What Does Numbers 31:37 Mean in the King James?

And the LORD’s tribute of the sheep was six hundred and threescore and fifteen.

Numbers 31:37 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The word for tribute belongs to the language of counting: what is set apart for the LORD becomes visible by its measure.

THE MEANING

The LORD’s portion appears as an exact count: 675 sheep. What is set apart has a visible place within the whole, rather than remaining an abstract claim.

THE ROOT

מֶכֶס

mekes

GROWS FROM

כָּסַס

To reckon, count, or assess.

The word belongs to a counting and assessment family, so tribute carries the sense of an apportioned share. In Exodus, the same word family counts people to determine a lamb-sized portion; here it names the share set apart for the LORD.

ALSO GROWS

mikhṣat: number, count, or assessed amount

מִכְסַת

In Exodus 12:4, the lamb is apportioned according to the number of people; the branch shows the root measuring a share.

takossu: you shall count or reckon

תָּכֹסּוּ

Also in Exodus 12:4, this verb describes making the count for the lamb, connecting tribute with deliberate reckoning.

THE PATTERN

A share set apart becomes visible through measured allocation.

And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

Leviticus 27:32 · KJVThe portion belonging to the LORD is identified by counting each animal that passes under the rod.

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Proverbs 3:9 · KJVThe share set apart for the LORD comes from the first and tangible portion of what increases.

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

1 Corinthians 16:2 · KJVEach person sets aside a measured portion in keeping with what has been received.

THE THREAD

And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.

Exodus 12:4 · KJV

The word family behind “tribute” appears here in the count of people and the reckoning of a lamb portion. The same counting language connects a measured share for a household with the sheep counted as a share for the LORD.

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