King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:64 Mean?

Numbers 26:64 in the King James Version says “But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai.

Numbers 26:64 · KJV


Context

62

And those that were numbered of them were twenty and three thousand, all males from a month old and upward: for they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel.

63

These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.

64

But among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai.

65

For the LORD had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. And there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse explicitly confirms: 'among these there was not a man of them whom Moses and Aaron... numbered in the wilderness of Sinai.' Complete generational replacement occurred as God declared. Except Joshua and Caleb, not one adult who left Egypt entered Canaan. God's word proves absolutely reliable—His promises and His threats alike come to pass with perfect precision.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This fulfillment is referenced repeatedly in Scripture as warning (Psalm 95:10-11, 1 Corinthians 10:5, Hebrews 3:17-19). The complete death of that generation testifies that unbelief has definite, severe consequences. God's patience eventually gives way to judgment when people persist in unbelief.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's perfect fulfillment of warnings increase your confidence in His promises?
  2. What unbelief in your life needs to be addressed before it results in forfeited blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּבְאֵ֙לֶּה֙1 of 15
H428

these or those

לֹא2 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָ֣יָה3 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אִ֔ישׁ4 of 15

But among these there was not a man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

פָּֽקְד֛וּ5 of 15

numbered

H6485

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

מֹשֶׁ֔ה6 of 15

of them whom Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאַֽהֲרֹ֖ן7 of 15

and Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵ֑ן8 of 15

the priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

פָּֽקְד֛וּ10 of 15

numbered

H6485

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

אֶת11 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֥י12 of 15

the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל13 of 15

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּמִדְבַּ֥ר14 of 15

in the wilderness

H4057

a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert

סִינָֽי׃15 of 15

of Sinai

H5514

sinai, mountain of arabia


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 26:64 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 26:64 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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