King James Version

What Does Numbers 2:24 Mean?

Numbers 2:24 in the King James Version says “All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout the... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank.

Numbers 2:24 · KJV


Context

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.

24

All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank.

25

The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

26

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The summary total for Ephraim's division (108,100) made it the smallest of the four divisions, yet this positioning on the west maintained balanced military strength. The smallest division still contributed over 100,000 fighting men, demonstrating that even the least in God's kingdom possesses significant strength through divine blessing. No believer is insignificant; all contribute meaningfully to Christ's body.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Despite being the smallest division, Ephraim's group marched third in Israel's procession, maintaining strong military presence in the latter half of the column. This ensured protection from rear attacks and balanced strength throughout the march order.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the smallest division still numbering over 100,000 encourage believers who feel their contribution is insignificant?
  2. What does this teach us about the cumulative power of many 'small' contributions in God's kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כָּֽל1 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַפְּקֻדִ֞ים2 of 12

All that were numbered

H6485

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

לְמַֽחֲנֵ֣ה3 of 12

of the camp

H4264

an encampment (of travellers or troops); hence, an army, whether literal (of soldiers) or figurative (of dancers, angels, cattle, locusts, stars; or e

אֶפְרַ֗יִם4 of 12

of Ephraim

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וּמֵאָ֖ה5 of 12

and an hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אֲלָפִ֥ים6 of 12

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וּשְׁמֹֽנַת7 of 12

and eight

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

אֲלָפִ֥ים8 of 12

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וּמֵאָ֖ה9 of 12

and an hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

לְצִבְאֹתָ֑ם10 of 12

throughout their armies

H6635

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

וּשְׁלִשִׁ֖ים11 of 12

in the third rank

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

יִסָּֽעוּ׃12 of 12

And they shall go forward

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey


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 2:24 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 2:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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