King James Version
What Does Numbers 26:50 Mean?
“These are the families of Naphtali according to their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and four hundred.”
Numbers 26:50 · KJV
Context
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.
50
These are the families of Naphtali according to their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and four hundred.
51
These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty.
52
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryForty and five thousand and four hundred (45,400)—Naphtali maintained almost exactly its first census number (53,400 in Numbers 1:43 was likely a scribal error for 45,400, or this represents an 8,000 decline). Among the dramatic population shifts—Simeon's collapse, Manasseh's explosion—Naphtali held steady. Stability is sometimes the greatest miracle.
The Hebrew phrase וּפְקֻדֵיהֶם ("and their numbered ones") emphasizes these aren't random people but counted, known individuals. God's people aren't a mob but a numbered flock. Jesus said, "I know my sheep" (John 10:14)—and He knows them by exact count, down to the hundred.
The Hebrew phrase וּפְקֻדֵיהֶם ("and their numbered ones") emphasizes these aren't random people but counted, known individuals. God's people aren't a mob but a numbered flock. Jesus said, "I know my sheep" (John 10:14)—and He knows them by exact count, down to the hundred.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Naphtali's 45,400 warriors would later produce Barak, the judge who defeated Sisera (Judges 4-5). This census numbered the grandfathers of those who would sing Deborah's victory song. Every census is a prophecy—these numbers represent future deliverers, future worshipers, future witnesses.
Reflection Questions
- Why might stability (maintaining numbers) be as significant as dramatic growth in God's economy?
- How does God's precise numbering of Naphtali demonstrate that He knows and values each believer individually?
- What future purposes was God preparing through these 45,400 Naphtalites that wouldn't be revealed for generations?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsלְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם2 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
נַפְתָּלִ֖י3 of 10
“of Naphtali”
H5321naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם4 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
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
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 26:50 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 26:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge