What number verse is Numbers 1:31 in the Bible?

Numbers 1:31 is the 3,636th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 1:31 sits at position 3,636.

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

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

Those that were numbered ^H6485 of them, even of the tribe ^H4294 of Zebulun ^H2074, were fifty ^H2572 and seven ^H7651 thousand ^H505 and four ^H702 hundred ^H3967.

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Complete Jewish Bible

Consolidated into verse 30 by this translation.

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Berean Standard Bible

those registered to the tribe of Zebulun numbered 57,400.

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The nomber of them also of the tribe of Zebulun was seuen and fiftie thousand and foure hundreth.

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Young's Literal Translation

their numbered ones, for the tribe of Zebulun, are seven and fifty thousand and four hundred.

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Study This Verse

Summary

Numbers 1:31 meticulously records the census count for the tribe of Zebulun, revealing a total of fifty-seven thousand four hundred men aged twenty years and upward, capable of military service. This specific enumeration is part of a larger divine directive to Moses and Aaron to register all eligible males across the twelve tribes of Israel, excluding the Levites, who were set apart for sacred duties. This detailed accounting underscores God's divine order, preparing His people not only for their wilderness journey but also for the strategic organization and military readiness required for their future inheritance of the Promised Land.

Context

Literary Context

Numbers 1:31 is situated within the foundational chapter of the book of Numbers, which meticulously details the first national census of Israel. The chapter commences with God's direct command to Moses and Aaron on the first day of the second month in the second year after the Exodus, instructing them to take a "head count of all the congregation of the sons of Israel, by their families, by their fathers' households, according to the number of names, every male individually" Numbers 1:1-2. This divine mandate is then systematically executed, with verses Numbers 1:20-46 presenting the specific counts for each of the twelve tribes, from Reuben to Naphtali. The deliberate exclusion of the Levites from this military census, as specified in Numbers 1:47-54, highlights their distinct role in tabernacle service and camp organization, further emphasizing the strategic and purposeful nature of the census for the other tribes.

Historical & Cultural Context

The census described in Numbers 1 took place in the wilderness of Sinai, approximately one year after the Israelites' miraculous Exodus from Egypt. At this pivotal juncture, the nation was transitioning from a recently freed slave population into a divinely ordered and organized community, poised to embark on a journey towards the Promised Land. Such a census was not merely a demographic exercise but served crucial military and organizational purposes, common in ancient Near Eastern societies for large-scale movements or preparations for war. The numbering of men "twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war" Numbers 1:3 indicates a strategic intent to assess the nation's military strength and to organize them into divisions for encampment, marching, and future conquest. This meticulous registration also established a clear tribal identity and order, crucial for maintaining social cohesion and assigning responsibilities within the vast Israelite camp, reflecting God's desire for order and readiness among His people.

Key Themes

Numbers 1:31, as part of the broader census narrative, contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Order and Sovereignty, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in organizing His people for their journey and future. The census highlights Israel's Identity as a Holy Nation and a Military Host, emphasizing their transition from a collection of families into a unified, divinely-commissioned army prepared for the challenges of the wilderness and the conquest of Canaan. This preparation underscores the theme of God's Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises, as He systematically prepares His people to inherit the land He swore to their forefathers. Finally, the distinction between the military tribes and the Levites (as seen in Numbers 1:47-54) reinforces the theme of Distinct Roles and Responsibilities within God's Community, where each group contributes uniquely to the overall divine plan.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

numbered pâqad' H6485

This verb, often translated as "to number," "to count," or "to muster," carries significant theological weight beyond a simple tally. In a biblical context, pâqad' frequently implies divine oversight, visitation, or appointment. When God "numbers" His people, it is not a mere statistical exercise but an act of acknowledging, organizing, and preparing them for a specific purpose or task. Here, it signifies God's active involvement in ordering His people for their journey and future military engagements, indicating His providential care and strategic planning for Israel.

tribe maṭṭeh' H4294

The term maṭṭeh' refers to a "staff" or "rod," which then metaphorically extends to a "tribe" or "clan," symbolizing the unity and authority associated with a tribal leader's staff. Each maṭṭeh' represented a distinct familial and socio-political unit within the larger Israelite confederation, maintaining its unique identity while contributing to the collective strength of the nation. The emphasis on individual tribal counts, like that of Zebulun, highlights the importance of both corporate unity and individual group distinctiveness within God's chosen people.

Zebulun Zᵉbûwlûwn' H2074

Zebulun was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's tenth son, Zebulun. The name itself is associated with "dwelling" or "habitation" (from zaval). While this verse focuses solely on its numerical strength, the tribe of Zebulun would later be known for its proximity to the sea and its participation in military endeavors, as prophesied in Genesis 49:13 and depicted in the Song of Deborah (Judges 5:18). Its specific count here establishes its foundational strength at the outset of Israel's national formation.

Verse Breakdown

"Those that were numbered of them"

This phrase refers to the specific individuals who met the criteria for the census—males aged twenty years and upward, fit for military service. It emphasizes that this was not a count of the entire population (women, children, Levites were excluded), but a targeted muster of the nation's fighting force. The passive construction "were numbered" implicitly points to the divine authority behind the census, as it was God who commanded it, indicating His sovereign oversight and purpose in this organizational act.

"[even] of the tribe of Zebulun"

This clause precisely identifies the specific tribal unit being reported. It highlights the meticulous nature of the census, where each tribe's contribution to the national strength was individually recorded. The inclusion of "even" in the KJV clarifies that the preceding phrase refers directly to this tribe, ensuring no ambiguity about the subject of the count and underscoring the systematic approach to the enumeration of each distinct tribal entity.

"[were] fifty and seven thousand and four hundred"

This provides the exact numerical total for the eligible men from the tribe of Zebulun. The precision of the number (57,400) underscores the accuracy and thoroughness of the census, reflecting a divine attention to detail and order. This specific figure would contribute to the overall strength of the Israelite army and inform their strategic planning for the wilderness journey and the conquest of Canaan, demonstrating God's comprehensive knowledge and preparation for His people.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in Numbers 1:31, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is Enumeration. This device is characterized by the detailed listing or counting of items, in this case, the specific number of eligible men from each tribe. The consistent repetition of the formula "Those that were numbered of them, of the tribe of [Tribe Name], were [Number]" across verses Numbers 1:20-46 creates a powerful sense of Repetition and Anaphora, emphasizing the systematic and exhaustive nature of the census. This meticulous accounting also serves as a form of Symbolism, where the precise numbers symbolize God's divine order, His sovereign control over His people, and His purposeful preparation for their future. The sheer volume of numbers also conveys the immense scale of the Israelite nation and the logistical challenge of leading them, highlighting the profound need for divine guidance and organization in their wilderness journey and impending conquest.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Numbers 1:31, as part of the broader census narrative, powerfully articulates God's character as a God of order, purpose, and meticulous care for His people. The precise counting of each tribe, including Zebulun, reveals that God's plans are not haphazard but are executed with divine precision and forethought. This census was not merely about numbers; it was about organizing a vast, recently liberated people into a cohesive unit, ready for the challenges of the wilderness and the battles for the Promised Land. It underscores the theological truth that every individual and every group within God's community has a place and a purpose, contributing to the collective strength and mission. This divine blueprint for order ensures efficiency, accountability, and readiness for God's unfolding purposes, demonstrating His active involvement in the lives of His covenant people.

Exodus 18:21 1 Corinthians 14:33 Ephesians 4:16

Reflection and Application

The detailed census of Numbers 1, including the specific count for Zebulun, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, purpose, and intentionality, who values every individual and every part of His collective people. Just as each tribe was counted and assigned a role in the wilderness journey and future conquest, so too does every believer have a unique place and calling within the body of Christ. This passage challenges us to consider our own readiness for God's purposes, whether that involves spiritual warfare, service within the church, or engaging with the world around us. God's attention to the specific numbers of each tribe encourages us to trust in His meticulous care and providence in our own lives, knowing that He has a precise plan for us and for His church, and that He equips us for the tasks He sets before us. We are called to live with intentionality, recognizing our individual contributions to the larger divine mission and striving for the order and readiness that reflect God's character in our personal and corporate lives.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous nature of God's census in Numbers 1 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?
In what ways do you see yourself as "numbered" and purposed by God within the collective body of Christ today?
What does "readiness for service" or "spiritual warfare" mean for you personally in light of the military aspect of this census?
How can we, as individuals and as a church, better embody the divine order and intentionality seen in the organization of ancient Israel?

FAQ

Why was the census in Numbers 1 taken, and what was its primary purpose?

The census in Numbers 1, which includes the count for Zebulun, was primarily taken by divine command for strategic and organizational purposes. It was not merely a demographic survey. Its main objectives were: to assess the military strength of Israel by counting all males aged twenty years and upward who were able to go to war Numbers 1:3; to organize the vast population into a structured camp for their journey through the wilderness; to prepare them for future military engagements as they approached the Promised Land; and to assign responsibilities for marching order and camp setup, ensuring divine order and efficiency. The Levites were notably excluded from this military census, being set apart for the sacred duties of the tabernacle Numbers 1:47-54.

What was the significance of the tribe of Zebulun within the larger Israelite nation?

The tribe of Zebulun, like the other tribes, represented a distinct familial and socio-political unit within the larger confederation of Israel. While Numbers 1:31 simply provides its numerical strength at the time of the census (57,400 fighting men), Zebulun would later be known for its geographical location near the sea, engaging in trade, and for its valor in battle. Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:13 foretold its dwelling by the seashore, and the Song of Deborah in Judges 5:18 praises Zebulun for risking its life in battle. Its inclusion in the meticulous census underscores that each tribe, regardless of its specific future role or size, was an integral and valued part of God's chosen nation, contributing to the overall strength and purpose of the community.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

While Numbers 1:31 details a historical census of ancient Israel for military and organizational purposes, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The meticulous numbering of God's people foreshadows the divine precision with which God builds His spiritual army, the Church. Just as each Israelite tribe was counted and had its place, so too are believers "numbered" and uniquely gifted within the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. The census's purpose of preparing Israel for conquest points to Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death, establishing His eternal kingdom. Believers, through faith in Him, are enlisted not in a physical army but in a spiritual one, equipped with the "full armor of God" Ephesians 6:11 to contend against spiritual forces and to advance the gospel. Jesus, as the ultimate Leader and Commander, perfectly fulfills the divine order and purpose seen in the wilderness census, gathering His people from every tribe and nation into one unified body Revelation 7:9-10 to accomplish His redemptive mission, not through earthly might, but through the power of His Spirit and the sacrificial work of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world John 1:29.

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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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