Old Testament
Numbers 31:30
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
From the community's half, take 1 out of every 50 — whether people, cattle, donkeys, sheep, or any other livestock — and give them to the Levites who are responsible for the LORD's tabernacle."
Compare translations
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.
What Numbers 31:30 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs the Israelites on how to allocate a portion of their spoils after a battle. Specifically, from the half that belongs to the community, they are to set aside one out of every fifty individuals and animals, including cattle and donkeys. This portion is to be given to the Levites, who are responsible for the care and maintenance of the tabernacle, which is the sacred place of worship. This command emphasizes the importance of supporting those who serve in spiritual roles and highlights the principle of sharing resources within the community. The Levites, being set apart for God's service, rely on the contributions of the people to fulfill their duties. This practice not only ensures that the Levites are provided for but also reinforces the communal responsibility to support the worship and service of God.
How to apply Numbers 31:30 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of supporting those who serve in spiritual capacities within our communities. We can apply this by ensuring that we contribute to our local churches and ministries, recognizing their vital role in our spiritual lives and the community as a whole.
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 31:30
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 31:30
Related Bible verses
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 31:30 mean?
Numbers 31:30 outlines God's instruction to the Israelites on how to allocate a portion of their spoils after battle. They are to give one out of every fifty individuals and animals to the Levites, who serve in the tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of supporting spiritual leaders.
What is the meaning of the Levites in Numbers 31:30?
In Numbers 31:30, the Levites are the tribe set apart for the service of God, responsible for the care of the tabernacle. This verse highlights their role and the need for the community to support them with resources from their spoils.
Why does Numbers 31:30 mention giving to the Levites?
Numbers 31:30 mentions giving to the Levites to ensure they are provided for as they fulfill their duties related to the tabernacle. This reflects the principle of sharing resources within the community to support spiritual service.
How can I apply Numbers 31:30 today?
You can apply Numbers 31:30 by actively supporting your local church or ministry, recognizing the importance of their role in your community. Contributing resources helps sustain those who serve in spiritual capacities.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.