Numbers 26:12

KJV

The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites: of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites: of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites:

KJV (with Strong's)

The sons {H1121} of Simeon {H8095} after their families {H4940}: of Nemuel {H5241}, the family {H4940} of the Nemuelites {H5242}: of Jamin {H3226}, the family {H4940} of the Jaminites {H3228}: of Jachin {H3199}, the family {H4940} of the Jachinites {H3200}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The descendants of Shim'on, by their families, were: of N'mu'el, the family of the N'mu'eli; of Yamin, the family of the Yamini; of Yakhin, the family of the Yakhini;

Berean Standard Bible

These were the descendants of Simeon by their clans: The Nemuelite clan from Nemuel, the Jaminite clan from Jamin, the Jachinite clan from Jachin,

American Standard Version

The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 26:12 meticulously records the family lines descended from three of Simeon's sons—Nemuel, Jamin, and Jachin—identifying them as the Nemuelites, Jaminites, and Jachinites respectively. This verse, part of the second census of Israel on the plains of Moab, underscores the precise organization and continuity of the Israelite tribes as they prepared to enter and inherit the Promised Land, highlighting God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people across generations despite significant losses.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 26:12 is situated within the comprehensive second census of Israel, detailed in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census"). This chapter systematically lists the male descendants aged twenty years and older from each tribe, following a similar pattern to the first census recorded in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census"). The immediate preceding verses (Numbers 26:5-11) detail the families of Reuben and Simeon, with verse 12 specifically focusing on Simeon's lineage. The purpose of this census, explicitly stated in [Numbers 26:2](/numbers/26-2 "Numbers 26:2 - Command for the Second Census"), was to count the people for military readiness and, critically, for the equitable distribution of the land of Canaan, as outlined in [Numbers 26:53-56](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53-56 - Land Distribution by Population"). This detailed enumeration serves as a bridge between the wilderness wanderings and the imminent entry into the Promised Land, emphasizing divine order and preparation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The second census took place on the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into Canaan, approximately 38 years after the first census at Mount Sinai. This period marked the end of the wilderness generation, as God's judgment for their rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea (recorded in [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and Judgment")) had resulted in the death of all those twenty years and older who had left Egypt, with the exceptions of Joshua and Caleb. Culturally, genealogies were paramount in ancient Israel, serving not only to establish identity and tribal affiliation but also to determine inheritance rights, particularly concerning land. The detailed listing of families, such as those of Simeon, ensured that each family unit could claim its rightful portion of the future inheritance. The tribe of Simeon, notably, had experienced a significant decline in numbers between the first and second censuses, from 59,300 to 22,200, representing the largest proportional decrease among all tribes, perhaps due to their involvement in the Baal Peor incident (see [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal Peor")).

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous recording in Numbers 26:12 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. First, it highlights **Divine Order and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in the organization and governance of His people, even down to individual family units. Second, it powerfully illustrates **Generational Continuity and God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**. Despite the severe judgment on the rebellious generation and the significant losses, God faithfully preserved the lineage of Israel, ensuring the continuity of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (as seen in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Third, the census, including this verse, is intrinsically linked to the theme of **Preparation for Inheritance**. The identification of each family was a prerequisite for the equitable distribution of the Promised Land, underscoring the tangible blessings of obedience and perseverance. Finally, it subtly touches upon the theme of **Judgment and Restoration**, as the new generation, counted and prepared, stands ready to enter the land that the previous generation forfeited.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Family (Hebrew, _mishpachah'_):** This term is central to Numbers 26:12, appearing three times. The Hebrew word מִשְׁפָּחָה (_mishpachah_) refers to a clan, family, or subdivision of a tribe. It signifies a kinship group larger than a single household but smaller than a full tribe. In the context of the census, the emphasis on "the family of the Nemuelites," "the family of the Jaminites," and "the family of the Jachinites" highlights the foundational unit of Israelite society and the basis for tribal organization and land distribution. This word underscores the meticulous nature of the census, which was not just a count of individuals but a detailed enumeration of distinct lineage groups, each with its own identity and future inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The sons of Simeon after their families:":** This introductory phrase sets the stage, indicating that the following list will detail the descendants of Simeon, one of Jacob's twelve sons, organized according to their familial divisions. It emphasizes the tribal structure and the importance of lineage in Israelite society.
* **"of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites:":** This clause identifies Nemuel, one of Simeon's sons, and then specifies the distinct clan or sub-tribe that descended from him, known as the Nemuelites. This precise naming convention ensures clarity in tracing lineage and assigning identity within the broader tribal framework.
* **"of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites:":** Similarly, this clause names Jamin, another son of Simeon, and his corresponding family line, the Jaminites. The consistent pattern reinforces the systematic nature of the census and the importance of each distinct family unit in the tribal register.
* **"of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites:":** The final clause in this verse lists Jachin, the third son of Simeon mentioned here, and his descendants, the Jachinites. The repetition of the pattern for each son underscores the meticulous detail with which these genealogies were recorded, vital for the future apportionment of the land and the preservation of tribal identity.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 26:12 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition**. The verse is a clear example of **Enumeration**, systematically listing the specific family lines descended from Simeon's sons. This straightforward listing serves to organize and categorize the Israelite population, providing a precise record for administrative and theological purposes. The consistent phrasing, "of [Son's Name], the family of the [Son's Name]ites," is a strong instance of **Repetition**. This literary device not only creates a rhythmic and memorable pattern but also emphasizes the distinct identity of each family unit while reinforcing the overall structure and order of the census. The very nature of the text is **Genealogy**, a literary form that traces lineage and establishes historical and social connections, which is crucial for understanding the continuity of God's covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While seemingly a mere list of names, Numbers 26:12 carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's meticulous care for His people, demonstrating that every family and individual within His covenant community is known and accounted for. This divine attention to detail assures us that God's plans are precise and His promises are unwavering, even when human circumstances seem chaotic or diminished. The continuity of these family lines, despite the wilderness wanderings and the decimation of the rebellious generation, powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness to His covenant, ensuring the preservation of Israel as the vehicle for His redemptive purposes. This census, therefore, is not just a demographic record but a theological statement about divine order, covenant fidelity, and preparation for the fulfillment of God's promises.

* [Genesis 46:10](/genesis/46-10 "Genesis 46:10 - Simeon's Sons in Jacob's Descent to Egypt")
* [Exodus 6:15](/exodus/6-15 "Exodus 6:15 - Simeon's Sons in Moses' Genealogy")
* [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 26:12 invites us to consider the significance of our own place within God's grand narrative. Just as God meticulously accounted for each family in Israel, preparing them for their earthly inheritance, so too does He know and value every individual within His spiritual family today. This verse reminds us that we are not anonymous in the eyes of God; rather, we are part of a divinely ordered community, each with a unique identity and purpose. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness across generations, knowing that His overarching plan for humanity ensures despite challenges, failures, or losses. Our spiritual lineage, rooted in Christ, connects us to a heritage of faith and an eternal inheritance that is far greater than any earthly portion. We are called to live with intentionality, recognizing our role in God's ongoing work, and to embrace the continuity of His covenant promises through the Church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of this census, including the listing of specific families, speak to God's character and His care for individuals?**
* **In what ways does the continuity of these family lines, despite the wilderness generation's failures, demonstrate God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?**
* **How can understanding our place within God's spiritual family (the Church) inform our sense of identity and purpose today?**
* **What "inheritance" are we, as believers, being prepared for, and how does this verse encourage us in that preparation?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of names and families important in the Bible?**

Answer: Detailed lists of names and families, like those found in [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - The Second Census"), are crucial for several reasons. Theologically, they underscore God's meticulous attention to detail and His personal knowledge of His people, demonstrating that no individual or family is overlooked in His divine plan. Historically and culturally, these genealogies established tribal identity, affirmed lineage, and, most importantly, determined rights to the land inheritance in Canaan, as explicitly stated in [Numbers 26:53-56](/numbers/26-53 "Numbers 26:53-56 - Land Distribution by Population"). They also served to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises to multiply Abraham's descendants and to preserve the specific lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 26:12 is a genealogical record, its deeper theological currents flow directly towards Christ. The meticulous accounting of Israel's families underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of a seed through whom all nations would be blessed (see [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Blessing of All Nations")). This verse, part of a census preparing a people for an earthly inheritance, foreshadows the ultimate spiritual inheritance found in Christ. Just as the Israelites were counted and organized for their portion in the Promised Land, believers today are counted as members of God's spiritual family, the Church, through faith in Jesus Christ (as described in [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The preservation of these family lines, despite the wilderness generation's failures, points to God's faithfulness in preserving a lineage that would ultimately produce the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who takes away the sin of the world. Our true identity and eternal inheritance are found not in earthly genealogies but in being "in Christ," making us co-heirs with Him of an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance reserved in heaven (see [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Chronicles 4:24

¶ The sons of Simeon [were], Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, [and] Shaul:

Exodus 6:15

And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these [are] the families of Simeon.

Genesis 46:10

And the sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman.

1 Kings 7:21

And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.