To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him.

NUMBERS 26:54KJV
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Numbers 26:54 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:54 mean?

Numbers 26:54 explains that the amount of land each tribe of Israel would receive as an inheritance depended on the size of the tribe: larger tribes would get more land, and smaller tribes would get less. Each tribe’s portion was to be assigned based on the number of people counted in that tribe.

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, following a new census of the people. This verse sets out a fair principle for dividing the land, linking the size of each tribe to the land they would receive, and showing that the distribution was to be proportional and orderly, not random or based on favoritism.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:54

  • "many" (רַב, rav): This word means "many" or "numerous," and it highlights that larger groups would receive a larger share.
  • "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This word refers to the portion of land given to each tribe, emphasizing that the land was a lasting possession passed down through generations.
  • "numbered" (פָּקַד, paqad): This word means "counted" or "registered," showing that the census numbers directly determined each tribe’s share.

Why Numbers 26:54 matters

  • Numbers 26:54 clarifies that the land was not divided equally, but proportionally, which helps avoid misunderstandings about fairness in the distribution.
  • This verse connects the census in Numbers 26 to its practical purpose: ensuring each tribe received a fitting inheritance based on its actual size.
  • The principle set here shows the importance of order and equity in the community, reflecting God’s care for each group according to its needs.

Where else these words appear

“less” Hebrew H4591 · used in 21 verses

  • Exodus 12:4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
  • Numbers 11:32 And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp.
  • Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

“few” Hebrew H4592 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • 1 Samuel 14:43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, Tell me what thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and said, I did but taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must die.
  • Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.