10). • Supplying them materially freed them to focus on worship and intercession—an early picture of “the laborer being worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7). • The tabernacle served as the visible center of God’s presence, so investing in its caretakers honored the Lord Himself (2 Samuel 6:17-18). as the LORD had commanded him • Moses did not innovate; he followed explicit divine instruction (Numbers 31:28-29). • Obedience to God’s command safeguards fairness and prevents favoritism (Deuteronomy 16:19-20). • By framing the distribution as God-ordered, the text teaches that giving is ultimately directed to God, even when administered by human leaders (Malachi 3:10). summary Numbers 31:47 records Moses’ faithful execution of God’s directive: from the civilian half of Israel’s war spoils, 2 percent was set apart for the Levites who served the tabernacle. The verse highlights communal responsibility, provision for spiritual ministry, and obedience to divine command. In doing so, it models how God’s people are to honor Him with their resources while ensuring His servants are equipped to carry out sacred duties. Hebrew From the Israelites’בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son half, מִמַּחֲצִ֣ת (mim·ma·ḥă·ṣiṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4276: A halving, the middle Moses מֹשֶׁ֜ה (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver took הָֽאָחֻז֙ (hā·’ā·ḥuz) Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 270: To grasp, take hold, take possession one אֶחָ֣ד (’e·ḥāḏ) Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first out of מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of every fifty הַחֲמִשִּׁ֔ים (ha·ḥă·miš·šîm) Article | Number - common plural Strong's 2572: Fifty persons הָאָדָ֖ם (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being and animals הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה (hab·bə·hê·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 929: A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal and gave וַיִּתֵּ֨ן (way·yit·tên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set them אֹתָ֜ם (’ō·ṯām) Direct object marker | third person masculine plural Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case to the Levites לַלְוִיִּ֗ם (lal·wî·yim) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi who kept שֹֽׁמְרֵי֙ (šō·mə·rê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to charge מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙ (miš·me·reṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4931: A guard, watch, charge, function of the tabernacle מִשְׁכַּ֣ן (miš·kan) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle of the LORD, יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel as כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the LORD יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel had commanded צִוָּ֥ה (ṣiw·wāh) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order him. מֹשֶֽׁה׃ (mō·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver Links Numbers 31:47 NIVNumbers 31:47 NLT Numbers 31:47 ESV Numbers 31:47 NASB Numbers 31:47 KJV Numbers 31:47 BibleApps.com Numbers 31:47 Biblia Paralela Numbers 31:47 Chinese Bible Numbers 31:47 French Bible Numbers 31:47 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 31:47 Even of the children of Israel's half (Nu Num.) |
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