Numbers 31:46

“And sixteen thousand persons;)”

Literary Context

The preceding line reads “And thirty thousand asses and five hundred,” The titled verse reads “And sixteen thousand persons;)” The following line reads “Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the Lord; as the Lord commanded Moses.” Together, these lines place Numbers 31:46 within its immediate canonical and literary sequence.

Close Reading

The verse reports an action, event, location, number, or result within the biblical narrative. Its contribution appears through the subject, action, and outcome stated in the sentence.

The sentence centres on “And sixteen thousand persons;)” The wording sets the subject and the limits of interpretation.

Place in Scripture

Biblical narrative communicates through ordered events and consequences. Accuracy about each verse preserves that sequence and guards conclusions from being based on details the passage does not contain.

A Faithful Response

A faithful response distinguishes description from command and notices how the event fits the surrounding account. Reflection should follow the choices, consequences, and divine activity that the text itself makes visible.

Accordingly, the meaning of Numbers 31:46 should be drawn from the verse itself and the lines around it, keeping explanation and application faithful to the text.