Numbers 25:15 Meaning and Explanation
“And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The woman was Cozbi, daughter of Zur, a high-ranking Midianitish princess.
The Context of Numbers 25:15
The victim's identity shows this was likely a coordinated seduction strategy by Midian's leadership.
What Does Numbers 25:15 Mean?
Cozbi was not a slave or a servant-woman but a princess, the daughter of a prince of Midian. Her high status and her family's role as head of a Midianite house suggest deliberate strategy. Midian sent her—or allowed her to go—knowing her seduction of Zimri would entangle Israel in covenant-breaking. The Midianites were weaponizing cultural and sexual ties.
Her death alongside Zimri shows they were both guilty and both responsible. She bore the name of a Midianitish prince's daughter; he bore the weight of leading Israel astray. Both perished in the same moment, sealed together in judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 25:15
What does Numbers 25:15 mean?
The woman was Cozbi, daughter of Zur, a high-ranking Midianitish princess.
What is the context of Numbers 25:15?
The victim's identity shows this was likely a coordinated seduction strategy by Midian's leadership.