The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites:

NUMBERS 26:12KJV
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Numbers 26:12 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:12 mean?

Numbers 26:12 lists the descendants of Simeon by their family groups, naming the clans that came from Nemuel, Jamin, and Jachin. This verse is part of a census, recording the different family lines within the tribe of Simeon as Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land.

In this passage, Moses is leading the Israelites and recording the results of a census commanded by God. The purpose is to count the people by their tribes and families, which helps organize the community and determine land inheritance. The verse highlights the importance of family identity and lineage in Israel’s society.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:12

  • "sons" (בְּנֵי, bnei): This word means "sons" or "descendants," emphasizing that the list traces family lines, not just immediate children.
  • "families" (מִשְׁפְּחֹת, mishpechot): This term refers to extended family groups or clans, showing how the tribe was organized into smaller, related units.
  • "Nemuel" (נְמוּאֵל, Nemuel), "Jamin" (יָמִין, Yamin), "Jachin" (יָכִין, Yakin): These are the names of Simeon’s sons, each becoming the ancestor of a clan within the tribe.
  • "Nemuelites" (נְמוּאֵלִי, Nemueli), "Jaminites" (יַמִּינִי, Yamini), "Jachinites" (יָכִינִי, Yakini): These words show how the Hebrew language forms group names from ancestors, marking out each distinct family line.

Why Numbers 26:12 matters

  • Numbers 26:12 helps clarify how the Israelites organized themselves by family and clan, which was crucial for their identity and for dividing land later on.
  • The verse shows continuity with earlier genealogies, connecting the present generation to their ancestors and reinforcing the importance of heritage.
  • This detailed listing sets the stage for the rest of the census, showing that every family group was accounted for and had a recognized place in the community.

Where else these words appear

“Nemuel” Hebrew H5241 · used in 3 verses

  • Numbers 26:9 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:
  • 1 Chronicles 4:24 The sons of Simeon were, Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul:

“Jamin” Hebrew H3226 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 46:10 And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.
  • Exodus 6:15 And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these are the families of Simeon.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:24 The sons of Simeon were, Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul:

“Jachin” Hebrew H3199 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 46:10 And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.
  • 1 Kings 7:21 And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.
  • 1 Chronicles 24:17 The one and twentieth to Jachin, the two and twentieth to Gamul,

“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.