King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:31 Mean?

Numbers 1:31 in the King James Version says “Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty and seven thousand and four 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 Zebulun, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.

Numbers 1:31 · KJV


Context

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;

31

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

32

Of the children of Joseph, namely, of the children of Ephraim, 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;

33

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Zebulun's 57,400 fighting men positioned it solidly in the middle of tribal sizes, with neither special prominence nor obvious weakness. This average status did not prevent the tribe from producing the judge Elon (Judges 12:11-12) and contributing significantly to Israel's military efforts. The biblical pattern consistently shows God using ordinary means and average resources to accomplish extraordinary purposes, undermining human pride and directing glory to Himself alone.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Zebulun's territory included valuable trade routes and productive land, contributing to the tribe's economic stability. The tribe remained loyal to David during Absalom's rebellion and provided substantial forces to make David king (1 Chronicles 12:33, 40).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Zebulun's faithful service despite average prominence challenge the modern obsession with being exceptional or outstanding?
  2. What does this teach us about the value of faithful, steady service to God's kingdom regardless of recognition?

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),

זְבוּלֻ֑ן3 of 8

of Zebulun

H2074

zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe

שִׁבְעָ֧ה4 of 8

and seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

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

וְאַרְבַּ֥ע7 of 8

and four

H702

four

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 1:31 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 1:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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