Numbers 26 28

Numbers 26:28 kjv

The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim.

Numbers 26:28 nkjv

The sons of Joseph according to their families, by Manasseh and Ephraim, were:

Numbers 26:28 niv

The descendants of Joseph by their clans through Manasseh and Ephraim were:

Numbers 26:28 esv

The sons of Joseph according to their clans: Manasseh and Ephraim.

Numbers 26:28 nlt

Two clans were descended from Joseph through Manasseh and Ephraim.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 28 Meaning

Numbers 26:28 states that the two clans, Manasseh and Ephraim, comprised the sons of Joseph. This verse confirms Joseph's unique status among Jacob's sons, as he alone was represented by two full tribal entities rather than one, effectively granting him a "double portion" in the land inheritance. It signifies the fulfillment of Jacob's prophetic blessing and lays the groundwork for the meticulous land distribution that would follow Israel's entrance into Canaan.

Numbers 26 28 Context

Numbers chapter 26 records the second census of the Israelites in the wilderness. This enumeration took place approximately 38 years after the first census (recorded in Numbers 1) and after the entire generation that rebelled at Kadesh-Barnea had died, excluding Caleb and Joshua. This census served a crucial purpose: to ascertain the number of eligible men for military service (those twenty years old and upward) from the new generation, and to provide the basis for the equitable distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes (Num 26:52-56). Verse 28, specifically focusing on Joseph's descendants, emphasizes their unique status as two distinct tribal units (Manasseh and Ephraim), ensuring their specific share in the inheritance. The historical context reflects a moment of transition for Israel from wilderness wandering to imminent conquest, emphasizing God's continued faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failure.

Numbers 26 28 Word analysis

• The sons of Joseph: Benei Yosef (בְּנֵי יוֹסֵף). This phrase signifies the direct lineage descending from Joseph, one of Jacob's most favored sons. Crucially, Jacob's adoption of Joseph's sons (Manasseh and Ephraim) in Gen 48:5 elevated them to the status of his own direct sons, thereby giving Joseph a "double portion" inheritance, represented by two tribes.
• according to their clans: le'mishpichotam (לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם). This specifies that the enumeration of these descendants was organized by their distinct familial subdivisions. Clans (mishpachot) were vital for Israelite social and administrative structure, playing a key role in land allocation and military organization, ensuring orderly societal function.
• were Manasseh: Menashsheh (מְנַשֶּׁה). The name means "causing to forget" (Gen 41:51), signifying Joseph's remembrance of God helping him forget his hardship. Though the firstborn, Jacob blessed his younger brother Ephraim above him. In this second census, Manasseh shows significant growth, indicating prosperity for this tribe.
• and Ephraim: Efrayim (אֶפְרַיִם). The name means "doubly fruitful" (Gen 41:52), representing Joseph's fruitfulness in the land of his affliction. Jacob prophesied Ephraim would become a "multitude of nations" (Gen 48:19). Later, Ephraim became so prominent it often symbolized the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Numbers 26 28 Bonus section

• The numerical size of Manasseh and Ephraim notably shifts between the first census (Numbers 1) and this second census (Numbers 26). In Numbers 1, Ephraim had a larger count (40,500) than Manasseh (32,200), seemingly validating Jacob's prophecy of Ephraim's greater prominence. However, in Numbers 26, Manasseh’s count dramatically increased to 52,700, while Ephraim's decreased slightly to 32,500. This numerical change demonstrates the dynamic population shifts within the wilderness generation, while Ephraim's historical and spiritual prominence, especially as representing the Northern Kingdom, remained significant in later biblical narrative, confirming Jacob's deeper prophetic insight regarding qualitative importance beyond just immediate numbers.
• The absence of Levi from the tribal land distribution (and thus their unique enumeration in Num 26:57-62) highlights God's distinct vocational purpose for them as ministers of the tabernacle, and later the Temple. They were allotted specific cities throughout Israel, being sustained by tithes, emphasizing that not all inheritance was territorial.
• This verse, like the rest of the census, underscores God's sovereignty and order in preparing His people for their inheritance. It demonstrates His faithfulness even after the significant rebellion and deaths of the preceding generation, showing that His promises remain steadfast.

Numbers 26 28 Commentary

Numbers 26:28 precisely clarifies the tribal identity stemming from Joseph. While Jacob had twelve biological sons, the "sons of Joseph"—Manasseh and Ephraim—are here enumerated as distinct, independent tribes for the purpose of the census and land allocation. This arrangement directly reflects Jacob's prophetic blessing (Genesis 48) where he elevated Manasseh and Ephraim to the status of his own direct sons, effectively granting Joseph a double portion among his brothers. This detail is not merely a genealogical fact but underscores God's meticulous attention to fulfilling covenant promises through specific lineages, ensuring that the inheritance in the Promised Land was apportioned justly according to the divine decree. This listing serves as a practical blueprint for the land distribution and military readiness as Israel prepared to inherit Canaan.