Numbers 26:53

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names.

Complete Jewish Bible:

"The land is to be parceled out among these as a possession to be inherited, according to the number of names.

Berean Standard Bible:

“The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names.

American Standard Version:

Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Unto these the land{H776} shall be divided{H2505} for an inheritance{H5159} according to the number{H4557} of names{H8034}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Joshua 11:23

  • So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.

Joshua 14:1

  • ¶ And these [are the countries] which the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance to them.

Psalms 105:44

  • And gave them the lands of the heathen: and they inherited the labour of the people;

Revelation 21:27

  • And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Matthew 5:5

  • Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Ezekiel 47:22

  • And it shall come to pass, [that] ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.

Genesis 12:2

  • And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

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Commentary for Numbers 26:53

1. **Themes:**
- **Divine Allocation of Land:** The verse reflects the theme of God's direct involvement in the distribution of the Promised Land to the Israelites. It emphasizes that the land is a divine inheritance, allocated according to God's will and plan.
- **Fairness and Equality:** There is an underlying theme of fairness, as the land is to be divided among the tribes and families according to their size, ensuring that each group receives a portion proportional to the number of its members.
- **Fulfillment of Promise:** This verse is part of the broader narrative of God fulfilling His promise to the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give their descendants the land of Canaan.

2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Second Census:** Numbers 26:53 is set within the context of the second census taken by Moses at the command of God, following the first census recorded in Numbers 1. This second census was conducted to determine the size of the new generation that would inherit the land, as the previous generation had died in the wilderness due to their unbelief and rebellion.
- **Transition to the Conquest:** The Israelites are on the brink of entering the Promised Land after spending 40 years in the wilderness. The census serves as a prelude to the organization and allocation of territories to the tribes of Israel.
- **Preparation for Settlement:** The verse comes at a time when the Israelites are preparing to transition from a nomadic existence to a settled life in Canaan. The division of the land based on the number of names is a practical step in establishing a stable society with clear inheritance rights for each family and tribe.

In summary, Numbers 26:53 is situated in the historical transition from wandering to settlement, and it underscores themes of divine promise, fair distribution of inheritance, and the fulfillment of God's covenant with the Israelites.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H776
    There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֶרֶץ
    Transliteration: ʼerets
    Pronunciation: eh'-rets
    Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world.
  2. Strong's Number: H2505
    There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חָלַק
    Transliteration: châlaq
    Pronunciation: khaw-lak'
    Description: a primitive root; to be smooth (figuratively); by implication (as smooth stones were used for lots) to apportion or separate; deal, distribute, divide, flatter, give, (have, im-) part(-ner), take away a portion, receive, separate self, (be) smooth(-er).
  3. Strong's Number: H5159
    There are 191 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: נַחֲלָה
    Transliteration: nachălâh
    Pronunciation: nakh-al-aw'
    Description: from נָחַל (in its usual sense); properly, something inherited, i.e. (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion; heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare נַחַל.
  4. Strong's Number: H4557
    There are 129 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: מִסְפָּר
    Transliteration: miçpâr
    Pronunciation: mis-pawr'
    Description: from סָפַר; a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration; [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time.
  5. Strong's Number: H8034
    There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שֵׁם
    Transliteration: shêm
    Pronunciation: shame
    Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.