What number verse is Numbers 1:38 in the Bible?

Numbers 1:38 is the 3,643rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Numbers 1:38 sits at position 3,643.

1:371:37 1:391:39

Numbers 1:38

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

King James Version

Of 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;

Ask

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the children ^H1121 of Dan ^H1835, 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;

Ask

Complete Jewish Bible

Descendants of Dan 62,700

Ask

Berean Standard Bible

From the sons of Dan, 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,

Ask

American Standard Version

Of the children of Dan, 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;

Ask

World English Bible Messianic

Of the children of Dan, 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;

Ask

Geneva Bible (1599)

Of the sonnes of Dan 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:

Ask

Young's Literal Translation

Of the sons of Dan--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--

Ask

Translation

Cross-References

Genesis 46:23
And the sons of Dan; Hushim.
Numbers 26:42
These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families.
Numbers 26:43
All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those that were numbered of them, were threescore and four thousand and four hundred.
Genesis 49:16
Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.
Genesis 49:17
Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.
Genesis 30:5
And Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son.
Genesis 30:6
And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan.

Study this verse

Summary

Numbers 1:38 precisely records the enumeration of eligible fighting men from the tribe of Dan during the first divinely commanded census of Israel at Mount Sinai. This verse, part of a comprehensive national registration, meticulously details the genealogical and age criteria for military readiness, underscoring God's emphasis on order, accountability, and the purposeful organization of His people as they prepared for their journey from Sinai to the Promised Land and the challenges of establishing a new nation.

Context

Literary Context

Numbers 1:38 is an integral component of the extensive census account found in Numbers chapter 1. The chapter opens with God's direct command to Moses and Aaron to conduct a census of "all who are able to go to war in Israel, twenty years old and upward, by their companies" (Numbers 1:3). Following this overarching directive, the narrative systematically lists the specific counts for each of the twelve tribes, beginning with Reuben in Numbers 1:20 and proceeding in an ordered fashion. Verse 38 specifically details the enumeration of the tribe of Dan, applying the exact same genealogical and age-based criteria used for all other tribes. The subsequent verse, Numbers 1:39, then provides the final numerical total for Dan, completing its individual record within the larger, meticulously compiled national register. This repetitive, formulaic structure throughout the chapter emphasizes the divine authority, precision, and comprehensive nature of the census.

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical backdrop for this census is the wilderness encampment at Mount Sinai, approximately one year after the Exodus from Egypt. Having received the Mosaic Law and established the Tabernacle as the center of their worship, Israel was transitioning from a disparate collection of families into a divinely ordered nation. The census served multiple critical functions. Militarily, it provided a precise assessment of the nation's fighting strength, a vital prerequisite for the impending journey through hostile territories and the conquest of Canaan. Socially, it reinforced and documented tribal identities and lineages, which were foundational to Israelite societal structure, land distribution, and inheritance laws. Spiritually, it demonstrated God's meticulous care and providential ordering of His people, organizing them not for chaos but for a purposeful, disciplined advance under His sovereign leadership. The age of "twenty years old and upward" was a widely recognized standard for military service in the ancient Near East, signifying physical maturity, mental capacity, and readiness for the rigors of warfare, a common practice among ancient armies for conscription.

Key Themes

Numbers 1:38 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book of Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Order and Organization. God is not a God of chaos but of meticulous arrangement, preparing His people for their journey and mission with precision. The detailed census underscores His administrative wisdom in structuring Israel as a nation. Secondly, the verse emphasizes Military Readiness and Divine Purpose. The primary purpose of this specific count was to identify those "able to go forth to war," signaling Israel's transition from a redeemed slave population to a prepared army poised for conquest and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land. This theme resonates with the idea that God equips His people for the tasks He sets before them. Finally, it reinforces the theme of Individual Accountability within the Community. Each man was counted "by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names," indicating that every individual had a recognized place and a specific role within the larger tribal and national structure, underscoring their personal responsibility to the covenant and the community.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

Generations tôwlᵉdâh' H8435

This term refers to descent, family, or history, often signifying a genealogical record or a lineage. Its use here underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the census, which was not merely a headcount but a precise identification based on established family lines. This ensured accuracy, accountability, and the preservation of tribal identity within the structured Israelite community.

Go forth yâtsâʼ' H3318

This primitive root means "to go out" or "to go forth," in a wide variety of applications, literally and figuratively. In this context, it denotes active movement and readiness, specifically for military deployment. It implies not just physical presence but the capability and willingness to engage in the rigors of battle, highlighting the active and purposeful nature of the census's objective.

War tsâbâʼ' H6635

This word refers to a mass of persons, especially organized for war (an army), or by implication, a campaign or hardship. Here, it clearly indicates military conflict. Coupled with "go forth," it defines the specific purpose for which these men were counted: to form a disciplined army ready to contend for the Promised Land and face any opposition encountered during their journey.

Verse Breakdown

"Of the children of Dan,"

This opening clause precisely identifies the specific tribal unit being enumerated. Each tribe was counted individually, emphasizing their distinct identity and lineage within the larger Israelite confederation, yet all contributing to the unified national strength and purpose.

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

This tripartite phrase meticulously outlines the genealogical method employed for the census. "Generations" (tôwlᵉdâh) refers to the broader lineage, "families" (mishpâchâh) to the intermediate clans, and "house of their fathers" (bayith 'âb) to the smallest patriarchal units. This detailed breakdown ensured that every eligible male was accounted for within his proper familial and tribal context, reflecting a highly organized and ordered society.

"according to the number of the names,"

This clause emphasizes that the census was a roll call of individuals, each person being specifically named and counted. It highlights the personal nature of the registration, where each man was recognized and recorded, not merely as an anonymous statistic but as a distinct individual within the community, known and valued by God.

"from twenty years old and upward,"

This specifies the age criterion for eligibility for military service. Twenty years old was the recognized age of maturity for full participation in the community and the commencement of military duty. It marked the transition from youth to adulthood, signifying physical strength, mental capacity, and the ability to bear significant responsibility, including the rigors of warfare.

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

This final clause reiterates the primary, practical purpose of the census—to identify and quantify the fighting force of Israel. It explicitly states that only those deemed capable and ready for military service were included in this particular count, underscoring the practical, strategic nature of the divine command and the immediate need for a prepared army.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device evident in Numbers 1:38, and indeed throughout the entire census account in Numbers chapter 1, is Repetition and Formulaic Language. The precise phrasing detailing the genealogical breakdown ("by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers") and the eligibility criteria ("from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war") is repeated verbatim for each tribe. This Repetition serves to emphasize the uniformity, meticulousness, and divine authority behind the census. It creates a sense of unwavering order and thoroughness, reinforcing the idea that every detail was accounted for and every man's place was known and validated by God. Furthermore, the pervasive use of Precision and Detail in the enumeration highlights the administrative and organizational genius behind God's plan for His people, transforming a formerly enslaved, nomadic group into a structured, disciplined nation ready for its divine mission of conquest and settlement.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Numbers 1:38, though seemingly a dry administrative detail, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, purpose, and preparation. His command for such a meticulous census reveals His active involvement in the practical affairs of His people, orchestrating their readiness not just for physical battles but for their collective journey of faith and the establishment of His kingdom on earth. It speaks to the divine principle that effective mission requires careful organization and that every individual, even within a vast multitude, has a recognized place and a vital role in God's grand design. This divine order is not arbitrary but purposeful, aimed at equipping His people for the challenges and victories ahead, demonstrating His sovereign care over every aspect of their national and spiritual life.

Numbers 1:2-3 1 Corinthians 14:33 Ephesians 4:11-13

Reflection and Application

The meticulous counting of the Israelite fighting men in Numbers 1:38 serves as a powerful reminder that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives and calls us to be prepared for His purposes. Just as ancient Israel was counted and organized for their physical journey and battles, believers today are called to spiritual maturity and readiness for the challenges of serving God in a fallen world. This involves not only understanding our individual gifts and callings but also recognizing our place within the larger body of Christ, contributing our unique strengths to the collective mission. The emphasis on "twenty years old and upward" and being "able to go forth to war" can be spiritually applied to the need for spiritual maturity, discipline, and a willingness to engage in the spiritual battles that confront us. God knows each of us by name, and He has equipped us to participate actively in His kingdom work, demanding our full commitment and readiness to stand firm in faith and advance His purposes in our generation.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does the meticulous nature of God's census in Numbers 1:38 challenge my own approach to order, preparation, and accountability in my spiritual life and service?
How does the criterion of being "able to go forth to war" spiritually translate into my personal readiness for spiritual challenges and my active participation in the work of the Kingdom today?
Considering that every individual was counted and recognized by God, how does this verse affirm my value and unique role within the body of Christ?

FAQ

Why was such a detailed census, including genealogical information, necessary for the Israelites?

The detailed census, as seen throughout Numbers chapter 1, was necessary for several crucial, divinely ordained reasons. Militarily, it provided an accurate assessment of Israel's fighting strength, identifying all eligible men "from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war" (Numbers 1:3), which was vital for organizing their army for the impending journey to the Promised Land and future conquests. Socially and administratively, it established a precise record of tribal and family lineages, which was foundational for maintaining social order, ensuring proper inheritance, and facilitating the equitable distribution of land in Canaan. Spiritually, it demonstrated God's divine order and meticulous care for His people, showing that He governs every aspect of their national life, systematically preparing them for their covenant responsibilities and their unique role as His chosen nation.

What is the significance of the age "twenty years old and upward" for those counted in the census?

The age of "twenty years old and upward" was a widely recognized standard in the ancient Near East for military conscription and full civic responsibility. In the Israelite context, it signified physical maturity, strength, and the capacity for endurance required for warfare. It also marked the age at which an individual was considered fully accountable within the community, capable of bearing arms, participating in the Tabernacle service (though Levites had different age requirements for service, as seen in Numbers 4:3), and being held responsible for their actions and contributions to the nation. This criterion ensured that the fighting force was comprised of capable, mature, and responsible individuals, ready for the rigors of the wilderness journey and the impending battles for the land.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Numbers 1:38, with its emphasis on a precisely counted and organized people ready for battle, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and His church. Just as ancient Israel was an earthly army being prepared for a physical inheritance and temporal battles, the church is Christ's spiritual army, called and equipped for a spiritual inheritance and a spiritual warfare. Christ Himself is the ultimate Commander, the one who gathers and numbers His people, not by physical age or earthly lineage, but by spiritual rebirth and faith in Him (John 3:3). The Old Testament criterion of being "able to go forth to war" finds its profound echo in the New Testament call for believers to put on the full armor of God and engage in spiritual conflict against the forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:10-18). Every believer, meticulously known by God and whose name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life, is part of this divinely ordered body, equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit to advance God's kingdom. This advancement is achieved not through carnal weapons, but through the truth of the Gospel and the power of Christ's resurrection (2 Corinthians 10:3-5), proclaiming His victory and anticipating the eternal inheritance secured by His finished work. Thus, the meticulous census in Numbers foreshadows the perfect order and purposeful mission of the church, united under Christ's headship, prepared to proclaim His triumph and inherit eternal life.

Copy as

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.

Copy as

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.

Copy as

Continue studying Numbers 1:38 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.