King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:42 Mean?

Numbers 1:42 in the King James Version says “Of the children of Naphtali, throughout their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, accordin...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Numbers 1:42 · KJV

Context

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.

44

These are those that were numbered, which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel, being twelve men: each one was for the house of his fathers.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Naphtali's census reflects God's sovereign organization of the final tribe in this enumeration. The tribe's placement in far northern Galilee would later prove significant when this region, called 'Galilee of the Gentiles' (Isaiah 9:1; Matthew 4:15), became central to Jesus's ministry. What seemed like a distant border region in Moses's day became the epicenter of divine revelation when the Word became flesh. This demonstrates that God's purposes transcend human understanding of significance and centrality.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Naphtali received mountainous territory in northern Galilee, bordering the Sea of Galilee. Jacob blessed Naphtali as 'a hind let loose' who 'gives beautiful words' (Genesis 49:21), prophecies whose fulfillment is debated but may relate to the region's later connection to Jesus's teaching ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Naphtali's transformation from border tribe to center of Jesus's ministry demonstrate God's ability to reverse human notions of centrality and importance?
  2. What does this teach us about trusting God's purposes even when our circumstances seem marginal or peripheral?

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

נַפְתָּלִ֔י2 of 15

“of Naphtali”

H5321

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

תּֽוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם3 of 15

“throughout 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 1:42 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 1:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:48-50Genesis 30:7-8Genesis 49:21Genesis 46:24

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