King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:35 Mean?

Numbers 1:35 in the King James Version says “Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty and two thousand and two 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 Manasseh, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.

Numbers 1:35 · KJV


Context

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.

36

Of the children of Benjamin, 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;

37

Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Manasseh's 32,200 fighting men made it one of the smaller tribes at this census, yet it would grow dramatically to 52,700 by the second census (Numbers 26:34), a 64% increase. This remarkable growth demonstrates God's blessing and providential care, showing that initial size or weakness does not limit God's ability to multiply and strengthen His people. The principle applies spiritually: what begins small in faith can grow mighty through God's grace.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Despite being initially smaller than Ephraim, Manasseh grew to become the largest tribe by the end of the wilderness period. This growth, combined with territorial inheritance on both sides of the Jordan, made Manasseh a significant tribe in Israel's history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Manasseh's dramatic population growth encourage faith in God's ability to multiply small beginnings?
  2. What does this teach us about not despising the day of small things (Zechariah 4:10) in spiritual matters?

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),

מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה3 of 7

of Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

שְׁנַ֧יִם4 of 7

and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֛ים5 of 7

were thirty

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

אֶ֖לֶף6 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

וּמָאתָֽיִם׃7 of 7

and two 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 1:35 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 1:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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