Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Dan, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.

NUMBERS 1:39KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 1:39 (KJV)

What does Numbers 1:39 mean?

Numbers 1:39 reports the total number of men from the tribe of Dan who were counted in the census: 62,700. This verse is part of a detailed record showing how many men from each tribe of Israel were available for military service as the people prepared to travel through the wilderness.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites, recording the results of a census that God commanded. The focus is on counting men who could serve in Israel’s army, specifically those twenty years old and older. This verse highlights the size of the tribe of Dan, showing it as one of the larger tribes among the Israelites at this point in their journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 1:39

  • "numbered" (פָּקַד, paqad): This word means to count, appoint, or muster. In this context, it emphasizes an official, organized counting for a specific purpose—military readiness.
  • "tribe" (מַטֶּה, matteh): This term refers to a branch or division within Israel, often used for the twelve tribes descended from Jacob’s sons. It underscores the tribal structure of Israel’s society.
  • "Dan" (דָּן, Dan): This is the name of one of Jacob’s sons and the tribe descended from him. The mention here identifies which group is being counted.
  • "threescore" (שִׁשִּׁים, shishim), "two" (שְׁנַיִם, shenayim), "thousand" (אֶלֶף, eleph), "seven" (שֶׁבַע, sheva), "hundred" (מֵאָה, me’ah): These are the Hebrew words for the numbers 60, 2, 1,000, 7, and 100, respectively. The specific listing shows the careful, precise nature of the census.

Why Numbers 1:39 matters

  • Numbers 1:39 helps clarify that the census was thorough and organized, with each tribe’s numbers recorded separately, showing the importance of order in Israel’s community life.
  • The verse highlights the significant size of the tribe of Dan, which would have implications for their role and influence among the Israelites during their journey and later settlement.
  • By connecting this verse to the broader context of Numbers 1, readers can see how the census prepared Israel for both travel and defense, emphasizing the practical steps taken as they followed God’s instructions.

Where else these words appear

“threescore” Hebrew H8346 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 5:15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:
  • Numbers 31:39 And the asses were thirty thousand and five hundred; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and one.
  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.

“Dan” Hebrew H1835 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 14:14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
  • Deuteronomy 33:22 And of Dan he said, Dan is a lion's whelp: he shall leap from Bashan.
  • 2 Samuel 17:11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.