King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:40 Mean?

Numbers 26:40 in the King James Version says “And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 26:40 · KJV

Context

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.

41

These are the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred.

42

These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites: and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites—Bela's two sub-clans receive special mention, emphasizing his prominence as Benjamin's firstborn. Ard (אַרְדְּ, 'humpbacked/descendant') and Naaman (נַעֲמָן, 'pleasant/gracious') contrast physical limitation with beauty—together representing the fullness of human experience under covenant blessing.

Naaman's name will reappear with the Syrian general healed of leprosy (2 Kings 5), creating intertextual resonance: the 'pleasant' clan name anticipates God's grace to a foreign Naaman. The Ardites' 'humpbacked' name suggests even the disabled belonged fully in Israel's inheritance—no eugenics, no merit-based inclusion. The census counts all legitimate descendants regardless of physical capability, anticipating Christ's radical inclusion of the lame and broken (Luke 14:13, 21).

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Historical & Cultural Context

As Bela's sub-clans, the Ardites and Naamites likely held significant territory within Benjamin's allotment. Their preservation through this census ensured continuity despite Benjamin's near-extinction in Judges 20-21, when only 600 men survived. These families may have been among those who helped rebuild the tribe through the wives obtained from Jabesh-gilead and Shiloh.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Ardites' inclusion (from a name suggesting disability) challenge modern prosperity gospel theology that equates blessing with health and success?
  2. What does the juxtaposition of 'Ard' (limitation) and 'Naaman' (grace) teach about God's glory displayed through weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)?
  3. How might the name Naaman appearing in both Israel's census and the leprous Syrian general's story illustrate God's intention to extend grace beyond ethnic Israel?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ1 of 10
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְנֵי2 of 10

“And 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

בֶ֖לַע3 of 10

“of Bela”

H1106

bela, the name of a place

אַ֣רְדְּ4 of 10

“were Ard”

H714

ard, the name of two israelites

לְנַֽעֲמָ֔ן5 of 10

“and Naaman”

H5283

naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת6 of 10

“of Ard 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

הָֽאַרְדִּ֔י7 of 10

“of the Ardites”

H716

an ardite (collectively) or descendant of ard

לְנַֽעֲמָ֔ן8 of 10

“and Naaman”

H5283

naaman, the name of an israelite and of a damascene

מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת9 of 10

“of Ard 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

הַֽנַּעֲמִֽי׃10 of 10

“of the Naamites”

H5280

a naamanite, or descendant of naaman (collectively)

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 26:40 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 26:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 8:3

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