What number verse is Numbers 1:36 in the Bible?

Numbers 1:36 is the 3,641st verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 1:36 sits at position 3,641.

1:351:35 1:371:37

Numbers 1:36

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

King James Version

Of 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;

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KJV (with Strong's)

Of the children ^H1121 of Benjamin ^H1144, 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 Binyamin 35,400

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Berean Standard Bible

From the sons of Benjamin, 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 Benjamin, 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 Benjamin, 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 Beniamin 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 foorth to warre:

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Young's Literal Translation

Of the sons of Benjamin--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

Genesis 49:27
Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.
Genesis 46:21
And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.
Genesis 44:20
And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.
2 Chronicles 17:17
And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.
Genesis 35:16
¶ And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.
Genesis 35:18
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.
Revelation 7:8
Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

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Summary

Numbers 1:36 meticulously records the census of the tribe of Benjamin, specifying the criteria for inclusion: males aged twenty years and older who were physically capable and legally qualified for military service. This verse, consistent with the broader enumeration in Numbers chapter 1, highlights God's divine command to organize Israel into a disciplined, prepared nation, ready for its journey through the wilderness and the impending conquest of the Promised Land. It underscores the divine emphasis on order, accountability, and the readiness of God's people for His sovereign purposes.

Context

Literary Context

Numbers 1:36 is embedded within the comprehensive census account detailed in the opening chapter of the Book of Numbers. This enumeration follows a direct divine command given to Moses and Aaron on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Exodus from Egypt, as specified in Numbers 1:1-3. The chapter systematically lists the fighting men from each of Israel's twelve tribes, with Benjamin's count fitting precisely into this established pattern. The consistent repetition of phrases like "by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers" and "from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war" across all tribal entries underscores the uniformity, precision, and divine authority behind this registration. This meticulous accounting serves as a foundational organizational act, preparing the Israelites for the structured encampment, the wilderness journey, and the military campaigns that would unfold in subsequent chapters of Numbers.

Historical & Cultural Context

The census described in Numbers 1, including the specific count for Benjamin in verse 36, takes place at the foot of Mount Sinai, approximately one year after the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian bondage. This period marks a pivotal transition for Israel, transforming them from a scattered collection of former slaves into a nascent, divinely organized nation. The primary purpose of this census was not merely a demographic count but a strategic military registration, designed to identify all able-bodied men eligible for armed service. In ancient Near Eastern societies, military strength was crucial for national security, defense, and expansion, making a census of this nature a common practice for organizing armies and assessing national resources. The criterion "from twenty years old and upward" reflected the standard age of military conscription, signifying physical maturity and the readiness to assume civic and military responsibilities. The emphasis on "generations," "families," and "house of their fathers" highlights the deeply rooted tribal and clan structure of Israelite society, where identity, inheritance, and social order were intricately tied to lineage. This meticulous divine organization prepared the Israelites for both the logistical challenges of their wilderness journey and the impending conflicts required to inherit the Promised Land, demonstrating a divine blueprint for national readiness and purpose.

Key Themes

Numbers 1:36 contributes to several overarching themes within the book and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes Divine Order and Organization, showcasing God's meticulous nature in preparing His people. The detailed census, tribe by tribe, family by family, underscores that God is a God of structure, not chaos. Secondly, the verse highlights Readiness for God's Purpose, specifically military readiness. The criteria for inclusion ("able to go forth to war") reveal that Israel's identity as God's covenant people was intrinsically linked to their preparedness for the tasks He set before them, including the conquest of Canaan and the establishment of a holy nation. This theme recurs throughout the wilderness narrative, as seen in the instructions for encampment in Numbers 2 and the preparations for marching in Numbers 10. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of Covenant Identity and Accountability. Each individual counted was part of a larger covenant community, with their identity rooted in their lineage and their participation in the national mission. The census was a tangible expression of their corporate identity and their individual accountability before God.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

children bên' H1121

This word (H1121) literally means "son," but in its widest sense, it refers to descendants, members of a group, or those belonging to a certain age or condition. Here, "children of Benjamin" denotes the male descendants of Benjamin, forming his tribal lineage. The repetition of "from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war" uses "children" again (implied by the Strong's number H1121 associated with "old"), signifying those who have reached the age of maturity and are therefore considered "sons" in the sense of responsible adults.

go forth yâtsâʼ' H3318

This primitive root (H3318) means "to go out, bring out," with a wide variety of applications, both literal and figurative. In this context, "able to go forth to war" is a technical military term. It signifies the physical and legal capacity to leave the camp or home and engage in active military duty. It implies deployment, readiness for action, and participation in the collective effort of the army.

war tsâbâʼ' H6635

This term (H6635) refers to a "mass of persons," especially one "regularly organized for war (an army)." By implication, it can also mean a "campaign," "hardship," or "worship." Here, it directly signifies military conflict or service. The phrase "go forth to war" (or "go out to the army") concretely defines the purpose of the census: to identify those fit for military engagement, whether for defense, conquest, or maintaining order.

Verse Breakdown

"Of the children of Benjamin, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers"

This opening clause precisely identifies the specific tribe being enumerated—Benjamin—and immediately establishes the hierarchical and genealogical methodology of the census. The repeated phrases emphasize the meticulous, systematic approach to counting, ensuring that every eligible male was accounted for within his proper lineage, clan, and household. This reflects a divinely ordained order and a deep respect for tribal identity and heritage within Israelite society.

"according to the number of the names"

This phrase indicates that the count was a precise, individual enumeration. It was not an estimate but a literal tally of each person by name, reinforcing the idea of personal accountability and the comprehensive nature of God's knowledge and organization of His people. Each individual was known and counted, signifying their unique place and value within the collective.

"from twenty years old and upward"

This clause sets the age qualification for inclusion in the military census. Twenty years old was the standard age of maturity and responsibility in ancient Israel, marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood and full civic duty, including military service. This criterion ensured that only those deemed physically capable and mature enough for the rigors of warfare were counted.

"all that were able to go forth to war;"

This final, crucial clause defines the ultimate purpose of the census—military readiness and qualification. It specifies that the count was exclusively for those fit for active military duty. This readiness was essential for the challenges of the wilderness journey, including potential conflicts with hostile tribes, and for the eventual conquest of the Promised Land. It highlights God's practical preparation of His people for the fulfillment of His promises and their covenant responsibilities.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several significant literary devices. Repetition is prominent, particularly in the recurring genealogical formula "by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers," which is found for each tribe throughout Numbers 1. This creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, emphasis on the meticulous and orderly nature of the census, underscoring divine precision and the importance of lineage in Israelite society. The entire chapter, including this verse, is an act of Enumeration, systematically listing and counting individuals according to specific, divinely mandated criteria. This detailed accounting serves not just as a historical record but also as a demonstration of God's sovereign organization and His preparation of His people for their collective destiny. The precision of the census, down to the "number of the names," also subtly employs Synecdoche, where "names" stand in for the individuals themselves, emphasizing that each person was known and accounted for, not merely as a statistic but as a distinct entity within God's ordered community.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Numbers 1:36, within the broader context of the census, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, purpose, and meticulous preparation. The detailed enumeration of each tribe, family, and individual, particularly those "able to go forth to war," reveals a divine blueprint for a disciplined and ready people. This is not merely an administrative exercise but a theological statement about God's active involvement in organizing His covenant community for the fulfillment of His promises. It underscores the principle that God's plans are executed with precision and that He equips His people for the tasks He sets before them, whether it be a physical journey or a spiritual mission. The readiness "to go forth to war" signifies a call to responsibility and active participation in God's unfolding purposes, highlighting the corporate identity and shared mission of Israel as God's chosen people.

Exodus 12:41 Deuteronomy 20:1-4 Ephesians 4:11-13

Reflection and Application

Numbers 1:36, though a seemingly dry record of an ancient census, carries profound implications for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is not a God of chaos but of order, purpose, and intentionality. Just as He meticulously counted and organized Israel for their wilderness journey and the conquest of the Promised Land, so too does He call His people today to be prepared and purposeful for His kingdom work. The qualification "able to go forth to war" prompts us to consider our own spiritual readiness. Are we spiritually mature, equipped, and willing to engage in the "good fight of faith," as exhorted in 1 Timothy 6:12? Every believer, like every man in Benjamin, has a unique place and responsibility within the body of Christ. This verse encourages us to embrace our individual callings with accountability, to contribute our gifts and strengths to the collective mission of the church, and to live lives marked by readiness and obedience to God's leading. It challenges us to be active participants, not passive observers, in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, understanding that God has a specific purpose for each of us within His grand design.

Questions for Reflection

In what areas of your life do you need to embrace more of God's order and intentionality, trusting in His meticulous planning?
How does the idea of being "able to go forth to war" translate into your spiritual readiness and active engagement in the Christian life today?
What unique gifts or responsibilities has God given you within your spiritual family or community, and how are you contributing to the collective mission of the Church?

FAQ

Why was this census so important for the Israelites at this specific time?

The census recorded in Numbers 1, including the count for Benjamin in verse 36, was critically important for several reasons. Primarily, it served as a military registration, identifying all males "from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war." This was essential for organizing Israel into a cohesive fighting force as they prepared to leave Mount Sinai and embark on their journey through the wilderness, which would involve defending themselves against hostile tribes and eventually conquering the Promised Land (Numbers 10:11-12). Beyond military purposes, the census also facilitated the orderly encampment around the tabernacle (Numbers 2:1-2), the distribution of responsibilities among the tribes and Levites, and the general administration of a large, newly formed nation. It underscored God's desire for order, preparation, and accountability among His people as they stepped into their divine destiny and prepared to inherit His promises.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

The meticulous census of Numbers 1:36, detailing the readiness of Benjamin's fighting men, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual transformation in Christ. While the Old Testament census prepared Israel for a physical journey and earthly warfare, it foreshadows God's meticulous ordering of His New Covenant people, the Church, for a spiritual journey and warfare. In Christ, every believer is "counted" and known by God, not for military conscription based on age and physical ability, but for spiritual service based on new birth and the empowering of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-5). The "ability to go forth to war" is transformed from physical combat to the spiritual battle against sin, self, and the forces of darkness, for which believers are equipped with the "full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:10-18). Jesus is the true Captain of the Lord's host, the one who leads His people not into a land of promise by force of arms, but into the spiritual inheritance of the Kingdom of God through His sacrifice and resurrection (Hebrews 2:10). Thus, Numbers 1:36 points forward to God's perfect order and the spiritual readiness of His Church, enlisted under Christ's banner for the expansion of His eternal kingdom, reflecting a divine purpose that transcends temporal military objectives.

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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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