Numbers 26:56
Numbers 26:56 in Multiple Translations
Each inheritance is to be divided by lot among the larger and smaller tribes.”
According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few.
According to the lot shall their inheritance be divided between the more and the fewer.
As it is ordered by the decision of the Lord, let distribution be made between those who are more in number and those who are less.
Every allocation of land is to be divided by casting lots among the tribes, whether large or small.”
According to the lot shall the possession thereof be deuided betweene many and fewe.
according to the lot is their inheritance apportioned between many and few.'
According to the lot shall their inheritance be divided between the more and the fewer.”
According to the lot shall the possession of it be divided between many and few.
Whatsoever shall fall by lot, that shall be taken by the more, or the fewer.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 26:56
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 26:56 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
פִּי֙
הַ/גּוֹרָ֔ל
תֵּחָלֵ֖ק
נַחֲלָת֑/וֹ
בֵּ֥ין
רַ֖ב
לִ/מְעָֽט
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פִּי֙
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
הַ/גּוֹרָ֔ל
gôwrâl
H1486
allotted
Art | N-ms
תֵּחָלֵ֖ק
châlaq
H2505
to divide
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
נַחֲלָת֑/וֹ
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
N-fs | Suff
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
רַ֖ב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
לִ/מְעָֽט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
Prep | Adj
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 26:56
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פִּי֙
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
הַ/גּוֹרָ֔ל
gôwrâl
H1486
"allotted"
Art | 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.
תֵּחָלֵ֖ק
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.
נַחֲלָת֑/וֹ
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
N-fs | Suff
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.
בֵּ֥ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
רַ֖ב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
לִ/מְעָֽט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
Study Notes — Numbers 26:56
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 26:56 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 26:56
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 26:56
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 26:56
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 26:56
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 26:56
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 26:56
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 26:56
- Sermons on Numbers 26:56
Context — Inheritance by Lot
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. 58These were the families of the Levites: The Libnite clan, the Hebronite clan, the Mahlite clan, the Mushite clan, and the Korahite clan. Now Kohath was the father of Amram,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 12:4 | There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. |
| 2 | Romans 11:7 | What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened, |
Numbers 26:56 Summary
This verse is saying that when it comes to dividing up the land, each tribe will get a fair share, no matter how big or small they are. It's like a big lottery, where everyone gets a chance to receive their inheritance, as instructed by God in Numbers 26:55. This shows that God is fair and wants everyone to have what they need, just like a good father provides for his children, as seen in Matthew 7:11. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have faith that He will provide for us and guide us, even when the outcome is uncertain, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of dividing the inheritance by lot?
The purpose of dividing the inheritance by lot is to ensure fairness and equality among the tribes, as instructed by God, and to prevent any tribe from being favored over another, as seen in Numbers 26:55 and Deuteronomy 33:9.
How does the size of the tribe affect the division of the inheritance?
According to Numbers 26:54, the size of the tribe affects the division of the inheritance, with larger tribes receiving more and smaller tribes receiving less, but Numbers 26:56 ensures that each tribe receives its inheritance by lot, regardless of size.
What is the significance of the tribes receiving their inheritance according to the names of their fathers?
The significance of the tribes receiving their inheritance according to the names of their fathers, as mentioned in Numbers 26:55, is to maintain the family lineage and heritage, as emphasized in Genesis 17:5-8 and Exodus 6:14-25.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God's sovereignty?
This verse relates to the concept of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 16:33, where the casting of lots is a demonstration of trusting in God's guidance and direction, rather than relying on human wisdom or strength.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to trust in God's sovereignty, especially when it comes to the distribution of resources and blessings?
- How can I apply the principle of fairness and equality, as seen in this verse, to my own life and relationships?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate faith and trust in God's guidance, even when the outcome is uncertain?
- How does the concept of inheritance and legacy, as mentioned in this verse, relate to my own spiritual heritage and the promises of God?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 26:56
According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided,.... It was by the determination of the lot that the land was divided by inheritance, and that was by the Lord, according to Proverbs
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 26:56
According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 26:56
i.e. That share which shall by lot fall to each tribe, shall be distributed to the several families and persons in such proportions as their numbers shall require.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 26:56
(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 26:56
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.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 26:56
According to the lot ... - This method was adopted not only in order to preclude jealousies and disputes, but also that the several tribes might regard the territories as determined for them by God Himself: compare Proverbs 16:33.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 26:56
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 26:56
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) Walking in the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience to invite the Holy Spirit into their lives and to be filled with His presence. He leads them in a prayer of repentance and surr |
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(Spiritual Gifts): Gifts of the Spirit 3 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the church. He criticizes those who lack the necessary qualities to effectively comm |
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Gifts of the Holy Spirit - Part 1 by J. Vernon McGee | In the video, a listener shares her realization that she needs to be more involved in her husband's efforts to evangelize his family. She was inspired by a radio sermon that emphas |
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(John - Part 49): He That Believeth on me... Greater Works Than These Shall He Do by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of gratitude towards God for the deliverance from sin, lies, and addiction. He urges the congregation to recognize the miracu |
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The Spirit at Work by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being still and silent in our hearts to hear the will of God. He highlights the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthi |
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(Exodus) Exodus 31:1-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a man who had stage fright and felt unable to speak in public. Despite this, the man was incredibly helpful and willing to |
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(2006 Conference) 11. the Balance of Truth-2 (Bible Study) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking balance in the Christian life, particularly in areas such as faith and works, love for God and others, grace and truth, and the fru |