These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty.

NUMBERS 26:7KJV
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Numbers 26:7 (KJV)

What does Numbers 26:7 mean?

Numbers 26:7 reports the total number of men from the tribe of Reuben who were counted in a census: 43,730. This verse lists the families that descended from Reuben and gives their combined number as part of a larger record of Israel’s population in the wilderness.

Moses is recording the results of a census God commanded him to take of the Israelite men able to go to war, tribe by tribe. This verse specifically focuses on the descendants of Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn son, and summarizes their family groups and total count. The verse is part of a detailed listing that helps organize the community and prepare for entering the Promised Land.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 26:7

  • "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpachot): This word refers to extended family groups or clans within the tribe, showing that the census was organized not just by tribe but by smaller family units.
  • "numbered" (פָּקַד, paqad): This verb means to count, enroll, or take account of, emphasizing the careful and official nature of the census.
  • The numbers ("forty" אַרְבָּעִים, arba'im; "three" שָׁלוֹשׁ, shalosh; "thousand" אֶלֶף, elef; "seven" שֶׁבַע, sheva; "hundred" מֵאָה, me'ah; "thirty" שְׁלוֹשִׁים, sheloshim): Each number is stated clearly in Hebrew, reflecting the importance of accuracy in the census.

Why Numbers 26:7 matters

  • This verse helps clarify how the Israelites were organized by both tribe and family, which was crucial for leadership, inheritance, and military structure.
  • The census numbers show the size and strength of each tribe, which would have been important for dividing land and planning for the future.
  • By recording the descendants of Reuben specifically, the verse connects back to earlier genealogies and promises made to the patriarchs, showing continuity in Israel’s story.

Where else these words appear

“Reubenites” Hebrew H7206 · used in 17 verses

  • Numbers 34:14 For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance; and half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance:
  • Joshua 1:12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
  • 1 Chronicles 5:6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites.

“forty” Hebrew H705 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 5:13 And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters:
  • Deuteronomy 8:4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:36 And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thousand.