King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:31 Mean?

Numbers 26:31 in the King James Version says “And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 26:31 · KJV

Context

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:

32

And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.

33

And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites—Asriel (אַשְׂרִיאֵל, 'vow of God' or 'upright toward God') and Shechem (שְׁכֶם, 'shoulder/ridge') carry theological weight. Asriel's name suggests covenant loyalty, while Shechem's connection to the city where Abraham first built an altar (Genesis 12:6) and where Jacob's sons committed massacre (Genesis 34) creates complex typology.

That Manasseh had a Shechemite clan while the city itself sat in Ephraim's territory (Joshua 20:7) illustrates inter-tribal complexity. Shechem became a Levitical city and refuge, site of covenant renewal under Joshua (Joshua 24), and later Jeroboam's first capital. This clan name thus carries both shame (Dinah's violation) and glory (covenant renewal)—Scripture's refusal to whitewash family history.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Shechem sat in the strategic pass between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, where Moses commanded blessing and cursing to be proclaimed (Deuteronomy 27). The Shechemites' tribal connection to this pivotal city gave them prominence despite the city's checkered past. Abimelech, Gideon's son, later made Shechem his headquarters (Judges 9).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's redemption of the 'Shechem' name from massacre to covenant site demonstrate His power to redeem our worst family failures?
  2. What does the inclusion of clans with morally complex namesakes teach about grace in genealogy and church membership?
  3. How might Asriel's name ('vow of God') challenge us to see our family identity as bound by divine oath rather than human achievement?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְאַ֨שְׂרִיאֵ֔ל1 of 6

“And of Asriel”

H844

asriel, the name of two israelites

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת2 of 6

“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

הָֽאַשְׂרִֽאֵלִ֑י3 of 6

“of the Asrielites”

H845

an asrielite (collectively) or descendant of asriel

וְשֶׁ֕כֶם4 of 6

“and of Shechem”

H7928

shekem, the name of a hivite and two israelites

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת5 of 6

“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

הַשִּׁכְמִֽי׃6 of 6

“of the Shechemites”

H7930

a shikmite (collectively), or descendants of shekem

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 26:31 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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