Numbers 34 23

Numbers 34:23 kjv

The prince of the children of Joseph, for the tribe of the children of Manasseh, Hanniel the son of Ephod.

Numbers 34:23 nkjv

from the sons of Joseph: a leader from the tribe of the children of Manasseh, Hanniel the son of Ephod,

Numbers 34:23 niv

Hanniel son of Ephod, the leader from the tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph;

Numbers 34:23 esv

Of the people of Joseph: of the tribe of the people of Manasseh a chief, Hanniel the son of Ephod.

Numbers 34:23 nlt

Manasseh son of Joseph ? Hanniel son of Ephod

Numbers 34 verses

Numbers 34 23 Meaning

This verse specifies Hanniel, son of Ephod, as the divinely appointed leader from the tribe of Manasseh who was to assist Eleazar the priest and Joshua in distributing the land of Canaan to the Israelite tribes. It is part of a comprehensive list naming the specific representatives chosen for this critical task, underscoring the meticulous and divinely ordained process for the land's apportionment.

Numbers 34 23 Context

Numbers chapter 34 provides the divine mandate and detailed plan for the partition of the promised land of Canaan among the nine and a half tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance east of the Jordan. Verses 1-12 meticulously outline the precise geographical boundaries of Canaan. Following this, verses 13-15 acknowledge the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh who had already received their inheritance east of the Jordan. The core of this section, from verses 16-29, then lists the specific tribal representatives, chosen by God Himself, who would assist Eleazar the priest and Joshua in executing this land distribution by lot. Numbers 34:23 specifically names one of these crucial figures, Hanniel, from the tribe of Manasseh, emphasizing God's meticulous oversight and careful administration in fulfilling His covenant promises of land.

Numbers 34 23 Word analysis

• and (Hebrew: וְ - wə)
  • Meaning: A simple conjunction, "and," connecting this tribal appointment to the preceding ones. It signifies a continuation of the detailed list.
  • Significance: Indicates that each tribe's representative is equally important in the divinely orchestrated process of land distribution.
• of the tribe (Hebrew: לְמַטֵּה - lĕmaṭṭēh)
  • Meaning: "For the tribe of" or "of the staff of." The Hebrew maṭṭeh refers to a "staff" or "rod," which symbolically represents a tribe or a clan, denoting authority and lineage.
  • Significance: Reinforces the collective identity and distinct administrative unit that each tribe represented in ancient Israelite society, and that this appointment pertains to the collective well-being of the Manassehite people.
• of Manasseh, (Hebrew: מְנַשֶּׁה - Mĕnaššeh)
  • Meaning: The Hebrew Menashsheh means "causing to forget." He was Joseph's firstborn son (Gen 41:51).
  • Significance: Manasseh here refers to the specific tribal lineage descended from Joseph's elder son. Since the other half of Manasseh already settled east of the Jordan (Num 34:14), this likely refers to the western half-tribe, underscoring the distinction between the two divisions of Manasseh. The tribe was numerous, warranting its own distinct leader for this monumental task.
• Hanniel (Hebrew: חַנִּיאֵל - Ḥannî’ēl)
  • Meaning: The Hebrew Ḥannî’ēl means "God is my grace" or "grace of God." This is a common form of Israelite name combining ḥēn (grace) and ʾēl (God).
  • Significance: Names in the Bible often carry profound meaning. This name may reflect the parent's acknowledgement of God's graciousness. It specifically identifies the individual chosen by God for this critical, divinely appointed role in land distribution, demonstrating that God had a specific person in mind for this task.
• the son of (Hebrew: בֶּן־ - ben-)
  • Meaning: "Son of," denoting a direct patrilineal descent.
  • Significance: Important for establishing lineage and authority in ancient Israel. It firmly roots Hanniel within a known family unit and validates his position within his clan and tribe. Tribal identity and personal identification were intrinsically linked to one's father.
• Ephod. (Hebrew: אֶפוֹד - ʾĒpōḏ)
  • Meaning: The Hebrew ʾĒpōḏ is famously known as a priestly garment (Exod 28:4, 8), but here it functions as a personal name. Its root relates to wrapping or clothing.
  • Significance: While unusual as a personal name given its more prominent use for the priestly vestment, its inclusion signifies the meticulous detail of God's instruction, identifying even the paternal lineage of the chosen leader. It shows that individuals, regardless of the potential meaning or common usage of their names, were sovereignly chosen by God for His purposes.

• of the tribe of Manasseh, Hanniel the son of Ephod.
  • This phrase directly links a specific individual, identified by his name and paternal lineage, to his tribal affiliation for a distinct purpose. It emphasizes the communal aspect of the land distribution, where the tribal unit was represented by an individual specifically named by divine decree. The precision highlights the order and intentionality in God's administrative arrangements for Israel's settlement.

Numbers 34 23 Bonus section

The tribal representative, Hanniel from the half-tribe of Manasseh, would have represented the segment of Manasseh west of the Jordan River. This distinction is crucial as the eastern half-tribe had already received their inheritance (Num 32; Josh 13:29-31). This dual representation of a single tribal entity, necessitated by their chosen settlement pattern, illustrates the complex but organized administrative challenges involved in the promised land's occupation. The detail further highlights God's justice and administrative capacity to account for all twelve (or effectively thirteen) tribal inheritances. The naming of the individuals underscores the value of identity and lineage in ancient Israelite society, where one's heritage played a critical role in their legal standing and place within the community. These leaders were not merely symbolic figures; they were practical administrators charged with a vital national task, bridging the spiritual command with the tangible reality of settlement.

Numbers 34 23 Commentary

Numbers 34:23, though seemingly a simple listing of names, is deeply significant. It demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, particularly the inheritance of the land of Canaan. The selection of specific individuals like Hanniel, "the grace of God," as a "son of Ephod," to oversee the land division underlines that this was no arbitrary human undertaking. Instead, it was a divinely orchestrated, meticulous process designed to ensure fair and orderly allocation of tribal inheritances according to God's will (Num 26:55). The detailed enumeration of names from each tribe stresses the personal and sovereign nature of God's governance over His people. Each name represents God's detailed attention to every facet of Israel's journey, from deliverance to dwelling, reinforcing the idea that God has a specific plan and a specific role for each individual in the accomplishment of His grand purposes. This act of divine selection and precise land apportionment establishes the basis for tribal boundaries and family inheritances throughout Israel's history, securing their identity and sustenance in the land.