Numbers 31:30
New International Version
From the Israelites’ half, select one out of every fifty, whether people, cattle, donkeys, sheep or other animals. Give them to the Levites, who are responsible for the care of the LORD’s tabernacle.”

New Living Translation
From the half that belongs to the people of Israel, take one of every fifty of the prisoners and of the cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, and other animals. Give this share to the Levites, who are in charge of maintaining the LORD’s Tabernacle.”

English Standard Version
And from the people of Israel’s half you shall take one drawn out of every fifty, of the people, of the oxen, of the donkeys, and of the flocks, of all the cattle, and give them to the Levites who keep guard over the tabernacle of the LORD.”

Berean Standard Bible
From the Israelites’ half, take one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or other animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And from the children of Israel’s half you shall take one of every fifty, drawn from the persons, the cattle, the donkeys, and the sheep, from all the livestock, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.”

New American Standard Bible
And from the sons of Israel’s half, you shall take one drawn from every fifty of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the sheep, from all the animals; and give them to the Levites who perform the duty of the tabernacle of the LORD.”

NASB 1995
“From the sons of Israel’s half, you shall take one drawn out of every fifty of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys and of the sheep, from all the animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.”

NASB 1977
“And from the sons of Israel’s half, you shall take one drawn out of every fifty of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys and of the sheep, from all the animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And from the sons of Israel’s half, you shall take one drawn out of every fifty of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the sheep, from all the animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of Yahweh.”

Amplified Bible
From the Israelites’ half [of the spoil] you shall take one out of every fifty of the persons, the oxen, the donkeys, the flocks, and of all the livestock, and give them to the Levites who are in charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.”

Christian Standard Bible
From the Israelites’ half, take one out of every fifty from the people, cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats, all the livestock, and give them to the Levites who perform the duties of the LORD’s tabernacle.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
From the Israelites’ half, take one out of every 50 from the people, cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats, all the livestock, and give them to the Levites who perform the duties of the LORD’s tabernacle.”

American Standard Version
And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the oxen, of the asses, and of the flocks, even of all the cattle, and give them unto the Levites, that keep the charge of the tabernacle of Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
From the half that belongs to the people, set aside one out of every 50 and give these to the Levites in charge of the sacred tent.

English Revised Version
And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, even of all the cattle, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
From the Israelites' half of the loot, collect one out of every 50 things. This includes people, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, and every other kind of animal. Give them to the Levites who are in charge of the work done at the LORD's tent."

Good News Translation
From the part given to the rest of the people, take one out of every fifty prisoners and the same proportion of the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. Give them to the Levites who are in charge of the LORD's Tent."

International Standard Version
Then take half the share of the Israelis, one drawn out of every 50 people, cattle, donkeys, flocks, and from every animal, then give to the descendants of Levi who maintain the service of the LORD's tent."

Majority Standard Bible
From the Israelites? half, take one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or other animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.?

NET Bible
From the Israelites' half-share you are to take one portion out of fifty of the people, the cattle, the donkeys, and the sheep--from every kind of animal--and you are to give them to the Levites, who are responsible for the care of the LORD's tabernacle."

New Heart English Bible
Of the children of Israel's half, you shall take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks, of all the livestock, and give them to the Levites, who perform the duty of the tabernacle of the LORD."

Webster's Bible Translation
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 to the Levites, who keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.

World English Bible
Of the children of Israel’s half, you shall take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks, of all the livestock, and give them to the Levites, who perform the duty of Yahweh’s tabernacle.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And from the sons of Israel’s half you take one possession out of fifty, of man, of the herd, of the donkeys, and of the flock, of all the livestock, and you have given them to the Levites keeping the charge of the Dwelling Place of YHWH.”

Young's Literal Translation
'And from the sons of Israel's half thou dost take one possession out of fifty, of man, of the herd, of the asses, and of the flock, of all the cattle, and thou hast given them to the Levites keeping the charge of the tabernacle of Jehovah.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And from the sons of Israel's half thou shalt take one taking from fifty, from the men, from the oxen, from the asses, and from the sheep, from all the cattle, and give them to the Levites watching the watches of the dwelling of Jehovah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Out of the moiety also of the children of Israel thou shalt take the fiftieth head of persons, and of oxen, and asses, and sheep, and of all beasts, and thou shalt give them to the Levites that watch in the charge of the tabernacle of the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Likewise, from the half of the portion belonging to the sons of Israel, you shall receive the fiftieth head of humans, and of oxen, and donkeys, and sheep, and of all living things, and you shall give these to the Levites who stand watch over the care of the tabernacle of the Lord.”

New American Bible
From the Israelites’ half you will take one captive from every fifty human beings, oxen, donkeys, and sheep—all the animals—and give them to the Levites, who perform the duties of the LORD’s tabernacle.

New Revised Standard Version
But from the Israelites’ half you shall take one out of every fifty, whether persons, oxen, donkeys, sheep, or goats—all the animals—and give them to the Levites who have charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And from the children of Israel's half, you shall take one out of every fifty, of the persons, of the oxen, of the asses, and of the flocks, and of all the beasts, and give them to the Levites, who have charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And from the half of the children of Israel take one of fifty from the men and from the donkeys and from bulls and from the sheep and from all domestic animals, and give them to the Levites who keep the watch of the Tabernacle of LORD JEHOVAH.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, even of all the cattle, and give them unto the Levites, that keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And from the half belonging to the children of Israel thou shalt take one in fifty from the men, and from the oxen, and from the sheep, and from the asses, and from all the cattle; and thou shalt give them to the Levites that keep the charges in the tabernacle of the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Division of the Spoils
29Take it from their half and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD. 30From the Israelites’ half, take one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or other animals, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.” 31So Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD had commanded Moses,…

Cross References
Exodus 30:13-16
Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD. / Everyone twenty years of age or older who crosses over must give this offering to the LORD. / In making the offering to the LORD to atone for your lives, the rich shall not give more than a half shekel, nor shall the poor give less. ...

Leviticus 27:30-33
Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. / If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value. / Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD. ...

Deuteronomy 20:14
But 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.

Joshua 6:19
For all the silver and gold and all the articles of bronze and iron are holy to the LORD; they must go into His treasury.”

1 Samuel 30:24-25
Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.” / And so it has been from that day forward. David established this statute and ordinance for Israel to this very day.

2 Chronicles 31:5-6
As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. / And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps.

Nehemiah 10:37-38
Moreover, we will bring to the priests at the storerooms of the house of our God the firstfruits of our dough, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees, and of our new wine and oil. A tenth of our produce belongs to the Levites, so that they shall receive tithes in all the towns where we labor. / A priest of Aaron’s line is to accompany the Levites when they collect the tenth, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of these tithes to the storerooms of the treasury in the house of our God.

Ezekiel 45:13-16
This is the contribution you are to offer: a sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat, and a sixth of an ephah from each homer of barley. / The prescribed portion of oil, measured by the bath, is a tenth of a bath from each cor (a cor consists of ten baths or one homer, since ten baths are equivalent to a homer). / And one sheep shall be given from each flock of two hundred from the well-watered pastures of Israel. These are for the grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings, to make atonement for the people, declares the Lord GOD. ...

Malachi 3:8-10
Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings. / You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me. / Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the LORD of Hosts. “See if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.

Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

Luke 11:42
Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.

Luke 18:12
I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’

Acts 2:44-45
All the believers were together and had everything in common. / Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.

Acts 4:34-35
There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, / and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.

Romans 15:26-27
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. / They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.


Treasury of Scripture

And of the children of Israel's half, you shall 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 to the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.

one portion

Numbers 31:42-47
And of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided from the men that warred, …

flocks, or goats.

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:

Numbers 18:24-28
But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering unto the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said unto them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance…

1 Corinthians 9:13,14
Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? …

keep the

Numbers 3:7,8,25,31,36
And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle…

Numbers 18:1-5,23
And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood…

1 Chronicles 9:27-29
And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them…

Jump to Previous
Asses Beasts Beeves Cattle Charge Children Donkeys Drawn Duty Half Israel's Livestock Manner Perform Persons Portion Tabernacle
Jump to Next
Asses Beasts Beeves Cattle Charge Children Donkeys Drawn Duty Half Israel's Livestock Manner Perform Persons Portion Tabernacle
Numbers 31
1. The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain
13. Moses is angry with the officers, for saving the women alive
19. How the soldiers, with their captives and spoil, are to be purified
25. The proportion in which the prey is to be divided
48. The voluntary offering unto the treasure of the Lord














From the Israelites’ half
This phrase refers to the division of the spoils of war after the Israelites' victory over the Midianites. The spoils were divided into two equal parts: one for the warriors who fought and one for the rest of the community. This division reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where both those who fought and those who stayed behind shared in the benefits of victory. It also underscores the principle of fairness and shared responsibility within the community.

take one out of every fifty
This instruction establishes a specific portion of the spoils to be set aside for a particular purpose. The ratio of one out of fifty indicates a tithe-like offering, though it is distinct from the traditional tithe. This allocation demonstrates the importance of supporting religious functions and those who serve in them, ensuring that the Levites, who had no inheritance of land, were provided for.

whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or other animals
The inclusion of both people and animals in this list highlights the comprehensive nature of the spoils. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, captives and livestock were common spoils. The mention of various types of animals reflects the agrarian context of the Israelites and the economic value these animals represented. The inclusion of persons, likely referring to captives, also raises ethical considerations about the treatment of war captives in ancient times.

and give them to the Levites
The Levites were the tribe set apart for religious duties and the service of the tabernacle. They did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes, so provisions like this were essential for their sustenance. This allocation underscores the community's responsibility to support those who minister on their behalf, a principle echoed in the New Testament regarding the support of church leaders.

who keep charge of the tabernacle of the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the Levites' role in maintaining the tabernacle, the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites. The tabernacle was a precursor to the Temple and a type of Christ, symbolizing God's presence with His people. The Levites' service was crucial for the spiritual life of the nation, and their support ensured the continued worship and adherence to the covenant.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who is conveying God's instructions regarding the division of the spoils of war.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who have just returned from a victorious battle against the Midianites.

3. The Levites
The tribe set apart for the service of the LORD’s tabernacle, responsible for its care and maintenance.

4. The Midianites
The people defeated by the Israelites, whose possessions are being divided.

5. The LORD’s Tabernacle
The sacred dwelling place of God among His people, requiring care and service by the Levites.
Teaching Points
Stewardship and Generosity
God’s people are called to support those who serve in ministry. Just as the Israelites were instructed to give a portion to the Levites, Christians today are encouraged to support their church leaders and ministries.

The Role of the Levites
The Levites' role highlights the importance of dedicated service to God. Believers are reminded of the value of those who commit their lives to serving the church and the community.

God’s Provision and Order
The division of spoils reflects God’s orderly provision for His people and His servants. It teaches us about God’s care and the importance of following His instructions.

Community Responsibility
The Israelites’ contribution to the Levites underscores the communal responsibility to ensure that those who serve God’s purposes are adequately supported.(30) One portion of fifty.--The Levites were much more numerous than the priests, and consequently it was ordered that they should have two per cent. of the spoil which fell to the congregation, whereas the priests had only one-fifth percent, of a like amount. The portion of the Levites, therefore, was 320 maidens, 6,750 sheep and goats, 720 oxen, and 610 asses.

Verse 30. - One portion of fifty. Two percent of the prey. This probably corresponded very closely to the number of Levites as compared with the twelve tribes, and would tend to show that God intended the Levites to be neither better nor worse off than their neighbours.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
From
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the Israelites’
בְּנֵֽי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

half,
וּמִמַּחֲצִ֨ת (ū·mim·ma·ḥă·ṣiṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4276: A halving, the middle

take
תִּקַּ֣ח ׀ (tiq·qaḥ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

one
אֶחָ֣ד ׀ (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

out of
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

every fifty,
הַחֲמִשִּׁ֗ים (ha·ḥă·miš·šîm)
Article | Number - common plural
Strong's 2572: Fifty

whether persons,
הָאָדָ֧ם (hā·’ā·ḏām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

cattle,
הַבָּקָ֛ר (hab·bā·qār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1241: Beef cattle, ox, a herd

donkeys,
הַחֲמֹרִ֥ים (ha·ḥă·mō·rîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2543: A male ass

sheep,
הַצֹּ֖אן (haṣ·ṣōn)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

[or] other
מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

animals,
הַבְּהֵמָ֑ה (hab·bə·hê·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 929: A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animal

and give
וְנָתַתָּ֤ה (wə·nā·ṯat·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

them to the Levites
לַלְוִיִּ֔ם (lal·wî·yim)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

who keep
שֹׁמְרֵ֕י (šō·mə·rê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

charge
מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת (miš·me·reṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4931: A guard, watch, charge, function

of the tabernacle
מִשְׁכַּ֥ן (miš·kan)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle

of the LORD.”
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel


Links
Numbers 31:30 NIV
Numbers 31:30 NLT
Numbers 31:30 ESV
Numbers 31:30 NASB
Numbers 31:30 KJV

Numbers 31:30 BibleApps.com
Numbers 31:30 Biblia Paralela
Numbers 31:30 Chinese Bible
Numbers 31:30 French Bible
Numbers 31:30 Catholic Bible

OT Law: Numbers 31:30 Of the children of Israel's half you (Nu Num.)
Numbers 31:29
Top of Page
Top of Page