King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:28 Mean?

Numbers 1:28 in the King James Version says “Of the children of Issachar, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Numbers 1:28 · KJV

Context

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.

30

Of the children of Zebulun, 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
Issachar's census continues the pattern of detailed genealogical record-keeping that characterizes biblical historiography. Unlike pagan myths that deal in archetypes and generalities, Scripture insists on particular people in particular times, demonstrating that God's redemptive work unfolds in real history. This historical specificity grounds Christian faith in objective reality rather than subjective experience or philosophical speculation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Issachar's territory in the Jezreel Valley became strategically important in Israel's history, serving as a crossroads for international trade and military campaigns. The tribe's location in fertile lowlands contributed to its later prosperity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Scripture's insistence on historical specificity strengthen the factual basis for Christian faith?
  2. What does the connection between tribal census and later historical significance teach us about God's long-term planning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
מִבֶּ֨ן1 of 15

“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

יִשָּׂשכָ֔ר2 of 15

“of Issachar”

H3485

jissaskar, a son of jacob

תּֽוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם3 of 15

“by their generations”

H8435

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

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם4 of 15

“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 15

“by the house”

H1004

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

אֲבֹתָ֑ם6 of 15

“of their fathers”

H1

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

בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר7 of 15

“according to the number”

H4557

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

שֵׁמֹ֗ת8 of 15

“of the names”

H8034

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

מִבֶּ֨ן9 of 15

“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

עֶשְׂרִ֤ים10 of 15

“from twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

שָׁנָה֙11 of 15

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וָמַ֔עְלָה12 of 15

“and upward”

H4605

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

כֹּ֖ל13 of 15
H3605

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

יֹצֵ֥א14 of 15

“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׃15 of 15

“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 1:28 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 1:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 46:13Numbers 23:23-25Genesis 49:14-15Genesis 30:18Numbers 2:5-6Numbers 26:23-25

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