And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.

NUMBERS 31:30KJV
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Numbers 31:30 (KJV)

What does Numbers 31:30 mean?

Numbers 31:30 instructs that from the Israelites’ share of the war spoils, one out of every fifty people and animals—specifically cattle, donkeys, sheep, and all kinds of livestock—should be given to the Levites, who are responsible for caring for the tabernacle of the LORD. This command sets aside a portion of the community’s gain to support those serving in religious duties.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites after a military victory, giving directions on how to divide the spoils. The Levites, who do not receive land like the other tribes, are supported by these offerings because they maintain the tabernacle (the central place of worship). The verse highlights the practical way the community provided for its religious leaders and the importance placed on the tabernacle’s care.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 31:30

  • "portion" (חֵלֶק, ḥēleq): This word means a share or part set aside. Here, it emphasizes that the Levites’ support comes directly from the community’s resources, not from separate wealth.
  • "Levites" (לֵוִי, lēwī): The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious service. Mentioning them by name underlines their unique role and dependence on the rest of Israel.
  • "keep" (שָׁמַר, shāmar) and "charge" (מִשְׁמֶרֶת, mishmeret): Together, these words mean to guard or take care of something entrusted. The Levites’ job was to watch over the tabernacle, a task seen as both a duty and a privilege.

Why Numbers 31:30 matters

  • Numbers 31:30 clarifies that the Levites’ support was not optional generosity but a structured part of Israel’s system, showing the community’s shared responsibility for worship.
  • This verse connects the practical outcome of war (spoils) with ongoing spiritual life, reminding readers that material gain was to be used for the good of the whole community, not just individuals.
  • The instruction ties into the broader passage, where the division of spoils is carefully regulated, reflecting fairness and the importance of every group’s role in Israel’s life.

Where else these words appear

“half” Hebrew H4276 · used in 14 verses

  • Exodus 30:13 This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary:(a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.
  • Leviticus 6:20 This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer unto the LORD in the day when he is anointed; the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meat offering perpetual, half of it in the morning, and half thereof at night.
  • Joshua 21:25 And out of the half tribe of Manasseh, Tanach with her suburbs, and Gathrimmon with her suburbs; two cities.

“portion” Hebrew H270 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.
  • 2 Samuel 4:10 When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings:
  • Psalms 48:6 Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.

“charge” Hebrew H4931 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
  • Numbers 8:26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:12 Among these were the divisions of the porters, even among the chief men, having wards one against another, to minister in the house of the LORD.

“asses” Hebrew H2543 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 31:28 And levy a tribute unto the LORD of the men of war which went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep:
  • 1 Samuel 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.