What does Numbers 31:22 mean?
"Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead," - Numbers 31:22

Numbers 31:22 (KJV) states: "Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Everything that may abide the fire, ye shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be clean: nevertheless it shall be purified with the water of separation: and all that abideth not the fire ye shall make it go through the water."
This verse comes from the book of Numbers, which is the fourth book of the Old Testament. In this passage, the Israelites have just defeated the Midianites in battle, and Moses and the leaders of the Israelite army are instructing their soldiers to purify the spoils of war before they can be used.
The verse begins by listing various precious metals that were among the spoils of war - gold, silver, brass, iron, tin, and lead. These metals are to be purified by passing through the fire. This purification process would remove any impurities and make the metals suitable for use in the service of the Lord. This concept of passing through the fire to be purified is a common theme in the Bible, symbolizing the process of testing and refinement that believers must undergo to be made pure and holy.
The verse then goes on to say that the purified metals must also be purified with the water of separation. This water is likely the same water used in the ritual of purification described in the book of Leviticus. This water symbolizes the need for complete separation from impurity and sin. It is symbolic of the cleansing and washing away of sin and impurity, making the purified metals fit for sacred use in the service of God.
This verse has a number of important themes and meanings. One of the key themes is the concept of purity and holiness. The passage emphasizes the importance of purity in the service of God and the need for believers to undergo a process of purification in order to be fit for sacred use. This purification process is not just a physical one, but a spiritual one as well, symbolizing the need for believers to be cleansed from sin and impurity in order to serve God.
Another theme found in this verse is the idea of separation. The water of separation symbolizes the need for believers to be set apart from the things of the world and to be consecrated for the service of God. This theme of separation is common throughout the Bible, emphasizing the idea that believers are called to be holy and set apart from the world in order to serve God faithfully.
The passage also contains an important message about the process of refinement and testing. The purification of the metals through fire symbolizes the idea of believers being tested and refined through trials and challenges. Just as the impurities are burned away in the fire, believers are refined through the difficulties and trials of life, ultimately becoming stronger and more pure in their faith.
In addition to these themes, this verse also has some important symbolic meanings. The metals listed in the verse - gold, silver, brass, iron, tin, and lead - have spiritual significance. Gold and silver are often associated with purity and value, representing the qualities that believers should strive for in their lives. The other metals, such as brass, iron, tin, and lead, are associated with strength and endurance, symbolizing the qualities that believers need to withstand the trials and challenges of life.
Overall, Numbers 31:22 (KJV) contains a powerful message about the importance of purity, holiness, and separation in the service of God. It emphasizes the need for believers to undergo a process of purification and refinement in order to be fit for sacred use. The verse also holds important symbolic meanings, using the imagery of precious metals to convey deeper spiritual truths about the Christian life. As believers, we are called to be purified, refined, and set apart for the service of God, striving to be holy and pure in all aspects of our lives.
Have questions about Numbers 31:22?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Numbers 31:22 Artwork
Numbers 31:22 - "Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,"
"Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead," - Numbers 31:22
Numbers 22:31 - "Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face."
Numbers 31:31 - "And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses."
Numbers 31 graphics
Numbers 31:46 - "And sixteen thousand persons;)"
numbers 31:14-15
Sirach 31:22
Numbers 31:33 - "And threescore and twelve thousand beeves,"
Numbers 31:34 - "And threescore and one thousand asses,"
Numbers 31:44 - "And thirty and six thousand beeves,"
Numbers 31:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 31:25 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 31:45 - "And thirty thousand asses and five hundred,"
Numbers 21:31 - "¶ Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites."
Proverbs 8:22-31
"And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the LORD commanded Moses." - Numbers 31:31
Numbers 26:31 - "And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:"
Numbers 33:31 - "And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Bene-jaakan."
Numbers 31:37 - "And the LORD'S tribute of the sheep was six hundred and threescore and fifteen."
"And sixteen thousand persons;)" - Numbers 31:46
Numbers 31:53 - "(For the men of war had taken spoil, every man for himself.)"
Numbers 31:11 - "And they took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of men and of beasts."
Genesis 31:22 - "And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled."
Numbers 31:10 - "And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire."
Numbers 31:29 - "Take it of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, for an heave offering of the LORD."
Numbers 31:42 - "And of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided from the men that warred,"
Numbers 31:7 - "And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males."
Luke 22:31-32 - "Luke 22:31-32: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
"And threescore and twelve thousand beeves," - Numbers 31:33