Numbers 26:53

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Numbers 26:53 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names.

King James Version KJV

Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names.

American Standard Version ASV

Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let there be a division of the land among these, for their heritage, in relation to the number of names.

Free Bible Version FBV

“Divide the land that is to be owned based on the number of those censused.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Vnto these the land shalbe deuided for an inheritance, according to the nomber of names.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'To these is the land apportioned by inheritance, by the number of names;

World English Bible WEB

“To these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

To these the land shall be divided for an inheritance, according to the number of names.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

To these shall the land be divided for their possessions according to the number of names.

Translation for Translators T4T

“Divide Canaan land among the tribes. Distribute the land according the number of people in each tribe that are on your lists.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 26:53

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 26:53 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לָ/אֵ֗לֶּה תֵּחָלֵ֥ק הָ/אָ֛רֶץ בְּ/נַחֲלָ֖ה בְּ/מִסְפַּ֥ר שֵׁמֽוֹת

לָ/אֵ֗לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Prep | Pron

תֵּחָלֵ֥ק châlaq H2505 to divide V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs

הָ/אָ֛רֶץ ʼerets H776 land Art | N-cs

בְּ/נַחֲלָ֖ה nachălâh H5159 inheritance Prep | N-fs

בְּ/מִסְפַּ֥ר miçpâr H4557 number Prep | N-ms

שֵׁמֽוֹת shêm H8034 name N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 26:53

לָ/אֵ֗לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Prep | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.

Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

תֵּחָלֵ֥ק châlaq H2505 "to divide" V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs

To smooth means to make something slippery or deceitful, like in Proverbs where it warns against flattery. It can also mean to divide or separate something, like an inheritance.

Definition: 1) to divide, share, plunder, allot, apportion, assign 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to divide, apportion 1a2) to assign, distribute 1a3) to assign, impart 1a4) to share 1a5) to divide up, plunder 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide oneself 1b2) to be divided 1b3) to assign, distribute 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to divide, apportion 1c2) to assign, distribute 1c3) to scatter 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) to receive a portion or part 1f) (Hithpael) to divide among themselves

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er). See also: Genesis 14:15; Job 27:17; Psalms 5:10.

הָ/אָ֛רֶץ ʼerets H776 "land" Art | 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.

בְּ/נַחֲלָ֖ה nachălâh H5159 "inheritance" Prep | N-fs

Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.

Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion

Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.

בְּ/מִסְפַּ֥ר miçpâr H4557 "number" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.

Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation

Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.

שֵׁמֽוֹת shêm H8034 "name" N-mp

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

Study Notes — Numbers 26:53

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 26:53 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 26:53
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 26:53
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 26:53
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 26:53
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 26:53
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 26:53
Sermons on Numbers 26:53

Context — Inheritance by Lot

51These men of Israel numbered 601,730 in all. 52Then the LORD said to Moses,

53“The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names.

54Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. 55Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Joshua 11:23	So Joshua took the entire land, in keeping with all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to the allotments to their tribes. Then the land had rest from war.
2	Joshua 14:1	Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, as distributed by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of Israel.
3	Psalms 105:44	He gave them the lands of the nations, that they might inherit the fruit of others’ labor,
4	Revelation 21:27	But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
5	Matthew 5:5	Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6	Ezekiel 47:22	You shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners who dwell among you and who have children. You are to treat them as native-born Israelites; along with you, they shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.
7	Genesis 12:2	I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
8	Daniel 7:27	Then the sovereignty, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey Him.’
9	Revelation 5:10	You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”
10	Psalms 49:14	Like sheep they are destined for Sheol. Death will be their shepherd. The upright will rule them in the morning, and their form will decay in Sheol, far from their lofty abode.

Numbers 26:53 Summary

This verse is saying that God wants to give each tribe a fair share of the land, based on how many people are in each tribe. This is like when parents divide toys among their children, making sure each one gets a fair share. God is showing His love and care for the Israelites by giving them a place to live and call their own, just like He promised to Abraham in Genesis 12:7. By dividing the land in this way, God is also teaching the Israelites about fairness and responsibility, and reminding them that they are stewards of the land, as seen in Leviticus 25:23-24.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the land to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance?

This means that God is giving each tribe a portion of the land based on their population size, as seen in Numbers 26:53, with the larger tribes receiving more land and the smaller tribes receiving less, as explained in Numbers 26:54, similar to how Joshua later divides the land in Joshua 13-19.

How does this division of land relate to God's promises to the Israelites?

This division of land is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:7 and to the Israelites in Exodus 6:4, where He promised to give them a land to inherit, and is a demonstration of God's faithfulness to His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:8.

What is the significance of dividing the land according to the number of names?

Dividing the land according to the number of names ensures that each tribe receives a fair portion of land based on their population size, preventing any one tribe from dominating the others, and reflecting God's concern for justice and equality, as seen in Leviticus 25:23-24.

How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship?

This verse highlights the importance of stewardship, as the Israelites are entrusted with the land as an inheritance, and are responsible for managing it wisely, as seen in Leviticus 25:23-24, where God reminds them that the land belongs to Him, and they are only temporary caretakers.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean for me to view my life and possessions as an inheritance from God, and how does that change the way I live?
How can I trust God to provide for me and give me what I need, just as He provided for the Israelites in the wilderness?
What are some ways that I can be a good steward of the resources God has given me, and how can I use them to serve others?
How can I balance my desire for fairness and equality with the reality that God often gives different gifts and resources to different people, as seen in Numbers 26:54?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 26:53

Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance,.... That were numbered, and to none else: according to the number of their names; and for this end was the number of them now taken, that the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 26:53

Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names. The land shall be divided ... according to the number of names.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 26:53

Unto these; to these families now mentioned. The land shall be divided, by lot, . The land was divided into nine parts and a half, respect being had in such division to the goodness as well as to the largeness of the several portions, and the lot gave each tribe their part. Of names, i.e. of the persons, names being oft put for persons, as 11:13. The meaning is, that the share of each tribe was divided amongst the several families, to some more, to some less, according to the number of the persons of each family, . And withal, if one of the lots or portions proved too large or too little for all the families and persons of that tribe, in this case they might either give part of their portion to another tribe, as Simeon and Dan had parts of Judah’ s share, ,40, or take away a part from the portion belonging to another tribe.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 26:53

(53-56) Unto these the land shall be divided . . . —The general apportionment of the land, as regarded the relative position of each tribe, was to be decided by lot, which was commonly looked upon as the determination of God Himself, and in this instance was undoubtedly so. The extent of territory was to be determined by the number of names—i.e., of persons—in each tribe, and each inheritance was to bear the name of the ancestor of the tribe. Rashi says that the names of the twelve tribes were written on twelve scrolls of parchment, and twelve borders, or limits of land, on twelve others, and that they were mixed together in an urn.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 26:53

52–56. The manner in which Canaan is to be divided among the tribes. The territories are to be proportionate to the size of the several tribes.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 26:53

GENERAL FOR THE OF CANAAN, Numbers 26:51-56. 53, 54. According to the number of names — The first principle upon which the tribal allotment must proceed is, that the portion of the tribes must accord

Sermons on Numbers 26:53

	Sermon	Description
	(Through the Bible) Acts 12-13 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the miraculous escape of Peter from prison. Peter was imprisoned by Herod during the Passover period and was heavily guarded by soldiers. Howe
	The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of life as portrayed in the Bible. He emphasizes that man's disobedience led to the withholding of a completing factor, resulting
	Gods Order in Christ - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the parable of casting something into the waters and the waters being healed. They explain that throughout history, every step forward has onl
	(Revelation) the Great White Throne by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher urges the audience to get saved and not to run away from God's judgment. The preacher emphasizes the urgency of salvation and encourages the audience t
	Recovery - Part 2 of 4 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being committed to God's purpose. He highlights the need for a specific and personal vision of God's plan in the present ti
	The Last Tear by Ralph Sexton	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the promise of God to wipe away all tears from the eyes of believers. He emphasizes that one day, all pain, sorrow, and death will be elimina
	The Earnest of Heaven by C.H. Spurgeon	The sermon transcript discusses the joy in heaven when a lost sheep is found and when sinners repent. It emphasizes the joy and celebration among the angels and saints in heaven wh