Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

NUMBERS 1:22KJV
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Numbers 1:22 (KJV)

What does Numbers 1:22 mean?

Numbers 1:22 states that the men from the tribe of Simeon were counted for a census, listing every male who was at least twenty years old and able to serve in the army, organized by their family groups and ancestral houses. This verse highlights the methodical way the Israelites recorded who was eligible for military service among Simeon’s descendants.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites at God’s command, organizing a census in the wilderness after the exodus from Egypt. The verse describes how the counting was done: by generations, families, and fathers’ houses, focusing on those who could go to war. This careful record-keeping shows the importance of order and preparation as the people prepared to enter the promised land.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 1:22

  • "children" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word means "sons" or "descendants," emphasizing that the census focused on male lineage within the tribe of Simeon.
  • "numbered" (פָּקַד, pāqad): This verb means "to count" or "to enroll," showing that this was an official, organized registration, not just a rough estimate.
  • "polls" (גֻּלְגֹּלֶת, gulgolet): Literally meaning "skull" or "head," this word refers to counting each individual person, highlighting that every eligible man was counted one by one.

Why Numbers 1:22 matters

  • Numbers 1:22 clarifies that only men of fighting age were counted, not the entire population, which is important for understanding the numbers given later in the chapter.
  • The verse shows the detailed structure of Israelite society, with attention to family and ancestral lines, which helps explain later divisions of land and responsibilities.
  • By mentioning the method of counting "by their polls," the verse underscores the thoroughness and fairness of the process, ensuring that no eligible person was overlooked.

Where else these words appear

“polls” Hebrew H1538 · used in 12 verses

  • Exodus 16:16 This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
  • Numbers 1:18 And they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.
  • 2 Kings 9:35 And they went to bury her: but they found no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands.

“Simeon” Hebrew H8095 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 29:33 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.
  • Numbers 1:6 Of Simeon; Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
  • Judges 1:3 And Judah said unto Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with him.

“generations” Hebrew H8435 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 2:4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
  • Genesis 37:2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.
  • Numbers 1:40 Of the children of Asher, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

“male” Hebrew H2145 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
  • Leviticus 12:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
  • Deuteronomy 4:16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,