Numbers 26:37
These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were numbered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families.
Original Language Analysis
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃
These are the families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽם׃
These are the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 14
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
בְנֵֽי
These are the sons
H1121
בְנֵֽי
These are the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙
of Ephraim
H669
אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙
of Ephraim
Strong's:
H669
Word #:
4 of 14
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
לִפְקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם
according to those that were numbered
H6485
לִפְקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם
according to those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
5 of 14
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 #:
8 of 14
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
בְנֵֽי
These are the sons
H1121
בְנֵֽי
These are the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Ephraim's decline puzzles commentators—perhaps plague, warfare casualties, or divine judgment for specific sins during the 38-year wandering. Despite reduction, their central geographic position (between Manasseh and Benjamin) and Shiloh's tabernacle in their territory maintained their influence. Later, Ephraim's pride over their perceived importance became a prophetic target (Isaiah 28:1-4, Hosea 5:3-5).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Ephraim's numerical decline yet continued significance demonstrate that God's calling and gifts are irrevocable (Romans 11:29)?
- What does the bracketing phrase 'sons of Joseph' teach about maintaining family/tribal unity despite experiencing different outcomes?
- How might Ephraim's later pride despite earlier decline warn against short-term memory in evaluating God's patience and favor?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those that were numbered of them, thirty and two thousand and five hundred—Ephraim's population of 32,500 represented a stunning 20% decline from the first census (40,500 in Numbers 1:33). Yet this diminishment didn't forfeit their preeminence; they still received choice land and produced Israel's next leader. God's election transcends demographics.
The closing phrase These are the sons of Joseph after their families (אֵלֶּה בְנֵי־יוֹסֵף) brackets the Joseph tribes' census (begun in v. 28), emphasizing their unity despite different trajectories. Combined, they totaled 85,200—powerful but not dominant like Judah. This balance foreshadows Israel's eventual split: Judah's royal line versus Joseph/Ephraim's numerical strength. The census's meticulous record-keeping would later enable land division by lot (26:52-56), ensuring each family received their divinely appointed נַחֲלָה (inheritance).