King James Version
What Does Numbers 26:41 Mean?
“These are the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred.”
Numbers 26:41 · KJV
Context
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.
43
All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hundred.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThese are the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred (אַרְבָּעִים וַחֲמִשָּׁה אֶלֶף וְשֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת)—Benjamin's count of 45,600 represented a massive 29% increase from the first census (35,400 in Numbers 1:37), one of the highest growth rates among all tribes. The 'son of the right hand' proved fruitful despite his size, vindicating Rachel's hope at his birth (Genesis 35:18).
This population boom prepared Benjamin for strategic importance—their land would include Jerusalem (shared with Judah) and become the only tribe to remain with Judah after the kingdom split (1 Kings 12:21). Their growth from 35,400 to 45,600 showed God's blessing on the youngest of Jacob's sons. Small in territory, fierce in battle, rapid in growth, strategic in position—Benjamin embodied 'the last shall be first' (Matthew 20:16). Their census affirmed them as full covenant partners despite being Jacob's youngest.
This population boom prepared Benjamin for strategic importance—their land would include Jerusalem (shared with Judah) and become the only tribe to remain with Judah after the kingdom split (1 Kings 12:21). Their growth from 35,400 to 45,600 showed God's blessing on the youngest of Jacob's sons. Small in territory, fierce in battle, rapid in growth, strategic in position—Benjamin embodied 'the last shall be first' (Matthew 20:16). Their census affirmed them as full covenant partners despite being Jacob's youngest.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Benjamin's 29% population increase exceeded even Manasseh's, though from a smaller base. This growth equipped them for their role as Judah's loyal ally. After Solomon, when ten tribes followed Jeroboam, Benjamin stayed with Rehoboam (1 Kings 12:21), providing the southern kingdom with military strength and buffer territory. Paul's claim to be 'of the tribe of Benjamin' (Philippians 3:5) thus carried weight—a small but fierce, loyal tribe.
Reflection Questions
- How does Benjamin's highest-percentage growth challenge assumptions about 'more fruitful' meaning 'more blessed'—when their territory remained smallest?
- What does Benjamin's later loyalty to Judah suggest about God's providential use of population growth to position tribes for future roles?
- How might Benjamin's story—youngest son, small tribe, huge growth, strategic loyalty—typologically point to faithful remnants who gain disproportionate influence?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsבְנֵֽי2 of 10
“These are the sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בִנְיָמִ֖ן3 of 10
“of Benjamin”
H1144binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם4 of 10
“after their 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
וּפְקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם5 of 10
“and they that were numbered”
H6485to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אֶ֖לֶף8 of 10
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וְשֵׁ֥שׁ9 of 10
“and six”
H8337six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
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 26:41 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 26:41 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge