Numbers 26:34 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:34 mean?

Numbers 26:34 states that the families of the tribe of Manasseh were counted, and their total number was 52,700. This verse records the census result for Manasseh’s descendants as part of a larger tally of Israel’s tribes.

Moses is recording the results of a census God commanded, taken while the Israelites were in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land. This verse marks the conclusion of the count for Manasseh, one of Joseph’s sons, showing how many men from this tribe were eligible for military service and land inheritance. The census helps organize the nation for the next stage of their journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:34

• מִשְׁפָּחוֹת (mishpachot, “families”): This word refers to extended family groups or clans within the tribe, highlighting that the count was organized by these family units, not just individuals.
• מְנַשֶּׁה (Menasheh, “Manasseh”): This is the name of Joseph’s son, whose descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel. The verse specifically focuses on his lineage.
• פָּקַד (paqad, “numbered”): This verb means to count, enroll, or take account of. It emphasizes the careful, official nature of the census.
• חֲמִשִּׁים (chamishim, “fifty”), שְׁנַיִם (shnayim, “two”), אֶלֶף (elef, “thousand”), שֶׁבַע (sheva, “seven”), מֵאָה (me’ah, “hundred”): These words are the Hebrew numerals used to specify the total, showing the exactness and formality of the record.

Why Numbers 26:34 matters

• Numbers 26:34 clarifies that the census was not just a headcount but was organized by family groups, which was important for dividing land and responsibilities later.
• The verse shows the growth and strength of the tribe of Manasseh since the previous census, reflecting God’s promise to multiply Abraham’s descendants.
• This tally connects to the broader context of Numbers 26, where each tribe’s numbers are listed to prepare for entering Canaan and distributing the land by tribe and clan.