### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun `{{H5610}}` (çᵉphâr) is derived directly from the verbal root `{{H5608}}` (sāpar), which carries the fundamental meaning "to count," "to number," "to recount," or "to tell." Consequently, `{{H5610}}` specifically refers to the *act* or *result* of this counting process, denoting a "census" or "numbering." Its semantic range is quite focused, primarily indicating the enumeration of individuals, often for administrative, military, or communal purposes. While the root verb `{{H5608}}` can encompass a broader range of "telling" or "recounting," `{{H5610}}` narrows this to the quantitative aspect of "numbering."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun `{{H5610}}` is exceedingly rare in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible. Its meaning, "a census; numbering," is best understood in light of its strong connection to its verbal root `{{H5608}}` and the more commonly used noun `{{H4557}}` (mispar), which also means "number" or "count."
Although `{{H5610}}` itself does not appear prominently, the *concept* of a census or numbering is profoundly significant throughout the Old Testament. Key instances include:
* **The Censuses in Numbers:** The book of Numbers, whose Hebrew title *Bamidbar* means "In the Wilderness," derives its English name from the two major censuses taken of the Israelite population ([[Numbers 1:1-46]]; [[Numbers 26:1-51]]). These enumerations were divinely commanded and served crucial purposes: organizing the tribes for encampment and march, preparing for military readiness, and establishing the order of the Levites for tabernacle service. While these passages primarily use the verb `{{H5608}}` ("to number") and the noun `{{H4557}}` ("number"), they exemplify the very "census" or "numbering" that `{{H5610}}` describes.
* **David's Census:** The census undertaken by King David, recounted in [[2 Samuel 24:1-9]] and [[1 Chronicles 21:1-6]], stands in stark contrast to the divinely commanded censuses in Numbers. David's act of numbering the people was not authorized by God and incurred divine wrath, resulting in a devastating plague. This narrative underscores the theological implications of a census, particularly when it stems from human pride or a lack of trust in divine provision, rather than from obedience to God's command.
Thus, while `{{H5610}}` may be a theoretical or extremely rare nominal form, its definition points to a critical biblical theme: the act and implications of counting or enumerating God's people.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5608}}` (sāpar):** The foundational verbal root, meaning "to count," "to number," "to recount," or "to tell." This verb is extensively used throughout the Hebrew Bible for both literal counting and the act of declaring or narrating.
* **`{{H4557}}` (mispar):** The most common noun derived from `{{H5608}}`, meaning "number," "count," or "total." This word frequently appears in contexts where `{{H5610}}`'s meaning of "a numbering" or "census" is implied, as seen in the census accounts.
* **`{{H6485}}` (pāqad):** A verb meaning "to visit," "to attend to," "to muster," or "to appoint." In the context of censuses, `{{H6485}}` often carries the sense of "to muster" or "to take account of," particularly for military or administrative purposes (e.g., "to muster the army"). This verb is closely associated with the practical execution of a census.
* **`{{H2803}}` (ḥāshav):** "To count," "to reckon," "to devise," or "to calculate." While also involving enumeration, `{{H2803}}` often implies a more deliberate calculation or planning, distinct from a simple head count.
### Theological Significance
The concept of "numbering" or "census" (represented by `{{H5610}}` and its related terms) carries profound theological weight in the biblical narrative:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Meticulous Knowledge:** God is portrayed as the ultimate counter and knower. He "determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names" ([[Psalm 147:4]]). This divine knowledge contrasts sharply with human attempts to number, emphasizing that true knowledge and control rest with God. Even a human census, when legitimate, operates under divine permission and within the framework of God's overarching plan.
* **Order and Organization of God's People:** The divinely commanded censuses in Numbers highlight God's desire for order, structure, and accountability within His covenant community. These enumerations were not arbitrary but served to organize Israel for its journey to the Promised Land, for worship, and for military defense, reflecting God's character as a God of order.
* **Trust vs. Self-Reliance:** The tragic account of David's census reveals a critical theological lesson. When a census is undertaken out of human pride, a desire to boast in one's strength, or a lack of trust in God's provision and protection, it becomes an act of rebellion. It shifts reliance from the divine to the human, incurring divine judgment. This highlights the danger of quantifying and relying on human resources apart from God's leading.
* **Inclusion and Identity:** Numbering also served to identify who belonged to the covenant community, who was eligible for service, and who inherited the promises. It was a means of defining the distinct identity and responsibilities of the people of Israel as God's chosen nation.
### Summary
`{{H5610}}` (çᵉphâr) is a rare Hebrew noun derived from the verb `{{H5608}}` (sāpar), specifically meaning "a census" or "a numbering." While its direct occurrences in the Masoretic Text are minimal, the *concept* it embodies is central to numerous biblical narratives. The act of numbering, whether divinely commanded (as in the book of Numbers) or undertaken by human initiative (as in David's census), consistently carries significant theological implications. It underscores themes of divine sovereignty and meticulous knowledge, God's desire for order within His people, the crucial distinction between trust in God and reliance on human strength, and the definition of covenant identity. The study of `{{H5610}}` thus leads to a deeper appreciation of how the Bible views human attempts to quantify and organize, always within the overarching framework of God's ultimate authority and purpose.
TRV