King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:12 Mean?

Numbers 1:12 in the King James Version says “Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Of Dan; Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.”

Numbers 1:12 · KJV

Context

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.

13

Of Asher; Pagiel the son of Ocran.

14

Of Gad; Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

Read Numbers 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Dan's inclusion despite the tribe's later apostasy (Judges 18; 1 Kings 12:28-30) demonstrates that God's electing purposes in calling Israel were not dependent on their future faithfulness but on His sovereign grace. The tribe that would later establish idolatrous worship still received full status in the wilderness organization, showing that God's common grace and providential care extend even to those who will later prove unfaithful, while His special saving grace preserves a remnant.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dan, fifth son of Jacob through Bilhah, would later migrate north and establish the northern boundary of Israel ('from Dan to Beersheba'). The tribe became notorious for idolatry, yet God's purposes included them in Israel's structure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Dan's later apostasy despite God's faithfulness warn us about the danger of presuming on God's grace?
  2. What does this teach us about the difference between being part of the visible church and being part of the invisible elect?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
לְדָ֕ן1 of 4

“Of Dan”

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

אֲחִיעֶ֖זֶר2 of 4

“Ahiezer”

H295

achiezer, the name of two israelites

בֶּן3 of 4

“the son”

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

עַמִּֽישַׁדָּֽי׃4 of 4

“of Ammishaddai”

H5996

ammishaddai, 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 1:12 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 1:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 7:66Numbers 2:25Numbers 10:25

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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