Old Testament
Numbers 31:36
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The half given to the soldiers who had fought in the battle came to 337,500 sheep.
Compare translations
And the half, which was the portion of them that went out to war, was in number three hundred thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five hundred sheep:
What Numbers 31:36 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 31:36, the text discusses the distribution of spoils after a battle fought by the Israelites. The soldiers who participated in the battle received a specific portion of the livestock taken from the enemy. This verse highlights that the half of the total spoils allocated to the soldiers amounted to 337,500 sheep. This number reflects the significant wealth gained from the victory, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and rewarding those who serve and sacrifice in battle. The division of spoils also illustrates the principles of fairness and accountability in sharing resources among the community, ensuring that those who fought receive their due share. This practice not only acknowledges the contributions of the soldiers but also reinforces the communal aspect of sharing blessings and resources among the people of Israel.
How to apply Numbers 31:36 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize and reward those who serve in various capacities, whether in military, community service, or other roles. It reminds us of the importance of fairness in sharing resources and acknowledging contributions, fostering a sense of community and gratitude.
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 31:36
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 31:36
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 31:36 mean?
Numbers 31:36 describes the distribution of livestock taken as spoils after a battle. It specifies that the soldiers who fought received half of the total spoils, which amounted to 337,500 sheep, highlighting the importance of rewarding those who serve.
What is the significance of the number of sheep in Numbers 31:36?
The number of sheep, 337,500, signifies the substantial wealth gained from the victory in battle. This emphasizes the rewards for the soldiers' efforts and the importance of recognizing their contributions.
How does Numbers 31:36 relate to community sharing?
Numbers 31:36 relates to community sharing by showing how the spoils of war were divided among those who fought, reinforcing the idea that contributions should be acknowledged and rewarded within the community.
What themes are present in Numbers 31:36?
Themes in Numbers 31:36 include divine justice, reward for service, community sharing, military victory, and accountability, all of which highlight the importance of recognizing and distributing resources fairly.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.