King James Version
What Does Numbers 2:20 Mean?
“And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.”
Numbers 2:20 · KJV
Context
18
On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.
19
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were forty thousand and five hundred.
20
And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
21
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.
22
Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryManasseh's camp placement with Ephraim and Benjamin joined Joseph's descendants with Rachel's younger son, creating a division united by family ties. This organization according to family relationships demonstrates that God values and works through natural bonds while also transcending them for redemptive purposes. The principle applies to believers: family relationships matter while ultimate loyalty belongs to God's kingdom family.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The western division's composition (Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin—all descended from Rachel through Joseph and Benjamin) created kinship bonds that would influence later alliances and conflicts in Israel's history, particularly after the kingdom's division.
Reflection Questions
- How does the organization of camps according to family ties validate the importance of natural relationships while pointing to the greater spiritual family?
- What does this teach us about balancing loyalty to physical family with primary allegiance to God's kingdom?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsוְעָלָ֖יו1 of 9
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
מַטֵּ֣ה2 of 9
“And by him shall be the tribe”
H4294a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה3 of 9
“of Manasseh”
H4519menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וְנָשִׂיא֙4 of 9
“and the captain”
H5387properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בֶּן5 of 9
“of the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה6 of 9
“of Manasseh”
H4519menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
בֶּן8 of 9
“of the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge