Numbers 34:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And ye shall take one prince of every tribe, to divide the land by inheritance.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Also appoint one leader from each tribe to take possession of the land.

Berean Standard Bible:

Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land.

American Standard Version:

And ye shall take one prince of every tribe, to divide the land for inheritance.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And ye shall take^{H3947} one^{H259} prince^{H5387} of every tribe^{H4294}, to divide^{H5157} the land^{H776} by inheritance^{H5157}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Numbers 34:18

**Themes:**
Numbers 34:18 reflects the themes of leadership, order, and inheritance. The instruction to take one prince from every tribe underscores the importance of fair representation and authority in the distribution of the Promised Land. It emphasizes God's command for an equitable division of the land among the Israelite tribes, ensuring that each tribe receives its rightful inheritance as determined by God through Moses.

**Historical Context:**
The verse is set within the broader context of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt. God, through Moses, is instructing the people on how to apportion the land of Canaan, which they are about to enter and possess. This division is to be done by lot, but under the oversight of leaders from each tribe, ensuring a systematic and just allotment.

The time period is during the wilderness wanderings, just before the Israelites cross the Jordan River to begin their conquest and settlement of Canaan. The book of Numbers details the census of the people, the laws they are to follow, and the preparations for their entry into the land promised to their ancestors.

The princes, or tribal leaders, mentioned in this verse are key figures in the administrative and judicial life of their respective tribes. Their role in the land's division signifies the importance of tribal identity and governance within Israelite society. This process was not only a practical necessity but also a religious ceremony, acknowledging God's sovereignty over the land and His provision for His people.

*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: H3947
   There are 909 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לָקַח
   Transliteration: lâqach
   Pronunciation: law-kakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.
   
2. Strong's Number: H259
   There are 801 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶחָד
   Transliteration: ʼechâd
   Pronunciation: ekh-awd'
   Description: a numeral from אָחַד; properly, united, i.e. one; or (as an ordinal) first; a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together,
   
3. Strong's Number: H5387
   There are 120 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָשִׂיא
   Transliteration: nâsîyʼ
   Pronunciation: naw-see'
   Description: or נָשִׂא; from נָשָׂא; properly, an exalted one, i.e. a king or sheik; also a rising mist; captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour.
   
4. Strong's Number: H4294
   There are 204 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מַטֶּה
   Transliteration: maṭṭeh
   Pronunciation: mat-teh'
   Description: or (feminine) מַטָּה; from נָטָה; a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; figuratively, a support of life, e.g. bread); rod, staff, tribe.
   
5. Strong's Number: H5157
   There are 59 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָחַל
   Transliteration: nâchal
   Pronunciation: naw-khal'
   Description: a primitive root; to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate; divide, have (inheritance), take as a heritage, (cause to, give to, make to) inherit, (distribute for, divide (for, for an, by), give for, have, leave for, take (for)) inheritance, (have in, cause to, be made to) possess(-ion).
   
6. 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.