What number verse is Numbers 1:28 in the Bible?

Numbers 1:28 is the 3,633rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 1:28 sits at position 3,633.

1:271:27 1:291:29

Numbers 1:28

“The Census Results by Tribe”· Numbers 1:20–46Read in context

King James Version

Of the children of Issachar, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

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KJV (with Strong's)

Of the children ^H1121 of Issachar ^H3485, by their generations ^H8435, after their families ^H4940, by the house ^H1004 of their fathers ^H1, according to the number ^H4557 of the names ^H8034, from twenty ^H6242 years ^H8141 old ^H1121 and upward ^H4605, all that were able to go forth ^H3318 to war ^H6635;

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Complete Jewish Bible

Descendants of Yissakhar 54,400

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Berean Standard Bible

From the sons of Issachar, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

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American Standard Version

Of the children of Issachar, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

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World English Bible Messianic

Of the children of Issachar, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Of the sonnes of Issachar by their generations, by their families, and by the houses of their fathers, according to the nomber of their names, from twentie yeere olde and aboue, all that went forth to warre:

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Young's Literal Translation

Of the sons of Issachar--their births, by their families, by the house of their fathers, in the number of names, from a son of twenty years and upward, every one going out to the host--

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Translation

Cross-References

Numbers 26:23
Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites:
Numbers 26:25
These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.
Numbers 23:23
Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!
Numbers 23:25
And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.
Genesis 46:13
And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.
Genesis 30:18
And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.
Numbers 2:5
And those that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar.

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Summary

Numbers 1:28 provides a meticulous account of the census for the tribe of Issachar, detailing the precise criteria for enumerating eligible men. This verse, integral to God's divine command to Moses, underscores the Lord's desire for order and readiness within the Israelite nation as they prepare for their wilderness journey and the eventual conquest of the Promised Land. It highlights the foundational importance of lineage, individual accountability, and military preparedness as essential components for the community's identity and its divinely appointed mission.

Context

Literary Context

Numbers 1:28 is situated within the comprehensive census narrative of Numbers 1, which begins with God's direct instruction to Moses and Aaron to conduct a census of all Israelite men twenty years old and upward who were "able to go forth to war" (Numbers 1:2-3). The preceding verses establish the divine mandate and the methodology, while subsequent verses systematically list the counts for each of the twelve tribes. This repetitive, highly structured enumeration, with Numbers 1:28 focusing specifically on Issachar, emphasizes the thoroughness and divine authority behind the census. It serves as a foundational act of organization, setting the stage for the detailed arrangement of the camp around the Tabernacle in Numbers 2 and the subsequent preparations for their arduous journey through the wilderness.

Historical & Cultural Context

The census described in Numbers 1 occurred in the Sinai wilderness, approximately one year after the miraculous Exodus from Egypt. At this pivotal juncture, Israel was transitioning from a recently liberated slave population into a divinely constituted nation, poised to inherit the land promised to their forefathers. In the ancient Near East, censuses were commonly conducted for administrative purposes such as taxation, labor mobilization, or military conscription. For Israel, this particular census was primarily military and organizational, as explicitly stated in its purpose: to identify men "able to go forth to war." The age requirement of "twenty years old and upward" was a widely recognized standard in many ancient societies for military eligibility, signifying physical maturity and the capacity for combat. The emphasis on "generations," "families," and "house of their fathers" reflects the deeply ingrained patriarchal and tribal structure of Israelite society, where lineage determined identity, social standing, and inheritance. This meticulous genealogical accounting was crucial for maintaining order, accountability, and tribal purity within the vast, nomadic encampment.

Key Themes

Numbers 1:28 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Order and Organization. God is not a God of chaos, but of meticulous arrangement, as evidenced by the precise instructions for the census and the subsequent tribal encampment (e.g., Numbers 2:1-34). Secondly, it highlights Covenant Faithfulness and Preparation. The census prepares Israel for their role as God's covenant people, ready to fulfill His commands, including the conquest of Canaan. This readiness is a demonstration of their commitment to the covenant. Thirdly, the focus on "able to go forth to war" introduces the theme of Military Readiness and Holy War. Israel is presented as a disciplined army, prepared to engage in the divinely sanctioned battles necessary to claim their inheritance, a concept further developed in passages like Deuteronomy 20:1-4). Finally, the emphasis on "generations, families, and house of their fathers" reinforces the theme of Identity and Lineage, crucial for understanding tribal roles, inheritances, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific families.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

children bên' H1121

This word (H1121) is defined as "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)." In Numbers 1:28, "children of Issachar" refers to the male descendants who constitute the tribe, emphasizing their identity as part of a specific lineage. The term highlights the generational continuity and the collective identity derived from a common patriarchal ancestor, forming the fundamental unit of the Israelite nation.

house bayith' H1004

This word (H1004) is defined as "a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out)." In the phrase "by the house of their fathers," bayith refers to the patriarchal household, the most fundamental social and economic unit in ancient Israel. It signifies the extended family unit under the authority of a common male ancestor, underscoring the genealogical basis for the census and the meticulous way in which Israel was organized from its smallest constituent parts.

war tsâbâʼ' H6635

This word (H6635) is defined as "a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship); appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare)." In the context of "able to go forth to war," tsâbâʼ specifically denotes military service and engagement in combat. It highlights the primary purpose of the census: to determine the fighting strength of Israel, transforming them from a disparate group of former slaves into a disciplined, divinely commanded army ready to fulfill God's purposes, including the conquest of Canaan.

Verse Breakdown

"Of the children of Issachar"

This opening clause precisely identifies the specific tribal unit being enumerated within the broader census. It signals the beginning of the detailed count for the descendants of Issachar, one of Jacob's sons, maintaining the systematic, tribe-by-tribe approach of the census.

"by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers"

This tripartite phrase emphasizes the meticulous, hierarchical, and deeply genealogical methodology employed for the census. It underscores that the counting was not a mere head count but a precise registration rooted in established lineage, clan units, and patriarchal households. This detail reflects the ordered structure of Israelite society and God's profound attention to the integrity of familial and tribal identities.

"according to the number of the names"

This phrase highlights the individual accountability and significance within the census. It implies that each person was specifically identified, named, and counted, reinforcing the idea that every eligible male had a distinct place, purpose, and responsibility within the larger community and God's plan.

"from twenty years old and upward"

This clause establishes the critical age qualification for inclusion in the census. It signifies the threshold of physical maturity, legal responsibility, and the capacity for military service, indicating that only adult males deemed fit for combat duty were to be registered.

"all that were able to go forth to war"

This concluding clause defines the ultimate purpose and criteria for participation in the census. It explicitly states that the count was for those physically capable and prepared for military duty, emphasizing Israel's transition into a disciplined nation ready for divine instruction and the military campaigns necessary for the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.

Literary Devices

Numbers 1:28, like the entire census account, employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of divine order and preparation. Repetition is a prominent feature, particularly in the recurring phrase "by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers." This reiteration underscores the meticulous and divinely ordered nature of the census, highlighting the paramount importance of lineage, tribal structure, and familial identity within Israelite society. The entire chapter, including this verse, serves as a prime example of Enumeration or Cataloging, where detailed lists are used to convey precision, comprehensiveness, and divine oversight. This methodical listing reinforces the idea of God's perfect order and His careful preparation of His people for their covenant responsibilities. Furthermore, the phrase "all that were able to go forth to war" functions as a form of Metonymy, where military readiness and service stand in for the broader concept of national duty, obedience to God's command, and active participation in the collective destiny of Israel. It represents the active and responsible role of each eligible male in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Numbers 1:28, situated within the broader census narrative, powerfully communicates God's meticulous nature and His unwavering desire for order within His people. The detailed methodology for counting—"by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names"—highlights divine sovereignty and the profound importance of accountability within the covenant community. This careful tabulation ensured proper tribal structure, military readiness, and a clear understanding of who was available for service in God's unfolding plan. It speaks to the truth that God is a God of order, not chaos, and that His purposes for His people are always precise and intentional, requiring their disciplined participation and readiness to serve His will.

Exodus 18:21 Deuteronomy 20:1 1 Corinthians 14:33

Reflection and Application

Numbers 1:28, though a historical record of an ancient census, offers profound and enduring principles for contemporary believers. Just as ancient Israel was called to be organized, accountable, and ready for God's specific purposes, so too are we, as the spiritual Israel, called to a similar state of spiritual readiness and preparedness. We are to understand our unique place within the larger body of Christ, recognizing that God has meticulously designed each of us with distinct gifts, callings, and roles. Our spiritual families—our local churches and broader Christian communities—provide the essential structure for accountability, mutual support, and spiritual growth. The ancient call to be "able to go forth to war" translates into a contemporary readiness for spiritual warfare, for actively engaging in the mission of God, and for being prepared to serve wherever and whenever God calls. This verse powerfully reminds us that God desires His people to be well-ordered, prepared, and willing to serve for the advancement of His kingdom, trusting in His sovereign guidance through every challenge and into every spiritual victory.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous nature of God's census in Numbers 1:28 inform your understanding of His character and His detailed care for His people?
In what ways are you, as a believer, called to be "able to go forth to war" in a spiritual sense today? What does spiritual readiness and active engagement in God's mission look like in your life?
How can understanding your unique "generation," "family," or "house of your fathers" (i.e., your personal background, gifts, and spiritual heritage) help you better understand and embrace your specific role in God's larger plan for His church and the world?

FAQ

Why was this census so detailed, counting by "generations, families, and house of their fathers"?

The extreme detail in the census, counting by "generations, families, and house of their fathers," served multiple crucial purposes for the nascent nation of Israel. Firstly, it established a clear and verifiable record of each individual's tribal identity and lineage, which was vital for the future distribution of land in Canaan, for maintaining tribal inheritances, and for ensuring the purity of the priestly line (Numbers 26:52-56). Secondly, it demonstrated God's meticulous order and precision in organizing His people, transforming a chaotic multitude of former slaves into a disciplined, structured nation. Thirdly, it ensured accountability, as every eligible man was specifically named and counted, signifying their individual responsibility in the national endeavor. This meticulous record-keeping was foundational for their journey, encampment, and future settlement in the Promised Land, reflecting God's comprehensive planning.

What was the significance of the age requirement "from twenty years old and upward" for the census?

The age requirement of "twenty years old and upward" was a common standard for military conscription in the ancient Near East, signifying physical maturity and the capability to endure the rigors of warfare. In the context of Israel, it marked the age at which men were considered fully responsible members of the community, capable of bearing arms and participating in the nation's defense and conquest. This age was also significant for other legal and religious responsibilities, such as being subject to certain vows or offerings (Leviticus 27:3). It essentially defined the eligible male population ready to serve God's purposes, particularly in the military campaigns that lay ahead as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

The meticulous census of Numbers 1:28, counting those "able to go forth to war," powerfully foreshadows the spiritual army of God's people in Christ. While ancient Israel was marshaled for physical conquest in Canaan, believers today are enlisted in a spiritual warfare against "the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). Just as each Israelite man was counted and given a specific place within his tribe and family, so too is every believer uniquely called, gifted, and given a vital role within the body of Christ, the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Our "enlistment" into this spiritual army is not based on physical age or strength, but on spiritual birth through faith in Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate Commander and Chief, bringing "many sons to glory" (Hebrews 2:10). The divine order and preparation seen in the census of Numbers points to God's sovereign plan of redemption, culminating in Christ, through whom we are empowered to stand firm and advance His kingdom. We are called to be spiritually prepared, not with swords and spears, but with the full armor of God and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ready to "fight the good fight of faith" (Ephesians 6:11-17; 1 Timothy 6:12).

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Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 1:17–43.

1662–1714 · 27 verses

Passage under commentNumbers 1:17–43

17¶ And Moses and Aaron took these men which are expressed by their names:

18And they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls.

19As the LORD commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.

20And the children of Reuben, Israel's eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

21Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.

22Of the children of Simeon, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, those that were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

23Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty and nine thousand and three hundred.

24Of the children of Gad, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

25Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Gad, were forty and five thousand six hundred and fifty.

26Of the children of Judah, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

27Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.

28Of the children of Issachar, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

29Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.

30Of the children of Zebulun, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

31Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty and seven thousand and four hundred.

32Of the children of Joseph, namely, of the children of Ephraim, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

33Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand and five hundred.

34Of the children of Manasseh, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

35Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.

36Of the children of Benjamin, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

37Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty and five thousand and four hundred.

38Of the children of Dan, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

39Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Dan, were threescore and two thousand and seven hundred.

40Of the children of Asher, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

41Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Asher, were forty and one thousand and five hundred.

42Of the children of Naphtali, throughout their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

43Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Naphtali, were fifty and three thousand and four hundred.

We have here the speedy execution of the orders given for the numbering of the people. It was begun the same day that the orders were given, The first day of the second month; compare Num 1:18 with Num 1:1. Note, When any work is to be done for God it is good to set about it quickly, while the sense of duty is strong and pressing. And, for aught that appears, it was but one day's work, for many other things were done between this and the twentieth day of this month, when they removed their camp, Num 10:11. Joab was almost ten months numbering the people in David's time (Sa2 24:8); but then they were dispersed, now they lived closely together; then Satan proposed the doing of it, now God commanded it. It was the sooner and more easily done now because it had been done but a little while ago, and they needed but review the old books, with the alterations since made, which probably they had kept an account of as they occurred.

In the particulars here left upon record, we may observe, 1. That the numbers are registered in words at length (as I may say), and not in figures; to every one of the twelve tribes it is repeated, for the greater ceremony and solemnity of the account, that they were numbered by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, to show that every tribe took and gave in the account by the same rule and in the same method, though so many hands were employed in it, setting down the genealogy first, to show that their family descended from Israel, then the families themselves in their order, then dividing each family into the houses, or subordinate families, that branched from it, and under these the names of the particular persons, according to the rules of heraldry. Thus every man might know who were his relations or next of kin, on which some laws we have already met with did depend: besides that the nearer any are to us in relation the more ready we should be to do them good. 2. That they all end with hundreds, only Gad with fifty (Num 1:25), but none of the numbers descend to units or tens. Some think it was a special providence that ordered all the tribes just at this time to be even numbers, and no odd or broken numbers among them, to show them that there was something more than ordinary designed in their increase, there being this uncommon in the circumstance of it. It is rather probable that Moses having some time before appointed rulers of hundreds, and rulers of fifties (Exo 18:25), they numbered the people by their respective rulers, which would bring the numbers to even hundreds or fifties. 3. That Judah is the must numerous of them all, more than double to Benjamin and Manasseh, and almost 12,000 more than any other tribe, v. 27. It was Judah whom his brethren must praise because from him Messiah the Prince was to descend; but, because that was a thing at a distance, God did in many ways honour that tribe in the mean time, particularly by the great increase of it, for his sake who was to spring out of Judah (Heb 7:14) in the fulness of time. Judah was to lead the van through the wilderness, and therefore was furnished accordingly with greater strength than any other tribe. 4. Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, are numbered as distinct tribes, and both together made up almost as many as Judah; this was in pursuance of Jacob's adoption of them, by which they were equalled with their uncles Reuben and Simeon, Gen 48:5. It was also the effect of the blessing of Joseph, who was to be a fruitful bough, Gen 49:22. And Ephraim the younger is put first, and is more numerous than Manasseh, for Jacob had crossed hands, and foreseen ten thousands of Ephraim and thousands of Manasseh. The fulfilling of this confirms our faith in the spirit of prophecy with which the patriarchs were endued. 5. When they came down into Egypt Dan had but one son (Gen 46:23), and so his tribe was but one family, Num 26:42. Benjamin had then ten sons (Gen 46:21), yet now the tribe of Dan is almost double in number to that of Benjamin. Note, The increasing and diminishing of families do not always go by probabilities. Some are multiplied greatly, and again are diminished, while others that were poor have families made them like a flock, Psa 107:38, Psa 107:39, Psa 107:41; and see Job 12:23. 6. It is said of each of the tribes that those were numbered who were able to go forth to war, to remind them that they had wars before them, though now they were in peace and met with no opposition. Let not him that girdeth on the harness boast as though he had put it off.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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