Numbers 26:14 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:14 mean?

Numbers 26:14 states that the families descended from Simeon numbered 22,200 people. This verse records the census total for the tribe of Simeon as part of a larger count of Israel’s tribes in the wilderness.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as he records the results of a census commanded by God. This census, taken near the end of Israel’s wilderness journey, lists the number of men from each tribe who are able to go to war. Numbers 26:14 specifically gives the total for the descendants of Simeon, showing their place among the other tribes.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:14

• "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot): This word refers to extended family groups or clans within a tribe. It highlights that the count is organized by these family divisions, not just by individuals.
• "Simeonites" (שִׁמְעֹנִי, Shim‘oni): This term identifies the descendants of Simeon, one of Jacob’s sons, making clear which tribe is being counted in this verse.
• "twenty" (עֶשְׂרִים, esrim), "two" (שְׁנַיִם, shenayim), "thousand" (אֶלֶף, elef), "hundred" (מֵאָה, me’ah): These are the Hebrew words used to state the specific number—22,200. The careful listing of each part of the number shows the precision of the census.

Why Numbers 26:14 matters

• This verse helps clarify the size of the tribe of Simeon at this point in Israel’s history, which is notably smaller than some other tribes.
• The detailed census in Numbers 26, including this verse, sets the stage for how the land will later be divided among the tribes when they enter Canaan.
• By noting the families within each tribe, the verse emphasizes the importance of family structure and lineage in ancient Israel.