Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version From the descendants of Reuben the firstborn son of Israel: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, one by one, according to the records of their clans and families. New Living Translation This is the number of men twenty years old or older who were able to go to war, as their names were listed in the records of their clans and families: Tribe Number Reuben (Jacob’s oldest son) 46,500 English Standard Version The people of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war: Berean Standard Bible From the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, Berean Literal Bible And the sons of Reuben oldest son of Israel—their genealogies by their clans, by the house of their fathers, by the number of names individually, every male from a son of twenty years and above, everyone going out to the host— King James Bible And the children of Reuben, Israel's eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; New King James Version Now the children of Reuben, Israel’s oldest son, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, every male individually, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: New American Standard Bible Now the sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their descendants by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go to war, NASB 1995 Now the sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war, NASB 1977 Now the sons of Reuben, Israel’s first-born, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war, Legacy Standard Bible Now the sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war, Amplified Bible The sons of Reuben, Israel’s (Jacob’s) firstborn, their generations, by their families (clans), by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war: Berean Annotated Bible From the sons of Reuben (behold a son), the firstborn of Israel (he wrestles with God), according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, Christian Standard Bible The descendants of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: according to their family records by their clans and their ancestral families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years old or more, everyone who could serve in the army, Holman Christian Standard Bible The descendants of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: according to their family records by their clans and their ancestral houses, counting one by one the names of every male 20 years old or more, everyone who could serve in the army, American Standard Version And the children of Reuben, Israel's first-born, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; English Revised Version And the children of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; GOD'S WORD® Translation The roster of families and households for the descendants of [Reuben], Israel's firstborn son, listed every man by name who was at least 20 years old and eligible for military duty. International Standard Version The genealogies of the descendants of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were recorded individually, according to their tribes and ancestral houses, as were the names of all the men 20 years and above who could serve in the army. NET Bible And they were as follows: The descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Israel: According to the records of their clans and families, all the males twenty years old or older who could serve in the army were listed by name individually. New Heart English Bible Now the descendants of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, according to their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war; Webster's Bible Translation And the children of Reuben, Israel's eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFrom the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, World English Bible The children of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn—their births, by their families, by the house of their fathers, in the number of names, by their counted heads, every male from a son of twenty years and upward, everyone going out to the host— Berean Literal Bible And the sons of Reuben oldest son of Israel—their genealogies by their clans, by the house of their fathers, by the number of names individually, every male from a son of twenty years and above, everyone going out to the host— Young's Literal Translation And the sons of Reuben, Israel's first-born -- their births, by their families, by the house of their fathers, in the number of names, by their polls, every male from a son of twenty years and upward, every one going out to the host -- Smith's Literal Translation And the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, shall be their generations, according to their families, according to the house of their fathers, according to the number of names, according to their heads, every male from the son of twenty years and above, all going forth to war. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOf Ruben the eldest son of Israel, by their generations and families and houses and names of every head, all that were of the male sex, from twenty years old and upward, that were able to go forth to war, Catholic Public Domain Version Of Ruben, the firstborn of Israel, by their generations and families and houses, and the names of each head, of all who were of the male sex, from twenty years and above, capable of going to war, New American Bible Of the descendants of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, registered individually by name and lineage according to their clans and ancestral houses, every male of twenty years or more, everyone fit for military service: New Revised Standard Version The descendants of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their lineage, in their clans, by their ancestral houses, according to the number of names, individually, every male from twenty years old and upward, everyone able to go to war: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the children of Reuben, Israel's first-born, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war in Israel; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And there were the children of Rubil, the firstborn of Israel in their families, for their tribes, for the house of their fathers, in the number of the names, every male for their Leaders, from a son of twenty years and above, everyone who goes out in the army in Israel. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the children of Reuben, Israel's first-born, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; Brenton Septuagint Translation And the sons of Ruben the first-born of Israel according to their kindreds, according to their divisions, according to the houses of their families, according to the number of their names, according to their heads, were - all males from twenty years old and upward, every one that went out with the host - Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Number of Every Tribe…19just as the LORD had commanded Moses. So Moses numbered them in the Wilderness of Sinai: 20 From the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, 21those registered to the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500.… Cross References From the sons of Reuben, Exodus 6:14 These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben. Numbers 26:5 Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were the descendants of Reuben: The Hanochite clan from Hanoch, the Palluite clan from Pallu, Genesis 46:8 Now these are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn. the firstborn of Israel, 1 Chronicles 5:1 These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. Genesis 49:3 Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. Exodus 4:22 Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son, according to the records of their clans and families, Numbers 26:2 “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.” Numbers 2:2 “The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family. 1 Chronicles 9:1 So all Israel was recorded in the genealogies written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. But Judah was exiled to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. counting one by one the names of every male 1 Chronicles 23:24 These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. Numbers 3:40 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names. Exodus 30:12 “When you take a census of the Israelites to number them, each man must pay the LORD a ransom for his life when he is counted. Then no plague will come upon them when they are numbered. twenty years of age or older Exodus 30:14 Everyone twenty years of age or older who crosses over must give this offering to the LORD. 2 Chronicles 31:17 and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their responsibilities and divisions. Numbers 14:29 Your bodies will fall in this wilderness—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me. who could serve in the army, Deuteronomy 20:1-4 When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you. / When you are about to go into battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army, / saying to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be alarmed or terrified because of them. … Treasury of Scripture And the children of Reuben, Israel's oldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; Numbers 2:10,11 On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur… Numbers 26:5-7 Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites: … Genesis 29:32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. Jump to Previous Able Children Eldest Families Fathers Firstborn Forth Generations House Houses Israel's Male Names Polls Reuben Twenty Upward WarJump to Next Able Children Eldest Families Fathers Firstborn Forth Generations House Houses Israel's Male Names Polls Reuben Twenty Upward WarNumbers 1 1. God commands Moses to number the people5. The princes of the tribes 17. The number of every tribe 47. The Levites are exempted for the service of the Lord From the sons of Reuben Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and his descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Despite being the firstborn, Reuben lost his birthright due to an indiscretion with his father's concubine (Genesis 35:22, 49:3-4). This tribe settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in a region known for its pasturelands (Numbers 32:1-5). The tribe of Reuben often struggled with maintaining its prominence and influence among the tribes of Israel. the firstborn of Israel according to the records of their clans and families counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army Persons / Places / Events 1. ReubenThe firstborn son of Jacob (Israel) and Leah. Reuben's descendants are being counted in this census. 2. Israel Refers to Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, and by extension, the nation that descended from him. 3. Census The event of counting the Israelite men eligible for military service, as commanded by God to Moses. 4. Clans and Families The organizational structure of the Israelite society, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage. 5. Military Service The context of the census, focusing on those who are able to serve in the army, highlighting the preparation for future challenges. Teaching Points The Importance of Order and StructureGod values order and structure within His people, as seen in the detailed census. This reflects His nature and the importance of organization in our lives and communities. Heritage and Identity Understanding our spiritual heritage is crucial. Just as the Israelites were organized by clans and families, Christians are part of a spiritual family with a rich heritage in Christ. Preparedness for Spiritual Battles The census for military service reminds us of the need to be prepared for spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages believers to put on the full armor of God. The Role of Leadership Moses and Aaron's leadership in conducting the census highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding and organizing God's people. Faithfulness Across Generations God's faithfulness to the tribes of Israel across generations encourages us to trust in His promises and faithfulness in our own lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 1:20?2. How does Numbers 1:20 emphasize the importance of organized leadership in the church? 3. What does the census in Numbers 1:20 teach about God's order and structure? 4. How can we apply the principle of accountability from Numbers 1:20 today? 5. How does Numbers 1:20 connect to God's promises to Abraham's descendants? 6. What role does family lineage play in God's plan, as seen in Numbers 1:20? 7. What is the significance of the census in Numbers 1:20 for Israel's identity? 8. How does Numbers 1:20 reflect God's promise to Abraham about his descendants? 9. Why is the tribe of Reuben specifically mentioned first in Numbers 1:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 1? 11. How could an estimated 600,000 Israelite men (plus families) have left Egypt without overwhelming logistical issues? 12. Who was Reuben in the Bible? 13. What is the significance of the Tribe of Reuben? 14. Who are the Sons of Jacob? What Does Numbers 1:20 Mean From the sons of Reuben- The verse opens by singling out “the sons of Reuben,” setting the focus on a specific tribe within Israel’s twelve. God is establishing, tribe by tribe, how His covenant people will be organized (Numbers 1:5). - Genesis 46:8 first listed Reuben’s descendants as they entered Egypt; now, generations later, those descendants are being numbered for service. God’s faithfulness to maintain each tribe is in full view. the firstborn of Israel - Reuben’s birthright as Jacob’s firstborn is recalled (Genesis 29:32; Genesis 49:3). Even though later forfeited in certain spiritual privileges (1 Chronicles 5:1-2), Reuben still retains historical precedence in the roster. - The placement underscores that God remembers lineage accurately, whether or not human choices have altered certain blessings. according to the records of their clans and families - Israel’s community life rests on documented family structures. Exodus 6:14 had already preserved genealogies; here those records guide a national census. - Clans (“mishpachot”) and families (“bet avot”) ensure that every household is accounted for, preventing favoritism or neglect (Numbers 26:7). God’s orderliness blesses every tier of society. counting one by one the names - The census is personal and exact: “counting one by one the names.” No head is a statistic; each man is named before God (Exodus 30:12). - This mirrors the Lord’s intimate knowledge of His creation—He “counts the number of the stars” (Psalm 147:4). Likewise, every Israelite soldier is known individually. of every male twenty years of age or older - Twenty marked adulthood for military and temple tax purposes (Exodus 30:14; Numbers 14:29). The standard is uniform, avoiding arbitrary selection. - By defining the age, God affirms both the responsibility and capability expected of these men, while also underscoring a generational hand-off of duty. who could serve in the army - The census is not merely demographic; it is functional—preparing Israel for upcoming battles (Numbers 1:45). - Warfare under divine leadership differs from pagan campaigns (Exodus 17:9-13). Deuteronomy 20:5-8 would later make clear that moral and spiritual readiness matter as much as physical ability. summary Numbers 1:20 records God’s directive to number Reuben’s men for military service. The verse highlights God’s meticulous care for lineage, personal identity, and orderly preparation. Each qualified man is counted, demonstrating that the Lord knows and assigns every role in His people’s mission. (20) By their generations.--The toledoth, or generations, included the whole of the descendants of the head of the tribe (Genesis 5:1; Genesis 6:9).Hebrew From the sonsבְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Reuben, רְאוּבֵן֙ (rə·’ū·ḇên) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7205: Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc the firstborn בְּכֹ֣ר (bə·ḵōr) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1060: Firstborn, chief of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc according to the records תּוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם (tō·wl·ḏō·ṯām) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 8435: Descent, family, history of their clans לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם (lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people and families, אֲבֹתָ֑ם (’ă·ḇō·ṯām) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father counting בְּמִסְפַּ֤ר (bə·mis·par) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4557: A number, definite, indefinite, narration one לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָ֔ם (lə·ḡul·gə·lō·ṯām) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1538: A skull, head, poll (of persons) by one the names שֵׁמוֹת֙ (šê·mō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8034: A name of every כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every male זָכָ֗ר (zā·ḵār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2145: Remembered, a male twenty עֶשְׂרִ֤ים (‘eś·rîm) Number - common plural Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth years of age מִבֶּ֨ן (mib·ben) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son or older, וָמַ֔עְלָה (wā·ma‘·lāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb | third person feminine singular Strong's 4605: The upper part, with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top everyone כֹּ֖ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every who could serve יֹצֵ֥א (yō·ṣê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim in the army, צָבָֽא׃ (ṣā·ḇā) Noun - common singular Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign Links Numbers 1:20 NIVNumbers 1:20 NLT Numbers 1:20 ESV Numbers 1:20 NASB Numbers 1:20 KJV Numbers 1:20 BibleApps.com Numbers 1:20 Biblia Paralela Numbers 1:20 Chinese Bible Numbers 1:20 French Bible Numbers 1:20 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 1:20 The children of Reuben Israel's firstborn their (Nu Num.) |



