King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:27 Mean?

Numbers 1:27 in the King James Version says “Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six 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 Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.

Numbers 1:27 · KJV


Context

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.

28

Of the children of Issachar, 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;

29

Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Judah's 74,600 fighting men made it the largest tribe at this census, foreshadowing its leadership role in Israel's history. Numbers often carry symbolic significance in Scripture, and Judah's numerical superiority points to the principle that God sovereignly ordains the means by which His purposes will be accomplished. The tribe's size was not accidental but providentially arranged to enable its role in producing and supporting the Davidic dynasty that would culminate in Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Judah's size remained relatively stable throughout the wilderness period (later numbering 76,500 in Numbers 26:22), unlike some tribes that experienced dramatic fluctuations. This stability reflected God's providential care for the messianic line.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Judah's numerical strength paired with prophetic destiny illustrate the principle that God provides the means necessary for His ordained purposes?
  2. What does this teach us about trusting God to provide what is needed for the calling He has given us?

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),

יְהוּדָ֑ה3 of 8

of Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אַרְבָּעָ֧ה4 of 8
H702

four

וְשִׁבְעִ֛ים5 of 8

were threescore and fourteen

H7657

seventy

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

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ7 of 8

and six

H8337

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

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 1:27 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 1:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study