King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:10 Mean?

Numbers 1:10 in the King James Version says “Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.”

Numbers 1:10 · KJV

Context

8

Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.

9

Of Zebulun; Eliab the son of Helon.

10

Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

11

Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni.

12

Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Joseph's division into Ephraim and Manasseh fulfills Jacob's prophetic blessing (Genesis 48), whereby Joseph received a double portion through his two sons. This special treatment reflects Joseph's faithfulness and God's providential preservation of Israel through him during the famine. The continued distinction between Joseph's sons demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises across generations, even in matters of tribal organization.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jacob adopted Joseph's sons as his own (Genesis 48:5), effectively giving Joseph a double inheritance. This occurred because of Joseph's role in preserving Israel during the Egyptian famine and established a pattern where Ephraim and Manasseh counted as separate tribes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joseph's double portion through his sons illustrate the principle that God rewards faithfulness, even if not always in expected ways?
  2. What does the fulfillment of Jacob's blessing centuries later teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
בֶּן1 of 10

“Of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יוֹסֵ֔ף2 of 10

“of Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

לְאֶפְרַ֕יִם3 of 10

“of Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֱלִֽישָׁמָ֖ע4 of 10

“Elishama”

H476

elishama, the name of seven israelites

בֶּן5 of 10

“Of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמִּיה֑וּד6 of 10

“of Ammihud”

H5989

ammihud, the name of three israelites

לִמְנַשֶּׁ֕ה7 of 10

“of Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

גַּמְלִיאֵ֖ל8 of 10

“Gamaliel”

H1583

gamliel, an israelite

בֶּן9 of 10

“Of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

פְּדָהצֽוּר׃10 of 10

“of Pedahzur”

H6301

pedahtsur, an israelite

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 1:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 1:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 7:54Numbers 7:481 Chronicles 7:26-27Numbers 10:22-23Numbers 2:20Numbers 2:18

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