Numbers 26:35
These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.
Original Language Analysis
בְנֵֽי
These are the sons
H1121
בְנֵֽי
These are the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶפְרַיִם֮
of Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרַיִם֮
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
3 of 13
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
4 of 13
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
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
6 of 13
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
הַשֻּׁ֣תַלְחִ֔י
of the Shuthalhites
H8364
הַשֻּׁ֣תַלְחִ֔י
of the Shuthalhites
Strong's:
H8364
Word #:
7 of 13
a shuthalchite (collectively) or descendants of shuthelach
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
9 of 13
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
הַבַּכְרִ֑י
of the Bachrites
H1076
הַבַּכְרִ֑י
of the Bachrites
Strong's:
H1076
Word #:
10 of 13
a bakrite (collectively) or descendants of beker
Historical Context
Ephraim received the central highlands including Shiloh (where the Tabernacle rested 369 years) and later Samaria. Their territory controlled north-south travel through Canaan's mountain spine. Joshua, Samuel, and Jeroboam I all came from Ephraim, making them the northern kingdom's dominant tribe. Their reduced census numbers (from 40,500 to 32,500) didn't diminish their influence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ephraim's decline in numbers yet increase in influence challenge our modern metrics of success and 'growth'?
- What does Shuthelah's clan producing Joshua teach about God's long-term preparation of leaders through family lines?
- How might Ephraim's eventual pride and downfall (Hosea's constant critique) warn against confusing divine calling with inherent superiority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites: of Becher, the family of the Bachrites: of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites—Ephraim (אֶפְרַיִם, 'double fruitfulness') had three primary clans versus Manasseh's six subdivisions, suggesting more consolidated tribal structure. Shuthelah (שׁוּתֶלַח, 'crash of breakage' or 'shoot/sprout') headed the clan that produced Joshua (1 Chronicles 7:25-27), Israel's next leader after Moses.
Becher (בֶּכֶר, 'young camel' or 'firstborn') and Tahan (תַּחַן, 'camp/encampment') suggest mobility and military organization—appropriate for the tribe that would dominate central hill country. Ephraim's streamlined clan structure may have contributed to their cohesion and political influence, eventually making 'Ephraim' synonymous with the northern kingdom (Isaiah 7:2). Sometimes fewer divisions mean greater unity and impact.