What number verse is Numbers 31:16 in the Bible?

Numbers 31:16 is the 4,681st verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 31:16 sits at position 4,681.

31:1531:15 31:1731:17

Numbers 31:16

“Moses Orders Further Execution and Purification”· Numbers 31:13–24Read in context

King James Version

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

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KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, these ^H2007 caused ^H1961 the children ^H1121 of Israel ^H3478, through the counsel ^H1697 of Balaam ^H1109, to commit ^H4560 trespass ^H4604 against the LORD ^H3068 in the matter ^H1697 of Peor ^H6465, and there was a plague ^H4046 among the congregation ^H5712 of the LORD ^H3068.

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Complete Jewish Bible

Why, these are the ones who - because of Bil'am's advice -caused the people of Isra'el to rebel, breaking faith with ADONAI in the P'or incident, so that the plague broke out among ADONAI's community!

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Berean Standard Bible

“Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD.

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American Standard Version

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Jehovah in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Jehovah.

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World English Bible Messianic

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of the LORD.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Behold, these caused the children of Israel through the counsell of Balaam to commit a trespasse against the Lord, as concerning Peor, and there came a plague among the Congregation of the Lord.

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Young's Literal Translation

lo, they--they have been to the sons of Israel, through the word of Balaam, to cause a trespass against Jehovah in the matter of Peor, and the plague is in the company of Jehovah.

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Translation

Cross-References

Numbers 25:1
And Israel dwelleth in Shittim, and the people begin to go a-whoring unto daughters of Moab,
Numbers 25:9
and the dead by the plague are four and twenty thousand.
2 Peter 2:15
having forsaken a right way, they did go astray, having followed in the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who a reward of unrighteousness did love,
Revelation 2:14
`But I have against thee a few things: That thou hast there those holding the teaching of Balaam, who did teach Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the sons of Israel, to eat idol-sacrifices, and to commit whoredom;
Deuteronomy 4:3
`Your eyes are seeing that which Jehovah hath done in Baal-Peor, for every man who hath gone after Baal-Peor, Jehovah thy God hath destroyed him from thy midst;
Numbers 24:14
and, now, lo, I am going to my people; come, I counsel thee concerning that which this people doth to thy people, in the latter end of the days.'
Joshua 22:17
Is the iniquity of Peor little to us, from which we have not been cleansed till this day--and the plague is in the company of Jehovah,

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Summary

Numbers 31:16 serves as a crucial postscript to the Midianite war, explicitly identifying Balaam's cunning counsel as the direct cause of Israel's catastrophic sin at Baal-peor. This verse unveils the insidious strategy that led the Israelites into profound idolatry and sexual immorality, resulting in a devastating divine plague and standing as a stark, enduring reminder of the severe consequences that arise from spiritual compromise and disobedience to God's covenant.

Context

Literary Context

This verse is embedded within Moses' post-war instructions to the Israelite commanders following their decisive victory over the Midianites in Numbers 31. Having executed the Lord's vengeance against Midian, Moses confronts the commanders for their initial leniency in sparing the Midianite women. Verse 16 provides the explicit theological justification for Moses' subsequent harsh command to execute all Midianite males and non-virgin women. It directly links the Midianite women to the previous national apostasy at Peor, revealing that their presence was not merely a moral oversight but a strategic spiritual threat, orchestrated by Balaam, which had already led to immense divine judgment. This verse underscores the gravity of the spiritual danger posed by those who would lead Israel into covenant unfaithfulness.

Historical & Cultural Context

The "matter of Peor" refers to the calamitous incident detailed in Numbers 25, which transpired while Israel was encamped in the plains of Moab, poised to enter the Promised Land. During this time, Israelite men engaged in widespread sexual immorality with Moabite and Midianite women and participated in the worship of Baal-peor, a local fertility deity. Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet, had been hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. When God repeatedly prevented Balaam from uttering a direct curse, Balaam shrewdly advised Balak to entice Israel into sin by using these women to draw them into idolatry and immorality. This counsel was a calculated strategy to provoke God's wrath against His own people, thereby achieving indirectly what a direct curse could not. The "plague among the congregation of the LORD" was God's immediate and devastating judgment, claiming 24,000 Israelite lives, as recorded in Numbers 25:9.

Key Themes

Numbers 31:16 powerfully reinforces several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of spiritual deception and apostasy, illustrating how external, insidious influences, specifically the "counsel of Balaam," can subtly yet profoundly lead God's covenant people astray. Balaam's strategy was not a frontal assault but a cunning corruption from within, a danger against which Israel was repeatedly warned (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:1-6). Secondly, the verse underscores the holiness of God and the severe consequences of disobedience. The swift and deadly "plague" serves as a vivid demonstration of God's righteous judgment against idolatry and unfaithfulness, emphasizing His intolerance for sin among His chosen people. This aligns with the broader narrative of divine judgment for rebellion seen throughout the wilderness wanderings, such as the rebellion of Korah in Numbers 16. Finally, it speaks to the seriousness of covenant breach, as the "trespass against the LORD" was not merely a moral failing but a profound betrayal of the unique, exclusive relationship Israel had with Yahweh, their covenant God.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

counsel דָבָר, dâbâr' H1697

This term, derived from a root meaning "to speak," refers to a word, matter, or advice. In this context, it signifies Balaam's deliberate and strategic scheme or plan. It was not a casual suggestion but a calculated plot, designed to exploit Israel's weaknesses and provoke divine judgment by leading them into idolatry and immorality. This highlights the malevolent intent and strategic depth behind the temptation.

trespass מַעַל, maʻal' H4604

This word denotes an act of unfaithfulness, a breach of trust, or sacrilege, particularly against God or sacred things. It implies a profound violation of covenant obligations, a deep betrayal. More than just a general "sin," maʻal emphasizes an act of disloyalty and defection from the LORD, underscoring the gravity of Israel's actions at Peor as a direct affront to their covenant God and a breaking of their exclusive devotion to Him.

plague מַגֵּפָה, maggêphâh' H4046

This term refers to a divine visitation of disease or disaster, often a sudden, widespread affliction sent by God as a direct judgment. In this context, it specifically denotes the devastating epidemic that swept through the Israelite camp, claiming 24,000 lives. This plague was a direct and immediate consequence of their idolatry and immorality, powerfully demonstrating the swift and severe nature of God's justice against unfaithfulness within His covenant community.

Verse Breakdown

"Behold, these caused the children of Israel,"

Moses directly attributes the initiation of Israel's downfall to "these" – referring to the Midianite women who had been spared in the initial conquest. This highlights their instrumental role as agents of temptation and corruption, underscoring the profound danger of external influences that actively lead to spiritual compromise and apostasy among God's people.

"through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor,"

This clause reveals the true mastermind behind the Midianite women's actions: Balaam. His "counsel" was the strategic blueprint for enticing Israel into the specific sins of idolatry and sexual immorality at Baal-peor. The phrase "trespass against the LORD" underscores that their sin was not merely a moral lapse but a direct act of unfaithfulness and rebellion against their covenant God, a profound betrayal of their exclusive devotion to Him, which was the very foundation of their identity.

"and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD."

This final phrase states the immediate and devastating consequence of their corporate sin: a divinely sent "plague." This plague served as God's swift, righteous, and public judgment upon the community for their corporate sin, demonstrating His unwavering holiness and His absolute intolerance for idolatry and spiritual impurity within His covenant people. It was a clear sign of His displeasure and a call to repentance.

Literary Devices

Numbers 31:16 functions primarily as a Didactic Narrative, serving to instruct the reader about the profound dangers of spiritual compromise and the severe consequences of sin. It employs clear Causality, explicitly linking the Midianite women and, more fundamentally, Balaam's counsel, as the direct cause of Israel's "trespass" and the subsequent "plague." This clear cause-and-effect relationship powerfully reinforces the theological principle of divine Retribution, where God's righteous judgment directly follows human disobedience. There is also a strong element of Irony in Balaam's strategy; unable to curse Israel directly through prophetic utterance, he achieves his malicious goal indirectly by devising a plan that causes Israel to incur God's wrath upon themselves. The verse also serves as a concise Recapitulation, succinctly summarizing the critical events of Numbers 25 and providing the theological rationale for Moses' severe instructions regarding the Midianite women, thereby tying past events to present commands.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Numbers 31:16 stands as a potent and enduring reminder of the insidious nature of spiritual warfare and the ever-present danger of compromise. It highlights that the most dangerous attacks on God's people often come not through direct confrontation but through subtle temptations designed to draw them away from their covenant loyalty. Balaam's counsel represents a timeless strategy of the enemy: to lure believers into idolatry and immorality, knowing that such actions break fellowship with God and invite His righteous judgment. This incident underscores God's unwavering holiness and His demand for exclusive worship and purity from His people, demonstrating that even His chosen nation is not exempt from the consequences of unfaithfulness. The plague serves as a stark testament to the seriousness with which God views spiritual adultery and the breach of covenant, emphasizing that His character demands a response to sin.

Deuteronomy 23:3-6 Revelation 2:14 1 Corinthians 10:8

Reflection and Application

Numbers 31:16 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for believers across all generations, compelling us to recognize that spiritual battles are often fought on the subtle terrain of influence and temptation. Just as Balaam's counsel sought to corrupt Israel from within, so too does the enemy seek to introduce compromise into our lives through seemingly benign relationships, cultural pressures, or deceptive ideologies. We are called to cultivate keen spiritual discernment, guarding our hearts and minds against any "counsel" that would lead us away from exclusive devotion to the Lord. This includes being vigilant about the media we consume, the company we keep, and the philosophies we embrace, ensuring they align with biblical truth. The incident at Peor, combining sexual immorality with idolatry, reminds us that true worship demands purity in all aspects of life, and that any form of spiritual syncretism or devotion to worldly idols will inevitably incur divine displeasure. While we live under grace, the principle remains: sin has profound consequences, and God's holiness requires us to pursue lives of obedience and faithfulness, trusting in His power to keep us from falling.

Questions for Reflection

In what subtle ways might "counsel" or influences in my life be leading me towards compromise with worldly values or practices?
How does the "matter of Peor" challenge my understanding of the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry in my own life today?
What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater discernment and actively guard against spiritual deception in my daily walk with God?

FAQ

What exactly was the "matter of Peor" mentioned in this verse?

The "matter of Peor" refers to a devastating incident described in Numbers 25 where Israelite men engaged in widespread sexual immorality with Moabite and Midianite women. Crucially, this immorality was intertwined with participation in the idolatrous worship of Baal-peor, a local fertility god. This involved both physical prostitution and spiritual idolatry, constituting a direct violation of God's covenant commands against worshipping other gods and engaging in immoral practices. It was a profound act of unfaithfulness that provoked God's wrath and resulted in a severe plague among the Israelite congregation, claiming 24,000 lives.

How did Balaam's counsel lead Israel to commit trespass, given that he couldn't curse them directly?

Balaam, after being repeatedly prevented by God from cursing Israel directly, advised Balak, the king of Moab, on an alternative, more insidious strategy. His "counsel" was to entice the Israelite men into sin by sending Moabite and Midianite women among them. These women would then lure the Israelite men into sexual immorality and, crucially, into participating in their idolatrous worship of Baal-peor. Balaam understood that while he could not curse God's people by divine decree, God Himself would judge them if they willingly broke His covenant. This indirect strategy exploited Israel's moral and spiritual vulnerabilities, causing them to incur divine judgment upon themselves, as later confirmed in Revelation 2:14, where it is referred to as "the teaching of Balaam."

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Numbers 31:16, with its stark depiction of sin, judgment, and the insidious nature of spiritual deception, ultimately points to the necessity and sufficiency of Christ. The "trespass against the LORD" at Peor, leading to a devastating plague, highlights the severity of human sin and God's righteous wrath against it. This judgment foreshadows the ultimate judgment due to all humanity for their rebellion against God. However, in Christ, we find the fulfillment of God's justice and mercy. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, bearing the "plague" of God's wrath on the cross so that those who believe might be spared from eternal condemnation. Furthermore, Balaam's cunning counsel, designed to lead God's people astray, finds its ultimate defeat in Jesus. Christ, as our Good Shepherd, protects His flock from spiritual deception and leads them in paths of righteousness, unlike the false prophets and deceptive influences that seek to corrupt. Through His indwelling Spirit, He empowers believers to resist the devil and overcome the temptations of the world, ensuring that those who are truly His will not fall prey to the "doctrine of Balaam" but will remain faithful to Him who alone is worthy of all worship and devotion, having redeemed us from every lawless deed and purified for himself a people for his own possession.

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Historical interpretation

Historical Reception

One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.

1 quote · AD 1781

AD 1781Richard ChallonerMedieval

The sin of Phogor: The sin committed in the worship of Beelphegor.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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