King James Version

What Does Numbers 2:26 Mean?

Numbers 2:26 in the King James Version says “And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.” — 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 threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.”

Numbers 2:26 · KJV

Context

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.

27

And those that encamp by him shall be the tribe of Asher: and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.

28

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Dan's census total (62,700) made it one of the largest tribes, second only to Judah. This numerical strength, however, would not prevent later spiritual apostasy when the tribe established idolatrous worship centers (Judges 18; 1 Kings 12:29). The tragic pattern warns that gifts, resources, and blessings become curses when deployed in rebellion against God. Strength without faithfulness leads to judgment, not blessing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Dan's large population and military strength enabled successful northern migration and conquest, yet these very resources facilitated establishing rival worship that corrupted northern Israel. The tribe's name eventually dropped from significance in later biblical history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Dan's numerical strength paired with spiritual failure warn against trusting resources and abilities rather than faithful obedience?
  2. What does this teach us about the danger that blessings can become snares when not accompanied by spiritual devotion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וּצְבָא֖וֹ1 of 7

“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 7

“and those that were numbered”

H6485

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

שְׁנַ֧יִם3 of 7

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וְשִׁשִּׁ֛ים4 of 7

“of them were threescore”

H8346

sixty

אֶ֖לֶף5 of 7

“thousand”

H505

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

וּשְׁבַ֥ע6 of 7

“and seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

מֵאֽוֹת׃7 of 7

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

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 2:26 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 2:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 26:43Numbers 1:39

Test Your Knowledge

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

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