These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were numbered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families.
NUMBERS 26:37KJVWhat does Numbers 26:37 mean?
Numbers 26:37 reports the total number of men from the tribe of Ephraim who were counted in the census: thirty-two thousand five hundred. The verse also reminds the reader that these are descendants of Joseph, grouped by their family lines.
Moses is recording the results of a census God commanded in the wilderness, listing the numbers for each tribe as Israel prepares to enter the Promised Land. This verse sums up the families descended from Ephraim, one of Joseph’s sons, showing their place within the larger people of Israel.
The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:37
- "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot): This word refers to extended family groups or clans within the tribe, emphasizing that the count is organized by these subgroups, not just by individuals.
- "numbered" (פָּקַד, paqad): This verb means to count or take account of, highlighting the careful, official nature of the census.
- "sons" (בֵּן, ben): Used here for descendants, not just immediate sons, making clear that the count includes all male descendants in the tribe.
- "Ephraim" (אֶפְרַיִם, Ephrayim) and "Joseph" (יוֹסֵף, Yosef): Naming both connects the tribe of Ephraim back to their ancestor Joseph, underlining the family lineage within Israel’s history.
Why Numbers 26:37 matters
- Numbers 26:37 clarifies that the tribe of Ephraim is counted separately from other tribes, showing the importance of each tribe’s identity within Israel.
- The verse connects Ephraim directly to Joseph, reminding readers of the family structure and the fulfillment of earlier promises to Joseph’s descendants.
- This census sets the stage for how land and responsibilities will be divided among the tribes once Israel enters the Promised Land, making these numbers practically significant for the nation’s future.