Numbers 1:42
New International Version
From the descendants of Naphtali: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families.

New Living Translation
Naphtali 53,400

English Standard Version
Of the people of Naphtali, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:

Berean Standard Bible
From the sons of Naphtali, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

Berean Literal Bible
From the sons of Naphtali, their genealogies, by their clans, by the house of their fathers, by the number of names, from a son of twenty years and above, everyone going out to the host,

King James Bible
Of the children of Naphtali, throughout their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

New King James Version
From the children of Naphtali, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war:

New American Standard Bible
Of the sons of Naphtali, their descendants by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go to war,

NASB 1995
Of the sons of Naphtali, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war,

NASB 1977
Of the sons of Naphtali, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war,

Legacy Standard Bible
Of the sons of Naphtali, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war,

Amplified Bible
Of the sons of Naphtali, their descendants, by their families (clans), by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war:

Berean Annotated Bible
From the sons of Naphtali (wrestling), according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

Christian Standard Bible
The descendants of Naphtali: according to their family records by their clans and their ancestral families, counting the names of those twenty years old or more, everyone who could serve in the army,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The descendants of Naphtali: according to their family records by their clans and their ancestral houses, counting the names of those 20 years old or more, everyone who could serve in the army,

American Standard Version
Of the children of Napthtali, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

English Revised Version
Of the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, 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 [Naphtali] listed the men by name who were at least 20 years old and eligible for military duty.

International Standard Version
The genealogies of Naphtali's descendants 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
From the descendants of Naphtali: 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.

New Heart English Bible
Of the descendants of Naphtali, their generations, according to their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war;

Webster's Bible Translation
Of the children of Naphtali, throughout their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
From the sons of Naphtali, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

World English Bible
Of the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war:
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Of the sons of Naphtali—their births, by their families, by the house of their fathers, in the number of names, from a son of twenty years and upward, everyone going out to the host—

Berean Literal Bible
From the sons of Naphtali, their genealogies, by their clans, by the house of their fathers, by the number of names, from a son of twenty years and above, everyone going out to the host,

Young's Literal Translation
Of the sons of Naphtali -- their births, by their families, by the house of their fathers, in the number of names, from a son of twenty years and upward, every one going out to the host --

Smith's Literal Translation
The sons of Naphtali, their generations, according to their families, according to the house of their fathers, according to the number of names, from the son of twenty years and above, all going forth to war.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Of the sons of Nephtali, by their generations and families and houses of their kindreds, were reckoned up by the names of every one from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Of the sons of Naphtali, by their generations and families, and the houses of their kinships, having been counted by the names of each one, from twenty years and above, of all who were able to go forth to war,

New American Bible
Of the descendants of Naphtali, registered 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 Naphtali, their lineage, in their clans, by their ancestral houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, everyone able to go to war:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Of the children of Naphtali, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war in Israel;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sons of Naphtali in their families, for their tribes for the house of their fathers, in the number of the names of a son of twenty years and above, every who goes out in the army in Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Of the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the sons of Nephthali 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 polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, every one who goes forth with the host,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Number of Every Tribe
41those registered to the tribe of Asher numbered 41,500. 42From the sons of Naphtali, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, 43those registered to the tribe of Naphtali numbered 53,400.…

Cross References
From the sons of Naphtali,

1 Chronicles 7:13
The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel, Guni, Jezer, and Shallum—the descendants of Bilhah.

Genesis 46:24
The sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.

Genesis 30:8
Then Rachel said, “In my great struggles, I have wrestled with my sister and won.” So she named him Naphtali.
according to the records of their clans and families,

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.

Nehemiah 7:5
Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. I found the genealogical register of those who had first returned, and I found the following written in it:

Joshua 7:14
In the morning you must present yourselves tribe by tribe. The tribe that the LORD selects shall come forward clan by clan, and the clan that the LORD selects shall come forward family by family, and the family that the LORD selects shall come forward man by man.
counting the names of all those 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.

Exodus 38:26
a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be numbered, a total of 603,550 men.

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.”
who could serve in the army,

1 Chronicles 7:11
All these sons of Jediael were heads of their families, mighty men of valor; there were 17,200 fit for battle.

Joshua 1:14
Your wives, your young children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But all your mighty men of valor must be armed for battle to cross over ahead of your brothers and help them,

Deuteronomy 20:1
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.
Genesis 49:14-15
Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds. / He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant.

Deuteronomy 33:18-19
Concerning Zebulun he said: “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and Issachar, in your tents. / They will call the peoples to a mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.”

Judges 5:14-15
Some came from Ephraim, with their roots in Amalek; Benjamin came with your people after you. The commanders came down from Machir, the bearers of the marshal’s staff from Zebulun. / The princes of Issachar were with Deborah, and Issachar was with Barak, rushing into the valley at his heels. In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision.

1 Chronicles 12:32
From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.


Treasury of Scripture

Of the children of Naphtali, throughout their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Naphtali

Genesis 30:7,8
And Bilhah Rachel's maid conceived again, and bare Jacob a second son…

Genesis 46:24
And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.

Genesis 49:21
Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.

Jump to Previous
Able Army Children Clans Descendants Families Fathers Forth Genealogical Generations House Households Houses Names Naphtali Records Registration Serve Throughout Twenty Upward War
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Able Army Children Clans Descendants Families Fathers Forth Genealogical Generations House Households Houses Names Naphtali Records Registration Serve Throughout Twenty Upward War
Numbers 1
1. God commands Moses to number the people
5. 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 Naphtali
Naphtali was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Naphtali settled in the northern part of Canaan, an area known for its fertile land and strategic location. This region later became significant in biblical history, as it was part of the area where Jesus conducted much of His ministry (Matthew 4:13-15).

according to the records of their clans and families
The organization of the tribes into clans and families reflects the importance of lineage and heritage in Israelite society. This structure ensured that each family maintained its inheritance and identity within the larger community. The detailed genealogical records were crucial for maintaining tribal boundaries and inheritance rights, as seen in the book of Joshua when the land was divided among the tribes.

counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older
The age of twenty was significant in Israelite culture as it marked the transition to adulthood and eligibility for military service. This census was not just a headcount but a preparation for war, as the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land and would need to conquer it. The age requirement underscores the responsibility and readiness expected of those who would defend the nation.

who could serve in the army
Military service was a duty for the able-bodied men of Israel, reflecting the theocratic nature of the nation where God was seen as the ultimate leader and protector. The army was not just a defense force but a means through which God executed His judgment and fulfilled His promises to Israel. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to be soldiers of Christ, fighting spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sons of Naphtali
Naphtali was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and the second son of Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Naphtali was known for its warriors and played a significant role in the history of Israel.

2. Genealogies
This refers to the recorded lineage or family history of the tribe of Naphtali. Genealogies were crucial in Israel for maintaining tribal identity and inheritance rights.

3. Clans and Families
The tribe of Naphtali was divided into smaller family units and clans, which were essential for organization and leadership within the tribe.

4. Census
The event described is part of a larger census commanded by God to Moses, where the Israelites were counted for military purposes. This census was significant for organizing the tribes for their journey and eventual conquest of the Promised Land.

5. Military Service
The census included only males twenty years of age or older who were eligible for military service, highlighting the importance of readiness and responsibility in the community.
Teaching Points
Importance of Identity and Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage helps us recognize our place in God's family and His plan for our lives.

Readiness for Service
Just as the men of Naphtali were counted for military service, Christians are called to be ready to serve God in whatever capacity He calls us.

Community and Accountability
The organization into clans and families emphasizes the importance of community and accountability within the body of Christ.

Faithfulness in Small Things
The detailed counting of individuals reminds us that God values each person and their contribution, no matter how small it may seem.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 1:42?

2. How does Numbers 1:42 emphasize the importance of tribal identity in Israel's history?

3. What role does genealogy play in understanding God's covenant with Israel in Numbers?

4. How can we apply the concept of organized community from Numbers 1:42 today?

5. How does Numbers 1:42 connect to God's promises to the tribes of Israel?

6. What lessons on leadership can be drawn from the tribal organization in Numbers 1:42?

7. What is the significance of the tribe of Naphtali in Numbers 1:42?

8. How does Numbers 1:42 reflect God's organization of Israel?

9. Why is the census important in Numbers 1:42?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 1?

11. What is the identity of the Kenizzites?

12. Numbers 3:15 - Is it realistic to gather and count every male from one month old and upward in a nomadic environment?

13. Ezra 2:64 and Nehemiah 7:66 state the assembly was 42,360, but their totals are 29,818 and 31,089. Why don't the numbers add up?

14. Numbers 3 - Do the Levite genealogies align with any known historical or archaeological evidence outside the Bible?
What Does Numbers 1:42 Mean
From the sons of Naphtali

The census begins by spotlighting Naphtali, one of Jacob’s twelve sons (Genesis 30:8; Genesis 49:21). God’s word treats each tribe as a real, traceable family line, underscoring that every branch of Israel mattered in His unfolding plan. • Naphtali’s later courage in battle under Deborah (Judges 4:6 – 10) shows the tribe lived up to its muster call recorded here.


according to the records of their clans and families

Israel kept written genealogies so every household knew its place (Numbers 1:18; Ezra 2:59 – 62). This record-keeping protected inheritance, priestly lines, and identity. • Scripture’s insistence on accurate family rolls reminds us God values order (1 Corinthians 14:33) and cares for lineage all the way to “the book of life” (Revelation 20:12).


counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older

Age twenty marked the threshold for full covenant responsibility (Exodus 30:14; Numbers 14:29). • Naming each man stresses personal accountability; no one could hide in the crowd. • The exact number (later given in Numbers 1:43) proves God notices details, just as Jesus later said every hair is numbered (Luke 12:7).


who could serve in the army

The census’s focus is military readiness, not mere population statistics (Numbers 26:2). • Israel left Egypt “armed for battle” (Exodus 13:18), and now each tribe contributes to national defense. • Service is both privilege and duty; later, Naphtali’s warriors rally to David (1 Chronicles 12:34).


summary

Numbers 1:42 records God’s precise mustering of Naphtali’s fighting men. By spotlighting tribe, genealogy, age, and military fitness, the verse shows the Lord’s meticulous care for His people, their family structure, and their readiness to stand for Him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
From the sons
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Naphtali,
נַפְתָּלִ֔י (nap̄·tā·lî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5321: Naphtali -- a son of Jacob, also his descendants and the district settled by them

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
בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר (bə·mis·par)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4557: A number, definite, indefinite, narration

the names
שֵׁמֹ֗ת (šê·mōṯ)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8034: A name

of those 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

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


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OT Law: Numbers 1:42 Of the children of Naphtali their generations (Nu Num.)
Numbers 1:41
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