King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:21 Mean?

Numbers 26:21 in the King James Version says “And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.”

Numbers 26:21 · KJV

Context

19

The sons of Judah were Er and Onan: and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.

20

And the sons of Judah after their families were; of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites: of Pharez, the family of the Pharzites: of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites.

21

And the sons of Pharez were; of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.

22

These are the families of Judah according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and sixteen thousand and five hundred.

23

Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites:

Read Numbers 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sons of Pharez were; of Hezron...of Hamul—Judah's genealogy uniquely extends to a third generation, listing Pharez's sons Hezron and Hamul. Hezron (חֶצְרוֹן, 'enclosed' or 'courtyard') became the ancestor of the Hezronites, the clan that produced Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz, and eventually David (Ruth 4:18-22). This makes Hezron a critical link in the messianic genealogy.

The subdivision into mishpachōṯ (family clans) within Pharez's line emphasizes its dominance within Judah—the royal line would emerge from Hezron, not Shelah or Zerah. Hamul (חָמוּל, 'spared' or 'pitied') represents divine mercy preserving Judah's line despite the Er/Onan judgments. No other tribe receives this three-generation detail, highlighting Judah's messianic significance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hezron was born in Canaan before the descent to Egypt (Genesis 46:12) and likely died in Egypt. His son Ram continued the line through the Egyptian bondage, emerging with Amminadab and Nahshon at the Exodus. This genealogical continuity demonstrates God's preservation of the messianic seed through four centuries of slavery.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the census single out Pharez's subdivision when other tribes stop at the second generation, and what does this reveal about God's redemptive plan?
  2. How does Hezron's name ('enclosed') and position in the genealogy picture God's protective preservation of the messianic line through hostile circumstances?
  3. What does the prominence of Pharez over Shelah (Judah's legitimate son by Bathshua) teach about God's sovereign election based on grace rather than human merit?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ1 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְנֵי2 of 9

“And 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

פֶ֔רֶץ3 of 9

“of Pharez”

H6557

perets, the name of two israelites

לְחֶצְרֹ֕ן4 of 9

“were of Hezron”

H2696

chetsron, the name of a place in palestine; also of two israelites

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת5 of 9

“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

הַֽחֶצְרֹנִ֑י6 of 9

“of the Hezronites”

H2697

a chetsronite or (collectively) descendants of chetsron

לְחָמ֕וּל7 of 9

“of Hamul”

H2538

chamul, an israelite

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת8 of 9

“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

הֶחָֽמוּלִֽי׃9 of 9

“of the Hamulites”

H2539

a chamulite (collectively) or descendants of chamul

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 26:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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