Numbers 1 27

Numbers 1:27 kjv

Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.

Numbers 1:27 nkjv

those who were numbered of the tribe of Judah were seventy-four thousand six hundred.

Numbers 1:27 niv

The number from the tribe of Judah was 74,600.

Numbers 1:27 esv

those listed of the tribe of Judah were 74,600.

Numbers 1 verses

Numbers 1 27 Meaning

Numbers 1:27 states the census results for the tribe of Judah. It specifically details that their registered male members, twenty years old and above, who were eligible for military service, numbered seventy-four thousand six hundred. This enumeration was conducted meticulously by family and ancestral households, reflecting Israel's structured organization under divine command.

Numbers 1 27 Context

Numbers chapter 1 details the first census of the Israelite male population. This census was divinely commanded by God to Moses and Aaron at Mount Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after their departure from Egypt. The primary purpose was to register every man "from twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go out to war" (Num 1:3). This preparation was essential for the impending military conquest of Canaan and for organizing the vast camp of Israel into an orderly host, ready for the journey. Each tribe's enrollment underscores their distinct identity and military contribution to the unified assembly of God's people. The focus on Judah's specific numbers within this framework highlights its already emerging prominence among the tribes.

Numbers 1 27 Word analysis

• of the tribe (לִבְנֵי - livne): Literally "to the sons of" or "from the sons of." Emphasizes patrilineal descent and the identity of the group based on their founding ancestor. "Tribe" (שֵׁבֶט - shevet) often implies a staff or scepter, linking it metaphorically to authority and distinct identity within Israel.

• Judah (יְהוּדָה - Yehudah): Meaning "praise." Judah was the fourth son of Jacob (Israel). Historically significant as the royal tribe from which kings like David came, and ultimately the lineage of the Messiah. Its prominent position in the census foreshadows its future leadership role.

• their registered ones (פְּקֻדֵיהֶם - p’kudeihem): Derived from the root פָּקַד (paqad), meaning "to visit, count, muster, appoint, observe, take an account." It signifies a careful, official, and divinely sanctioned enumeration. Not just a headcount, but a mustering for a specific purpose, usually military service.

• according to their families (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם - lemishpechotam): The Israelite social structure was hierarchical, moving from the larger tribe to smaller clans or "families." This detail emphasizes an organized, systematic registration based on existing social units.

• according to their fathers' households (לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם - le-veit avotam): Further refinement of the familial structure. "Fathers' households" represent the most basic family unit, descendants from a common male ancestor. This meticulous detail demonstrates the precision and thoroughness of the divinely ordered census, ensuring accurate record-keeping and accountability for military levy.

• the number (מִסְפַּר - mispar): From the root סָפַר (saphar), "to count, recount, narrate." Refers to the numerical tally.

• of the names (שֵׁמוֹת - shemot): "Names" signifies individual identity and personal inclusion in the count. Each person was uniquely known and registered, not merely an anonymous unit in a mass. This underscores the value of each individual within the covenant community.

• from twenty years old and upward (מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמַעְלָה - mibben esrim shanah wama'alah): The age threshold for military conscription. This age marked maturity and physical capability for active duty, distinguishing adults from minors. It also carried legal and social implications, particularly in relation to accountability under the covenant.

• everyone able to go out to war (כָּל יֹצֵא צָבָא - kol yotze tzava): Literally "all who go out for army/host." This explicitly defines the military purpose of the census. The population being counted are potential warriors, a ready host for God's purposes in securing the Promised Land.

• their registered ones (פְּקֻדֵיהֶם - p’kudeihem): Repeats the phrase, acting as a conclusive statement for the tally. Reinforces the official, sanctioned nature of the count.

• were seventy-four thousand six hundred (שִׁבְעָה וְאַרְבָּעִים אֶלֶף וְשֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת - shiv'ah v'arba'im elef v'shesh me'ot): The specific number, highlighting Judah as the largest tribe by far in this initial census. This substantial number reinforces its leading military strength among the tribes, consistent with its prophetic destiny.

• "of the tribe of Judah, their registered ones...their registered ones were seventy-four thousand six hundred": This repeated emphasis on "registered ones" frames the military readiness and accountability of the tribe of Judah. The large number underscores their strength, setting them apart as a powerful force in the wilderness generation. This highlights divine order and strength within God's people.

• "according to their families, according to their fathers' households, the number of the names": This phrase showcases the meticulous, hierarchical method of the census. It's not a general estimate but a precise count that acknowledges each man's identity and his place within the larger tribal and familial structures ordained by God. This organizational detail reflects the divine plan for order and accountability in Israel's camp.

• "from twenty years old and upward, everyone able to go out to war": This specific demographic selection underlines the military readiness of the Israelite community. Only those physically capable and legally mature enough for battle were included, emphasizing the practical and strategic purpose of the census as Israel prepared to conquer the land God promised.

Numbers 1 27 Bonus section

• Judah's disproportionately large number in this first census (Num 1) suggests it already held a unique position. It not only surpassed other tribes in raw numbers but was positioned at the very front (east) of the encampment and would lead the marches (Num 2, 10). This physical and numerical preeminence visually confirmed their prophesied leadership from Jacob's blessing (Gen 49:8-10).
• The meticulous numbering reflects God's ordered nature. Every individual had a specific place and purpose in the community and in God's redemptive plan, whether for military service or the general life of the nation. This precise record-keeping underscores divine accountability and organization in the wilderness.
• The "twenty years old and upward" requirement carries deep theological significance in Numbers, as this was the age group later condemned to die in the wilderness for their unbelief during the rebellion at Kadesh-barnea (Num 14:29). It highlights both the privilege and responsibility associated with adult participation in the covenant.

Numbers 1 27 Commentary

Numbers 1:27, detailing Judah's census count of 74,600 men, reveals key insights into the Israelite wilderness journey. The census was a divine mandate, not a mere human curiosity, distinguishing it from later censuses undertaken with less pure motives. Its primary objective was military conscription, equipping Israel as a divinely ordered host poised for battle and structured to follow God's commands into the Promised Land. Judah's significant number underscored its position as the largest and most potent military force among the tribes, foreshadowing its later prominence as the royal tribe from which King David and, ultimately, the Messiah would descend. The emphasis on detailed enumeration by families and fathers' households demonstrates God's meticulous care for His people's order, identity, and accountability, recognizing each individual's role within the larger covenant community. This structure was crucial for their orderly encampment, march, and divine purpose.