Numbers 26:4
Numbers 26:4 in Multiple Translations
“Take a census of the men twenty years of age or older, as the LORD has commanded Moses.” And these were the Israelites who came out of the land of Egypt:
Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt.
Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as Jehovah commanded Moses and the children of Israel, that came forth out of the land of Egypt.
Let all the people of twenty years old and over be numbered, as the Lord has given orders to Moses and the children of Israel who have come out of Egypt.
“Census the men twenty years of age or older, following the instructions the Lord gave to Moses.” The following is the genealogical record of those who left the land of Egypt.
From twentie yeere olde and aboue ye shall nomber the people, as the Lord had commanded Moses, and the childre of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
'From a son of twenty years and upward,' as Jehovah hath commanded Moses and the sons of Israel who are coming out from the land of Egypt.
“Take a census, from twenty years old and upward, as the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel.” These are those who came out of the land of Egypt.
Take the sum of the people , from twenty years old and upward; as the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel, who went forth from the land of Egypt.
From twenty years old and upward, as the Lord had commanded: and this is the number of them:
“Write down the names of all the Israeli men who are at least 20 years old, as Yahweh has commanded us.” So they did that, and this is a record of all the descendants of Jacob who came out of Egypt who were still alive.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 26:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 26:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/בֶּ֛ן
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
שָׁנָ֖ה
וָ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר֩
צִוָּ֨ה
יְהוָ֤ה
אֶת
מֹשֶׁה֙
וּ/בְנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
הַ/יֹּצְאִ֖ים
מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ
מִצְרָֽיִם
מִ/בֶּ֛ן
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Adj
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
וָ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Conj | Adv | Suff
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר֩
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
צִוָּ֨ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מֹשֶׁה֙
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
וּ/בְנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
הַ/יֹּצְאִ֖ים
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Art | V-Qal
מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִצְרָֽיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 26:4
מִ/בֶּ֛ן
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וָ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Conj | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁר֩
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
צִוָּ֨ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מֹשֶׁה֙
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
וּ/בְנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
הַ/יֹּצְאִ֖ים
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מֵ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרָֽיִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
Study Notes — Numbers 26:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 26:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 26:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 26:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 26:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 26:4
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 26:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 26:4
- Sermons on Numbers 26:4
Context — The Second Census of Israel
2“Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by the houses of their fathers—all those twenty years of age or older who can serve in the army of Israel.”
3So on the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest issued the instruction,
4“Take a census of the men twenty years of age or older, as the LORD has commanded Moses.” And these were the Israelites who came out of the land of Egypt:
5Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were the descendants of Reuben: The Hanochite clan from Hanoch, the Palluite clan from Pallu, 6the Hezronite clan from Hezron, and the Carmite clan from Carmi.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 1:1 | On the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, the LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Wilderness of Sinai. He said: |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 21:1 | Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. |
Numbers 26:4 Summary
This verse is talking about a census, or a count, of the men in Israel who were twenty years old or older. The purpose of the census was to determine how many men were able to serve in the army, as commanded by the Lord in Numbers 1:3. This reminds us that God is a God of order and organization, and that He has a plan and purpose for each of our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. Just like the Israelites, we can trust in God's plan and provision, even when faced with uncertainty or challenges, and we can demonstrate obedience to His commands, just like Moses did in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was it important to take a census of the men twenty years of age or older?
The census was important because it helped Moses and the leaders of Israel to determine the number of men who were able to serve in the army, as commanded by the Lord in Numbers 1:3, and to organize the people for their journey to the Promised Land, as seen in Numbers 26:2.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Numbers?
This verse is part of a larger narrative in the book of Numbers, which tells the story of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, and the challenges they faced along the way, as seen in Exodus 12:37 and Deuteronomy 1:3.
What is the significance of the phrase 'as the LORD has commanded Moses'?
This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:2 and Joshua 1:7, and highlights Moses' role as a leader and intermediary between God and the people of Israel, as seen in Exodus 4:10-12 and Numbers 12:2.
How does this verse fit into the broader context of the Israelites' history?
This verse is part of the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 1:1-12:30, and their journey to the Promised Land, which is a central theme in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Joshua 1:1-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate obedience to God's commands in my own life, just like Moses did in this verse?
- How can I trust in God's plan and provision, even when faced with uncertainty or challenges, as the Israelites were in the wilderness?
- What are some ways that I can serve others and contribute to the community, just like the men who were counted in the census?
- How can I remember and celebrate God's faithfulness and deliverance in my own life, just like the Israelites did when they looked back on their journey from Egypt?
- What are some things that I can learn from the example of Moses and the Israelites about leadership, obedience, and trust in God?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 26:4
[Take the sum of the people], from twenty years old and upward,.... At the same age at which the sum was taken before, Numbers 1:3 so that there could not be one that was more than sixty years of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 26:4
Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 26:4
Take the sum of the people: these words are easily supplied and necessarily to be understood from .
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 26:4
(4, 5) Take the sum of the people . . . —The verses may be rendered thus: From twenty years old and upward, as the Lord commanded Moses. And the children of Israel which went forth out of the land of Egypt were these: Reuben, the eldest son of Israel, &c. The expression “as the Lord commanded Moses” is one of very frequent occurrence in this book. The command was given to Moses, not to the children of Israel generally. The form of enumeration is concise. The omissions may be supplied thus:—Reuben—he was the eldest son of Israel. The sons of Reuben were—Hanoch—of him, the family of the Hanochites, &c. (Comp. Genesis 46:9; Exodus 6:14; 1 Chronicles 5:3.)
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 26:4
4. Take the sum of the people] This is added conjecturally in E.VV. [Note: .VV. The English Versions, i.e. Authorised and Revised.] , the opening words of the verse having been lost.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 26:4
4. As the Lord commanded — Numbers 1:1-2; 2 Samuel 24, notes.
Sermons on Numbers 26:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Numbers 1-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker expresses their enthusiasm for the book of Numbers in the Bible, despite its initial redundancy. They highlight the exciting experiences of the children |
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Nahshon by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Numbers in the Bible and the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. The speaker highlights the tragic nature |
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The Claims of God's Sovereignty and Holiness by John Gifford Bellett | John Gifford Bellett preaches about God's jealousy of His sovereignty and holiness, emphasizing His rights as Lord of the people and the God of their Sanctuary. The chapters in Num |
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Satan's Tools by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of laying aside every weight and sin that hinders our Christian progress, emphasizing the dangers of despondency and murmuring which |
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Synopsis of the Books of the Bible - Numbers by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby explores the Book of Numbers, emphasizing the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness as a metaphor for the Christian walk. He highlights God's order in |
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When Corruption Turns to Revelation by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being honest with ourselves and recognizing the presence of pride in our hearts. He refers to the story of Nebuchadnezzar a |
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The Threshing Floor of Ornan by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and real relationship with God. He highlights the need for believers to have a solid foundation in their f |