Numbers 26:44 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:44 mean?

Numbers 26:44 lists the descendants of Asher by their family groups, specifically naming the families of Jimna, Jesui, and Beriah. This verse is part of a census, recording the different clans within the tribe of Asher as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites, recording the results of a census God commanded. The verse simply identifies the main family branches within the tribe of Asher, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each family name comes from a son or descendant of Asher, and these groupings would later determine land inheritance and tribal organization.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:44

• "children" (בְּנֵי, bnei): This word means "sons" or "descendants," and it emphasizes that the census is tracking family lines, not just individuals.
• "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot): This word refers to extended family groups or clans, showing that the organization of Israel was based on these larger family units.
• "Asher" (אָשֵׁר, Asher): This is the name of one of Jacob's sons, whose descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel. The verse is specifically focused on his lineage.
• The names "Jimna" (יִמְנָה, Jimna), "Jesui" (יִשְׁוִי, Jesui), and "Beriah" (בְּרִיעָה, Beriah) are the ancestors of the families listed, showing the direct connection from the original ancestor to the current clan.

Why Numbers 26:44 matters

• Numbers 26:44 helps clarify how the Israelites organized themselves by family and tribe, which was crucial for dividing land and responsibilities.
• The verse connects the present generation to their ancestors, reinforcing the importance of heritage and continuity in Israelite society.
• By naming these specific families, the verse sets the foundation for later passages that describe how land was distributed among the tribes and clans.