King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:1 Mean?

Numbers 26:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, sayin...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,”

Numbers 26:1 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,

2

Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers' house, all that are able to go to war in Israel.

3

And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying,

Read Numbers 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After the plague, God commanded a second census—echoing the first census in chapter 1. The repetition demonstrates both divine order and generational transition. The old generation died in the wilderness as God decreed; this census counted a new generation prepared to inherit Canaan. God's purposes continue despite human failure; He always raises up new servants when old ones fall.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Forty years separated these censuses. Every adult male counted in chapter 1 (except Joshua and Caleb) was dead. This second numbering marked Israel's readiness to enter the land the previous generation rejected. Census taking demonstrated sovereignty (God owns His people) and preparation for warfare and land distribution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God prepare new generations to accomplish what previous generations failed to achieve?
  2. What does this transition teach about God's patience and faithfulness across generations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
לֵאמֹֽר׃1 of 10

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 10

“that the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֔ה4 of 10

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאֶ֧ל5 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶלְעָזָ֛ר6 of 10

“and unto Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

בֶּן7 of 10

“the son”

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

אַהֲרֹ֥ן8 of 10

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן9 of 10

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

לֵאמֹֽר׃10 of 10

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 26:1 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 26:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 25:9

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