King James Version

What Does Numbers 2:14 Mean?

Numbers 2:14 in the King James Version says “Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.”

Numbers 2:14 · KJV

Context

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.

14

Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.

15

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty.

16

All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gad's camp placement with Reuben and Simeon created a division of tribes that would later choose to settle east of the Jordan (Numbers 32). This early association may have facilitated their later joint decision, illustrating how geographical and social proximity influences shared choices. The principle applies to believers: our associations shape our decisions, making the choice of companions and communities crucial.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gad's later choice to settle east of the Jordan alongside Reuben and half of Manasseh created ongoing questions about their full commitment to Israel's territorial unity. The eastern tribes' separation from the main body would create ongoing challenges throughout Israel's history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the early association of tribes that later made questionable choices warn us about the formative power of our relationships?
  2. What does this teach us about the importance of choosing companions who will encourage faithfulness rather than compromise?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְמַטֵּ֖ה1 of 8

“Then the tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

גָ֔ד2 of 8

“of Gad”

H1410

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

וְנָשִׂיא֙3 of 8

“and the captain”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

בֶּן4 of 8

“of the sons”

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

גָ֔ד5 of 8

“of Gad”

H1410

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

אֶלְיָסָ֖ף6 of 8

“shall be Eliasaph”

H460

eljasaph, the name of two israelites

בֶּן7 of 8

“of the sons”

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

רְעוּאֵֽל׃8 of 8

“of Reuel”

H7467

reuel, the name of moses' father-in-law, also of an edomite and an israelite

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 2:14 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 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 7:42Numbers 1:14Numbers 7:47Numbers 10:20

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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