Numbers 1:31 (KJV)

What does Numbers 1:31 mean?

Numbers 1:31 states that the tribe of Zebulun had 57,400 men who were counted in the census. This verse is part of a list recording the number of fighting-age men from each tribe of Israel as they prepared to organize themselves for their journey and future battles.

Moses is recording the results of a census that God commanded him to take, counting all the men able to serve in Israel’s army. The tribe of Zebulun is specifically mentioned here, and the number given reflects only those men who met the requirements for military service, not the total population. This careful counting was important for organizing the nation and planning for their needs as they traveled through the wilderness.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 1:31

• The word "numbered" (פָּקַד, paqad) means to count, enroll, or appoint. In this context, it refers to the official counting of those eligible for military service, highlighting the organized and intentional nature of the census.
• The word "tribe" (מַטֶּה, matteh) refers to a distinct family group or clan within Israel. Mentioning the tribe of Zebulun (זְבוּלוּן, Zevulun) identifies which group this count applies to, emphasizing the importance of each tribe’s contribution.
• The numbers "fifty" (חֲמִשִּׁים, chamishim), "seven" (שֶׁבַע, sheva), "thousand" (אֶלֶף, elef), "four" (אַרְבַּע, arba), and "hundred" (מֵאָה, me’ah) are combined in Hebrew to express the total of 57,400, showing the precision and care in recording these figures.

Why Numbers 1:31 matters

• Numbers 1:31 helps clarify that the census was not just a general headcount but a specific tally of men eligible for military service, which was crucial for Israel’s organization and readiness.
• The verse highlights the significant size of the tribe of Zebulun, showing that they were a substantial part of the nation’s strength.
• Including this detail in the larger census list underlines the importance of each tribe’s role and contribution as Israel prepared to move forward together.