King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:29 Mean?

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

Context

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

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

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

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

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

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **Machir begat Gilead.—**It is stated in 1Chronicles 7:14, and in the LXX. of Genesis 46:20, that Machir’s mother was an Aramitess. This may account for the name which was given to his son, *Gilead, *the border land between Syria and Canaan, and that in which Laban overtook Jacob (Genesis 31:25).

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 26:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.