Numbers 26:38 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:38 mean?

Numbers 26:38 lists the descendants of Benjamin by their family groups, naming the sons Bela, Ashbel, and Ahiram, and identifying the families that came from each. This verse is part of a census, showing how the tribe of Benjamin was organized into specific family lines.

Moses is recording this census as God instructed, speaking to the Israelites in the wilderness before they enter the Promised Land. The verse details the structure of Benjamin’s tribe, which helps establish each family’s place and inheritance among the people of Israel.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:38

• "sons" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word means "sons" or "descendants," emphasizing that the families listed come from Benjamin’s direct male lineage.
• "families" (מִשְׁפְּחֹת, mishpəḥot): This term refers to extended family groups or clans, showing that the census is organized by these broader family units, not just individuals.
• "Benjamin" (בִּנְיָמִן, binyamin): The name means "son of the right hand" or "favored son," reminding readers of Benjamin’s special place among Jacob’s sons.
• The names "Bela" (בֶּלַע, bela‘), "Ashbel" (אַשְׁבֵּל, ashbel), and "Ahiram" (אֲחִירָם, ’aḥiram) are personal names, and their family names (e.g., "Belaites," בֶּלָעִי, bela‘i) show how each son became the ancestor of a distinct clan.

Why Numbers 26:38 matters

• This verse helps clarify how Israel’s tribes were divided into clans, which was important for land inheritance and organization in ancient Israel.
• By naming the specific families, Numbers 26:38 connects the present generation to their ancestors, reinforcing their identity and history as God’s chosen people.
• The verse fits into the larger census, which is not just a headcount but a way to prepare the people for settling the land and fulfilling God’s promises to their forefathers.