King James Version

What Does Numbers 2:4 Mean?

Numbers 2:4 in the King James Version says “And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six 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 fourteen thousand and six hundred.”

Numbers 2:4 · KJV

Context

2

Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch. far: Heb. over against

3

And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.

4

And his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.

5

And those that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar.

6

And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.

Read Numbers 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The specific census figure for Judah (74,600) represents God's precise knowledge and sovereign provision of strength for the tribe destined to lead Israel and produce the Messiah. Numbers in Scripture often carry theological significance beyond mere enumeration, and Judah's numerical superiority demonstrates God's providential preparation of the means necessary for His redemptive purposes. The abundance of fighting men from Judah foreshadowed the spiritual army Christ would gather from all nations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Judah maintained its position as the largest or second-largest tribe throughout the wilderness period, providing military leadership in the conquest of Canaan. This strength enabled Judah to secure its inheritance and eventually become the dominant tribe in Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's provision of numerical strength for Judah demonstrate His principle of equipping those He calls?
  2. What does Judah's military leadership prefigure about Christ's role as commander of the spiritual forces fighting against evil?

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

אַרְבָּעָ֧ה3 of 7

“of them were threescore and fourteen”

H702

four

וְשִׁבְעִ֛ים4 of 7
H7657

seventy

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

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ6 of 7

“and six”

H8337

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

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 2:4 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 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 1:27Numbers 26:22

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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