King James Version
What Does Numbers 26:14 Mean?
“These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty and two thousand and two hundred.”
Context
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:
16
Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **Twenty and two thousand and two hundred.—**This shows a decrease of 37,100 in the tribe of Simeon. Zimri, the chief offender in the matter of Baal-peor, belonged to this tribe, and, as in the case of the Reubenites, it is probable that he had led astray many of his tribe with him. It is remarkable that this is the only tribe on which, according to the present Hebrew text,[127] no blessing was pronounced by Moses (Deuteronomy 33), and that in the allotment of the land of Canaan the inheritance of Simeon was only the remnant of that which was assigned to Judah (Joshua 19:9).
[127] The “Codex Alexandrinus” inserts a clause: “Let Simeon be many in number.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 26:14 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 26:14
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge