The Census of Israel
Numbers 1:1-54
Num.1.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סיני: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- באהל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מועד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באחד: PREP
- לחדש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בשנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- השנית: ADJ,ord,f,sg,def
- לצאתם: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,3,m,pl
- מארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Numbers 9:1 (verbal): Almost identical opening formula: 'And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai...'—same location and dating language (second year) introducing a new instruction (Passover).
- Leviticus 1:1 (verbal): Similar sacerdotal introductory formula: 'And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation...'—same 'tabernacle of meeting' setting and divine address to Moses.
- Exodus 40:17 (structural): Gives chronology related to the erection/setting up of the tabernacle 'in the second year' (first month)—parallels Numbers' use of the second-year dating and tabernacle context.
- Exodus 19:1 (thematic): Reports Israel's arrival at Sinai shortly after the Exodus ('they came into the wilderness of Sinai'), linking the Sinai setting and early post-Exodus chronology that frames Numbers 1:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD spoke to Moses in the Sinai wilderness, in the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the second month of the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying:
- The LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying:
Num.1.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שאו: VERB,qal,imperative,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- עדת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כל: DET
- זכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לגלגלתם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,mp
Parallels
- Exodus 30:11-16 (verbal): A direct command to take a census of Israel (“take the sum of the people”) with similar terminology and procedure; both prescribe counting the congregation for administrative/ritual purposes.
- Numbers 26:2 (structural): A later census in the same book that repeats the command to ‘take a sum’ of the Israelites by their families—shows the same organizational formula and purpose within the narrative framework.
- Genesis 46:8-27 (thematic): A detailed listing of Jacob’s household by families and households; thematically parallels Num 1:2’s focus on families, houses of fathers, and counting names/males.
- 1 Chronicles 23:24-32 (structural): Organization and numbering of Levites by divisions and duties—reflects the same concern for orderly census-taking and allocation of service by family/household lines.
- 1 Chronicles 27:23-24 (thematic): Registers tribal leaders and men by household/tribe for military/administrative organization, paralleling Numbers’ census structure and concern for order by families and heads.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Take a census of the whole congregation of the people of Israel, by their clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names; every male from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go out to the camp, you shall number them.
- “Take a census of the heads of all the congregation of the people of Israel, by their clans, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of their names—every male, by their enrollment.
Num.1.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תפקדו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- לצבאתם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,const+PRON,3,m,pl
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ואהרן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 26:2 (verbal): A later census command using the identical age cutoff (“from twenty years old and upward”) to number those able to go to war — a direct repetition of the registration criterion.
- Exodus 30:14 (verbal): Uses the same age threshold (“from twenty years old and upward”) for the obligation to give the ransom/half-shekel in a census context — a parallel legal/administrative use of the twenty-year limit.
- Leviticus 27:3 (verbal): Specifies valuation for vows with the same age category (“between twenty years old and sixty years”) — shows the twenty-year threshold as a recurring legal marker for adult male obligations and service.
- 2 Samuel 24:9 (thematic): Reports the king’s census of fighting men (‘men that were able to go forth to war’), thematically parallel to Numbers’ requirement to count those fit for military service.
Alternative generated candidates
- “From twenty years old and upward, all who can serve in the army in Israel—you and Aaron shall number them, each by his standard.
- From twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go forth to military service in Israel—you shall number them, you and Aaron.
Num.1.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתכם: CONJ+PRON,2,m,pl
- יהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 1:5 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same census narrative: repeats the idea of naming 'the head of every father's house' from each tribe (same wording and context).
- Deuteronomy 1:9-15 (structural): Moses' later account of appointing leaders/judges from the tribes ('men of each tribe, heads of thousands, hundreds, fathers' houses')—same organizational principle for leadership under Israelite governance.
- Exodus 18:21 (thematic): Jethro's instruction to Moses to appoint capable men as leaders over groups of people echoes the pragmatic selection of tribal heads to administer and represent households in the community.
- 1 Chronicles 27:16 (verbal): Lists the 'princes' or chiefs of the tribes under David—parallels the appointment/listing of tribal heads and the administrative role of tribal leaders in organizing Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- “And with you there shall be a man of each tribe: each one shall be head of his father’s house.
- And there shall be with you a man from each tribe, each one the head of his father's house.
Num.1.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואלה: CONJ+DEM,pl,abs
- שמות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יעמדו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- לראובן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אליצור: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שדיאור: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Numbers 26:5 (verbal): Repeats the same tribal chief: 'Elizur son of Shedeur' in the second census — direct verbal parallel to the name recorded in Num 1:5.
- Numbers 2:10 (structural): Describes the placement and organization of Reuben in the tribal encampment — parallels the listing and role of the tribe and its leader.
- Genesis 46:9 (thematic): Lists Reuben and his sons (genealogical/tribal origins); provides the ancestral background for the tribe whose chief is named in Num 1:5.
- Numbers 1:16 (structural): Same census context — the appointment and enumeration of tribal leaders by Moses and Aaron, linking the administrative function of the names given in Num 1:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- “These are the names of the men who shall stand with you: of Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur.
- These are the names of the men who shall stand with you: for Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur.
Num.1.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לשמעון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלמיאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צורישדי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:7 (structural): Another entry from the same census-list of tribal chiefs (e.g., “For Reuben: Elizur son of Shedeur”) — same formulaic pattern identifying a tribe and its appointed leader/father.
- Genesis 46:10 (thematic): Lists the sons of Simeon among Jacob’s descendants who went to Egypt, providing the genealogical background for the tribe headed later by Shelumiel.
- Genesis 49:5-7 (thematic): Jacob’s pronouncement concerning Simeon (violence and scattering) supplies earlier tribal characterization that informs later references to the tribe and its leaders.
- 1 Chronicles 4:24–43 (allusion): Post‑exilic genealogical and territorial material for the tribe of Simeon; revisits Simeonite families and settlements and thus connects to the tradition of tribal leaders recorded in Numbers.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Of Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai.
- For Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai.
Num.1.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ליהודה: PREP+PN,masc,sg
- נחשון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמינדב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 2:3 (structural): Repeats Nahshon son of Amminadab as the appointed leader/prince of the tribe of Judah in the arrangement of the camp.
- Numbers 7:12 (verbal): Names Nahshon son of Amminadab as the prince of Judah who brings the tribe’s offering at the dedication of the altar.
- 1 Chronicles 2:10–11 (verbal): Places Nahshon son of Amminadab in the Judahite genealogy (ancestor of Salmon/Boaz), echoing the same identification by tribe and father.
- Ruth 4:20–22 (thematic): Lists the genealogy that includes Amminadab and Nahshon in the lineage leading to David, connecting the tribal/princely line of Judah.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Of Judah, Nachshon son of Amminadab.
- For Judah, Nahshon son of Amminadab.
Num.1.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ליששכר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתנאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צוער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 2:5 (verbal): Repeats the same tribal leader in the camp arrangement—Nethanel son of Zuar is again named as the head of Issachar.
- Numbers 7:18 (verbal): The same name appears among the tribal leaders bringing the leader's offering at the dedication of the altar (Nethanel son of Zuar for Issachar).
- Numbers 26:23 (thematic): Second census listing of the tribe of Issachar (names and numbers of families) — parallels the first census' concern with tribal identity and leadership, though different personal names appear for family heads.
- 1 Chronicles 27:20 (verbal): A later administrative/military listing under David repeats Nethanel son of Zuar as the leader associated with Issachar, echoing the earlier designation.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Of Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar.
- For Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar.
Num.1.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לזבולן: PREP+NOUN,proper,m,sg,abs
- אליאב: NOUN,proper,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חלן: NOUN,proper,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:8 (structural): Neighboring entry in the same census list—names the chief of Issachar (Nethanel son of Zuar), showing the same structural formula used to record tribal leaders.
- Numbers 26:26 (structural): The later (second) census entry for the tribe of Zebulun; parallels Num 1:9 by returning to Zebulun in the census tradition and tribal accounting.
- Genesis 30:20 (thematic): Reports the origin of the tribe of Zebulun (birth and naming by Leah), providing tribal background for the leader named in Num 1:9.
- Genesis 49:13 (thematic): Jacob’s blessing of Zebulun, a traditional characterization of the tribe that situates the tribe mentioned in Num 1:9 within Israel’s ancestral promises.
- Deuteronomy 33:18–19 (thematic): Moses’ blessing of Zebulun (and Issachar), thematically linked to Num 1:9 by describing the tribe’s destiny and status among Israel, complementing the census listing of its leader.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Of Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon.
- For Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon.
Num.1.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאפרים: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,pl,abs
- אלישמע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמיהוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למנשה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גמליאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פדהצור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 2:18 (verbal): Repeats the same listing for the sons of Joseph: Ephraim (Elishama son of Ammihud) and Manasseh (Gamaliel son of Pedahzur); direct verbal parallel in the camp arrangement section.
- Numbers 7:12-89 (structural): The leaders of the twelve tribes (including Elishama son of Ammihud and Gamaliel son of Pedahzur) appear again as donors who bring the tribal offerings; the chapter repeats tribal leadership names in a cultic/ceremonial context.
- Genesis 48:5-20 (thematic): Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, are adopted and established as tribal progenitors by Jacob — foundational background for the later tribal listings and the identity of 'sons of Joseph.'
- Deuteronomy 33:17 (thematic): Moses' blessing of Joseph (mentioning Ephraim and Manasseh) echoes the prominence and double-portion status of Joseph's tribes, thematically linking to lists that enumerate their leaders.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Of the people of Joseph, of Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud; of Manasseh, Gamliel son of Pedahzur.
- For the sons of Joseph, for Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud; for Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur.
Num.1.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבנימן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבידן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדעני: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:4 (verbal): Same census list formula — another tribal leader named in the same chapter ('to Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur'), showing the parallel structure that names a leader for each tribe.
- Numbers 2:2–34 (structural): Reiterates the tribal arrangement and camp order around the tabernacle; parallels the census/organizational material that assigns leaders and places to the tribes (Benjamin's position among the camps).
- Exodus 30:11–16 (thematic): Gives the legal/ritual basis for conducting a census (atonement money), which underlies the census and listing of tribal leaders in Numbers 1 where Abidan is named for Benjamin.
- Deuteronomy 1:9–18 (thematic): Moses' prior appointment of leaders/judges for Israel — a comparable act of administrative organization and delegation of authority to tribal leaders, parallel to naming tribal chiefs in the Numbers census.
- Genesis 49:27 (thematic): Jacob's blessing/characterization of the tribe of Benjamin ('a ravenous wolf') — provides tribal identity/background that relates to the mention of the tribe and its leader in Numbers 1:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Of Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni.
- For Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni.
Num.1.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לדן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיעזר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמישדי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 27:22 (verbal): Repeats the same name and patronymic — Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai — as the chief/leader of the tribe of Dan in David’s military/administrative list, echoing the Numbers census.
- Numbers 2:25 (structural): Places the tribe of Dan in the tribal encampment/order (north camp) in the parallel arrangement of the tribes, linking the census identification (leader of Dan) to the tribe’s position in Israel’s march.
- Genesis 46:23 (thematic): Gives the genealogy/founding of the tribe of Dan (listing Dan’s sons), providing background to the tribal identity that underlies census entries like the naming of Dan’s leader.
- Judges 18:29 (thematic): Describes the later history and settlement of the tribe of Dan (establishing the city of Dan), illustrating the tribe’s continuity and distinct identity that the Numbers census also records.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Of Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai.
- For Dan, Ahi'ezer son of Ammishaddai.
Num.1.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לאשר: CONJ
- פגעיאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עכרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 2:26 (structural): The same tribal leader for Asher (Pagiel son of Ocran) appears again in the camp-arrangement list — a parallel listing of tribal heads used to organize Israel's encampment.
- Numbers 26:44 (thematic): The later census of the wilderness generation lists the families and numbers of the tribe of Asher, paralleling the tribal enumeration begun in Numbers 1 where individual tribal chiefs are named.
- 1 Chronicles 7:30 (verbal): The genealogy and family lists for the tribe of Asher in Chronicles correspond to the tribal material of Numbers; both preserve names and clan associations for Asher's descendants.
- Deuteronomy 33:24 (thematic): Moses’ blessing on Asher echoes the tribal identity and role of Asher (the tribe whose leader is named in Num 1:13), providing a theological reflection on the tribe referenced in the census.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Of Asher, Pagiel son of Ochran.
- For Asher, Pagiel son of Ocran.
Num.1.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לגד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דעואל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Num.2.14 (verbal): Repeats the same designation of the leader of Gad — 'Eliasaph (Elisaph) son of Deuel' — in the camp-order listing, echoing the name and filial identification.
- Num.1.13 (structural): Part of the same census listing pattern: 'to [tribe] [name] son of [father]'. Num 1:13 provides a direct structural parallel in how tribal leaders are named.
- Num.1.15 (structural): Another immediately adjacent example of the same formula in the tribal-heads list (tribe followed by its chief and father's name), illustrating the standardized census listing.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Of Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel.
- For Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel.
Num.1.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לנפתלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחירע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עינן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Num.2:7 (verbal): Repeats the tribal-roll material: identifies Ahira son of Enan as the leader of the tribe of Naphtali in the camp arrangement (parallel listing of the same name).
- 1 Chr.27:19 (verbal): Lists Ahira son of Enan again as the chief/leader of Naphtali in David’s organization of the tribes—same personal identification as in Num 1:15.
- Josh.19:32 (structural): Describes the territorial allotment of the tribe of Naphtali (towns and boundaries), providing the geographical and tribal context for the leader named in Numbers 1:15.
- Deut.33:23 (thematic): Moses’ blessing of Naphtali emphasizes the tribe’s character and blessing—thematically connected to references to the tribe and its leaders in the census lists.
- Gen.49:21 (thematic): Jacob’s blessing/prophecy concerning Naphtali (a swift, fruitful tribe) provides an early tribal characterization that underlies later tribal listings such as Numbers 1:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Of Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.
- For Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.
Num.1.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- קרואי: ADJ,qal,ptc,m,pl,cons
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- נשיאי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- מטות: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- אבותם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- אלפי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 7:2 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language—'the princes of Israel, heads of the tribes of their fathers'—when describing the tribal leaders who brought offerings; a direct verbal parallel to Num 1:16.
- Numbers 1:4 (structural): Occurs earlier in the same census section and frames the organization 'by their fathers' houses' and by names—same administrative and structural context as Num 1:16.
- Deuteronomy 1:15 (thematic): Moses appoints 'heads' or 'chiefs' of the tribes to govern and adjudicate; parallels the theme of designated tribal leaders acting as heads over Israel.
- 1 Chronicles 27:16-22 (thematic): Lists the tribal chiefs and military/administrative heads in David's organization; echoes the role and function of tribal 'heads' and leaders found in Num 1:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- “These who are named are the leaders of the congregation, the princes of the tribes of their fathers’ houses: they are the chiefs of the thousands of Israel.”
- These are the men who were named of the congregation, the princes of the tribes of their fathers—the heads of the thousands of Israel.
Num.1.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואהרן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- האלה: DEM,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נקבו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- בשמות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 1:13 (thematic): Moses appoints leaders from the people (‘wise, understanding, and known’), paralleling the action of taking named men to carry out communal duties and judgment.
- Exodus 18:25-26 (structural): Jethro’s advice leads Moses to choose able men as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens — a parallel instance of selecting named leaders to administer Israel.
- Numbers 1:16 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same chapter that lists the actual names of the men appointed, closely matching the wording and function of the taking of ‘the men who were named.’
- 1 Chronicles 27:1 (thematic): David organizes Israel by appointing captains/commanders over the troops and divisions — another example of formally naming leaders to manage the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moses and Aaron took these men who were named,
- And Moses and Aaron took these men who were named;
Num.1.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הקהילו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- באחד: PREP
- לחדש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ויתילדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- משפחתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- לגלגלתם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,mp
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2–3 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter: God’s command to Moses to 'take a census of the whole Israelite community by clans and families, counting every man twenty years old or more'—same procedure and age formula as v.18.
- Numbers 26:1–4 (verbal): Later census instruction and execution in the wilderness using the same phrasing ('assemble the whole community' and count males from twenty years upward), showing a repeated census pattern.
- Exodus 30:12–16 (verbal): Census-related regulation requiring each person counted to give a half-shekel for atonement; explicitly sets the age threshold at twenty years and up, echoing the age criterion used in Num 1:18.
- 2 Samuel 24:2–9 (thematic): David’s nationwide census (also paralleled in 1 Chronicles 21) is thematically related—an organized counting of fighting-age men by tribal/administrative units—illustrating the broader ancient Israelite practice and its social/political implications.
Alternative generated candidates
- and they assembled the whole congregation on the first day of the second month; and they were recorded by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every one who could go out to the army in Israel.
- and they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they were enrolled by their clans, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of their names, from twenty years old and upward, every one who could go forth to military service in Israel.
Num.1.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כאשר: CONJ
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויפקדם: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- במדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סיני: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2 (verbal): Immediate command to Moses to 'take the sum of all the congregation'—directly parallels Num 1:19's report that the LORD commanded Moses and he numbered the people.
- Numbers 26:2 (thematic): A later census ('Take the sum of the people') in the plains of Moab mirrors the initial numbering in Sinai in form and purpose.
- Exodus 30:11-13 (verbal): Legislation for a census and the atonement/ransom money—uses the same verb and census concept ('when thou takest the sum of the people'), linking Sinai commands about numbering.
- Exodus 19:1 (structural): Establishes the setting 'in the wilderness of Sinai' where God gave commands to Moses—provides the geographical and theological context echoed in Num 1:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- As the LORD commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai, as the LORD commanded Moses.
- As the LORD commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.
Num.1.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ראובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תולדתם: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לגלגלתם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- זכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2-3 (structural): Gives the command and criteria for the census—'every male from twenty years old and upward'—which Numbers 1:20 applies specifically to Reuben.
- Numbers 26:5 (structural): The later wilderness census recounts the families/descendants of Reuben, paralleling the genealogical and numerical listing begun in Numbers 1:20.
- Genesis 29:32 (thematic): Records Reuben's birth as Jacob's firstborn ('behold, a son'); relates to the designation 'bekhor Yisrael' (firstborn of Israel) applied to Reuben in Numbers 1:20.
- Genesis 35:22 (allusion): Reports Reuben's defilement of his father's bed—an episode that explains later attitudes toward Reuben's status despite being called Israel's firstborn in Numbers 1:20.
- 1 Chronicles 5:1-2 (thematic): Reflects the transfer/loss of Reuben's birthright and gives genealogical material and counts for Reuben's descendants, echoing the census and the 'firstborn' designation in Numbers 1:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel—by their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, all males from twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to the army—
- And the people of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, by their clans, by the houses of their fathers, according to the number of their names, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service:
Num.1.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ששה: NUM,card,m,pl
- וארבעים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- וחמש: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2 (structural): Sets out the original command to take a census of Israel ’by their families’—the procedural framework for the Reuben count in 1:21.
- Numbers 26:7-9 (verbal): Second census listing for the tribe of Reuben; repeats tribal enumeration and names of family heads, allowing comparison of totals between censuses.
- 1 Chronicles 5:1-10 (thematic): Chronicles retells the genealogies and population material for Reuben (and related tribes), echoing the tribal identity and census-related traditions.
- Exodus 30:12-16 (structural): Prescribes an alternative census method (half-shekel atonement) and highlights the broader cultic/legal context for conducting population counts in Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- their number by their muster for the tribe of Reuben was forty-six thousand five hundred.
- the number of those of the tribe of Reuben by their enrollments was forty-six thousand five hundred.
Num.1.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- שמעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תולדתם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,3,m,pl
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- פקדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לגלגלתם: VERB,qal,inf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- זכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2-3 (verbal): The commissioning command and the age criterion ('from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war') that frame the tribal census are stated here and repeated in the tribe-by-tribe entries (verbal and structural continuity).
- Numbers 26:14-19 (thematic): The second wilderness census lists the descendants and numbers of the tribe of Simeon, allowing comparison with the earlier Numbers 1 enumeration (same tribe, later count, differing totals).
- 1 Chronicles 4:24-26 (thematic): Chronicles records the families and settlements of Simeon’s descendants—another traditionary listing of Simeonite subdivisions and names that parallels the tribal-family focus of the Numbers census.
- Exodus 30:12-16 (thematic): Prescribes an alternate method of taking a census (the half‑shekel ransom) and reflects the same administrative concern to count the people for communal/ritual purposes, related to but different from the military-age census in Numbers.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Simeon—by their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, all males from twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to the army—
- The people of Simeon, by their clans, by the houses of their fathers, according to the number of their names, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service:
Num.1.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תשעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- וחמשים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ושלש: CONJ+NUM,card,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:5 (verbal): Immediate neighboring tribal census (Reuben); uses the same registration formula ('those numbered were ...'), showing the standardized census reporting that frames Num 1:23.
- Numbers 1:24 (verbal): Census entry for Gad that follows Simeon in the same chapter; parallels in form and context (tribal counts listed in succession).
- Numbers 2:10-16 (structural): Describes the arrangement of the camp on the south side (Reuben, Simeon, Gad), linking Simeon's census entry to its position in the tribal camp organization.
- Numbers 26:14 (verbal): Later census of the tribe of Simeon (22,200), providing a striking numerical contrast with the 59,300 reported in Num 1:23 and highlighting demographic decline over the wilderness period.
- Genesis 49:5-7 (allusion): Jacob's pronouncement against Simeon and Levi for violence and dispersion; thematically related to Simeon's later fragmentation and reduced numbers in subsequent accounts.
Alternative generated candidates
- their number by their muster for the tribe of Simeon was fifty-nine thousand three hundred.
- the number of those of the tribe of Simeon by their enrollments was fifty-nine thousand three hundred.
Num.1.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- גד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- תולדתם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,poss-3,m,pl
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2 (verbal): General command to take a census 'from twenty years old and upward'—the same age criterion and census framework that governs Num 1:24.
- Numbers 1:20 (structural): Parallel formula introducing the registration of another tribe (Reuben): 'the children of Reuben by their generations… from twenty years old and upward'—same structural wording applied to each tribe.
- Numbers 1:26 (structural): Another instance of the same tribal census formula (Judah) within the same chapter, showing the repeated clan/fathers'-house listing and military-age criterion.
- Numbers 1:47 (structural): Contrasting census regulation in the same passage: Levites were not to be counted 'among the children of Israel' for military service, highlighting the purpose of the listings like Num 1:24 (military enrollment).
- 1 Chronicles 21:5 (thematic): Later royal census that enumerates 'men who drew the sword'—a thematically similar counting of fighting-age men, emphasizing the connection between censuses and military capacity.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Gad—by their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, all males from twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to the army—
- The people of Gad, by their clans, by the houses of their fathers, according to the number of their names, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service:
Num.1.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- חמשה: NUM,m,pl
- וארבעים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ושש: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וחמשים: NUM,card,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:24-26 (structural): Immediate context within the first census list — the verse is part of the sequential tribal tallies (Reuben, Gad, etc.), giving the same subject and wording in the census framework.
- Numbers 26:15-18 (verbal): The second census at the end of the wilderness period again lists the descendants of Gad with a numeric total, providing a direct parallel in subject (tribal enumeration) and allowing comparison of demographic change.
- Numbers 2:18-24 (thematic): Describes the camp arrangement and placement of the tribe of Gad (with Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh) — thematically linked to Gad’s identity and role among the tribes counted in the census.
- 1 Chronicles 27:18-22 (thematic): A Davidic-period administrative/military register that lists leaders and troop organization for Gad — another tribal enumeration that parallels Numbers’ concern with tribal numbers and organization.
Alternative generated candidates
- their number by their muster for the tribe of Gad was forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty.
- the number of those of the tribe of Gad by their enrollments was forty-five thousand six hundred fifty.
Num.1.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- תולדתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמת: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2 (structural): The command to take a census of Israelite men 'by their families... from twenty years old and upward' sets the legislative and structural context for the listing in 1:26.
- Numbers 1:21 (verbal): The listing for the tribe of Reuben uses the same formula — 'from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war' — a near‑verbatim parallel in the tribe-by-tribe census.
- Numbers 26:19 (verbal): The later census in the plains of Moab repeats the census formula for the tribe of Judah, restating the count 'from twenty years old and upward' — a direct reprise of the earlier enumeration.
- 1 Chronicles 2:3-15 (thematic): A genealogical register of Judah's sons and descendants; thematically linked to 'to the children of Judah' and the family/household organization underlying the census.
- Deuteronomy 20:5-8 (thematic): Regulations for military levying and exemptions (who may be deferred from battle) relate thematically to the census' purpose of identifying men 'able to go forth to war.'
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Judah—by their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, all males from twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to the army—
- The people of Judah, by their clans, by the houses of their fathers, according to the number of their names, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service:
Num.1.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פקדיהם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- ושבעים: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ושש: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 26:22 (verbal): Second census tally for the tribe of Judah; gives a different numerical total, highlighting change between the two censuses.
- Numbers 1:1-54 (structural): The broader census list in which Num 1:27 appears; presents the registration of all twelve tribes and the total numbering.
- Exodus 30:11-16 (allusion): Instructions for taking a census (and the required ransom/atonement money), the legal-procedural background to Israel’s population counts.
- Genesis 49:8-10 (thematic): Jacob’s blessing of Judah emphasizing leadership and preeminence of the tribe — thematic background to Judah’s prominence among the tribes.
- Judges 1:2 (thematic): Early tradition of Judah taking the lead in conquest (the LORD’s sanction that Judah go up first), reflecting the tribe’s role and stature implied by its census strength.
Alternative generated candidates
- their number by their muster for the tribe of Judah was seventy-four thousand six hundred.
- the number of those of the tribe of Judah by their enrollments was seventy-four thousand six hundred.
Num.1.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- יששכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תולדתם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3mp
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמת: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:3 (verbal): Gives the general census command 'from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war'—the same age and military qualification applied to each tribe including Issachar.
- Numbers 26:23-25 (structural): The second wilderness census repeats the formula for Issachar: listing families/households and the number of men 'from twenty years old and upward' able to go to war, mirroring Num 1:28.
- Numbers 1:18 (structural): Describes the method of numbering 'by their families, by the house of their fathers,' the same organizational categories used in the listing of Issachar in Num 1:28.
- Genesis 46:13 (thematic): Provides the ancestral/genealogical background for the tribe of Issachar (names of the sons), which underlies the tribal/familial divisions referenced in the census in Num 1:28.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Issachar—by their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, all males from twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to the army—
- The people of Issachar, by their clans, by the houses of their fathers, according to the number of their names, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service:
Num.1.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יששכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- וחמשים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- וארבע: CONJ,NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 26:23 (structural): The second census in the wilderness lists Issachar again (a different total: 64,300), offering a direct structural parallel and showing change over time in the tribe's counted population.
- Numbers 1:30 (structural): Another entry from the same first census (Zebulun: 57,400); parallels Num 1:29 in form and function—enumerating each tribe's fighting men for the camp organization.
- Genesis 30:18 (allusion): The birth-account where Leah names her son Issachar; provides the tribal origin/background behind the census entry.
- Genesis 49:14–15 (thematic): Jacob’s blessing/characterization of Issachar as a strong-boned donkey; thematically related to the tribe’s identity referenced later in the population lists.
Alternative generated candidates
- their number by their muster for the tribe of Issachar was forty-five thousand four hundred.
- the number of those of the tribe of Issachar by their enrollments was forty-five thousand four hundred.
Num.1.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- זבולן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תולדתם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,mp
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמת: PART
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:21 (verbal): Uses the same census formula for the tribe of Reuben — “by their families… by number of males from twenty years and upward… all who were able to go to war.”
- Numbers 1:23 (verbal): Parallel wording for the tribe of Simeon in the initial tribal census, repeating the age-and-military-status formula.
- Numbers 26:26 (structural): Second census (later in Numbers) giving the count of the sons of Zebulun — a direct structural parallel that recounts the tribe’s numbers by clans and males of fighting age.
- Exodus 30:12–13 (thematic): Another census instruction in the Pentateuch (a different method — half-shekel), thematically related as a divinely-ordered counting/registration of Israel.
- 1 Chronicles 27:21 (thematic): Davidic-period administrative listing for the tribe of Zebulun (naming its chief), thematically related to tribal organization and military/service registration found in Numbers 1:30.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Zebulun—by their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, all males from twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to the army—
- The people of Zebulun, by their clans, by the houses of their fathers, according to the number of their names, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service:
Num.1.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זבולן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבעה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחמשים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- וארבע: CONJ,NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:20-46 (structural): The full tribal census in the same chapter; Num 1:31 is one entry in this systematic enumeration of Israel’s tribes.
- Numbers 26:26 (structural): A later census in Numbers repeats the population counts for the tribes, including Zebulun, permitting comparison between generations.
- Genesis 30:20 (thematic): The birth and naming of Zebulun (origin of the tribe’s name) provides genealogical background for the tribe counted in Numbers 1:31.
- Genesis 49:13 (thematic): Jacob’s blessing/prophecy about Zebulun dwelling by the sea connects the tribe’s identity and future territory to the tribal listing in the census.
Alternative generated candidates
- their number by their muster for the tribe of Zebulun was seventy-five thousand four hundred.
- the number of those of the tribe of Zebulun by their enrollments was fifty-seven thousand four hundred.
Num.1.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבני: PREP
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תולדתם: NOUN,f,pl,abs,3mp
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמת: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2 (verbal): Instruction for taking the census 'by the house of their fathers... from twenty years old and upward' — the same formula that frames Num 1:32.
- Numbers 1:20-21 (verbal): Example of the identical census wording applied to another tribe (Reuben), showing the repeated enumeration formula used for each tribe, including Ephraim.
- Numbers 26:35 (structural): The later wilderness census repeats the listing for 'the sons of Joseph, of Ephraim' with the same family/age breakdown — a direct parallel to Num 1:32.
- Genesis 48:5-6 (thematic): Jacob's adoption and blessing of Joseph's sons (Ephraim and Manasseh) provides the tribal origin behind the Ephraim enumeration in Num 1:32.
- Leviticus 27:3-7 (thematic): Uses twenty years as a legal threshold for valuation/service; supplies priestly/legislative background for counting males 'from twenty years old and upward' in the census.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Joseph—of the house of Ephraim—by their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, all males from twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to the army—
- The people of Joseph, of Ephraim, by their clans, by the houses of their fathers, according to the number of their names, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service:
Num.1.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ארבעים: NUM,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- וחמש: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:1–4 (structural): Sets the command and framework for the census from which Num 1:33 (Ephraim’s tally) derives — the overall counting of Israel’s men by tribe.
- Numbers 2:18 (structural): Identifies Ephraim’s position in the tribal camp (west side) and its banner/organization — the same tribal grouping whose numbers are given in Num 1:33.
- Numbers 26 (verbal): The second wilderness census (chapter 26) recounts the populations of the tribes, allowing direct comparison with the earlier figures in Num 1 (shows growth/decline for Ephraim).
- Joshua 17:14–18 (thematic): Discusses Ephraim’s and Manasseh’s need for additional territory because of their growing numbers — thematically linked to the tribal population recorded in Num 1:33.
- Genesis 48:13–20 (allusion): Jacob’s blessing and prophetic placement of Ephraim (the younger placed before Manasseh and promised to become a numerous people) provides a theological background to references to Ephraim’s size in later censuses.
Alternative generated candidates
- their number by their muster for the tribe of Ephraim was forty thousand five hundred.
- the number of those of the tribe of Ephraim by their enrollments was forty thousand five hundred.
Num.1.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תולדתם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 26:34 (verbal): A later census repeats the same pattern for the tribe of Manasseh, listing clans and naming “every male from twenty years old and upward” able to go to war — nearly identical wording and purpose.
- Exodus 30:14 (verbal): Uses the same age threshold (“from twenty years old and upward”) when regulating who is counted/liable in the community (collection of the atonement half-shekel), showing the standard twenty-year benchmark for male obligations.
- 2 Samuel 24:9 (thematic): A national census of military-capable men (the fighting force) — thematically parallels Numbers 1:34’s purpose of enumerating males fit for service/war.
- 1 Chronicles 7:14–19 (structural): Genealogical listing of the families and clans of Manasseh; parallels the structural, clan-by-clan presentation of Manasseh’s households in Numbers 1:34.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Manasseh—by their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, all males from twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to the army—
- The people of Manasseh, by their clans, by the houses of their fathers, according to the number of their names, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service:
Num.1.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,sg,poss3mp
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ושלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ומאתים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2 (structural): The command to take a census — explains the framework for the tribal headcounts of which Manasseh’s number is one entry.
- Numbers 26:34 (verbal): The later wilderness census lists the families/numbers of Manasseh again, providing a direct parallel and point of comparison with the earlier count.
- Joshua 17:1-6 (thematic): Discussion of Manasseh’s allotment and the tribe’s population and divisions (east/west, Machir/Gilead) — relates to tribal size and settlement implied by the census.
- 1 Chronicles 7:14-19 (structural): Genealogical listing of Manasseh’s sons and clans — parallels the tribal-family structure underlying the census totals.
- Exodus 30:11-16 (thematic): A related census/atonement regulation (a numbered levy for census) — connects to the cultic/legal context for taking population counts.
Alternative generated candidates
- their number by their muster for the tribe of Manasseh was thirty-two thousand two hundred.
- the number of those of the tribe of Manasseh by their enrollments was thirty-two thousand two hundred.
Num.1.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- תולדתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,mp
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמת: PRON,3,mp,gen
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2 (structural): The command to take a census 'by clans and families' and to count those 'from twenty years old and upward' provides the framing instruction repeated in the tribal entries such as Num 1:36.
- Numbers 1:20 (verbal): An immediate parallel within the same chapter: the formula 'the sons of [tribe] by their clans, by the house of their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war' is repeated for Reuben and for Benjamin in 1:36.
- Exodus 30:12 (verbal): Uses the same age threshold ('from twenty years old and upward') in the context of counting Israelites for a census‑ransom, linking the age criterion and counting practice to earlier law material.
- Numbers 1:46 (structural): Gives the summed total of the census begun with the tribal listings (including Benjamin), functioning as the concluding registry to which verse 1:36 contributes.
- 2 Samuel 24:9 (thematic): A later royal census reporting numbers of 'valiant men' and military-age males; thematically parallels the purpose of numbering fighting men in Num 1:36, though in a different historical/contextual setting.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Benjamin—by their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, all males from twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to the army—
- The people of Benjamin, by their clans, by the houses of their fathers, according to the number of their names, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service:
Num.1.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3mp
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- חמשה: NUM,m,pl
- ושלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- וארבע: CONJ,NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 26:41 (structural): The second census in Numbers 26 also lists the tribe of Benjamin — a parallel enumeration that allows comparison of Benjamin's population at a different stage.
- Genesis 46:21 (thematic): Lists the sons/families of Benjamin who went to Egypt — genealogical background for the tribal group counted in the census.
- Genesis 35:16-18 (thematic): The birth and naming of Benjamin (Ben‑oni/Benjamin) provides the origin narrative for the tribe whose members are enumerated in Numbers 1:37.
- Joshua 18:11-28 (thematic): Description of the land allotment for the tribe of Benjamin — relates to the tribe's identity and territorial settlement following the period of numbering and organization.
- 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 (thematic): Genealogical account of Benjamin's descendants in Chronicles, offering another post‑exilic presentation of the tribal households counted in the census.
Alternative generated candidates
- their number by their muster for the tribe of Benjamin was thirty-five thousand four hundred.
- the number of those of the tribe of Benjamin by their enrollments was thirty-five thousand four hundred.
Num.1.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- דן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תולדתם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exod.30:12-13 (verbal): Uses the same age cutoff language — ‘from twenty years old and upward’ — in the context of numbering men for a census, a close verbal parallel to Num 1:38.
- Num.1:2-3 (structural): The introductory command to take a census ‘by their families, by the house of their fathers’ that provides the structural frame used again in the tribal listings (including Dan).
- Num.26:41-43 (structural): The second (later) census in the plains of Moab lists the tribe of Dan by families and fathers’ houses, mirroring the format and tribal focus of Num 1:38.
- 2 Sam.24:9 (thematic): A royal census that totals Israel’s fighting men; thematically parallels the counting of ‘all who could go out to war’ (the martial/able-bodied focus of Num 1:38).
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Dan—by their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, all males from twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to the army—
- The people of Dan, by their clans, by the houses of their fathers, according to the number of their names, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service:
Num.1.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,pl,suff3mp
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וששים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ושבע: NUM,m,sg,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:20 (structural): Another line in the same chapter’s tribal census (Reuben), showing the same verbal/structural formula used to report each tribe’s registered men.
- Numbers 1:46 (structural): The chapter’s total census (603,550), which aggregates the individual tribal counts including Dan’s to give the national total.
- Numbers 26:1-65 (structural): The second census later in Numbers that again lists each tribe’s numbers—allows comparison of Dan’s population between the two censuses.
- Exodus 30:12-16 (thematic): A different census procedure (the half-shekel ransom) used to count Israel; thematically related as another legislated method for taking a people count for communal/ritual purposes.
- 2 Samuel 24:1-10 (see 1 Chronicles 21) (thematic): David’s royal census and its consequences: thematically connects to the theological and societal implications of numbering Israel’s fighting men, a recurrent biblical motif.
Alternative generated candidates
- their number by their muster for the tribe of Dan was sixty-two thousand seven hundred.
- the number of those of the tribe of Dan by their enrollments was sixty-two thousand seven hundred.
Num.1.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבני: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תולדתם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,mp
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2 (verbal): The command to take a census 'from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war' appears in the opening instruction that governs the counting recorded in Num 1:40.
- Numbers 26:41 (verbal): The second census repeats the same age formula and phrasing for the tribe of Asher, providing a direct verbal parallel to the enumeration in Num 1:40.
- 1 Chronicles 7:30-40 (structural): A genealogical listing of the families and descendants of Asher that parallels the tribal subdivisions and household-group focus found in the census formula of Num 1:40.
- Deuteronomy 33:24 (thematic): Moses' blessing on Asher emphasizes the tribe's prosperity and strength, thematically linked to the military-capable population counted in Num 1:40.
- Genesis 49:20 (thematic): Jacob's oracle about Asher ('bread of food, and he shall yield royal dainties') thematically complements tribal identity and resources underlying the census of fighting men in Num 1:40.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Asher—by their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, all males from twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to the army—
- The people of Asher, by their clans, by the houses of their fathers, according to the number of their names, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service:
Num.1.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- וארבעים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- וחמש: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2-3 (structural): Immediate command and context for the tribal counts—God instructs Moses to number all men twenty years and upward able to go to war, which yields the individual tribal totals such as in 1:41.
- Numbers 1:46 (structural): Summarizes the results of the same census (total 603,550), showing 1:41 as one tribal entry feeding into the overall enumeration.
- Numbers 26:1-65 (thematic): The second census at the end of the wilderness period lists tribal numbers again; parallels the method, purpose, and tribal-by-tribal reporting found in Numbers 1.
- Exodus 30:12-16 (allusion): An earlier law prescribing a census and the half-shekel ransom for counting the people—conceptually parallel to the numbering procedure and concern for an accurate roster.
- 1 Chronicles 27:1-15 (structural): David's organization and numbering of the fighting men by tribe echoes the tribal military census in Numbers, reflecting the same concern for tribal rolls and military readiness.
Alternative generated candidates
- their number by their muster for the tribe of Asher was forty-one thousand five hundred.
- the number of those of the tribe of Asher by their enrollments was forty-one thousand five hundred.
Num.1.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- נפתלי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תולדתם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3mp
- למשפחתם: PREP,NOUN,f,sg,abs,PRON,3,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמת: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:3 (verbal): The commissioning instruction to take a census 'from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war'—the same formula used in Num 1:42.
- Numbers 1:41 (structural): Part of the same census list; Num 1:41 follows the identical family/household formula applied to the tribe of Issachar, showing the recurring census structure across tribes.
- Numbers 26:48-50 (thematic): The second census (Num 26) repeats the listing of Naphtali's families and military-age males, providing a later comparative tally for the same tribe.
- Exodus 30:12 (thematic): An earlier Israelite census regulation (half-shekel per person) that presupposes counting the community; thematically related as another legal/census procedure concerning the population.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Naphtali—by their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, all males from twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to the army—
- The people of Naphtali, by their clans, by the houses of their fathers, according to the number of their names, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service:
Num.1.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פקדיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפתלי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלשה: NUM,m
- וחמשים: NUM,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- וארבע: CONJ,NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 26:48-49 (verbal): The second census in the plains of Moab again enumerates the tribe of Naphtali; parallel in form and purpose to the first census entry in Numbers 1.
- Joshua 19:32-39 (thematic): The allotment of territory and towns for the tribe of Naphtali in the conquest period — connects the tribal identity and population to its land inheritance.
- Genesis 30:7-8 (allusion): The origin of the name Naphtali (Rachel’s naming after her struggle with Leah) — background for understanding references to the tribe in later censuses.
- Genesis 49:21 (thematic): Jacob’s blessing/poetic description of Naphtali as a ‘hind let loose’ — a traditional characterization of the tribe echoed in later tribal listings and descriptions.
Alternative generated candidates
- their number by their muster for the tribe of Naphtali was fifty-three thousand four hundred.
- the number of those of the tribe of Naphtali by their enrollments was fifty-three thousand four hundred.
Num.1.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- הפקדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואהרן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונשיאי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2 (verbal): The divine command to take a census that provides the immediate context for the numbering (פקד) done by Moses and Aaron.
- Numbers 1:16 (verbal): Lists the tribal leaders (נשיאי) who were named as the heads for the census — language and function parallel to v.44.
- Numbers 1:18 (verbal): Explicitly calls the men 'princes' or 'headmen' of the congregation, repeating the same organizational description of Israel's leaders.
- Deuteronomy 1:15 (thematic): Moses appoints chiefs/judges over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens — a comparable act of selecting leaders to govern the people.
- Exodus 18:21 (thematic): Jethro's advice to appoint capable men as leaders and judges provides the broader institutional principle behind appointing tribal heads.
Alternative generated candidates
- These were the registered who were recorded by Moses and Aaron and by the heads of Israel, twelve men, each one the head of his father’s house.
- These were the ones whom Moses and Aaron and the leaders of Israel numbered—twelve men, each one the head of his father's house.
Num.1.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- פקודי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- מבן: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומעלה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- כל: DET
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צבא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 1:3 (quotation): The same instruction earlier in the chapter: register Israelite males “from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war,” essentially identical wording and intent.
- Numbers 26:2 (verbal): A later census repeats the same age qualification (“from twenty years old and upward”) when numbering those able to serve, showing continuity in the military/census criterion.
- Exodus 30:14 (verbal): The census/ransom law uses the identical age cutoff (“from twenty years old and upward”) for the poll-tax, paralleling the same criterion for counting adults.
- 1 Chronicles 23:24 (thematic): David’s organization of Levites sets twenty years as the threshold for temple service (“from twenty years old and upward”), paralleling the age as the boundary for public/official duties.
- Leviticus 27:3 (thematic): Valuation regulations distinguish persons from twenty to sixty years for purposes of valuation/obligation, reflecting the same concept of twenty as the start of full adult capacity for service.
Alternative generated candidates
- So all those who were registered of the people of Israel, by their families, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to the army in Israel,
- All who were numbered of the people of Israel by their clans, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to military service in Israel,
Num.1.46 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- הפקדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ושלשת: NUM,f,sg,cons
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וחמש: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וחמשים: NUM,card,m
Parallels
- Numbers 1:2–3 (structural): Immediate instruction and method for taking the census (by tribes and clans) that yields the total reported in 1:46; shows the same counting framework.
- Exodus 12:37 (verbal): Reports the Israelite departure from Egypt as 'about six hundred thousand men on foot,' a figure that corresponds closely to the census total and is often cited in connection with Num 1:46.
- Numbers 26:51–52 (structural): The second census at the end of the wilderness wanderings, giving a different total; useful for comparison with the first census total in Num 1:46 and for noting demographic change.
- 2 Samuel 24:9 (cf. 1 Chronicles 21:5) (thematic): Later royal censuses that enumerate fighting men (800,000 in Israel, 500,000 in Judah) — parallels in theme (population/military numbering) and in the theological/legal issues surrounding taking a census.
Alternative generated candidates
- were six hundred three thousand five hundred and fifty.
- were six hundred three thousand five hundred and fifty.
Num.1.47 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והלוים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- למטה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבתם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3,m,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- התפקדו: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,pl
- בתוכם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 1:50-53 (structural): Immediate continuation: God instructs that the Levites be set apart and not numbered with the military census but assigned to care for the tabernacle — direct structural parallel to v.47's statement.
- Numbers 3:5-10 (thematic): Describes the Levites’ consecration for service at the tent of meeting, explaining the rationale for excluding them from the general census of fighting men.
- Numbers 3:40-51 (verbal): Gives the formal census of the Levites and the substitution/redemption of the firstborn, closely related to and expanding on the separate counting noted in 1:47.
- Numbers 18:23 (thematic): Affirms the Levites’ distinct status — they have no land inheritance among Israel and are assigned to the LORD’s service — reflecting why they were not numbered with the tribes.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the Levites by their clans and by their families were not numbered among them.
- But the Levites, by their clans, by their fathers' houses, were not numbered among the people of Israel.
Num.1.48 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- Numbers 1:1 (verbal): Almost identical introductory formula — the LORD speaks to Moses to give census/command; same wording used to introduce the section.
- Exodus 25:1 (verbal): Same formula ('And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying') used to introduce divine instructions about offerings and the tabernacle; parallels the function of launching a legal/ritual section.
- Leviticus 1:1 (structural): Common priestly/legal opening — 'And the LORD called unto Moses, and spoke unto him' (or similar) used repeatedly in Leviticus to introduce priestly laws, showing the same structural role of divine speech to Moses.
- Numbers 9:1 (verbal): Another Numbers instance where the divine-speech formula introduces a specific command (timing of Passover observance), illustrating the recurring pattern of God addressing Moses with instructions.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
- The LORD spoke to Moses, saying:
Num.1.49 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אך: PART
- את: PRT,acc
- מטה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לוי: PROPN,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- תפקד: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- ראשם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- תשא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בתוך: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 3:12-13 (verbal): God declares the Levites are Mine instead of all the firstborn—explains why they are not numbered with the other tribes.
- Numbers 3:39-51 (structural): The Levites are numbered separately and used to redeem the firstborn; develops the same census distinction and Levite role.
- Numbers 8:14-19 (thematic): Commands taking the Levites from among Israel and consecrating them for service, highlighting their separate status.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (allusion): States the LORD separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark and minister before Him, echoing their distinct vocation and exclusion from ordinary tribal counts.
- 1 Chronicles 23:3-5 (structural): David numbers the Levites separately and organizes them for temple service, reflecting the same practice of distinct counting and assignment.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Only you shall not number the tribe of Levi, neither shall you take the sum of them among the people of Israel.
- “Only the tribe of Levi you shall not number, nor shall you take a census of them among the people of Israel.
Num.1.50 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- הפקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- משכן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העדת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- המה: PRON,3,m,pl
- ישאו: VERB,qal,imperf,3,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- המשכן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- כל: DET
- כליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- והם: CONJ+PRON,3,m,pl
- ישרתהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl,obj:3,m,sg
- וסביב: CONJ+PREP
- למשכן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- יחנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 1:53 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter stating that the Levites — not the other Israelites — are to carry and be charged with the tabernacle; nearly identical language and instruction.
- Numbers 3:6-8 (verbal): Earliest designation of the Levites to 'keep the charge' of the tabernacle and its instruments; repeats the assignment-language and function described in Num 1:50.
- Numbers 4:15 (structural): Procedural instructions for the Kohathite Levites who carry the most holy things of the tabernacle after they are covered — a specific development of the carrying/ministering role mentioned in Num 1:50.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (allusion): Refers back to God’s separation of the Levites to 'bear' (carry) the ark and to minister, echoing the vocation and separation noted in Numbers 1:50.
- 1 Chronicles 23:27-32 (thematic): Post‑exilic/monarchic summary of Levites’ duties and organization for temple service and ministering — reflects the same theme of Levites assigned to care for and serve the sanctuary.
Alternative generated candidates
- “But appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony and over all its furnishings and over all that belongs to it; they shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall serve at it. Around the tabernacle shall the camp of the Levites pitch.
- But you shall appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony and over all its furnishings and over all that belongs to it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall serve at it; and around the tabernacle shall the camp of the Levites pitch.
Num.1.51 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובנסע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המשכן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יורידו: VERB,hip,impf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ובחנת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המשכן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יקימו: VERB,hip,impf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והזר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הקרב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Numbers 4:15 (verbal): Gives the detailed duties of the Kohathite Levites in transporting the holy furnishings and warns that touching the holy things improperly brings death—paralleling Num 1:51’s command that Levites dismantle and erect the tabernacle and that a stranger who approaches shall die.
- Numbers 1:50-53 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter: assigns the Levites to keep charge of the tabernacle, to take it down when the camp moves and set it up when it rests, and to encamp around it to prevent wrath—closely restating the functions of Num 1:51.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (thematic): States that the LORD separated the tribe of Levi to carry the ark and minister before God—a theological summary of the Levites’ special role in handling the sanctuary like that described in Num 1:51.
- Leviticus 10:1-3 (thematic): The death of Nadab and Abihu for offering strange fire illustrates the principle that unauthorized or improper approach to God’s presence results in death, echoing Num 1:51’s warning against a stranger approaching the tabernacle.
- Exodus 30:20-21 (verbal): Commands priests to wash hands and feet before entering the tent of meeting or touching holy items ‘that they die not,’ reflecting the same concern in Num 1:51 about death for improper contact with the sanctuary.
Alternative generated candidates
- “And when the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall set it up; and when the tabernacle is to be taken down, the Levites shall take it down; and any outsider who comes near shall be put to death.
- And when the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up. Anyone else who comes near it shall be put to death.
Num.1.52 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וחנו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- מחנהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- דגלו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- לצבאתם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 2:2 (verbal): Repeats the same command about Israel camping 'by their standards'—instructions for organizing the tribes around their banners (close verbal and thematic parallel).
- Numbers 2:3-34 (structural): The whole chapter lays out the arrangement of the tribal camps and their positions by ensigns/standards; 2:34 summarizes that Israel 'pitched by their standards and set forward'—structurally parallel to 1:52's camping by banners.
- Numbers 10:14 (thematic): Describes the order of march when the camp set out, naming the camp of Judah leading—continues the theme of tribal divisions moving and encamping under their standards.
- Revelation 7:4-8 (allusion): Apocalyptic re-organization of Israel into twelve tribal groups (144,000 sealed, listed by tribes); thematically echoes the motif of Israel arranged and identified by tribes/standards.
Alternative generated candidates
- “And the people of Israel shall camp, every man by his standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses; and thus shall they set out by their companies.
- The people of Israel shall camp, each man by his standard, with the banners of their fathers' houses; and the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of testimony.
Num.1.53 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- יחנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- סביב: ADV
- למשכן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cons
- העדת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- קצף: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- עדת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- משמרת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- משכן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העדות: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 2:2 (structural): Explicitly states that the Israelites were to camp 'round about the tabernacle of the congregation'—parallels the spatial arrangement in 1:53 (Levites encamping around the Tabernacle).
- Numbers 3:7-8 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language about the Levites 'keeping the charge' (service/duties) of the tent/tabernacle of meeting—directly parallels the prescribed Levitical function in 1:53.
- Deuteronomy 10:8-9 (thematic): Describes how the LORD separated the tribe of Levi to minister before the LORD and to bear the ark—parallels the theme of Levites set apart for service to protect Israel from divine wrath through their custodial role.
- 1 Chronicles 23:27-32 (thematic): David organizes the Levites into divisions and assigns specific duties for the service of the house of the LORD—parallels the institutionalization of Levitical responsibilities for guarding and serving the sanctuary described in Num 1:53.
Alternative generated candidates
- “But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the testimony; and there shall be no plague among the people of Israel; and the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of the testimony.”
- Thus there shall be no wrath on the congregation of the people of Israel; and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
Num.1.54 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ככל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- צוה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- משה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כן: ADV
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 12:50 (verbal): Nearly identical formula: the Israelites did exactly as the LORD commanded Moses (and Aaron) regarding the Passover—same wording of obedient compliance.
- Numbers 2:34 (verbal): Close repetition within Numbers: the people perform actions exactly 'according to all that the LORD commanded Moses' (here in the context of encamping and breaking camp).
- Exodus 40:16 (verbal): Similar phrasing describing obedience to divine instructions about the tabernacle—'according to all that the LORD commanded Moses' (Moses and the people carrying out God's commands).
- Joshua 1:16–17 (thematic): The leaders and people pledge to obey and do everything commanded by Joshua (and by extension God's command through him), reflecting the same theme of corporate obedience to God’s appointed leader.
Alternative generated candidates
- The people of Israel did according to the word of the LORD to Moses; so they did.
- The people of Israel did according to all that the LORD commanded Moses; so they did.
And YHWH spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month of the second year after their departure from the land of Egypt, saying:
“Take a census of the whole congregation of the people of Israel—by their clans, by their fathers' houses—according to the number of names; every male, by their headcount.
From twenty years old and upward, all who are able to serve in the army in Israel—you and Aaron shall number them. And you shall set each man over his ancestral tribe; each shall be head of his father's house for them.
These are the names of the men who shall stand with you: for Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur.
For Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai.
For Judah, Nahshon son of Amminadab.
For Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar.
For Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon.
For the sons of Joseph, for Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud; for Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur.
For Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni.
For Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai.
For Asher, Pagiel son of Ocran.
For Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel.
For Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.
These are the ones called of the congregation—princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of the thousands of Israel. And Moses and Aaron took these men who were named,
and all the congregation assembled themselves together on the first day of the second month, and they were enrolled according to their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names; from twenty years old and upward, every one who could serve in the army in Israel was enrolled.
As YHWH commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.
The sons of Reuben by their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army—
their numbering by the tribe of Reuben was forty-six thousand five hundred.
The sons of Simeon by their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army—
their numbering by the tribe of Simeon was fifty-nine thousand three hundred.
The sons of Gad by their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army—
their numbering by the tribe of Gad was forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty.
The sons of Judah by their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army—
their numbering by the tribe of Judah was seventy-four thousand six hundred.
The sons of Issachar by their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army—
their numbering by the tribe of Issachar was fifty-four thousand four hundred.
The sons of Zebulun by their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army—
their numbering by the tribe of Zebulun was fifty-seven thousand four hundred.
The sons of Joseph, of Ephraim, by their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army—
the numbering by the tribe of Ephraim was forty thousand five hundred.
The sons of Manasseh by their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army—
the numbering by the tribe of Manasseh was thirty-two thousand two hundred.
The sons of Benjamin by their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army—
the numbering by the tribe of Benjamin was thirty-five thousand four hundred.
The sons of Dan by their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army—
the numbering by the tribe of Dan was sixty-two thousand seven hundred.
The sons of Asher by their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army—
the numbering by the tribe of Asher was forty-one thousand five hundred.
The sons of Naphtali by their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army—
the numbering by the tribe of Naphtali was fifty-three thousand four hundred.
These were the numbered whom Moses and Aaron and the leaders of Israel counted—twelve men, each the head of his father's house.
All the numbered of the children of Israel by their families, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to serve in the army in Israel, were counted.
The total of those counted was six hundred three thousand five hundred and fifty. But the Levites, by their clans, were not numbered among them. And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying,
“Only the tribe of Levi shall not be numbered among the children of Israel; you shall not take a census of them among the people.
You shall appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony and over all its furnishings and over all that belongs to it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall minister to it; and around the tabernacle they shall camp.
When the tabernacle is to set forward, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up. Whoever approaches it unauthorized shall be put to death.
The Israelites shall camp, each man by his own standard and each man by his own division, under their banners. But the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of testimony; thus there shall be no wrath against the congregation of the people of Israel. The Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony. And the people of Israel did according to all that YHWH had commanded Moses; so they did.