Numbers 26:40 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:40 mean?

Numbers 26:40 lists the descendants of Bela, naming his sons Ard and Naaman, and notes that each became the ancestor of a family group: the Ardites from Ard and the Naamites from Naaman. This verse is part of a census record, showing how Israel’s clans were organized by family lines.

In context, Moses is recording the results of a census of the Israelites in the wilderness, specifically counting the tribe of Benjamin. The verse highlights how the families within the tribe were traced back to individual ancestors, which was important for inheritance, leadership, and identity among the people.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:40

• בֵּן (ben, H1121): This word means "son." Here, it emphasizes the direct family relationships that form the basis for the tribal structure.
• מִשְׁפָּחָה (mishpachah, H4940): This word means "family" or "clan." Its use shows that each named descendant became the founder of a distinct family group within the tribe.
• אַרְדִּי (Ardi, H716) and נַעֲמִי (Naami, H5280): These are the names for the family groups (Ardites and Naamites), formed from the personal names Ard and Naaman. The "-ite" ending in English reflects the Hebrew way of forming group names from ancestors.

Why Numbers 26:40 matters

• Numbers 26:40 helps clarify how the Israelites organized themselves by tracing family lines back to specific ancestors, which was crucial for dividing land and responsibilities.
• The verse connects to the larger census in Numbers 26, which was taken to prepare for entering the Promised Land and to ensure each family received its proper inheritance.
• By naming the Ardites and Naamites, the verse shows the ongoing importance of family identity and continuity in Israel’s history.