Numbers 1:30
Of the children of Zebulun, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Original Language Analysis
מִבֶּ֨ן
Of the children
H1121
מִבֶּ֨ן
Of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
זְבוּלֻ֔ן
of Zebulun
H2074
זְבוּלֻ֔ן
of Zebulun
Strong's:
H2074
Word #:
2 of 15
zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe
תּֽוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם
by their generations
H8435
תּֽוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם
by their generations
Strong's:
H8435
Word #:
3 of 15
(plural only) descent, i.e., family; (figuratively) history
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם
after their families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
4 of 15
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
לְבֵ֣ית
by the house
H1004
לְבֵ֣ית
by the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֲבֹתָ֑ם
of their fathers
H1
אֲבֹתָ֑ם
of their fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
6 of 15
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר
according to the number
H4557
בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר
according to the number
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
7 of 15
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
שֵׁמֹ֗ת
of the names
H8034
שֵׁמֹ֗ת
of the names
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
8 of 15
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
מִבֶּ֨ן
Of the children
H1121
מִבֶּ֨ן
Of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וָמַ֔עְלָה
and upward
H4605
וָמַ֔עְלָה
and upward
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
12 of 15
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Zebulun received coastal territory in lower Galilee, benefiting from maritime trade. Jacob's blessing promised that Zebulun would 'dwell at the haven of the sea' (Genesis 49:13), a prophecy fulfilled in their territorial inheritance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Zebulun's unexpected significance in Jesus's ministry encourage faith that God can use any believer or circumstance for His purposes?
- What does this teach us about avoiding premature judgments about significance or insignificance in God's economy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Zebulun's census demonstrates the continuation of God's covenant faithfulness even to tribes that would not feature prominently in Israel's political history. The tribe's later association with Nazareth and the Galilean ministry of Jesus shows that what seems insignificant in one era can become central in God's redemptive plan. This principle encourages believers to trust God's sovereignty over their circumstances, knowing He can use any situation for His glory.