King James Version
What Does Numbers 2:21 Mean?
“And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.”
Numbers 2:21 · KJV
Context
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.
23
And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryManasseh's census total (32,200) made it the smallest tribe at this first census, yet it would experience dramatic growth to 52,700 by journey's end—a remarkable 64% increase. This growth demonstrates God's blessing and encourages faith that what begins small can become great through divine multiplication. The principle applies spiritually: small seeds of faith can produce great harvests through God's power.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Manasseh's growth from smallest to largest tribe over forty years reflected God's providential blessing. This demographic expansion enabled the tribe to request and receive substantial territory on both sides of the Jordan.
Reflection Questions
- How does Manasseh's dramatic population growth encourage faith in God's ability to multiply small beginnings?
- What does this teach us about not despising small starts in spiritual matters?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsוּצְבָא֖וֹ1 of 6
“And his host”
H6635a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
וּפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם2 of 6
“and those that were numbered”
H6485to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אֶ֖לֶף5 of 6
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
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 2:21 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 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge