King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:15 Mean?

Numbers 26:15 in the King James Version says “The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites:...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Numbers 26:15 · KJV

Context

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:

17

Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of Gad after their families—This second census (מִפְקָד, miphqad) of Gad's tribe lists seven clans descended from Jacob's seventh son, born to Zilpah (Genesis 30:11). Gad means 'fortune' or 'troop,' reflecting Leah's exclamation at his birth. The tribal structure preserves mishpachah (family/clan) identity through the wilderness generation—each clan named with the gentillic suffix -i (Zephonites, Haggites, Shunites).

This meticulous genealogical record demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness to preserve Israel's tribal distinctions despite forty years of wandering. The census occurs on the Plains of Moab, just before entering Canaan, ensuring proper land distribution according to tribal size (v. 53-56).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Gad settled east of the Jordan in Gilead (Numbers 32), territory later known for balm and military strength. This census (c. 1406 BC) counted the second wilderness generation—those under twenty at the Exodus were now ready for conquest. The seven clans would receive inheritance in the Transjordan.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's preservation of tribal genealogies through forty years of wilderness wandering demonstrate His faithfulness to covenant promises?
  2. What does the detailed recording of every clan teach about the value God places on individuals within the community of faith?
  3. How does Gad's eastern settlement (choosing Gilead over Canaan proper) reflect the spiritual danger of settling for less than God's best?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
בְּנֵ֣י1 of 12

“The children”

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

גָד֮2 of 12

“of Gad”

H1410

gad, a son of jacob, including his tribe and its territory; also a prophet

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

לִצְפ֗וֹן4 of 12

“of Zephon”

H6827

tsephon, an israelite

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

הַצְּפוֹנִ֔י6 of 12

“of the Zephonites”

H6831

a tsephonite, or (collectively) descendants of tsephon

הַֽחַגִּ֑י7 of 12

“of Haggi”

H2291

chaggi, an israelite; also (patronymically) a chaggite, or descendant of the same

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

הַֽחַגִּ֑י9 of 12

“of Haggi”

H2291

chaggi, an israelite; also (patronymically) a chaggite, or descendant of the same

לְשׁוּנִ֕י10 of 12

“of Shuni”

H7764

shuni, an israelite

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

הַשּׁוּנִֽי׃12 of 12

“of the Shunites”

H7765

a shunite (collectively) or descendants of shuni

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 26:15 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 26:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 46:16Numbers 2:14

Test Your Knowledge

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