King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:47 Mean?

Numbers 26:47 in the King James Version says “These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thou...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.”

Numbers 26:47 · KJV

Context

45

Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites: of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites.

46

And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah.

47

These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those that were numbered of them; who were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.

48

Of the sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites: of Guni, the family of the Gunites:

49

Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fifty and three thousand and four hundred (53,400)—Asher's tribe increased from 41,500 in the first census (Numbers 1:41), a 28.7% growth rate, the third-highest in Israel. A "happy" tribe indeed: Asher's blessing materialized in multiplication. While Simeon nearly vanished and Ephraim declined, Asher thrived in the wilderness.

The growth pattern reveals spiritual fruitfulness (פָּרָה): those who maintain covenant faithfulness multiply even in desert seasons. Asher's name means "blessed/happy," and God demonstrated the blessing tangibly. Abstract concepts become concrete numbers—53,400 warriors ready for conquest. Faith without works is dead; blessing without increase is questionable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Asher's 11,900-person increase over 38 years occurred despite plagues, rebellions, and judgments that killed most of the older generation. Their growth rate (28.7%) far exceeded population sustainability, suggesting divine multiplication. This tribe would later occupy Galilee's richest agricultural region.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Asher increase 28.7% while Simeon decreased 62.6% in the same wilderness conditions? What spiritual factors determine fruitfulness?
  2. How does Asher's growth demonstrate that God's blessings are not merely spiritual platitudes but concrete, measurable realities?
  3. In what areas of your life should spiritual 'happiness/blessing' produce tangible, countable results?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אֵ֛לֶּה1 of 10
H428

these or those

מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת2 of 10

“These are the 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

בְּנֵֽי3 of 10

“of 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

אָשֵׁ֖ר4 of 10

“of Asher”

H836

asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

לִפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם5 of 10

“according to those that were numbered”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

שְׁלֹשָׁ֧ה6 of 10

“and three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֛ים7 of 10

“of them who were fifty”

H2572

fifty

אֶ֖לֶף8 of 10

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְאַרְבַּ֥ע9 of 10

“and four”

H702

four

מֵאֽוֹת׃10 of 10

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

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 26:47 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 26:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 1:40-41Numbers 2:27-28

Test Your Knowledge

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