Numbers 26 34

Numbers 26:34 kjv

These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred.

Numbers 26:34 nkjv

These are the families of Manasseh; and those who were numbered of them were fifty-two thousand seven hundred.

Numbers 26:34 niv

These were the clans of Manasseh; those numbered were 52,700.

Numbers 26:34 esv

These are the clans of Manasseh, and those listed were 52,700.

Numbers 26:34 nlt

These were the clans of Manasseh. Their registered troops numbered 52,700.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 34 Meaning

Numbers 26:34 provides the summary count of the male descendants aged twenty and upward from the tribe of Manasseh who were registered in the second wilderness census. This verse specifies that there were fifty-two thousand seven hundred men in the various families and clans of Manasseh, counted for the purpose of military service and, critically, for the equitable distribution of the promised land of Canaan.

Numbers 26 34 Context

Numbers Chapter 26 records the second census of the Israelites during their wilderness journey, occurring on the plains of Moab just before their entry into the Promised Land. This census serves several critical purposes distinct from the first census in Numbers Chapter 1. The original generation that came out of Egypt had largely perished in the wilderness due to their disobedience and unbelief (Numbers 14), with the exception of Joshua and Caleb. Thus, this new census primarily enumerates the new generation, aged twenty and above, who would inherit the land and comprise its fighting force. Unlike the first census for military organization at Sinai, this enumeration (specifically 26:52-56) is directly tied to the fair and ordered distribution of Canaan, with larger tribes receiving more extensive territories.

Historically and culturally, a census in ancient Israel was a serious, divinely ordained act. When commanded by God, it signified His organizational design for His people, particularly for military readiness and the orderly assignment of tribal territories. This enumeration demonstrated God's covenant faithfulness to Abraham (multiplying his seed), despite the intervening judgments and the difficult wilderness sojourn. For the original audience, understanding the exact number for each tribe reassured them of God's hand in their preservation and preparation for their divinely promised inheritance. It also highlighted the relative strength and demographic shifts between tribes, preparing them for the distribution challenges ahead.

Numbers 26 34 Word analysis

• These: (Hebrew: אֵלֶּה 'elleh) - A demonstrative pronoun, serving to introduce the following specific designation. It functions to clearly link the summary statement to the preceding detailed listing of Manasseh's family branches (Num 26:29-33).

• are: Implied verb "to be," indicating classification.

• the families: (Hebrew: מִשְׁפְּחֹת mishp'chot) - Plural of mishpachah. Refers to the extended family units or clans within a tribe. These were not just biological kin groups but functional social, military, and land-owning units in ancient Israelite society. The organization by mishpachah was fundamental to Israel's structure and directly tied to how the land would be apportioned among them.

• of Manasseh: (Hebrew: מְנַשֶּׁה Menasheh) - Meaning "making forget" or "one who causes to forget," named by Joseph (Gen 41:51). Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph but was prophetically placed by Jacob second to Ephraim in blessing, though still promised significant growth and a "multitude." Manasseh developed into a large tribe, notable for having its inheritance split across both sides of the Jordan River.

• and those that were numbered: (Hebrew: וּפְקֻדֵיהֶם u-pequdeihem) - "And their counted ones" or "those who were visited/counted of them." The root verb paqad implies more than just a casual count; it often carries a sense of official oversight, divine visitation, or enrollment for a specific purpose (military, service, census). In this context, it explicitly refers to the enrolled men, generally twenty years and older, who were capable of warfare and land ownership.

• of them: Refers back to "the families of Manasseh" or the men within those families.

• were fifty-two thousand and seven hundred: (Hebrew: שְׁנַיִם וַחֲמִשִּׁים אֶלֶף וּשְׁבַע מֵאוֹת shenayim vachamishshim 'elef ushva me'ot) - This precise numerical figure is significant. When compared to the first census in Num 1:35, where Manasseh numbered 32,200, this second census shows a substantial increase of 20,500 individuals. This increase is noteworthy because many other tribes experienced significant decreases (e.g., Reuben, Simeon, Gad) due to the judgment of God in the wilderness. Manasseh's growth underscores God's faithfulness in preserving and multiplying His people, even amidst death and rebellion. This demographic shift highlights the sovereign hand of God in selecting who would inherit the land.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "These are the families of Manasseh": This phrase firmly establishes the identity and structure of the tribal group being discussed. It emphasizes the foundational importance of "families" or clans (mishpachot) as the organizing principle for the Israelite community, vital for tribal identity and future land distribution.
  • "and those that were numbered of them": This highlights the purpose and authority behind the count. It wasn't a casual tally but an official "numbering" (census) undertaken by divine command, directly impacting Israel's readiness for war and the impending division of their inheritance in Canaan.
  • "were fifty-two thousand and seven hundred": The specific number signifies accuracy and the precise scope of God's people. Crucially, the growth indicated by this figure—especially relative to the general decline in other tribes—demonstrates God's selective preservation and increase of those He prepared for the Promised Land, reflecting His providential care and sovereign will.

Numbers 26 34 Bonus section

The significant increase in Manasseh's numbers (from 32,200 to 52,700) stands out because many other tribes decreased, some dramatically (like Simeon). This demographic shift might subtly imply God's favor or a particular demographic resilience within the tribe, though the Bible does not explicitly state the reason. The narrative often focuses on obedience and consequences (e.g., Simeon's possible involvement in the Baal of Peor apostasy which may link to their sharp decline). Manasseh, along with its brother tribe Ephraim and also Benjamin, Issachar and Zebulun were among the tribes that actually grew in number during the wilderness period. This demographic vigor played a key role in their strength during the conquest and later historical prominence, as exemplified by figures like Gideon from Manasseh. Manasseh also holds a unique place by inheriting land on both sides of the Jordan River, demonstrating its substantial size and the extensiveness of its allotted territory.

Numbers 26 34 Commentary

Numbers 26:34 concludes the report of Manasseh's strength in the second census, a pivotal enumeration contrasting sharply with the first. While many tribes saw a reduction in numbers due to divine judgment over forty years in the wilderness, Manasseh experienced a notable increase of over 20,000 men. This growth is a powerful testimony to God's selective preservation and faithfulness. It shows that even amidst national discipline and significant losses, God ensures the survival and multiplication of specific segments of His people according to His plan. The numerical data served as the basis for the distribution of the Promised Land (Num 26:52-56), affirming God's orderly provision and the fulfillment of His promises, particularly those given to Abraham regarding a multitudinous offspring. This specific count prepared the next generation to enter and conquer their inheritance, serving as a tangible sign of God's readiness to grant them the land.