Old Testament
Numbers 31:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Take this from the soldiers' share and give it to Eleazar the priest as an offering to the LORD.
Compare translations
Take it of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, for an heave offering of the LORD.
What Numbers 31:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to take a portion of the spoils from their military victory and give it to Eleazar the priest. This portion is referred to as a 'heave offering,' which is a type of offering presented to God as an act of worship and gratitude. The heave offering signifies the acknowledgment of God's provision and blessing in their victory. By giving this offering, the soldiers recognize that their success is not solely due to their own strength but is a result of God's guidance and support. This act also serves to support the priesthood, ensuring that the spiritual leaders of the community are provided for as they carry out their duties. The emphasis on giving to God from the spoils reflects the importance of dedicating a portion of one's gains to honor God and maintain a relationship with Him.
How to apply Numbers 31:29 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and honor God in our successes. Just as the Israelites were instructed to give a portion of their gains, we too should consider how we can dedicate a part of our resources to support our communities and spiritual leaders, reflecting gratitude for our blessings.
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 31:29
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 31:29
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 31:29 mean?
Numbers 31:29 instructs the Israelites to take a portion of the spoils from their military victory and give it to Eleazar the priest as a heave offering to the LORD. This act acknowledges God's role in their success and supports the priesthood.
What is a heave offering in Numbers 31:29?
A heave offering, as mentioned in Numbers 31:29, is a type of offering presented to God as an act of worship and gratitude. It signifies the recognition of God's provision and blessings in the lives of the people.
What is the significance of giving from spoils in Numbers 31:29?
Giving from the spoils in Numbers 31:29 emphasizes the importance of dedicating a portion of one's gains to honor God. It serves as a reminder that success is not solely due to personal strength but is also a result of divine guidance.
How can we apply Numbers 31:29 today?
We can apply Numbers 31:29 by recognizing and honoring God in our successes. This may involve dedicating a part of our resources to support our communities and spiritual leaders, reflecting gratitude for our blessings.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.