King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:13 Mean?

Numbers 26:13 in the King James Version says “Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 26:13 · KJV

Context

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.

15

The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites (זֶרַח, 'rising' or 'shining')—Zerah was one of Simeon's five clan heads listed in this census. The name appears elsewhere in Scripture (Judah's son by Tamar, Genesis 38:30), showing its popularity in Israel.

The verse continues the genealogical pattern, adding Shaul and his descendants. This methodical enumeration serves legal and theological purposes: each family name represents a covenant unit entitled to land inheritance and obligated to covenant faithfulness. The inclusion of smaller clans like the Zarhites alongside larger clans demonstrates God's care for all His people, not merely prominent families. In Christ, this principle finds fulfillment: there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Zarhite clan descended from Zerah, son of Simeon and a Canaanite woman (Genesis 46:10, where he's called Zohar). Despite Simeon's overall numerical decline, the individual clan structure remained intact for land distribution purposes. Simeonite cities would be allocated within Judah's territory after the conquest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the census's inclusion of every clan—large and small—reflect God's valuing of each family within the covenant community?
  2. What does the preservation of clan identity through 40 years of wilderness wandering reveal about God's faithfulness to families?
  3. In what ways does the New Testament principle of equality in Christ (Galatians 3:28) fulfill and transcend Old Testament tribal distinctions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
לְזֶ֕רַח1 of 6

“Of Zerah”

H2226

zerach, the name of three israelites, also of an idumaean and an ethiopian prince

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת2 of 6

“the family”

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

הַזַּרְחִ֑י3 of 6

“of the Zarhites”

H2227

a zarchite or descendant of zerach

לְשָׁא֕וּל4 of 6

“of Shaul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת5 of 6

“the family”

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

הַשָּֽׁאוּלִֽי׃6 of 6

“of the Shaulites”

H7587

a shaulite or descendant of shaul

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 26:13 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 26:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 46:10

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