King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:33 Mean?

Numbers 1:33 in the King James Version says “Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand and five 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 Ephraim, were forty thousand and five hundred.

Numbers 1:33 · KJV


Context

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.

34

Of the children of Manasseh, 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;

35

Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ephraim's 40,500 warriors represented the beginning of the tribe's rise to prominence in Israel's northern territories. The specific number demonstrates God's providential preparation of this tribe for leadership, despite human expectations based on birth order. The census serves not merely as administrative record-keeping but as evidence of God's sovereign orchestration of tribal strengths according to His redemptive purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ephraim's territory in the central highlands included Shiloh, where the tabernacle would rest for centuries, giving the tribe spiritual significance. The tribe's central location and religious importance contributed to its later political prominence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's elevation of Ephraim according to His purposes rather than natural order challenge our tendency to rely on worldly advantages?
  2. What does this teach us about God's sovereignty in determining who rises to prominence in His kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם1 of 7

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 7

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),

אֶפְרָ֑יִם3 of 7

of Ephraim

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים4 of 7

were forty

H705

forty

אֶ֖לֶף5 of 7

thousand

H505

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

וַֽחֲמֵ֥שׁ6 of 7

and five

H2568

five

מֵאֽוֹת׃7 of 7

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 1:33 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 1:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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