King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:27 Mean?

Numbers 26:27 in the King James Version says “These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those that were numbered of them, threescore thousand and five hu... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 26:27 · KJV


Context

25

These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.

26

Of the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.

27

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

28

The sons of Joseph after their families were Manasseh and Ephraim.

29

Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Threescore thousand and five hundred (60,500)—Zebulun's census reveals an increase of 3,100 men from the first census (57,400 in Numbers 1:31), placing them as the sixth-largest tribe. This 5.4% growth demonstrates covenant blessing despite the wilderness rebellions that decimated other tribes. The round number (60,500) may reflect the precision of military organization—each clan subdivided into hundreds and fifties (Exodus 18:21).

Zebulun's moderate size suited their strategic role bridging Galilee's interior and coast. Unlike dominant tribes (Judah, Dan, or Ephraim), Zebulun never pursued political preeminence, yet their faithfulness earned them prophetic honor—Isaiah 9:1-2 prophesies Messiah's light shining on 'Zebulun and Naphtali,' fulfilled when Jesus began His Galilean ministry (Matthew 4:13-16).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This census positioned Zebulun for the conquest of Lower Galilee (c. 1406 BC). Their 60,500 fighting men successfully subdued Canaanite strongholds in their allotment. Seven centuries later, Zebulun's territory became the primary location of Jesus's public ministry—the Messiah dwelt among them at Capernaum, and they were first to see 'great light' (Matthew 4:16).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Zebulun's consistent population growth without political ambition model humble faithfulness that receives greater honor than self-promotion?
  2. What does God's choice of Zebulun's territory for the Messiah's primary ministry teach about the honor given to faithful, 'ordinary' servants?
  3. In what ways does Zebulun's commercial prosperity combined with military strength provide a model for Christians engaging both economic and spiritual warfare?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֵ֛לֶּה1 of 8
H428

these or those

מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת2 of 8

These are the 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

הַזְּבֽוּלֹנִ֖י3 of 8

of the Zebulunites

H2075

a zebulonite or descendant of zebulun

לִפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם4 of 8

according to those that were numbered

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

שִׁשִּׁ֥ים5 of 8

of them threescore

H8346

sixty

אֶ֖לֶף6 of 8

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וַֽחֲמֵ֥שׁ7 of 8

and five

H2568

five

מֵאֽוֹת׃8 of 8

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction


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 26:27 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 26:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study