King James Version

What Does Numbers 2:31 Mean?

Numbers 2:31 in the King James Version says “All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. Th... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 2:31 · KJV


Context

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.

32

These are those which were numbered of the children of Israel by the house of their fathers: all those that were numbered of the camps throughout their hosts were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.

33

But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The summary total for Dan's division (157,600) made it the third-largest division, maintaining strong military presence in the northern sector. This substantial strength ensured balanced protection around the entire camp, with no weak points vulnerable to attack. The principle extends to the church: Christ distributes gifts throughout His body to ensure comprehensive strength with no fatal weaknesses.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Dan's division marching last in Israel's procession provided strong rearguard protection, ensuring the entire camp traveled safely. This tactical positioning showed wise military planning that protected the whole nation, not just the most prominent tribes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the balanced strength of all four divisions around the camp illustrate Christ's provision of comprehensive spiritual protection for His church?
  2. What does the strong rearguard function teach us about the importance of protective ministries that guard against attacks from behind?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כָּל1 of 14
H3605

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

הַפְּקֻדִים֙2 of 14

All they that were numbered

H6485

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

לְמַ֣חֲנֵה3 of 14

in 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

דָ֔ן4 of 14

of Dan

H1835

dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them

מֵא֑וֹת5 of 14

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אֶ֖לֶף6 of 14

thousand

H505

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

וְשִׁבְעָ֧ה7 of 14

and seven

H7651

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

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים8 of 14

and fifty

H2572

fifty

אֶ֖לֶף9 of 14

thousand

H505

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

וְשֵׁ֣שׁ10 of 14

and six

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵא֑וֹת11 of 14

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

לָאַֽחֲרֹנָ֥ה12 of 14

hindmost

H314

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

יִסְע֖וּ13 of 14

They shall go

H5265

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

לְדִגְלֵיהֶֽם׃14 of 14

with their standards

H1714

a flag


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 2:31 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 2:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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