King James Version
What Does Numbers 26:47 Mean?
“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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryFifty 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.
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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
- Why did Asher increase 28.7% while Simeon decreased 62.6% in the same wilderness conditions? What spiritual factors determine fruitfulness?
- How does Asher's growth demonstrate that God's blessings are not merely spiritual platitudes but concrete, measurable realities?
- In what areas of your life should spiritual 'happiness/blessing' produce tangible, countable results?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsמִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת2 of 10
“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
בְּנֵֽי3 of 10
“of 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
אָשֵׁ֖ר4 of 10
“of Asher”
H836asher, 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”
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
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