King James Version

What Does Numbers 2:11 Mean?

Numbers 2:11 in the King James Version says “And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.”

Numbers 2:11 · KJV

Context

9

All that were numbered in the camp of Judah were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth.

10

On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.

11

And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.

12

And those which pitch by him shall be the tribe of Simeon: and the captain of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

13

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Reuben's census total (46,500) made it one of the mid-sized tribes, neither largest nor smallest. This middle position reflected the tribe's loss of firstborn status without complete loss of blessing. The pattern teaches that sin brings real consequences (loss of preeminence) while God's covenant mercies continue (continued inclusion and blessing). This balance characterizes God's dealings with His people throughout redemptive history.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Reuben's numbers remained relatively stable throughout the wilderness period, declining only slightly to 43,730 by the second census (Numbers 26:7). This stability contrasted with dramatic fluctuations in some tribes, suggesting neither exceptional blessing nor severe judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Reuben's maintained but not preeminent status illustrate the real but not total consequences of sin for God's people?
  2. What does this teach us about expecting both discipline and mercy when we fail God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וּצְבָא֖וֹ1 of 7

“And his host”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

וּפְקֻדָ֑יו2 of 7

“and those that were numbered”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

שִׁשָּׁ֧ה3 of 7

“and six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

וְאַרְבָּעִ֛ים4 of 7

“thereof 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 2:11 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 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:7Numbers 1:21

Test Your Knowledge

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