Old Testament
Numbers 31:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then divide the plunder into 2 equal shares: one half for the soldiers who fought in the battle, and the other half for the rest of the community.
Compare translations
And divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation:
What Numbers 31:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Moses on how to distribute the spoils of war after the Israelites defeat their enemies. The plunder, which includes goods and valuables taken from the defeated, is to be divided into two equal parts. One half is designated for the soldiers who actively fought in the battle, recognizing their bravery and sacrifice. The other half is to be given to the rest of the community, ensuring that those who did not fight also benefit from the victory. This division reflects a principle of fairness and communal sharing, emphasizing that while some may engage directly in conflict, the entire community shares in the blessings and resources gained from their collective efforts. It highlights the importance of both the warriors and the community in achieving success and prosperity, fostering unity and support among the people.
How to apply Numbers 31:27 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of recognizing and rewarding contributions in any group effort. Whether in a workplace, community, or family, it is vital to ensure that everyone benefits from collective achievements, fostering unity and appreciation among all members.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 31:27
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 31:27
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 31:27 teach about sharing resources?
Numbers 31:27 emphasizes the importance of equitable distribution of resources after a collective effort, such as a battle. It instructs that the spoils of war should be divided equally between the soldiers who fought and the rest of the community. This principle highlights fairness and ensures that all members of the community benefit from the victory, reinforcing the idea that success is a shared achievement.
Why is it important to reward both soldiers and the community?
The verse illustrates that while soldiers take on the physical risks of battle, the entire community supports them in various ways. By rewarding both the fighters and the non-fighters, it fosters unity and acknowledges the contributions of all members. This approach encourages cooperation and reinforces the idea that every role is vital in achieving success, whether through direct action or support.
How can we apply the message of Numbers 31:27 in modern life?
In modern contexts, such as workplaces or community projects, the message of Numbers 31:27 can be applied by ensuring that all contributors are recognized and rewarded for their efforts. This could mean sharing profits, acknowledging teamwork, or providing benefits to all involved, not just those in visible roles. Such practices promote a culture of appreciation and collaboration, leading to stronger, more cohesive groups.
What themes are highlighted in Numbers 31:27?
The key themes in Numbers 31:27 include fairness, community support, shared victory, and recognition of effort. The verse illustrates the balance between rewarding those who actively participate in challenges and ensuring that the broader community also shares in the benefits. This promotes a sense of unity and collective responsibility, essential for fostering strong relationships within any group.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.