King James Version
What Does Numbers 26:42 Mean?
“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.”
Numbers 26:42 · KJV
Context
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.
44
Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryOf Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites—Dan's census records only one surviving family line (שׁוּחָם), though Genesis 46:23 mentions Hushim. Either Shuham and Hushim are variant names for the same son, or other sons died without descendants. Dan's single clan grew remarkably: 64,400 men, making it the second-largest tribe. From one seed came a multitude—God's blessing doesn't depend on multiple starting points.
The repetition These are the families of Dan after their families (מִשְׁפְּחֹת דָּן) emphasizes tribal completeness despite minimal subdivision. Quality over quantity in lineages: one faithful line can become a mighty nation.
The repetition These are the families of Dan after their families (מִשְׁפְּחֹת דָּן) emphasizes tribal completeness despite minimal subdivision. Quality over quantity in lineages: one faithful line can become a mighty nation.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Dan descended from Rachel's handmaid Bilhah. Though Rachel's direct son Joseph produced two tribes (Ephraim and Manasseh), her handmaid's son produced the second-largest single tribe. This census occurred 38 years after the first (Numbers 1), where Dan numbered 62,700—an increase of 1,700 despite wilderness judgments.
Reflection Questions
- How does Dan's growth from one family line demonstrate that God measures blessing by faithfulness, not by initial advantages?
- What does the preservation of single lineages teach about God's ability to multiply the remnant?
- How might Dan's increase despite limited family structure encourage those from small or broken family backgrounds?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsבְנֵי2 of 11
“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
דָּ֖ן3 of 11
“of Dan”
H1835dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃4 of 11
“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
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃6 of 11
“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
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃9 of 11
“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
דָּ֖ן10 of 11
“of Dan”
H1835dan, one of the sons of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; likewise a place in palestine colonized by them
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃11 of 11
“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
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 26:42 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 26:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge