King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:41 Mean?

Numbers 1:41 in the King James Version says “Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Asher, were forty and one 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 Asher, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.

Numbers 1:41 · KJV


Context

39

Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Dan, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.

40

Of the children of Asher, 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;

41

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

42

Of the children of Naphtali, throughout 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;

43

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Asher's 41,500 warriors positioned it in the mid-range of tribal military strength. The tribe's later sparse appearance in biblical narrative reminds us that covenant blessing and inclusion do not guarantee prominence or recognition. Many faithful members of God's kingdom serve quietly without recognition, yet their service is no less valuable to God. This challenges the modern obsession with visibility and impact, reminding us that faithful stewardship matters more than public acclaim.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Despite fertile territory and prophesied abundance (Genesis 49:20), Asher features rarely in biblical history. The tribe's most notable mention comes with Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:36), demonstrating God's preservation of tribal identity even for less prominent tribes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Asher's relative obscurity despite covenant status challenge the modern pursuit of significance and recognition?
  2. What does this teach us about the value of faithful, quiet service to God's kingdom?

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),

אָשֵׁ֑ר3 of 8

of Asher

H836

asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

אֶחָ֧ד4 of 8

and one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְאַרְבָּעִ֛ים5 of 8

were forty

H705

forty

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

וַֽחֲמֵ֥שׁ7 of 8

and five

H2568

five

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 1:41 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 1:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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