King James Version

What Does Numbers 2:29 Mean?

Numbers 2:29 in the King James Version says “Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.”

Numbers 2:29 · KJV

Context

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.

29

Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.

30

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.

31

All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Naphtali's camp placement in Dan's division positioned this tribe for later significance in Jesus's Galilean ministry. The region that seemed peripheral in Moses's day would become central when Christ made Capernaum (in Naphtali's territory) His ministry headquarters. This demonstrates God's ability to transform what appears marginal into what becomes central, encouraging believers in seemingly insignificant positions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Naphtali's later territory around the Sea of Galilee would witness much of Jesus's public ministry, including numerous miracles, parables, and the calling of most apostles. What was Israel's northern frontier became the gospel's initial epicenter.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Naphtali's transformation from border tribe to center of Jesus's ministry encourage faith that God can use any position or circumstance for His glory?
  2. What does this teach us about avoiding premature judgments about whether our current position is significant or peripheral in God's plan?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וּמַטֵּ֖ה1 of 8

“Then the tribe”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

נַפְתָּלִ֔י2 of 8

“of Naphtali”

H5321

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְנָשִׂיא֙3 of 8

“and the captain”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

בֶּן4 of 8

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נַפְתָּלִ֔י5 of 8

“of Naphtali”

H5321

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

אֲחִירַ֖ע6 of 8

“shall be Ahira”

H299

achira, an israelite

בֶּן7 of 8

“of the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֵינָֽן׃8 of 8

“of Enan”

H5881

enan, an israelite

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 2:29 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 2:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 1:15Numbers 26:48-50Numbers 7:78Numbers 7:83Numbers 10:27Numbers 1:42-43

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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