King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:38 Mean?

Numbers 26:38 in the King James Version says “The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites:...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:”

Numbers 26:38 · KJV

Context

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.

38

The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:

39

Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites.

40

And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites—Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין, 'son of the right hand') had five primary clans, reflecting Jacob's prophetic description of Benjamin as a 'ravenous wolf' (Genesis 49:27)—fierce, numerous, and strategically positioned. Bela (בֶּלַע, 'swallowing/destruction') headed the clan, a name suggesting military ferocity.

Ashbel (אַשְׁבֵּל, 'man of Baal' or 'fire of Bel') and Ahiram (אֲחִירָם, 'brother of the exalted') show the clan's ancient roots in pre-monotheistic naming conventions, yet God's covenant preserved them. Benjamin, though smallest tribe (besides decimated Levi), punched above their weight—producing King Saul, the Benjamite 'wolf,' and later Saul of Tarsus who 'ravaged the church' before conversion (Acts 8:3). The census preserves their distinct clans before they nearly perished in the civil war of Judges 19-21.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Benjamin's territory, though small (roughly 26 x 12 miles), was strategically vital—containing Jerusalem's northern section, Jericho, Gibeon, and the Benjamin plateau controlling access to the highlands. Their position between Joseph and Judah made them kingmakers in future conflicts. This census occurred just before their greatest military challenge—the Conquest—where their ferocity would prove invaluable.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Benjamin's preservation despite their 'ravenous wolf' character demonstrate God's grace toward aggressive, difficult personalities in His covenant people?
  2. What does the inclusion of potentially pagan-derived names (Ashbel/'man of Baal') teach about God's patience with His people's incomplete sanctification?
  3. How might Benjamin's pattern—small tribe, fierce reputation, producing both King Saul and Apostle Paul—illustrate Romans 11:29 about irrevocable gifts and callings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
בְּנֵ֣י1 of 12

“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

בִנְיָמִן֮2 of 12

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת3 of 12

“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

לְבֶ֗לַע4 of 12

“of Bela”

H1106

bela, the name of a place

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת5 of 12

“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

הַבַּלְעִ֔י6 of 12

“of the Belaites”

H1108

a belaite (collectively) or descendants of bela

לְאַשְׁבֵּ֕ל7 of 12

“of Ashbel”

H788

ashbel, an israelite

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת8 of 12

“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

הָֽאַשְׁבֵּלִ֑י9 of 12

“of the Ashbelites”

H789

an ashbelite (collectively) or descendant of ashbel

לַֽאֲחִירָ֕ם10 of 12

“of Ahiram”

H297

achiram, an israelite

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת11 of 12

“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

הָאֲחִֽירָמִֽי׃12 of 12

“of the Ahiramites”

H298

an achiramite or descendant (collectively) of achiram

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 26:38 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 26:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 8:11 Chronicles 7:6-12Genesis 46:2Genesis 46:21

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