Numbers 26:34
These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred.
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
These are the families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
These are the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 9
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
מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה
of Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
3 of 9
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וּפְקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם
and those that were numbered
H6485
וּפְקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם
and those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
4 of 9
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
H505
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
7 of 9
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Historical Context
Manasseh's growth from smallest of Joseph's tribes to largest reflects God's sovereignty in population dynamics. Their dual inheritance—Transjordan under Moses, western territory under Joshua—required larger numbers. The eastern half-tribe served as buffer against Aramean and Ammonite threats, while the western half controlled strategic valleys.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Manasseh's extraordinary growth despite wilderness wandering demonstrate that God's blessing operates even in seasons of corporate discipline?
- What does the reversal between Ephraim and Manasseh's relative sizes teach about not presuming that early advantage guarantees continued prominence?
- How might we discern God's calling for our ministries by observing where He grants 'increase' despite difficult circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred (חֲמִשִּׁים וּשְׁנַיִם אֶלֶף וּשְׁבַע מֵאוֹת)—Manasseh's census total of 52,700 represented a dramatic 64% increase from the first census (32,200 in Numbers 1:35), the largest growth of any tribe. This explosion vindicated Jacob's prophecy that Joseph's descendants would become 'a multitude' (Genesis 48:19).
The increase occurred despite 38 years of wilderness judgment, showing God's blessing transcends circumstances. While Ephraim decreased from 40,500 to 32,500, Manasseh surged—the younger remained greater in numbers but the elder grew in percentage terms. This growth prepared them for inheriting the largest territorial allotment, spanning both Transjordan and Cisjordan (Joshua 17:1-13). Fruitfulness proves calling; their numbers matched their geographical destiny.