Numbers 26:55
Numbers 26:55 in Multiple Translations
Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers.
Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.
Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.
But let the distribution of the land be made by the decision of the Lord: by the names of the tribes of their fathers let their heritage be given them.
The land has to be divided up by casting lots. Everyone shall receive their allotted land based on the name of their ancestor's tribe.
Notwithstanding, the land shalbe deuided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherite:
'Only by lot is the land apportioned, by the names of the tribes of their fathers they inherit;
Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot. According to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.
Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit.
Yet so that by lot the land be divided to the tribe and families.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 26:55
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 26:55 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַךְ
בְּ/גוֹרָ֕ל
יֵחָלֵ֖ק
אֶת
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
לִ/שְׁמ֥וֹת
מַטּוֹת
אֲבֹתָ֖/ם
יִנְחָֽלוּ
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
בְּ/גוֹרָ֕ל
gôwrâl
H1486
allotted
Prep | N-ms
יֵחָלֵ֖ק
châlaq
H2505
to divide
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
לִ/שְׁמ֥וֹת
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-mp
מַטּוֹת
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
N-mp
אֲבֹתָ֖/ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
יִנְחָֽלוּ
nâchal
H5157
to inherit
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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 26:55
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
בְּ/גוֹרָ֕ל
gôwrâl
H1486
"allotted"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a pebble or small stone used for making decisions by casting lots. It symbolizes a portion or destiny assigned by chance, like the drawing of lots to determine an outcome. This concept is central to ancient Israelite decision-making practices.
Definition: 1) lot 1a) lot-pebbles used for systematically making decisions 2) portion 2a) lot, portion (thing assigned by casting lots) 2b) recompense, retribution
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: lot. See also: Leviticus 16:8; Judges 1:3; Psalms 16:5.
יֵחָלֵ֖ק
châlaq
H2505
"to divide"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
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.
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.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
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.
לִ/שְׁמ֥וֹת
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | 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.
מַטּוֹת
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
אֲבֹתָ֖/ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
יִנְחָֽלוּ
nâchal
H5157
"to inherit"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to inherit or to take possession of something, as seen in the story of the Israelites inheriting the Promised Land in Joshua 1:6. It can also mean to distribute or divide something among people, like the division of the land in Joshua 13-19. The word is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to get as a possession, acquire, inherit, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession, inherit 1a2) to have or get as a possession or property (fig.) 1a3) to divide the land for a possession 1a4) to acquire (testimonies) (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to divide for a possession 1c) (Hithpael) to possess oneself of 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to give as a possession 1d2) to cause to inherit, give as an inheritance 1e) (Hophal) to be allotted, be made to possess
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: divide, have (inheritance), take as a heritage, (cause to, give to, make to) inherit, (distribute for, divide (for, for an, by), give for, have, leave for, take (for)) inheritance, (have in, cause to, be made to) possess(-ion). See also: Exodus 23:30; Joshua 17:6; Psalms 69:37.
Study Notes — Numbers 26:55
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 26:55 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 26:55
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 26:55
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 26:55
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 26:55
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 26:55
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 26:55
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 26:55
- Sermons on Numbers 26:55
Context — Inheritance by Lot
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.
56Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes.” 57Now these were the Levites numbered by their clans: The Gershonite clan from Gershon, the Kohathite clan from Kohath, and the Merarite clan from Merari.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 34:13 | So Moses commanded the Israelites, “Apportion this land by lot as an inheritance. The LORD has commanded that it be given to the nine and a half tribes. |
| 2 | Numbers 33:54 | And you are to divide the land by lot according to your clans. Give a larger inheritance to a larger clan and a smaller inheritance to a smaller one. Whatever falls to each one by lot will be his. You will receive an inheritance according to the tribes of your fathers. |
| 3 | Joshua 14:2 | Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Revelation 7:4–8 | And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel: From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, and from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. |
| 6 | Joshua 19:10 | The third lot came up for the clans of the tribe of Zebulun: The border of their inheritance stretched as far as Sarid. |
| 7 | Proverbs 16:33 | The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. |
| 8 | Joshua 19:1 | The second lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Simeon: Their inheritance lay within the territory of Judah |
| 9 | Joshua 19:24 | The fifth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Asher: |
| 10 | Joshua 19:17 | The fourth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Issachar: |
Numbers 26:55 Summary
This verse means that God decided how the land of Israel would be divided among the tribes, and it would be done in a fair and random way. The land was divided according to the size of each tribe, and each tribe received their inheritance based on their family heritage (as seen in Numbers 26:54). This shows that God is a God of order and provision, who cares about the details of our lives, just as He did for the Israelites (see Psalm 37:3-7). By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have confidence that He will provide for us and give us our own 'inheritance', whether it be physical or spiritual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the land to be divided by lot?
Dividing the land by lot refers to the process of assigning territories to each tribe through a random, God-ordained method, as seen in Proverbs 16:33, where it says, 'The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.'
Why was the land divided according to the names of the tribes of their fathers?
The division according to the names of the tribes of their fathers was to maintain family and tribal heritage, as emphasized in Numbers 26:53, which states that the land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names.
How does this verse relate to the concept of inheritance in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of inheritance in the Bible, as seen in Psalm 16:5-6, where David says, 'The Lord is my inheritance'; it shows that God is the ultimate giver of inheritance, and He assigns it according to His sovereign will.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience of receiving their inheritance?
We can learn that our inheritance, whether physical or spiritual, is a gift from God, and we should trust in His sovereignty and provision, as stated in Joshua 1:6, where God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, for He will give him the land as an inheritance.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for you to receive your 'inheritance' from God, and how does that affect your daily life?
- How can you trust in God's sovereignty, even when the outcome is uncertain, just like the Israelites did when they received their land by lot?
- In what ways can you honor your spiritual heritage, just as the Israelites maintained their family and tribal heritage?
- What are some ways you can demonstrate your gratitude to God for the inheritance He has given you, whether it be physical or spiritual?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 26:55
Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot,.... That the division might appear to be according to the determination and will of God, and not left to the judgment and discretion of the chief
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 26:55
Notwithstanding the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit. The land shall be divided by lot.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 26:55
By lot; which lots seem to have been cast only for the tribes, not, as some would have it, for the several families, for the distribution of it to them was left to the ruler’ s wisdom, according to the rule now given, . Yet if any lot was too large for the tribe, they might give up part of their right to others, with the ruler’ s consent, as Judah gave a share to Simeon and to Dan within his lot. According to the names of the tribes, i.e. the lots shall go under the names of each tribe or each patriarch.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 26:55
(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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 26:55
Verse 55. The land shall be divided by lot] The word גורל goral, translated lot, is supposed by some to signify the stone or pebble formerly used for the purpose of what we term casting lots. The word [Anglo-Saxon] hlot is Anglo-Saxon, from [Anglo-Saxon] to divide, or portion out, i. e., fortuitously: it answers to the Greek κληρος, which some think comes from κλαω to break; because the lot, being a sort of appeal to God, ("The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord," Proverbs 16:33,) broke off all contentions and litigations relative to the matter in dispute. From this original division of the promised land by lot to the children of Israel, all portions, appointments, offices, shares, or divisions in spiritual and ecclesiastical matters, were termed lots. So in the New Testament, the word κληρος, lot, is used to signify a portion of spiritual blessedness, and κληρονομια, a division by lot, an inheritance; and κληροι the lotted or appointed persons to different works, shares, c. hence our word clergy, κληροι, persons appointed by lot to a lot, portion, or inheritance; see the case of Matthias, Acts 1:26. Persons thus appointed were by accommodation termed inheritors, because originally, when there could be no claims of exclusive right, all lands where a wandering tribe chose to take up its residence were divided by lot, as the promised land in the case before us. So Judah says to Simeon his brother, Judges 1:3: "Come up with me into my lot." And as God was ever supposed to be the whole disposer in such matters, whatever fell out in the course of God's providence was called a lot. "This is the lot of them that rob us;" Isaiah 17:14. "Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter;" Acts 8:21. A lot in the promised land was evidently typical of a place in eternal glory.
"That they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance (κληρον, a lot) among them that are sanctified;" Acts 26:18. "Who hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance, κληρου, of the lot) of the saints in light;" Colossians 1:12. "Which is the earnest of our inheritance, (κληρονομιας, of our allotted portion;") Ephesians 1:4. "What is the riches of the glory of his inheritance," (κληρονομιας, allotted portion;) Ephesians 1:18. As therefore the promised land was divided by lot to the believing Israelites, God determining the lot as he saw good, none of the people having any claim on or right to it; so the kingdom of heaven is a lot given by the mere good will of God to them that believe and obey him; for as unbelief and disobedience threw 600,000 people out of the inheritance of the promised land; so none who disbelieve God's word, and rebel against his authority, shall ever enter into the kingdom of heaven. - See Ainsworth. These things happened unto them for examples: see then, reader, that thou fall not after the same example of unbelief.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 26:55
55. the land shall be divided by lot] Since the distribution was to be proportionate the purpose of the lot must only have been to decide roughly in what part of the country each tribe was to settle. according to the names of the tribes of their fathers they shall inherit] The meaning is doubtful. ‘The names of the tribes of their fathers’ appears to be a periphrasis for ‘their tribes.’ If so, the meaning is either that individuals shall in every case possess land within the region assigned to their tribe, or (perhaps better) that no smaller division than a whole tribe is to be taken account of in the general distribution, and the property of clans and families must be settled privately within each tribe.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 26:55
55, 56. The land shall be divided by lot — The principle laid down by Jehovah is, that the location of each tribe must be determined by lot.
Sermons on Numbers 26:55
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Israel in the End Times by David Pawson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the signs that Jesus gave regarding his second coming. He explains that there are four main signs: famine, wars, earthquakes in the world; a g |
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(Through the Bible) 1 John 4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the love of God as demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He highlights that God's love is not based on our love for Him, |
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Good Friday Sermon by Martin Geehan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a near-death encounter where he felt a sense of darkness and void. He emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ as a p |
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(Revelation) the Sorrows in Earth by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the fifth field in heaven by Jesus Christ. This event is accompanied by great signs on earth, including a great earthquake, th |
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Skyland Conference 1979-11 Report on the Mideast by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience of being protected from shrapnel during a bombing. Despite the danger, the speaker and their family were miraculously unh |
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The Hour of His Judgement Is Come by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the first five verses of the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the vision given to John and its relevance to |
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Nor-02 Mysteriumisraelog Kirken (The Mystery of Israel and the Church) by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the critical relationship between Israel and the Church, presenting it as a divine mystery that must not be ignored. He explains that both Israel and the Church |