Numbers 26:18 kjv
These are the families of the children of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred.
Numbers 26:18 nkjv
These are the families of the sons of Gad according to those who were numbered of them: forty thousand five hundred.
Numbers 26:18 niv
These were the clans of Gad; those numbered were 40,500.
Numbers 26:18 esv
These are the clans of the sons of Gad as they were listed, 40,500.
Numbers 26:18 nlt
These were the clans of Gad. Their registered troops numbered 40,500.
Numbers 26 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 46:16 | The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ozni, Eri, Arod, and Areli. | First listing of Gad's sons, name variation Ziphion/Zephon. |
| Num 1:15 | Of Gad, Eliasaph the son of Deuel. | Gad's tribal leader in the first census. |
| Num 2:14 | Then the tribe of Gad; and the captain of the children of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel. | Gad's position in the camp on the south side. |
| Num 26:17 | These are the families of the sons of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, the family of Ziphion... the family of Areli. | Preceding verse in context of listing families. |
| Num 32:33-34 | Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh... cities. | Gad's inheritance of land east of Jordan. |
| Deut 3:16-17 | Unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead... even unto the brook Arnon. | Further description of Gad's inheritance. |
| Josh 13:24-28 | And Moses gave inheritance unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad according to their families. | Fulfillment of land distribution for Gad. |
| 1 Chr 5:11-17 | And the children of Gad dwelt over against them... | Later genealogical account of Gad's tribe. |
| Gen 12:2 | And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee... | God's promise of numerous descendants. |
| Gen 13:16 | And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. | Promise of innumerable offspring. |
| Gen 17:6 | And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. | God's covenant with Abraham, emphasizing fruitfulness. |
| Exod 1:7 | And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied... and waxed exceeding mighty. | Demonstrating Israel's growth in Egypt. |
| Num 1:2-3 | Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families... | Purpose of the census, like Num 26. |
| Num 3:1-4 | These are the generations of Aaron and Moses... | Other examples of lineage records in Numbers. |
| Neh 7:5 | And my God put into my heart to gather together the nobles... | Importance of genealogical records for community structure. |
| Jer 33:22 | As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David. | Echoes the theme of countless descendants. |
| Luke 3:23-38 | The son of Adam, which was the son of God. | New Testament emphasis on accurate genealogies (of Jesus). |
| Acts 7:5 | And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession... | God's faithfulness to promises despite delays, linked to descendants. |
| Gal 3:16 | Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. | Spiritual lineage through Christ, fulfilling tribal promises. |
| Rev 7:5 | Of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. | Gad included in the future redeemed Israel. |
Numbers 26 verses
Numbers 26 18 Meaning
Numbers 26:18 records the names of the seven clans that constitute the tribe of Gad, each named after one of Gad’s sons. This verse is part of the second census of Israel, conducted on the plains of Moab, establishing the official genealogical record for the new generation preparing to enter the Promised Land. It highlights the structured organization and continued growth of God's chosen people, affirming divine faithfulness to the Abrahamic covenant concerning numerous descendants.
Numbers 26 18 Context
Numbers 26:18 is situated within the second census of the Israelites, recorded in Numbers chapter 26. This census follows the devastating plague (Numbers 25) that decimated 24,000 Israelites due to their unfaithfulness. The generation of those who grumbled and disbelieved in the wilderness, apart from Caleb and Joshua, had largely perished. This new census enumerates the male Israelites twenty years old and upward who were able to go to war, replacing the previous generation. The enumeration of each tribe, broken down by its families or clans, serves a crucial administrative purpose: it is the basis for the impending division and distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes, ensuring that each family receives its due inheritance based on its strength. Specifically, this verse affirms the continuity and defined structure of the tribe of Gad. The names listed here are those of Gad's original sons (listed in Gen 46:16), now serving as the eponymous ancestors for the current clans, emphasizing lineage and heritage.
Numbers 26 18 Word analysis
- Of Gad: (מִגָּד, mi-Gad). This phrase immediately establishes the tribal identity, specifying the patriarch from whom the subsequent list of names descends. Gad, meaning "troop" or "fortune," was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (born of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid). His lineage here signifies the continuity of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- the sons of: (בְּנֵי, b'nei). This term directly indicates patrilineal descent, a foundational principle of Israelite society and the basis for tribal and clan organization. It underscores the genetic and legal connection to the tribal patriarch, which was essential for land inheritance and identity.
- Ziphion: (צִפְיוֹן, Tsiphion). This name is listed as "Zephon" (צִפְיוֹן, Tziphon) in Gen 46:16. The minor difference (a 'p' sound vs. 'f' sound in Hebrew orthography or a dialectal variant) indicates either a scribal variation or an alternative pronunciation, but refers to the same individual. It means "lookout" or "he looks out." He is the head of the "family of Ziphion" (Num 26:15).
- Haggi: (חַגִּי, Chaggi). This name means "festive" or "my feast." He is the head of the "family of Haggi" (Num 26:15). The name might imply a joyful or celebrating character.
- Shuni: (שׁוּנִי, Shuni). The meaning is generally "resting" or "fortunate." He is the head of the "family of Shuni" (Num 26:15).
- Ozni: (אָזְנִי, Ozni). Meaning "my ear" or "my hearing." He is the head of the "family of Ozni" (Num 26:16), where the spelling in the Masoretic Text often varies slightly, with Ozni being more common in lists related to the clan than just the person.
- Eri: (עֵרִי, Eri). This name means "watchful" or "my watcher." He is the head of the "family of Eri" (Num 26:16).
- Arod: (אֲרוֹדִי, Arodi). Listed in Num 26:17 as "Arodi" which specifically refers to the family derived from Arod. The root of the name likely means "wild ass" or "fugitive."
- and Areli: (וַאֲרֵאֵלִי, va-Are'eli). In Num 26:17, this is also given as "Areli," the family name derived from him. The name can mean "heroic" or "altar-hearth of God," connecting to strong, perhaps foundational imagery.
Words-group analysis:
- "Of Gad, the sons of Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ozni, Eri, Arod, and Areli.": This entire clause is a straightforward genealogical record. It signifies that the listed individuals are not merely sons in a direct father-son relationship to Gad, but rather the seven eponymous ancestors (clan heads) from whom all members of the tribe of Gad's families descend in this new generation. This structured enumeration reflects God's ordered method of accounting for His people, vital for tribal identity, inheritance claims in the Promised Land, and military organization. The very specific mention of each name ensures precision in the tribal and national records, validating their place within the covenant community.
Numbers 26 18 Bonus section
The variation in names, such as Ziphion/Zephon, found between Genesis 46:16 and Numbers 26:18 is a common feature in ancient Near Eastern genealogical lists. It does not indicate contradiction but rather can reflect different spelling conventions, dialectal pronunciations, or perhaps even an individual having two slightly different forms of a name or being known by a derivative form. Scholars generally agree these refer to the same individuals. This verse, like the rest of the census, provides practical validation for the division of land in Joshua, ensuring a legal basis for each tribe's territorial claims, thereby linking directly to the fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs regarding their possession of the land.
Numbers 26 18 Commentary
Numbers 26:18, as part of the detailed census, serves less as a theological decree and more as a foundational historical and administrative record within God’s redemptive plan. It vividly portrays divine faithfulness: despite the unfaithfulness and rebellion of the first generation that perished in the wilderness, God’s promise to Abraham of numerous descendants (Gen 12:2, 22:17) remains steadfastly fulfilled through this new generation. Each named son represents a burgeoning clan, demonstrating the exponential growth of Israel as a "nation" preparing to take possession of their inheritance. The exact enumeration highlights God's order and intentionality in how His people are structured, emphasizing that the distribution of the land will be equitable and rooted in established lineage. This careful record keeping reflects a profound truth: God cares about His people, even to the level of individual family lines, ensuring every part of His covenant promise is precisely fulfilled. It teaches the importance of recognizing one's heritage and place within God's larger family and divine purpose.