King James Version
What Does Numbers 26:34 Mean?
“These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred.”
Numbers 26:34 · KJV
Context
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.
34
These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred.
35
These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.
36
And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThese are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred (חֲמִשִּׁים וּשְׁנַיִם אֶלֶף וּשְׁבַע מֵאוֹת)—Manasseh's census total of 52,700 represented a dramatic 64% increase from the first census (32,200 in Numbers 1:35), the largest growth of any tribe. This explosion vindicated Jacob's prophecy that Joseph's descendants would become 'a multitude' (Genesis 48:19).
The increase occurred despite 38 years of wilderness judgment, showing God's blessing transcends circumstances. While Ephraim decreased from 40,500 to 32,500, Manasseh surged—the younger remained greater in numbers but the elder grew in percentage terms. This growth prepared them for inheriting the largest territorial allotment, spanning both Transjordan and Cisjordan (Joshua 17:1-13). Fruitfulness proves calling; their numbers matched their geographical destiny.
The increase occurred despite 38 years of wilderness judgment, showing God's blessing transcends circumstances. While Ephraim decreased from 40,500 to 32,500, Manasseh surged—the younger remained greater in numbers but the elder grew in percentage terms. This growth prepared them for inheriting the largest territorial allotment, spanning both Transjordan and Cisjordan (Joshua 17:1-13). Fruitfulness proves calling; their numbers matched their geographical destiny.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Manasseh's growth from smallest of Joseph's tribes to largest reflects God's sovereignty in population dynamics. Their dual inheritance—Transjordan under Moses, western territory under Joshua—required larger numbers. The eastern half-tribe served as buffer against Aramean and Ammonite threats, while the western half controlled strategic valleys.
Reflection Questions
- How does Manasseh's extraordinary growth despite wilderness wandering demonstrate that God's blessing operates even in seasons of corporate discipline?
- What does the reversal between Ephraim and Manasseh's relative sizes teach about not presuming that early advantage guarantees continued prominence?
- How might we discern God's calling for our ministries by observing where He grants 'increase' despite difficult circumstances?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת2 of 9
“These are the families”
H4940a 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
מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה3 of 9
“of Manasseh”
H4519menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וּפְקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם4 of 9
“and those that were numbered”
H6485to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אֶ֖לֶף7 of 9
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וּשְׁבַ֥ע8 of 9
“and seven”
H7651seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
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 26:34 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 26:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge