King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:12 Mean?

Numbers 26:12 in the King James Version says “The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites:...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites:”

Numbers 26:12 · KJV

Context

10

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.

11

Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.

12

The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites:

13

Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites.

14

These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sons of Simeon after their families (בְּנֵי שִׁמְעוֹן לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם)—the census proceeds to Simeon, Jacob's second son. The enumeration of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites follows the same pattern as Reuben's listing. Nemuel (also called Jemuel in Genesis 46:10) heads the Simeonite clans alongside Jamin and Jachin.

Simeon's tribal fortunes had been cursed by Jacob for violence at Shechem (Genesis 34, 49:5-7): I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel. The second census reveals dramatic fulfillment—Simeon suffers the largest numerical decline of any tribe, dropping from 59,300 (Numbers 1:23) to 22,200 (Numbers 26:14), a staggering loss of 37,100 men. This 63% decrease likely reflects divine judgment, possibly connected to the Baal-Peor incident involving Simeonite prince Zimri (Numbers 25:6-14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Simeon's tribal territory became enclaved within Judah's inheritance (Joshua 19:1-9), fulfilling Jacob's prophecy of scattering. The tribe eventually lost distinct identity, being absorbed into Judah. The Simeonite prince Zimri's sin with a Midianite woman (Numbers 25) triggered a plague that killed 24,000—many likely from Simeon's tribe, explaining the census decrease.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Simeon's dramatic numerical decline illustrate the long-term consequences of generational sin and divine discipline?
  2. What does the fulfillment of Jacob's 400-year-old curse teach about God's prophetic word and justice?
  3. In what ways can corporate sin (like Zimri's action) bring judgment on an entire community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
בְּנֵ֣י1 of 12

“The sons”

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

שִׁמְעוֹן֮2 of 12

“of Simeon”

H8095

shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת3 of 12

“after their families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

לִנְמוּאֵ֗ל4 of 12

“of Nemuel”

H5241

nemuel, the name of two israelites

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת5 of 12

“after their families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַנְּמ֣וּאֵלִ֔י6 of 12

“of the Nemuelites”

H5242

a nemuelite, or descendant of nemuel

לְיָמִ֕ין7 of 12

“of Jamin”

H3226

jamin, the name of three israelites

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת8 of 12

“after their families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַיָּֽמִינִ֑י9 of 12

“of the Jaminites”

H3228

a jeminite (collectively) or descendants of jamin

לְיָכִ֕ין10 of 12

“of Jachin”

H3199

jakin, the name of three israelites and of a temple pillar

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת11 of 12

“after their families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

הַיָּֽכִינִֽי׃12 of 12

“of the Jachinites”

H3200

a jakinite (collectively) or descendants of jakin

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 26:12 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 26:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 4:24Genesis 46:10Exodus 6:151 Kings 7:21

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