Numbers 26 12

Numbers 26:12 kjv

The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites:

Numbers 26:12 nkjv

The sons of Simeon according to their families were: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites;

Numbers 26:12 niv

The descendants of Simeon by their clans were: through Nemuel, the Nemuelite clan; through Jamin, the Jaminite clan; through Jakin, the Jakinite clan;

Numbers 26:12 esv

The sons of Simeon according to their clans: of Nemuel, the clan of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the clan of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the clan of the Jachinites;

Numbers 26:12 nlt

These were the clans descended from the sons of Simeon: The Jemuelite clan, named after their ancestor Jemuel.
The Jaminite clan, named after their ancestor Jamin.
The Jakinite clan, named after their ancestor Jakin.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 12 Meaning

This verse identifies three principal family heads—Nemuel, Jamin, and Jachin—whose descendants constituted the primary clans of the Tribe of Simeon, enumerated during the second census of Israel. This precise documentation of family units was crucial for the accurate distribution of the promised land and reflected the continued, structured existence of God's covenant people.

Numbers 26 12 Context

Numbers chapter 26 records the second census of the Israelites, conducted on the plains of Moab just before their entry into the Promised Land. This census followed a plague (Numbers 25) and occurred almost forty years after the first census in the wilderness of Sinai (Numbers 1). Its primary purposes were to account for the new generation capable of warfare and, critically, to establish the framework for land distribution, where inheritance was directly tied to the size and familial structure of each tribe and its clans (vv. 52-56). The specific mention of Simeon's families in verse 12 comes within this context, particularly significant as Simeon had experienced the most drastic numerical decline among all the tribes (from 59,300 in Num 1 to 22,200), partly attributed to their prominent involvement in the Baal of Peor apostasy (Numbers 25). The detailing of their families nonetheless demonstrates God's commitment to maintaining the tribal integrity of Israel, ensuring His covenant promises regarding the land would be fulfilled for the present generation.

Numbers 26 12 Word analysis

• The sons of Simeon (בְּנֵי שִׁמְע֑וֹן, b'nei Shim'on): "Sons of" emphasizes lineal descent and patriarchal structure, forming the basis of tribal and clan identity. Simeon (שִׁמְעוֹן, Shim'on) means "one who hears" or "hearing," named by Leah after God "heard" her distress (Gen 29:33). This continued designation confirms the enduring tribal identity of Israel's twelve tribes.
• by their families (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם, l'mishp'chotam): "Families" (מִשְׁפָּחָה, mishpachah) refers to a larger clan or division within a tribe, which collectively descended from a common patriarch. This detail is crucial for the census as land inheritance was distributed to these family units, emphasizing an organized, hereditary society.
• Nemuel (נְמוּאֵ֑ל, Nemu'el): Meaning "God's day" or "day of God." He is listed as one of Simeon's sons. While consistently listed here, his name appears as "Jemuel" (יְמוּאֵ֑ל, Yemu'el) in earlier passages (Gen 46:10; Num 1:6). This variation is a recognized scribal or phonetic difference (interchangeability of yod and nun in some Hebrew words) and does not indicate a different person, underscoring the textual consistency amidst minor linguistic nuances.
• of whom came the family of the Nemuelites (לְמִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַנְּמוּאֵלִֽי, l'mishpachat han-Nemu'eli): This phrase explicitly links the ancestor to his living descendants who form a distinct recognized clan. The "ites" suffix signifies "descendants of," establishing the official familial nomenclature.
• Jamin (יָמִ֑ין, Yamin): Meaning "right hand" or "fortune." This son of Simeon appears consistently across relevant genealogies (Gen 46:10; Num 1:6; 1 Chr 4:24), attesting to his significant lineage within the tribe.
• of whom came the family of the Jaminites (לְמִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַיָּמִינִֽי, l'mishpachat ha-Yamini): Confirms the lineal continuity and the established clan of those descended from Jamin.
• Jachin (יָכִֽין, Yachin): Meaning "He will establish" or "He appoints." This name carries a poignant irony and theological weight given the overall decline of Simeon, perhaps hinting at God's faithfulness to establish His people despite their failures. Like Jamin, he is consistently listed as a son of Simeon (Gen 46:10; Num 1:6; 1 Chr 4:24).
• of whom came the family of the Jachinites (לְמִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַיָּכִֽינִֽי, l'mishpachat ha-Yachini): Finalizes the listing of these family groups, reiterating the ordered structure for the census.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "The sons of Simeon by their families": This opening phrase immediately identifies the subject of the verse as part of a larger tribal and clan structure, highlighting the meticulous organizational basis of Israelite society for the purpose of the census and land allocation. It roots the individuals within a communal identity crucial for their participation in God's covenant plan.
• "Nemuel, of whom came the family of the Nemuelites; Jamin, of whom came the family of the Jaminites; Jachin, of whom came the family of the Jachinites;": This repetitive linguistic structure serves a critical genealogical and legal function. It explicitly delineates distinct ancestral lines that became identifiable clans, vital for accurate land apportionment. The repetition underlines the formal, thorough nature of the census and God's attention to detail in establishing the generations who would inherit His promises. It also emphasizes the continuity of identity despite generational shifts.

Numbers 26 12 Bonus section

• The meticulous detailing of individual family units in this census (and this verse specifically) serves as a divine counter-polemic to any despair that the wilderness generation's failures could utterly derail God's covenant. It demonstrates God's capacity to raise up and organize a new generation to fulfill His ancient promises.
• The persistence of these family names despite centuries of journeying and a devastating wilderness wandering underscores the robust oral and written traditions maintained within Israel, ensuring their tribal identities remained clear for the inheritance.
• The theological implication of land division by lot and size of family, as directly enabled by this census data, meant that the land was not merely conquered territory but a divine inheritance received through meticulous divine providence and order.

Numbers 26 12 Commentary

Numbers 26:12, though seemingly a mere list of names, is a concise and significant statement about God's sustained covenant with Israel. It showcases the meticulously detailed divine orchestration behind the census, ensuring that every family line within the tribes was accurately accounted for, forming the very framework for the distribution of the Promised Land. Despite the drastic numerical reduction of the Tribe of Simeon, possibly linked to their role in the Baal of Peor apostasy (Num 25), this verse testifies to the preservation of its family structures. This demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, proving that even amidst His judgments on sin, He preserves a remnant and continues His plan through new generations, fulfilling His promise of establishing His people in the land by orderly, traceable means. It underscores that God knows and validates each "family" (clan) within His people.