Numbers 31:39 Meaning and Explanation
“And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD's tribute was threescore and one.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The soldiers' share of donkeys was 30,500, with 61 as tribute to God.
The Context of Numbers 31:39
Soldiers' donkeys: 30,500, with tribute of 61.
What Does Numbers 31:39 Mean?
The soldiers' portion of donkeys totals 30,500. The one-in-five-hundred tribute yields 61 donkeys. These donkeys become part of God's offering to be given to the priesthood. The donkeys' transportation value makes them significant resources. The tribute of 61 ensures that the priesthood receives not only food animals (sheep, cattle) but also working animals essential for mobility and commerce.
The inclusion of working animals in God's tribute demonstrates comprehensive acknowledgment of God as the source of all resources necessary for Israel's functioning. The priesthood, through these tribute animals, gains both sustenance and practical capacity for travel and transportation of religious materials. The consistent application of the one-in-five-hundred ratio across all livestock categories demonstrates the uniform principle governing the distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 31:39
What does Numbers 31:39 mean?
The soldiers' share of donkeys was 30,500, with 61 as tribute to God.
What is the context of Numbers 31:39?
Soldiers' donkeys: 30,500, with tribute of 61.