Numbers 31:40 Meaning and Explanation
“And the persons were sixteen thousand; of which the LORD's tribute was thirty and two persons.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The soldiers' share of virgin women captives was 16,000, with 32 given as tribute to God.
The Context of Numbers 31:40
Soldiers' share of women: 16,000, with tribute of 32.
What Does Numbers 31:40 Mean?
The human captives are now included in the distribution. The soldiers' half of the 32,000 virgin women amounts to 16,000. The one-in-five-hundred tribute yields 32 women as God's portion. These women become part of the priesthood's allotment. The inclusion of women in the mathematical distribution treats them as valuable human resources for the national economy and community building.
This distribution of human captives reflects the integration of conquered populations into Israel's structure. The tribute of 32 women to the priesthood may have served various roles in supporting priestly families and tabernacle functions. The systematic enumeration and allocation demonstrates that the entire spoil—animals and people—is distributed according to God's established pattern, with no category exempt from the ordering principle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 31:40
What does Numbers 31:40 mean?
The soldiers' share of virgin women captives was 16,000, with 32 given as tribute to God.
What is the context of Numbers 31:40?
Soldiers' share of women: 16,000, with tribute of 32.