King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:35 Mean?

Numbers 26:35 in the King James Version says “These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 26:35 · KJV

Context

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.

37

These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were numbered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families.

Read Numbers 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Ephraim (אֶפְרַיִם, 'double fruitfulness') had three primary clans versus Manasseh's six subdivisions, suggesting more consolidated tribal structure. Shuthelah (שׁוּתֶלַח, 'crash of breakage' or 'shoot/sprout') headed the clan that produced Joshua (1 Chronicles 7:25-27), Israel's next leader after Moses.

Becher (בֶּכֶר, 'young camel' or 'firstborn') and Tahan (תַּחַן, 'camp/encampment') suggest mobility and military organization—appropriate for the tribe that would dominate central hill country. Ephraim's streamlined clan structure may have contributed to their cohesion and political influence, eventually making 'Ephraim' synonymous with the northern kingdom (Isaiah 7:2). Sometimes fewer divisions mean greater unity and impact.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ephraim received the central highlands including Shiloh (where the Tabernacle rested 369 years) and later Samaria. Their territory controlled north-south travel through Canaan's mountain spine. Joshua, Samuel, and Jeroboam I all came from Ephraim, making them the northern kingdom's dominant tribe. Their reduced census numbers (from 40,500 to 32,500) didn't diminish their influence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Ephraim's decline in numbers yet increase in influence challenge our modern metrics of success and 'growth'?
  2. What does Shuthelah's clan producing Joshua teach about God's long-term preparation of leaders through family lines?
  3. How might Ephraim's eventual pride and downfall (Hosea's constant critique) warn against confusing divine calling with inherent superiority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אֵ֣לֶּה1 of 13
H428

these or those

בְנֵֽי2 of 13

“These are 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

אֶפְרַיִם֮3 of 13

“of Ephraim”

H669

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת4 of 13

“after their 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

לְשׁוּתֶ֗לַח5 of 13

“of Shuthelah”

H7803

shuthelach, the name of two israelites

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת6 of 13

“after their 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

הַשֻּׁ֣תַלְחִ֔י7 of 13

“of the Shuthalhites”

H8364

a shuthalchite (collectively) or descendants of shuthelach

לְבֶ֕כֶר8 of 13

“of Becher”

H1071

beker, the name of two israelites

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת9 of 13

“after their 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

הַבַּכְרִ֑י10 of 13

“of the Bachrites”

H1076

a bakrite (collectively) or descendants of beker

לְתַ֕חַן11 of 13

“of Tahan”

H8465

tachan, the name of two israelites

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת12 of 13

“after their 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

הַֽתַּחֲנִֽי׃13 of 13

“of the Tahanites”

H8470

a tachanite (collectively) or descendants of tachan

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 26:35 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 26:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 7:20-21

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