Numbers 1 11

Numbers 1:11 kjv

Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni.

Numbers 1:11 nkjv

from Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni;

Numbers 1:11 niv

from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni;

Numbers 1:11 esv

from Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni;

Numbers 1:11 nlt

Benjamin ? Abidan son of Gideoni

Numbers 1 verses

Numbers 1 11 Meaning

Numbers 1:11 records Pagiel the son of Ocran as the divinely appointed leader of the tribe of Asher. This verse is part of a comprehensive census ordered by God to Moses and Aaron, enumerating the fighting men of Israel aged twenty years and upward, preparing the nation for their journey and eventual entry into the Promised Land. It highlights the established tribal structure and the specific individuals chosen to represent and organize their respective lineages for service and warfare.

Numbers 1 11 Context

Numbers chapter 1 inaugurates the detailed account of Israel's journey from Mount Sinai. The immediate context of verse 11 is God's direct command to Moses and Aaron to take a census of all Israelite males aged twenty years and older who were able to go to war (Num 1:2-3). This enumeration served as a military conscription and an organizational exercise for the wilderness journey, establishing structure and readiness within the vast encampment. Each tribe was to be counted and led by a "prince" (nasi), a designated chieftain. Numbers 1:5-15 lists these twelve appointed leaders. Historically and culturally, such genealogies and military registrations were critical for national identity, administrative purposes, and, crucially for Israel, for manifesting God's covenantal order. This process underscored that Israel was not merely a disorganized multitude but a divinely structured people.

Numbers 1 11 Word analysis

• of Asher (לְאָשֵׁר, le'asher): "Asher" (אָשֵׁר, Asher) means "happy" or "blessed" (from the root "ashar" to be happy/bless), named after Jacob's eighth son, Leah's second son by Zilpah (Gen 30:13). The phrase identifies the tribal affiliation of the named leader, connecting him directly to his lineage and people, a fundamental aspect of Israelite identity and communal organization.
• Pagiel (פַּגְעִיאֵל, Pag'i'el): This name means "Encounter of God" or "Event of God" (from "paga'" - to meet, encounter; and "el" - God). This theophoric name, common in Hebrew, suggests that his very existence or his role was seen as an divine appointment or manifestation, highlighting God's providential hand in raising leaders for His people.
• the son of (בֶּן, ben): This common Hebrew term precisely indicates paternal lineage. Its inclusion emphasizes the importance of an individual's family background and tribal identity, which was crucial for legitimacy, authority, and recognition within ancient Israelite society and specifically for holding the office of a tribal leader.
• Ocran (עָכְרָן, 'Okran): The meaning of "Ocran" is often given as "Troubled" or "Disturbed" (from "akar" - to trouble, afflict). While some names had positive connotations, this likely refers to a circumstance or characteristic in the father's life, or perhaps derived from the sound of a certain event. In this context, it functions as a critical part of the paternal identifier, anchoring Pagiel's position within a specific family tree, demonstrating his clear and recognizable ancestry within the tribe of Asher.

• "Pagiel the son of Ocran": This group of words precisely defines the appointed leader not merely by his personal name, but by his established patrilineal identity. In Israelite culture, one's standing and authority were deeply rooted in their family and tribal lineage. This phrasing ensured that the chosen "nasi" (prince) was recognized as legitimately representing the tribe of Asher, having an unimpeachable connection to its patriarchal head. This served to stabilize and legitimate his leadership, preventing disputes and ensuring order within the military and social structure being formed by divine command.

Numbers 1 11 Bonus section

• Role of a "Nasi": The Hebrew term "nasi" (נָשִׂיא) used for these tribal leaders implies one "lifted up," "exalted," or a "prince." They held significant administrative, judicial, and military authority within their tribe, serving as crucial links between Moses and the common Israelite. They were expected to gather, count, organize, and lead their tribal contingents.
• Significance of Tribal Identity: The precise listing by tribe and lineage in Numbers 1 emphasizes that God saw and organized His people not as a homogeneous mass but as distinct family units with unique identities and contributions, united under a common covenant. This pattern resonates with the diverse yet unified nature of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12).
• The Census's Purpose: The census itself, of which verse 11 is a part, had multiple layers of significance: military readiness, equitable distribution of resources (e.g., Tabernacle duties), tribal identity, and proof of God's faithfulness in multiplying Abraham's descendants.

Numbers 1 11 Commentary

Numbers 1:11, though concise, profoundly illustrates God's commitment to order, structure, and divine appointment within His covenant people. As one among twelve tribal leaders, Pagiel son of Ocran was instrumental in mobilizing Asher for military and communal service, embodying God's plan for a well-ordered nation ready for its divine mission. The selection of specific leaders from established lineages underscored stability, accountability, and the representation of each tribe within the greater body of Israel, reinforcing that leadership was a matter of divine choosing and not human caprice, a principle echoing through all Scripture. This verse exemplifies God's methodical approach to preparing His people for both service and spiritual walk.