Numbers 31:45 (KJV)

What does Numbers 31:45 mean?

Numbers 31:45 records part of an inventory taken after a battle, stating that thirty thousand five hundred donkeys were counted among the spoils. This verse is simply listing the number of donkeys captured by the Israelites as they divided up what they had taken from the Midianites.

Moses is overseeing the aftermath of a military campaign against the Midianites, and the people are counting and dividing the livestock and other goods taken as plunder. This verse is one line in a longer list, showing the scale of the victory and the specific items that were considered valuable at the time.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 31:45

• "thirty" (שְׁלֹשִׁים, sheloshim): This word means thirty, and it combines with "thousand" to give the total count.
• "thousand" (אֶלֶף, eleph): This word means thousand, showing the large scale of the spoils.
• "asses" (חֲמוֹרִים, chamorim): This word means donkeys, which were important animals for transport and agriculture in ancient times.
• "five" (חָמֵשׁ, chamesh) and "hundred" (מֵאָה, me'ah): These words combine to form the "five hundred" part of the total, giving a precise count.

Why Numbers 31:45 matters

• Numbers 31:45 helps show the historical reality of livestock as a key measure of wealth and resources in ancient Israel, especially after a military victory.
• The verse is part of a detailed record, emphasizing careful accounting and distribution of goods, which was important for fairness and order among the tribes.
• By listing specific numbers, the passage highlights the thoroughness of the process and the significance of the event in Israel’s history.