New International VersionThey took all the plunder and spoils, including the people and animals,
New Living TranslationAfter they had gathered the plunder and captives, both people and animals,
English Standard Versionand took all the spoil and all the plunder, both of man and of beast.
Berean Standard Bibleand carried away all the plunder and spoils, both people and animals.
King James BibleAnd they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts.
New King James VersionAnd they took all the spoil and all the booty—of man and beast.
New American Standard BibleAnd they took all the plunder and all the spoils, both of people and of livestock.
NASB 1995They took all the spoil and all the prey, both of man and of beast.
NASB 1977And they took all the spoil and all the prey, both of man and of beast.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd they took all the spoil and all the loot, both of man and of beast.
Amplified BibleThey took all the plunder and all the spoils of war, both people and livestock.
Christian Standard Bibleand took away all the spoils of war and the captives, both people and animals.
Holman Christian Standard Bibleand took away all the spoils of war and the captives, both man and beast.
American Standard VersionAnd they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of man and of beast.
Contemporary English VersionIsrael's soldiers gathered together everything they had taken from the Midianites, including the captives and the animals.
English Revised VersionAnd they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of man and of beast.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen they took everything as loot, including all the people and animals,
Good News TranslationThey took all the loot that they had captured, including the prisoners and the animals,
International Standard VersionThey took all the booty and plunder, including both humans and animals.
NET BibleThey took all the plunder and all the spoils, both people and animals.
New Heart English BibleThey took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of man and of animal.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand carried away all the plunder and spoils, both people and animals.
World English BibleThey took all the captives, and all the plunder, both of man and of animal. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd they take all the spoil and all the prey, among man and among beast;
Young's Literal Translation And they take all the spoil, and all the prey, among man and among beast;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd they will take all the plunder and all the spoil, in man and in cattle. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they carried away the booty, and all that they had taken both of men and of beasts.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd they carried away prey from everything that they had seized, both of men and of beasts.
New American BibleThen they took all the plunder, with the people and animals they had captured, and brought the captives, together with the spoils and plunder,
New Revised Standard Versionbut they took all the spoil and all the booty, both people and animals. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they carried away all the spoil and all the booty, both of men and of beasts.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd they led all the captivity and all of the daughters of the children of men and of the domestic animals. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of man and of beast.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd they took all their plunder, and all their spoils, both man and beast.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Vengeance on Midian… 10Then they burned all the cities where the Midianites had lived, as well as all their encampments, 11and carried awayallthe plunderandspoils,both peopleand animals.12They brought the captives, spoils, and plunder to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of Israel at the camp on the plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho.…
Cross References Joshua 6:19-24For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.” / So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it. / With the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys. ...
Deuteronomy 20:14But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder, and you shall use the spoil of your enemies that the LORD your God gives you.
1 Samuel 15:3Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”
1 Chronicles 26:27-28They had dedicated some of the plunder from their battles to the repair of the house of the LORD. / Everything that had been dedicated by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah, along with everything else that was dedicated, was under the care of Shelomith and his brothers.
2 Chronicles 20:25Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables—more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much.
Genesis 14:16He retrieved all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people.
Exodus 12:35-36Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.
2 Kings 7:16Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. It was then that a seah of fine flour sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley sold for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.
2 Kings 14:14He took all the gold and silver and all the articles found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace, as well as some hostages. Then he returned to Samaria.
2 Chronicles 24:23-24In the spring, the army of Aram went to war against Joash. They entered Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the leaders of the people, and they sent all the plunder to their king in Damascus. / Although the Aramean army had come with only a few men, the LORD delivered into their hand a very great army. Because Judah had forsaken the LORD, the God of their fathers, judgment was executed on Joash.
Isaiah 33:23Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder.
Ezekiel 39:10They will not gather wood from the countryside or cut it from the forests, for they will use the weapons for fuel. They will loot those who looted them and plunder those who plundered them, declares the Lord GOD.
Matthew 12:29Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.
Luke 11:22But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted, and then he divides up his plunder.
Hebrews 7:4Consider how great Melchizedek was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder.
Treasury of Scripture And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts. Deuteronomy 20:14 But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city,even all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee. Joshua 8:2 And thou shalt do to Ai and her king as thou didst unto Jericho and her king: only the spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take for a prey unto yourselves: lay thee an ambush for the city behind it. Jump to Previous AnimalAnimalsBeastBeastsBootyCattleIncludingPlunderPreySpoilSpoilsJump to Next AnimalAnimalsBeastBeastsBootyCattleIncludingPlunderPreySpoilSpoilsNumbers 31 1.The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain13.Moses is angry with the officers, for saving the women alive19.How the soldiers, with their captives and spoil, are to be purified25.The proportion in which the prey is to be divided48.The voluntary offering unto the treasure of the Lordand carried away all the plunder and spoilsIn the context of ancient warfare, it was common for the victors to take plunder and spoils from the defeated. This practice is seen throughout the Old Testament, where God sometimes commanded the Israelites to take spoils as a form of divine judgment against the nations. The plunder often included valuable items such as gold, silver, and other goods. This act of taking spoils can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to provide for His people, as seen in Exodus 3:21-22, where God promised the Israelites they would not leave Egypt empty-handed. both people and animals
The inclusion of people and animals as part of the spoils reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of taking captives and livestock as part of the victory. Captives could be used as servants or integrated into the community, while animals were valuable for their economic and agricultural benefits. This practice is also seen in other biblical accounts, such as the conquest of Canaan, where livestock and captives were taken (Joshua 8:2). Theologically, this can be seen as a demonstration of God's sovereignty over all creation, as He directs the outcomes of battles and the distribution of resources. Additionally, it foreshadows the ultimate redemption and gathering of people from all nations, as seen in the New Testament, where Christ's victory brings people from every tribe and tongue into His kingdom (Revelation 5:9). Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who was commanded by God to take vengeance on the Midianites. 2. MidianitesA nomadic tribe that had led Israel into sin through the counsel of Balaam, resulting in God's judgment upon them. 3. IsraelitesThe people of God, who were instructed to execute God's judgment on the Midianites and take the plunder. 4. Plunder and SpoilsThe goods, people, and animals taken by the Israelites as a result of their victory over the Midianites. 5. BalaamA prophet who advised the Midianites to lead Israel into sin, which ultimately led to their downfall. Teaching Points Obedience to Divine CommandsThe Israelites' actions in taking the plunder were in direct obedience to God's command. This teaches us the importance of following God's instructions, even when they are difficult or counter-cultural. Judgment and MercyThe destruction of the Midianites serves as a reminder of God's judgment against sin. It also points to the mercy available through repentance and obedience, as seen in other biblical accounts. Stewardship of ResourcesThe handling of plunder and spoils can be seen as a lesson in stewardship. Believers are called to manage resources wisely and in accordance with God's will. Spiritual WarfareThe physical battle against the Midianites can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual warfare. Christians are called to be vigilant and to fight against sin and temptation in their lives. Community and AccountabilityThe collective action of the Israelites highlights the importance of community and accountability in carrying out God's commands. Believers are encouraged to support one another in their spiritual journeys. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Numbers 31:11?
2.How does Numbers 31:11 demonstrate God's provision for His people?
3.What lessons can we learn about stewardship from Numbers 31:11?
4.How does Numbers 31:11 connect with God's commands in Deuteronomy 20:14?
5.How can we apply the principles of obedience from Numbers 31:11 today?
6.What does Numbers 31:11 teach about God's justice and mercy in warfare?
7.Why did God command the Israelites to take spoils in Numbers 31:11?
8.How does Numbers 31:11 align with the concept of a loving God?
9.What is the historical context of the events in Numbers 31:11?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 31?
11.How do the repeated animal offerings in Numbers 29 align or conflict with the later prophetic criticism of sacrifices (e.g., Isaiah 1:11)?
12.Numbers 31:28-30: How does distributing people as spoils align with the broader biblical theme of human worth?
13.Numbers 31:32-35: Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the capture of such a large number of Midianite captives?
14.Numbers 7:1-3: How could the Israelites, while wandering in the wilderness, assemble such large quantities of metals and animals for offerings?What Does Numbers 31:11 Mean And carried away– The phrase shows immediate action after victory. Israel did not leave the battlefield cluttered; they obeyed Moses’ instruction from the LORD to seize what was won (Numbers 31:7–9). – This fulfillment of divine command echoes earlier moments when God empowered His people to take possession of what He promised (Joshua 6:24;1 Samuel 30:18–20). – By literally gathering the goods, the Israelites demonstrated trust that God supplies through obedience, not through their own cleverness (Deuteronomy 8:17–18).
All the plunder and spoils– “Plunder” and “spoils” cover everything of value: gold, silver, garments, livestock, and more, as clarified later inNumbers 31:25–31. – Scripture often distinguishes between items devoted to destruction and items permitted for Israel’s use (Deuteronomy 20:14;Joshua 8:2, 27). In this case God allowed the material goods to be kept, teaching that He can convert former instruments of wickedness into provision for His covenant people. – The completeness of “all” signals God’s thorough judgment on Midian’s sin (Numbers 25:16–18) and His complete care for Israel’s needs (Philippians 4:19).
Both people and animals– Captives and livestock alike fell under Israel’s authority. Later verses (Numbers 31:15–18, 35–40) lay out how these were to be handled, underlining God’s concern for orderly, righteous distribution. – Similar wartime protocols appear inDeuteronomy 21:10–14 and1 Chronicles 18:11, reminding readers that every life and possession ultimately belongs to the LORD and must be treated according to His revealed standards. – The inclusion of animals underscores how God supplies even mundane necessities—food, labor, and wealth—for His people’s journey (Exodus 12:35–36;2 Chronicles 20:25).
summaryNumbers 31:11 highlights Israel’s total obedience in gathering everything God allowed them to take—people, animals, and goods. The verse testifies to God’s just judgment on Midian, His provision for His people, and His sovereignty over every detail of warfare and daily life. Verse 11. - The spoil.הָשָּׁלָל. Septuagint, τὴν προνομήν. The booty in goods. The prey.הַמַּלְקוח. Septuagint, τὰ σκῦλα. The booty in live-stock, here including the women and children, who are distinguished as "captives" ( שְׁבִי) in the next verse.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew and carried awayוַיִּקְחוּ֙(way·yiq·ḥū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3947:To takeallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe plunderהַשָּׁלָ֔ל(haš·šā·lāl)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7998:A prey, spoil, plunder, bootyandכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyspoils,הַמַּלְק֑וֹחַ(ham·mal·qō·w·aḥ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4455:The jaws, in, spoilboth peopleבָּאָדָ֖ם(bā·’ā·ḏām)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120:Ruddy, a human beingand animals.וּבַבְּהֵמָֽה׃(ū·ḇab·bə·hê·māh)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 929:A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal
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OT Law: Numbers 31:11 They took all the spoil and all (Nu Num.) |
