Numbers 31:5
New International Version
So twelve thousand men armed for battle, a thousand from each tribe, were supplied from the clans of Israel.

New Living Translation
So they chose 1,000 men from each tribe of Israel, a total of 12,000 men armed for battle.

English Standard Version
So there were provided, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

Berean Standard Bible
So a thousand men were recruited from each tribe of Israel—twelve thousand armed for war.

King James Bible
So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

New King James Version
So there were recruited from the divisions of Israel one thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

New American Standard Bible
So there were selected from the thousands of Israel, a thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

NASB 1995
So there were furnished from the thousands of Israel, a thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

NASB 1977
So there were furnished from the thousands of Israel, a thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

Legacy Standard Bible
So there were furnished from the thousands of Israel, one thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

Amplified Bible
So out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand from each tribe were selected, twelve thousand armed for war.

Christian Standard Bible
So one thousand were recruited from each Israelite tribe out of the thousands in Israel—twelve thousand equipped for war.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So 1,000 were recruited from each Israelite tribe out of the thousands in Israel—12,000 equipped for war.

American Standard Version
So there were delivered, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

Contemporary English Version
Twelve thousand men were picked from the tribes of Israel, and after they were prepared for battle,

English Revised Version
So there were delivered, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So 1,000 men from each tribe were supplied from the divisions of Israel-12,000 men ready for war.

Good News Translation
So a thousand men were chosen from each tribe, a total of twelve thousand men ready for battle.

International Standard Version
So 1,000 men from every tribe—12,000 from the thousands of Israel—were mustered and equipped for war.

Majority Standard Bible
So a thousand men were recruited from each tribe of Israel?twelve thousand armed for war.

NET Bible
So a thousand from every tribe, twelve thousand armed for battle in all, were provided out of the thousands of Israel.

New Heart English Bible
So there were delivered, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

Webster's Bible Translation
So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

World English Bible
So there were delivered, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand from every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And there are given out of the thousands of Israel one thousand for a tribe—twelve thousand armed ones [for] war;

Young's Literal Translation
And there are given out of the thousands of Israel a thousand for a tribe, twelve thousand armed ones of the host;

Smith's Literal Translation
And there shall be separated from the thousands of Israel a thousand for a tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they gave a thousand of every tribe, that is to say, twelve thousand men well appointed for battle.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they gave one thousand from each tribe, that is, twelve thousand foot soldiers for battle.

New American Bible
From the contingents of Israel, therefore, a thousand men of each tribe were levied, so that there were twelve thousand men armed for war.

New Revised Standard Version
So out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand from each tribe were conscripted, twelve thousand armed for battle.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So there were selected out of the tribes of Israel a thousand men from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they chose a thousand from the tribes of the sons of Israel, a thousand from a tribe, twelve thousand armed in the army.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So there were delivered, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they numbered of the thousands of Israel a thousand of each tribe, twelve thousands; these were armed for war.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Vengeance on Midian
4Send into battle a thousand men from each tribe of Israel.” 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.…

Cross References
Joshua 4:13
About 40,000 troops armed for battle crossed over before the LORD into the plains of Jericho.

Judges 7:7
Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home.”

1 Samuel 15:4
So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah.

1 Chronicles 12:23-24
Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD: / From Judah: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears.

2 Chronicles 17:12-19
Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah / and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor. / These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; ...

Deuteronomy 20:1-4
When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. / When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, / saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. ...

Exodus 17:9-13
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” / Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. / As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. ...

1 Samuel 17:47
And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

2 Samuel 10:9-10
When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. / And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites.

2 Kings 3:7
And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” “I will go,” replied Jehoshaphat. “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.”

1 Chronicles 5:18
The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors—valiant men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle.

2 Chronicles 14:8
Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing the bow. All these were mighty men of valor.

2 Chronicles 20:17
You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”

Psalm 18:39
You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.


Treasury of Scripture

So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

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Numbers 31
1. The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain
13. 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














a thousand from each tribe
This phrase indicates a specific and organized selection process. The Hebrew word for "thousand" is "eleph," which can also mean a military unit or clan. This suggests a structured approach to warfare, emphasizing the importance of order and unity among the tribes of Israel. Historically, this reflects the tribal system of ancient Israel, where each tribe maintained its identity while contributing to the collective mission. Theologically, it underscores the idea that every tribe, regardless of size or strength, has a role in fulfilling God's purposes.

were recruited
The recruitment process here is significant, as it implies a voluntary or divinely appointed selection. The Hebrew root "laqach" can mean to take or to choose, suggesting that these men were not just randomly selected but were chosen for a specific purpose. This reflects the biblical theme of divine election, where God calls individuals or groups for His purposes. It also highlights the readiness and willingness of the Israelites to respond to God's call to action.

from the divisions of Israel
This phrase emphasizes the organized structure of the Israelite community. The term "divisions" refers to the military and social organization within the tribes. In the Hebrew context, "machaneh" can mean camp or division, indicating a well-ordered society prepared for both community life and warfare. This organization reflects God's orderliness and the importance of structure in achieving His plans. It also serves as a reminder of the unity and cooperation required among God's people.

twelve thousand
The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness or divine authority. In this context, the twelve thousand soldiers symbolize the full participation of the twelve tribes of Israel in the mission. This number underscores the collective responsibility and unity of the nation in fulfilling God's commands. It also points to the idea that God's plans involve the whole community, not just a select few.

armed for war
This phrase indicates preparation and readiness for battle. The Hebrew word "chamush" means equipped or armed, suggesting that these men were not only chosen but also prepared for the task ahead. This preparation reflects the biblical principle of being spiritually and physically ready to face challenges. It serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to be equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) to face spiritual battles. The phrase inspires believers to be vigilant and prepared for the spiritual warfare that is part of the Christian journey.

Verse 5. - There were delivered, or "levied." יִמָּסְרוּ. Septuagint, ἐξηρίθμησαν The Hebrew word is only used here and in verse 16 (see note there), and in these two places not in the same sense. The context, however, leaves little or no doubt as to the meaning which it must bear.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So a thousand men
מֵאַלְפֵ֣י (mê·’al·p̄ê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 505: A thousand

were recruited
וַיִּמָּֽסְרוּ֙ (way·yim·mā·sə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 4560: To sunder, set apart, apostatize

from each tribe
לַמַּטֶּ֑ה (lam·maṭ·ṭeh)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4294: A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe

of Israel—
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

twelve
שְׁנֵים־ (šə·nêm-)
Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

thousand
אֶ֖לֶף (’e·lep̄)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 505: A thousand

armed
חֲלוּצֵ֥י (ḥă·lū·ṣê)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2502: To pull off, to strip, to depart, to deliver, equip, present, strengthen

for war.
צָבָֽא׃ (ṣā·ḇā)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT Law: Numbers 31:5 So there were delivered out (Nu Num.)
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