King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:29 Mean?

Numbers 26:29 in the King James Version says “Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 26:29 · KJV


Context

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.

30

These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites:

31

And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead—Machir (מָכִיר, 'sold') was Manasseh's only son mentioned here, making him the clan founder. His son Gilead (גִּלְעָד, 'heap of testimony') gave his name to the entire Transjordan region that half of Manasseh would inherit (Numbers 32:39-40).

The Machirites became renowned warriors—1 Chronicles 7:14-19 notes they 'took to wife' the land through military conquest. Joshua 17:1 calls Machir 'a man of war,' and his descendants the Gileadites later produced Jephthah the judge (Judges 11:1). This genealogy establishes legal claim to Gilead, the strategic plateau east of the Jordan that controlled trade routes and defended against eastern invaders.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gilead became synonymous with Transjordan territory, famous for its balm (Genesis 37:25) and rugged terrain. The Machirites' military prowess helped Moses conquer this region from Sihon and Og (Numbers 21), making them the vanguard of Israel's Conquest. Their land request (Numbers 32) showed practical wisdom—they had livestock and needed pasture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Machir's warrior legacy challenge modern Christianity's emphasis on gentleness at the expense of righteous militancy?
  2. What does the Gileadites' success in Transjordan teach about God's blessing on those who fulfill their calling even in harder, less prestigious territories?
  3. How might the 'balm of Gilead' (Jeremiah 8:22) typologically point to Christ as healer, coming from unlikely places?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
בְּנֵ֣י1 of 12

Of 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

מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה2 of 12

of Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וּמָכִ֖יר3 of 12

and Machir

H4353

makir, an israelite

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת4 of 12

come 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

הַמָּֽכִירִ֔י5 of 12

of the Machirites

H4354

a makirite or descendant of makir

וּמָכִ֖יר6 of 12

and Machir

H4353

makir, an israelite

הוֹלִ֣יד7 of 12

begat

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת8 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לְגִלְעָ֕ד9 of 12

Gilead

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

לְגִלְעָ֕ד10 of 12

Gilead

H1568

gilad, a region east of the jordan; also the name of three israelites

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת11 of 12

come 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

הַגִּלְעָדִֽי׃12 of 12

of the Gileadites

H1569

a giladite or descendant of gilad


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 26:29 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 26:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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