Numbers 31:15 Meaning and Explanation
“And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Moses questions why the women were spared instead of being killed.
The Context of Numbers 31:15
Moses questions why the women were preserved.
What Does Numbers 31:15 Mean?
Moses directly confronts the officers about their decision to keep the women alive. His question indicates that he expected the women to be executed, not preserved. This rebuke suggests that the officers have disobeyed God's instructions regarding which captives should be killed. The sharp tone of the question—'Have ye saved all the women alive?'—expresses Moses' disapproval of the officers' apparent mercy.
The question reveals that Moses had received or understood specific divine instructions about which populations should be eliminated. This context will become clear in the following verse, where Moses explains that the women were instrumental in Israel's corruption at Baal-peor. The women who participated in seducing Israel away from God represented an ongoing threat to Israel's covenant relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 31:15
What does Numbers 31:15 mean?
Moses questions why the women were spared instead of being killed.
What is the context of Numbers 31:15?
Moses questions why the women were preserved.