Numbers 1:5
New International Version
These are the names of the men who are to assist you: from Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur;

New Living Translation
“These are the tribes and the names of the leaders who will assist you: Tribe Leader Reuben Elizur son of Shedeur

English Standard Version
And these are the names of the men who shall assist you. From Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur;

Berean Standard Bible
These are the names of the men who are to assist you: From the tribe of Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur;

Berean Literal Bible
And these are the names of the men who shall stand with you⁺: From Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur.

King James Bible
And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.

New King James Version
“These are the names of the men who shall stand with you: from Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur;

New American Standard Bible
These then are the names of the men who shall stand with you: of the tribe of Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur;

NASB 1995
“These then are the names of the men who shall stand with you: of Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur;

NASB 1977
“These then are the names of the men who shall stand with you: of Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur;

Legacy Standard Bible
These then are the names of the men who shall stand with you: of Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur;

Amplified Bible
These then are the names of the men who shall stand with you: from [the tribe of] Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur;

Berean Annotated Bible
These are the names of the men who are to assist you⁺: From the tribe of Reuben (behold a son), Elizur (my God is a rock) son of Shedeur (darter of light);

Christian Standard Bible
These are the names of the men who are to assist you: Elizur son of Shedeur from Reuben;

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These are the names of the men who are to assist you: Elizur son of Shedeur from Reuben;

American Standard Version
And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you. Of Reuben: Elizur the son of Shedeur.

English Revised Version
And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Here are the names of the men who will help you: Elizur, son of Shedeur, from the tribe of Reuben;

International Standard Version
"Here is a list of names of the men who are to assist you: "From Reuben: Shedeur's son Elizur.

NET Bible
Now these are the names of the men who are to help you: from Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur;

New Heart English Bible
These are the names of the men who shall stand with you: Of Reuben: Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Webster's Bible Translation
And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: Of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
These are the names of the men who are to assist you: From the tribe of Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur;

World English Bible
These are the names of the men who shall stand with you: Of Reuben: Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And these [are] the names of the men who stand with you: for Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur;

Berean Literal Bible
And these are the names of the men who shall stand with you⁺: From Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur.

Young's Literal Translation
And these are the names of the men who stand with you: 'For Reuben -- Elizur son of Shedeur.

Smith's Literal Translation
And these the names of the men who shall stand with you: for Reuben: Elizur, son of Shedeur.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Whose names are these: Of Ruben, Elisur the son of Sedeur.

Catholic Public Domain Version
the names of whom are these: of Ruben, Elizur the son of Shedeur;

New American Bible
These are the names of those who are to assist you: from Reuben: Elizur, son of Shedeur;

New Revised Standard Version
These are the names of the men who shall assist you: From Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And these are the names of the men who shall help you: of the tribe of Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And these are the names of the men who will stand with you: of Rubil: Elitsur son of Shedaur.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And these are the names of the men who shall be present with you; of the tribe of Ruben, Elisur the son of Sediur.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Leaders of the Tribes
5These are the names of the men who are to assist you: From the tribe of Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur; 6from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai;…

Cross References
These are the names of the men who are to assist you:

Exodus 18:21-22
Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. / Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you.

Deuteronomy 1:13-15
Choose for yourselves wise, understanding, and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will appoint them as your leaders.” / And you answered me and said, “What you propose to do is good.” / So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes.

Numbers 11:16-17
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. / And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
From the tribe of Reuben,

Genesis 46:8-9
Now these are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn. / The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Genesis 35:22-23
While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: / The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

Deuteronomy 33:6
Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few.”
Elizur son of Shedeur;

Numbers 2:10
On the south side, the divisions of Reuben are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Reubenites is Elizur son of Shedeur,

Numbers 10:18
Then the divisions of the camp of Reuben set out under their standard, with Elizur son of Shedeur in command.

Numbers 7:30
On the fourth day Elizur son of Shedeur, the leader of the Reubenites, drew near.
Genesis 49:3-27
Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. / Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it. / Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. …

Exodus 6:14-25
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. / The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon. / These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. …

1 Chronicles 5:1-24
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. / And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph. / The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. …

1 Chronicles 6:1-81
The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. / The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. …

1 Chronicles 7:1-40
The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron—four in all. / The sons of Tola: Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Ibsam, and Shemuel, the heads of their families. In the days of David, 22,600 descendants of Tola were numbered in their genealogies as mighty men of valor. / The son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The sons of Izrahiah: Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Isshiah. All five of them were chiefs. …

1 Chronicles 8:1-40
Benjamin was the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, / Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. / The sons of Bela: Addar, Gera, Abihud, …

1 Chronicles 9:1-44
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. / Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. / Some of the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem: …


Treasury of Scripture

And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Elizur

Numbers 2:10
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 7:30
On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer:

Numbers 10:18
And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Jump to Previous
Assist Attend Elizur Eli'zur Helpers Reuben Shedeur Shed'eur Stand Tribe
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Assist Attend Elizur Eli'zur Helpers Reuben Shedeur Shed'eur Stand Tribe
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












These are the names of the men who are to assist you:
In the context of Numbers 1, God commands Moses to take a census of the Israelite community. The phrase indicates the selection of leaders from each tribe to assist Moses and Aaron in this task. This reflects the importance of leadership and delegation in the community. The chosen men were likely respected leaders, emphasizing the need for trustworthy individuals in positions of responsibility. This principle of shared leadership is echoed in the New Testament, where the apostles appoint deacons to assist in the early church (Acts 6:1-6).

From the tribe of Reuben,
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and his tribe held a significant position among the Israelites. However, Reuben lost his birthright due to his transgression with Bilhah, his father's concubine (Genesis 35:22, 49:3-4). Despite this, the tribe of Reuben still played a role in the community, illustrating themes of redemption and the consequences of sin. The tribe's location east of the Jordan River, as described later in Numbers, highlights their role as protectors of the eastern frontier.

Elizur son of Shedeur;
Elizur, meaning "God is my rock," signifies the faith and reliance on God expected of leaders. His father's name, Shedeur, means "field of light," which may symbolize divine guidance. The naming conventions in the Bible often reflect character or destiny, and Elizur's name suggests a leader who embodies strength and divine support. This echoes the New Testament portrayal of Christ as the cornerstone and rock of faith (1 Peter 2:6-8). Elizur's role in assisting Moses underscores the importance of godly leadership in fulfilling God's commands.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elizur
Elizur is identified as the leader from the tribe of Reuben. His name means "God is my rock," reflecting a strong spiritual foundation.

2. Shedeur
Shedeur is the father of Elizur. His name means "field of light," which can symbolize enlightenment or divine guidance.

3. Tribe of Reuben
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Reuben is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, often associated with strength and dignity.

4. Moses
Although not mentioned directly in this verse, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and the one receiving God's instructions for the census.

5. Census of Israel
This event marks the beginning of the census commanded by God to organize the Israelites for their journey and battles ahead.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
Elizur's role as a leader highlights the importance of leadership within the community of faith. Leaders are called to guide and support their people, reflecting God's character.

Heritage and Identity
Understanding one's heritage, as seen in the lineage of Elizur and Shedeur, can provide a sense of identity and purpose. Believers are encouraged to recognize their spiritual heritage in Christ.

Divine Order and Organization
The census and the naming of leaders demonstrate God's desire for order and organization among His people. This principle can be applied to church and personal life, emphasizing the value of structure and planning.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Elizur's mention, though brief, signifies the importance of faithfulness in seemingly small roles. Every member of the body of Christ has a part to play.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 1:5?

2. How does Numbers 1:5 demonstrate God's order in organizing the Israelites?

3. Why is it important to know the leaders' names listed in Numbers 1:5?

4. How can we apply the principle of leadership selection from Numbers 1:5 today?

5. What does Numbers 1:5 teach about God's attention to detail and structure?

6. How does Numbers 1:5 connect to other biblical examples of God-appointed leadership?

7. Why does Numbers 1:5 list specific names for the census?

8. What is the significance of the tribal leaders in Numbers 1:5?

9. How does Numbers 1:5 reflect God's organization of Israel?

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

11. What is the significance of the Tribe of Reuben?

12. Numbers 32:23: Are there any historical or archaeological records that corroborate Moses' warnings about sin and its consequences for these tribes?

13. How reliable are the long genealogies in 1 Chronicles 5:3 when compared to other ancient records?

14. What are Jacob's prophecies in the Bible?
What Does Numbers 1:5 Mean
These are the names of the men who are to assist you

Numbers 1 opens with the LORD instructing Moses to take a census. Immediately after the command comes this assurance that Moses will not labor alone: “These are the names of the men who are to assist you” (Numbers 1:5).

• God regularly pairs His commissions with companions. When Jethro advised Moses to appoint helpers, the aim was shared responsibility and lighter burdens (Exodus 18:21–24).

• The men named in the following verses are “appointed from the congregation, the leaders of their ancestral tribes” (Numbers 1:16), underscoring that assistance is to be both spiritual and administrative.

• This pattern continues in the New Testament when Jesus sends out the seventy-two in pairs (Luke 10:1) and when the early church appoints deacons so the apostles can focus on prayer and the Word (Acts 6:3–4).

Faithful ministry is never intended to be a one-person show; God affirms that truth right here at the start of Israel’s wilderness journey.


From the tribe of Reuben

The first helper listed comes “From the tribe of Reuben.”

• Reuben is Jacob’s firstborn (Genesis 49:3). Although he forfeited certain firstborn privileges, his tribe still holds a place of prominence, marching under its own standard on the south side of the camp (Numbers 2:10).

• By naming a representative from Reuben first, God honors the tribal order of birth while demonstrating that past failings do not erase present responsibilities.

• Later, when the Promised Land is allotted, Reuben’s descendants settle east of the Jordan yet remain accountable to the nation (Joshua 22:1–5). The inclusion here foreshadows that cooperative spirit.


Elizur son of Shedeur

The specific man chosen is “Elizur son of Shedeur.”

• Elizur surfaces repeatedly as Reuben’s leader—in the census (Numbers 1:5), when camp formations are set (Numbers 2:10), and when offerings are brought for the tabernacle (Numbers 7:30–35). God’s spotlight on him three times confirms his steadfastness.

• His name means “God is my Rock,” a fitting reminder that true leadership rests on divine stability, not personal charisma.

• God also notes his father, Shedeur, showing that lineage matters. Identification within a family and tribe secures accountability and heritage, echoing the genealogical precision found in passages like 1 Chronicles 9:1.


summary

Numbers 1:5 introduces the first of twelve tribal leaders who will stand shoulder to shoulder with Moses. The verse teaches that God:

• Provides helpers whenever He assigns a task.

• Honors tribal and family structures while redeeming imperfect histories.

• Chooses leaders whose lives, names, and lineages point back to Him.

As Israel counts its warriors, the LORD is simultaneously counting on committed men like Elizur to shoulder the load—a timeless reminder that every believer has a part to play in God’s orderly, purposeful work.

(5) Of the tribe of Reuben.--Hebrew, for Reuben.

Verse 5. - These are the names of the men. The tribes are here mentioned (through their princes) very nearly in the order of their subsequent encampment - south, east, west, and north. Gad alone is displaced, in order that he may be classed with the other sons of the handmaids after the sons of the free women.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
These
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ (wə·’êl·leh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

are the names
שְׁמ֣וֹת (šə·mō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of the men
הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים (hā·’ă·nā·šîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

who
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

are to assist
יַֽעַמְד֖וּ (ya·‘am·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

you:
אִתְּכֶ֑ם (’it·tə·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

From [the tribe of] Reuben,
לִרְאוּבֵ֕ן (lir·’ū·ḇên)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7205: Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc

Elizur
אֱלִיצ֖וּר (’ĕ·lî·ṣūr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 468: Elizur -- 'God of (the) rock', a Reubenite leader

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Shedeur;
שְׁדֵיאֽוּר׃ (šə·ḏê·’ūr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7707: Shedeur -- a Reubenite


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OT Law: Numbers 1:5 These are the names of the men (Nu Num.)
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