King James Version

What Does Numbers 2:15 Mean?

Numbers 2:15 in the King James Version says “And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty and five thousand and six hundred and fifty.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 2:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gad's census total (45,650) contributed substantially to Reuben's division. Despite the tribe's later somewhat ambiguous status (settling east of Jordan), their numerical strength in the wilderness demonstrated God's blessing. This reminds us that current blessing doesn't guarantee future faithfulness—each generation must walk faithfully or risk losing God's continued favor through rebellion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gad's military strength proved valuable during the conquest, as the tribe fulfilled its promise to fight alongside the western tribes before settling their own territory east of Jordan (Joshua 22:1-9). Their faithfulness in this obligation prevented greater problems.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Gad's blessing paired with later questionable choices teach us that current spiritual prosperity doesn't guarantee future faithfulness?
  2. What does this warn us about the need for continued vigilance and obedience across time?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּצְבָא֖וֹ1 of 8

“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

וּפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם2 of 8

“and those that were numbered”

H6485

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

חֲמִשָּׁ֤ה3 of 8

“and five”

H2568

five

וְאַרְבָּעִים֙4 of 8

“of them were forty”

H705

forty

אֶ֔לֶף5 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

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ6 of 8

“and six”

H8337

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

מֵא֖וֹת7 of 8

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וַֽחֲמִשִּֽׁים׃8 of 8

“and fifty”

H2572

fifty

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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 1:25Numbers 26:18

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 2 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes