Numbers 31:18

KJV

But all the women children, that have not known a man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.

KJV (with Strong's)

But all the women {H802} children {H2945}, that have not known {H3045} a man {H2145} by lying {H4904} with him, keep alive {H2421} for yourselves.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the young girls who have never slept with a man, keep alive for yourselves.

Berean Standard Bible

but spare for yourselves every girl who has never had relations with a man.

American Standard Version

But all the women-children, that have not known man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 31:18 presents a specific directive from Moses to the Israelite army following their decisive victory over the Midianites. This command, an exception to the broader instruction for total annihilation, permits the preservation of young Midianite females who had not experienced sexual intercourse. This distinction was crucial for maintaining the ritual and spiritual purity of the Israelite camp, preventing further contamination from the idolatrous practices associated with Midian, and potentially serving pragmatic purposes for the Israelite community as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 31:18 is embedded within the narrative of Israel's divinely commanded war against Midian, detailed in [Numbers 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - Vengeance on Midian"). This war is presented as an act of divine retribution for Midian's role in leading Israel into idolatry and sexual immorality at Baal Peor, as recorded in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Peor"). The preceding verses ([Numbers 31:1-17](/numbers/31-17 "Numbers 31:1-17 - The War Against Midian")) describe the execution of the war and Moses' initial, severe command to kill all adult Midianite women and male children due to their direct or indirect involvement in the Peor apostasy. Verse 18 then introduces a critical caveat, distinguishing between those women who were sexually active (and thus potentially complicit in the cultic prostitution or old enough to have participated in the idolatry) and those who were virgins. This distinction is pivotal for understanding the rationale behind the seemingly harsh judgment, emphasizing the targeted nature of the divine wrath against specific forms of sin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Numbers 31:18 must be understood within the brutal realities of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where the complete annihilation of conquered populations (*herem* or "devotion to destruction") was not uncommon, especially when dealing with nations perceived as existential threats to a people's religious or cultural identity. Midian, in particular, had proven to be a profound spiritual danger to Israel, having actively lured them into idolatry and immorality. The preservation of virgin girls, while jarring to modern sensibilities, was a common practice in ancient conquests, often for integration into the conquering society as servants or wives. For Israel, however, this act was not merely pragmatic; it also carried significant ritual and theological implications. The emphasis on virginity was likely tied to concerns about ritual purity and the prevention of further spiritual defilement within the Israelite camp, ensuring that those integrated into the community had not participated in the abhorrent practices that had brought divine judgment upon Israel in [Numbers 25:1-9](/numbers/25-1 "Numbers 25:1-9 - The Plague at Peor").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Holiness**. God's absolute intolerance for idolatry and spiritual compromise is evident in the severe consequences meted out to Midian, a nation that directly threatened Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Secondly, the distinction made in verse 18 highlights the theme of **Purity and Separation**. Israel, as God's chosen people, was called to be holy and set apart from the surrounding nations and their corrupt practices ([Leviticus 18:24-30](/leviticus/18-24 "Leviticus 18:24-30 - Abominations and Consequences")). The command to preserve only the virgins reflects a concern for preventing spiritual contamination and maintaining the integrity of the Israelite community, ensuring that the new generation would not be tainted by the idolatrous influences that had plagued the previous one. Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating that actions have severe repercussions, both for individuals and for entire nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"women children" (Hebrew, _ṭap nāšîm'_):** This phrase specifically refers to young female dependents or children, distinguishing them from adult women. The Hebrew word _ṭap_ (טַף) generally denotes "little ones" or "children," emphasizing their age and vulnerability, suggesting they were not yet capable of independent decision-making or active participation in the idolatrous practices that characterized the Midianite sin at Peor. This age distinction is critical to understanding the rationale for their preservation.
* **"have not known a man by lying with him" (Hebrew, _lōʾ yādʿû miškaḇ zāḵār'_):** This is a classic biblical idiom for virginity, literally meaning "have not known the lying of a male." The verb _yadaʿ_ (יָדַע, "to know") in this context signifies intimate, sexual knowledge. The phrase unequivocally identifies those who had not engaged in sexual intercourse, thereby implying they had not participated in the sexual immorality associated with the Baal Peor cult, which often involved ritual prostitution. Their virginity served as a proxy for their innocence concerning the specific sins that brought God's judgment upon Midian.
* **"keep alive for yourselves" (Hebrew, _ḥayyû lāḵem'_):** The verb _ḥayyû_ (חַיּוּ), from the root _ḥāyâ_ (חָיָה), means "to live," "to keep alive," or "to preserve." The addition of the reflexive pronoun _lāḵem_ (לָכֶם, "for yourselves") indicates that these preserved individuals were to be integrated into the Israelite community, likely as servants, concubines, or wives. This was not an act of mercy in the modern sense but a pragmatic and permissible outcome of ancient warfare for the conquering army, allowing for the acquisition of human resources without introducing the spiritual defilement that adult, sexually experienced Midianite women were deemed to embody.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But all the women children":** This clause introduces a crucial exception to the preceding command in [Numbers 31:17](/numbers/31-17 "Numbers 31:17 - Moses' Command for Slaughter"), which mandated the killing of all adult Midianite women and male children. The term "women children" (as discussed above) specifically refers to young, pre-pubescent or adolescent females, distinguishing them based on age and a presumed lack of direct culpability in the Midianite apostasy.
* **"that have not known a man by lying with him":** This is the defining criterion for preservation. Their virginity served as the legal and ritualistic basis for their exemption from the general decree of destruction. This condition was paramount, as it directly addressed the issue of sexual immorality and cultic prostitution that had led to the plague in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Peor"), thus safeguarding Israel from further spiritual contamination.
* **"keep alive for yourselves":** This final directive instructs the Israelite soldiers to spare these specific young women and integrate them into their own households or communities. The phrase "for yourselves" indicates that these individuals would become property or dependents of the Israelites, serving various roles within the community, such as servants or potential wives. This pragmatic outcome of warfare was permitted, but only under the strict condition of their virginity, ensuring that the spiritual integrity of Israel was not compromised by the spoils of war.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its precise meaning and implications. **Distinction** and **Categorization** are central, as the text meticulously separates the Midianite population into categories based on age and sexual experience, thereby determining their fate. This precise categorization highlights the specific nature of God's judgment, which was not indiscriminate but targeted. Furthermore, the phrase "have not known a man by lying with him" functions as a **Euphemism** for virginity or lack of sexual experience, a common linguistic feature in biblical Hebrew to discuss sensitive topics indirectly. This euphemistic language maintains a certain decorum while clearly communicating the critical criterion for exemption. Finally, the verse presents a stark **Contrast** between the general command for annihilation in [Numbers 31:17](/numbers/31-17 "Numbers 31:17 - Moses' Command for Slaughter") and the specific exception provided here, drawing the reader's attention to the nuanced application of divine justice and the importance of ritual purity within the Israelite community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 31:18, while challenging to modern sensibilities, serves as a profound theological statement about God's holiness, His intolerance for idolatry, and His zeal for the purity of His covenant people. The severity of the judgment against Midian underscores the gravity of spiritual apostasy and the defilement that results from intermingling with pagan practices. The distinction made in this verse reflects a divine concern for preventing the perpetuation of spiritual corruption within Israel, emphasizing that even in the context of war, God's standards of purity and separation were paramount. It highlights the principle that sin, particularly that which leads God's people astray, incurs severe divine wrath, yet there is a precise and discerning nature to this judgment, distinguishing between those deemed culpable and those who are not.

* [Deuteronomy 20:10-18](/deuteronomy/20-10 "Laws Concerning Warfare")
* [Ezra 9:1-2](/ezra/9-1 "Intermarriage as Transgression")
* [Leviticus 18:24-25](/leviticus/18-24 "Defilement of the Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 31:18 forces us to grapple with the complex nature of God's justice in the Old Testament and the unique historical context of ancient Israel. While we do not apply these commands literally today, the underlying spiritual principles remain powerfully relevant. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God views spiritual defilement and idolatry. For believers, it calls us to a radical commitment to holiness and purity, urging us to guard against any influence or compromise that could lead us away from our devotion to Christ. It challenges us to discern and resist the "spiritual Midianites" of our age—the cultural pressures, false ideologies, and temptations that seek to corrupt our faith and lead us into spiritual adultery. The emphasis on purity, even in a physical sense in the Old Testament, points to the spiritual purity God desires for His people today—a purity of heart, mind, and action, set apart for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **In what ways might I be susceptible to "spiritual idolatry" or "spiritual compromise" in my own life today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual purity and resist corrupting influences in my environment?**
* **How does the Old Testament's emphasis on physical purity inform my understanding of spiritual purity in the New Covenant?**

### FAQ

**How do we reconcile this verse with modern ethical sensibilities, particularly regarding the treatment of women and children in warfare?**

Answer: Reconciling Numbers 31:18 with modern ethical sensibilities requires careful theological and historical contextualization, recognizing that this command is a specific divine judgment within a unique redemptive-historical context, not a universal moral guideline for all time. Firstly, it's crucial to understand the *sui generis* nature of this event: it was a divinely commanded act of judgment against a nation (Midian) that had actively sought to corrupt God's covenant people and lead them into idolatry and sexual immorality, actions that had already resulted in a devastating plague on Israel ([Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Peor")). This was not a general blueprint for warfare but a targeted, judicial decree. Secondly, the distinction made in the verse (preserving only virgin females) was rooted in ancient Israelite concerns for ritual purity and preventing further spiritual contamination, as those who had participated in or were old enough to have been complicit in the cultic practices were deemed a continuing threat to Israel's holiness. While the literal application of such a command is abhorrent to modern ethical frameworks, the underlying principles of God's absolute holiness, His intolerance for sin, and His zeal for the purity of His people remain. The New Testament calls believers to a spiritual warfare against sin and evil ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")), emphasizing spiritual purity and separation from the world's corrupting influences ([2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 31:18 describes a specific act of physical judgment and the preservation of a remnant based on physical purity, its deepest fulfillment is found in Christ, who perfectly embodies God's holiness and provides the ultimate means of spiritual purity and separation for His people. The judgment against Midian foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and all spiritual forces that seek to corrupt humanity. He is the one who, through His atoning sacrifice, deals definitively with the defilement of sin, making His followers truly pure before God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses from Dead Works")). Unlike the physical distinctions made in Numbers, Christ's work creates a new "pure remnant" drawn from every nation, tribe, and tongue, whose purity is not based on physical status but on faith in Him and the cleansing power of His blood ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation")). He calls His followers to a radical spiritual purity of heart ([Matthew 5:8](/matthew/5-8 "Matthew 5:8 - Blessed are the Pure in Heart")) and presents the Church as His bride, whom He sanctifies and cleanses "that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). Thus, the Old Testament's concern for a physically pure people, set apart from corrupting influences, finds its ultimate and spiritual reality in Christ, who establishes a people purified by grace, devoted to God, and prepared for His eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 21:10

¶ When thou goest forth to war against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hands, and thou hast taken them captive,

Deuteronomy 21:14

And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.

Deuteronomy 20:14

But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, [even] all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.

Isaiah 14:2

And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

Leviticus 25:44

Both thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, which thou shalt have, [shall be] of the heathen that are round about you; of them shall ye buy bondmen and bondmaids.

2 Chronicles 28:8

And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.

2 Chronicles 28:10

And now ye purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen and bondwomen unto you: [but are there] not with you, even with you, sins against the LORD your God?