King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:25 Mean?

Numbers 1:25 in the King James Version says “Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Gad, were forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty. — 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 Gad, were forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.

Numbers 1:25 · KJV


Context

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.

26

Of the children of Judah, 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;

27

Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gad's 45,650 fighting men represented substantial military strength, yet the tribe's choice to settle outside the Promised Land proper (Numbers 32) shows that military might means nothing without full obedience to God's revealed will. The tribe that could provide nearly 50,000 warriors ultimately weakened Israel by fragmenting the nation. This illustrates that effectiveness in God's kingdom requires not just ability but proper alignment with His purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gad's territory east of the Jordan included fortified cities and good pastureland, which motivated their request to settle there (Numbers 32:1-5). Moses granted this request conditionally, requiring their participation in Canaan's conquest before settling their families.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Gad's choice to settle for second-best (good pastureland) rather than God's best (the Promised Land) warn against settling for lesser spiritual blessings?
  2. What does this teach us about the danger of making decisions based on worldly prosperity rather than divine promise?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם1 of 9

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 9

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),

גָ֑ד3 of 9

of Gad

H1410

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

חֲמִשָּׁ֤ה4 of 9

and five

H2568

five

וְאַרְבָּעִים֙5 of 9

were forty

H705

forty

אֶ֔לֶף6 of 9

thousand

H505

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

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ7 of 9

six

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵא֖וֹת8 of 9

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וַֽחֲמִשִּֽׁים׃9 of 9

and fifty

H2572

fifty


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 1:25 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 1:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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