King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:23 Mean?

Numbers 1:23 in the King James Version says “Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred. — study this verse from Numbers chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 1:23 · KJV


Context

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;

25

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Simeon's census figure (59,300) made them one of the larger tribes initially, yet by the second census (Numbers 26:14), they had dropped to 22,200, the smallest tribe—a devastating 62% loss. This dramatic decline, likely due to the Baal-Peor incident where Simeonites featured prominently (Numbers 25:6-15), demonstrates that size and initial prominence mean nothing without faithfulness. God's justice will not overlook persistent rebellion, even within the covenant community.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Simeon's territory was eventually embedded within Judah's inheritance (Joshua 19:1-9), fulfilling Jacob's prophecy that Simeon would be 'divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel' (Genesis 49:7). The tribe largely disappeared from biblical narrative after the period of the judges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Simeon's dramatic population decline warn against presuming on God's grace based on covenant status alone?
  2. What does this teach us about the principle that 'to whom much is given, much will be required' (Luke 12:48)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם1 of 8

Those that were numbered

H6485

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

לְמַטֵּ֣ה2 of 8

of them even of the tribe

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

שִׁמְע֑וֹן3 of 8

of Simeon

H8095

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

תִּשְׁעָ֧ה4 of 8

and nine

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים5 of 8

were fifty

H2572

fifty

אֶ֖לֶף6 of 8

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וּשְׁלֹ֥שׁ7 of 8

and three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵאֽוֹת׃8 of 8

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction


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 1:23 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 1:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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