King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:22 Mean?

Numbers 1:22 in the King James Version says “Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were nu...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;”

Numbers 1:22 · KJV

Context

20

And the children of Reuben, Israel's eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

21

Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.

22

Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

23

Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.

24

Of the children of Gad, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The repetitive structure of the census ('by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers') emphasizes covenant continuity across generations. This pattern demonstrates that God's redemptive purposes work through families and generations, not merely individuals. The Reformed principle of covenant theology, which includes believers' children in the covenant community, finds clear precedent in this genealogical organization of Israel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Simeon, Levi's full brother, shared in the curse against Levi for violence at Shechem (Genesis 34; 49:5-7). While Levi's descendants received priestly honor, Simeon's tribe was eventually absorbed into Judah, demonstrating differing outcomes from the same judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the consistent emphasis on family structure in the census inform our understanding of God's covenant dealings with believers and their children?
  2. What does Simeon's eventual absorption into Judah teach us about God's sovereignty in directing tribal and family destinies?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
מִבֶּ֨ן1 of 19

“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

שִׁמְע֔וֹן2 of 19

“of Simeon”

H8095

shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him

תּֽוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם3 of 19

“by their generations”

H8435

(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם4 of 19

“after their families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

לְבֵ֣ית5 of 19

“by the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲבֹתָ֑ם6 of 19

“of their fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

פְּקֻדָ֗יו7 of 19

“those that were numbered”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

בְּמִסְפַּ֤ר8 of 19

“of them according to the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

שֵׁמוֹת֙9 of 19

“of the names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָ֔ם10 of 19

“by their polls”

H1538

a skull (as round); by implication, a head (in enumeration of persons)

כָּל11 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

זָכָ֗ר12 of 19

“every male”

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

מִבֶּ֨ן13 of 19

“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

עֶשְׂרִ֤ים14 of 19

“from twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שָׁנָה֙15 of 19

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וָמַ֔עְלָה16 of 19

“and upward”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

כֹּ֖ל17 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יֹצֵ֥א18 of 19

“all that were able to go forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

צָבָֽא׃19 of 19

“to war”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

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 1:22 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 1:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:12-14Genesis 46:10Genesis 29:33Genesis 42:24Genesis 34:25-30Numbers 2:12-13

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