Numbers 31:16 (KJV)

What does Numbers 31:16 mean?

Numbers 31:16 explains that certain women, following the advice of Balaam, led the Israelites into unfaithfulness against the LORD in connection with the events at Peor, which resulted in a deadly plague among the Israelite community. The verse points out that this betrayal was not accidental but happened through deliberate counsel.

In context, Moses is speaking to the leaders of Israel after a military victory over the Midianites. He is explaining why some women were singled out: they had played a direct role in causing Israel to sin at Peor, where Israelites were enticed into idolatry and immorality. The verse connects these actions to the earlier story in Numbers 25, clarifying that Balaam’s advice was behind the incident that brought judgment on Israel.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 31:16

• דָּבָר (davar, transliterated as "counsel" or "matter") appears twice: once for "counsel" and once for "matter." In Hebrew, this word can mean "word," "thing," or "affair," highlighting that Balaam’s involvement was not just advice but a concrete scheme.
• מַעַל (ma'al, transliterated as "trespass") refers to a breach of faith or an act of unfaithfulness, emphasizing that Israel’s sin was a serious violation of their relationship with the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH).
• פְּעוֹר (Peor, transliterated as "Peor") is the name of the Moabite god and the location where the idolatrous events took place, anchoring the story in a specific historical and religious context.

Why Numbers 31:16 matters

• Numbers 31:16 clarifies that Balaam, though unable to curse Israel directly, played a key role in Israel’s downfall by advising their enemies on how to entice them into sin.
• The verse explains why the judgment at Peor was so severe: it was the result of a planned act of betrayal, not just a momentary lapse.
• This verse connects the events of Numbers 25 and Numbers 31, showing the ongoing consequences of Israel’s actions and the importance of faithfulness to the LORD.