King James Version
What Does Numbers 26:7 Mean?
“These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.”
Numbers 26:7 · KJV
Context
5
Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:
6
Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites.
7
These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.
8
And the sons of Pallu; Eliab.
9
And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThese are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty (43,730)—this tribal total represents a decrease from the first census (46,500 in Numbers 1:21), a reduction of 2,770 men. Reuben's numerical decline may reflect divine judgment, including the Dathan and Abiram rebellion from this tribe (Numbers 16:1; 26:9-11).
The precision of the count—43,730, not a rounded number—emphasizes historical accuracy and God's comprehensive knowledge: the LORD knows those who are His (2 Timothy 2:19). Despite Reuben's diminished numbers and lost birthright, the tribe survives and receives land east of the Jordan (Numbers 32). God's covenant is not conditional on numerical success but on His sovereign faithfulness.
The precision of the count—43,730, not a rounded number—emphasizes historical accuracy and God's comprehensive knowledge: the LORD knows those who are His (2 Timothy 2:19). Despite Reuben's diminished numbers and lost birthright, the tribe survives and receives land east of the Jordan (Numbers 32). God's covenant is not conditional on numerical success but on His sovereign faithfulness.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Reuben's tribal territory would be east of the Jordan in Gilead (Numbers 32), along with Gad and half of Manasseh. The tribe faced constant threats from Moabite neighbors and eventually disappeared from historical records after the Assyrian captivity. The decline from 46,500 to 43,730 fighting men suggests significant losses during the 38 wilderness years.
Reflection Questions
- How does Reuben's numerical decline yet continued covenant inclusion demonstrate that God's faithfulness does not depend on human strength or numbers?
- What do the specific census numbers reveal about God's intimate knowledge of His people?
- When your spiritual community experiences decline or setback, how does God's covenant promise sustain hope?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת2 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
וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ4 of 11
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
פְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֗ם5 of 11
“and they that were numbered”
H6485to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אֶ֔לֶף8 of 11
“thousand”
H505hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וּשְׁבַ֥ע9 of 11
“and seven”
H7651seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
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 26:7 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 26:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge