Numbers 1:20
New International Version
From the descendants of Reuben the firstborn son of Israel: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, one by one, according to the records of their clans and families.

New Living Translation
This is the number of men twenty years old or older who were able to go to war, as their names were listed in the records of their clans and families: Tribe Number Reuben (Jacob’s oldest son) 46,500

English Standard Version
The people of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war:

Berean Standard Bible
From the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

King James Bible
And 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;

New King James Version
Now the children of Reuben, Israel’s oldest son, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, every male individually, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war:

New American Standard Bible
Now the sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their descendants by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go to war,

NASB 1995
Now the sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war,

NASB 1977
Now the sons of Reuben, Israel’s first-born, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war,

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war,

Amplified Bible
The sons of Reuben, Israel’s (Jacob’s) firstborn, their generations, by their families (clans), by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war:

Christian Standard Bible
The descendants of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: according to their family records by their clans and their ancestral families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years old or more, everyone who could serve in the army,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The descendants of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: according to their family records by their clans and their ancestral houses, counting one by one the names of every male 20 years old or more, everyone who could serve in the army,

American Standard Version
And the children of Reuben, Israel's first-born, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, 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;

English Revised Version
And the children of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, 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;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The roster of families and households for the descendants of [Reuben], Israel's firstborn son, listed every man by name who was at least 20 years old and eligible for military duty.

International Standard Version
The genealogies of the descendants of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were recorded individually, according to their tribes and ancestral houses, as were the names of all the men 20 years and above who could serve in the army.

Majority Standard Bible
From the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army,

NET Bible
And they were as follows: The descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Israel: According to the records of their clans and families, all the males twenty years old or older who could serve in the army were listed by name individually.

New Heart English Bible
Now the descendants of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, according to their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;

Webster's Bible Translation
And 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;

World English Bible
The children of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war:
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn—their births, by their families, by the house of their fathers, in the number of names, by their counted heads, every male from a son of twenty years and upward, everyone going out to the host—

Young's Literal Translation
And the sons of Reuben, Israel's first-born -- their births, by their families, by the house of their fathers, in the number of names, by their polls, every male from a son of twenty years and upward, every one going out to the host --

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, shall be their generations, according to their families, according to the house of their fathers, according to the number of names, according to their heads, every male from the son of twenty years and above, all going forth to war.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Of Ruben the eldest son of Israel, by their generations and families and houses and names of every head, all that were of the male sex, from twenty years old and upward, that were able to go forth to war,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Of Ruben, the firstborn of Israel, by their generations and families and houses, and the names of each head, of all who were of the male sex, from twenty years and above, capable of going to war,

New American Bible
Of the descendants of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, registered individually by name and lineage according to their clans and ancestral houses, every male of twenty years or more, everyone fit for military service:

New Revised Standard Version
The descendants of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their lineage, in their clans, by their ancestral houses, according to the number of names, individually, every male from twenty years old and upward, everyone able to go to war:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the children of Reuben, Israel's first-born, 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 who were able to go forth to war in Israel;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And there were the children of Rubil, the firstborn of Israel in their families, for their tribes, for the house of their fathers, in the number of the names, every male for their Leaders, from a son of twenty years and above, everyone who goes out in the army in Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the children of Reuben, Israel's first-born, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sons of Ruben the first-born of Israel according to their kindreds, according to their divisions, according to the houses of their families, according to the number of their names, according to their heads, were - all males from twenty years old and upward, every one that went out with the host -

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Number of Every Tribe
19just as the LORD had commanded Moses. So Moses numbered them in the Wilderness of Sinai: 20 From the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, 21those registered to the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500.…

Cross References
Exodus 12:37
The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth with about 600,000 men on foot, besides women and children.

Exodus 38:26
a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be numbered, a total of 603,550 men.

Numbers 26:2
“Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by the houses of their fathers—all those twenty years of age or older who can serve in the army of Israel.”

Deuteronomy 1:15
So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes.

1 Chronicles 5:18
The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors—valiant men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle.

1 Chronicles 7:5
Their kinsmen belonging to all the families of Issachar who were mighty men of valor totaled 87,000, as listed in their genealogies.

1 Chronicles 12:23
Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD:

2 Chronicles 17:14-18
These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; / next to him, Jehohanan the commander, and with him 280,000; / and next to him, Amasiah son of Zichri, the volunteer for the LORD, and with him 200,000 mighty men of valor. ...

Nehemiah 7:6-7
These are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar its king. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town, / accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel:

Psalm 147:4
He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name.

Matthew 1:2
Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.

Matthew 10:2
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;

Luke 2:4
So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David.

John 1:45
Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

Acts 1:13
When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.


Treasury of Scripture

And the children of Reuben, Israel's oldest 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;

Numbers 2:10,11
On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur…

Numbers 26:5-7
Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites: …

Genesis 29:32
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

Jump to Previous
Able Children Eldest Families Fathers Firstborn Forth Generations House Houses Israel's Male Names Polls Reuben Twenty Upward War
Jump to Next
Able Children Eldest Families Fathers Firstborn Forth Generations House Houses Israel's Male Names Polls Reuben Twenty Upward War
Numbers 1
1. God commands Moses to number the people
5. The princes of the tribes
17. The number of every tribe
47. The Levites are exempted for the service of the Lord














From the descendants of Reuben
The phrase "From the descendants of Reuben" refers to the tribe of Reuben, named after Jacob's firstborn son. In Hebrew, Reuben means "behold, a son," reflecting Leah's hope for Jacob's love. Reuben's tribe held a significant position as the firstborn, yet historically, they lost their preeminence due to Reuben's transgression against his father (Genesis 35:22). This serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of maintaining integrity and honor in one's family and community.

the firstborn son of Israel
Reuben, as the "firstborn son of Israel," held a position of privilege and responsibility. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the firstborn son typically received a double portion of the inheritance and leadership within the family. However, Reuben's actions led to a loss of these privileges, illustrating the biblical principle that spiritual and moral integrity outweighs birthright and position. This underscores the importance of living a life that honors God, regardless of one's status or heritage.

their genealogies according to their clans and families
The phrase "their genealogies according to their clans and families" highlights the importance of lineage and identity within the Israelite community. Genealogies were meticulously recorded to establish tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham. This practice ensured the preservation of Israel's identity and heritage, emphasizing the value of community and continuity in God's covenantal plan. It also reflects the biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people through generations.

every man twenty years of age or older
The specification "every man twenty years of age or older" indicates the age of military service eligibility. In ancient Israel, reaching the age of twenty marked a transition into adulthood and the responsibilities that came with it, including defending the nation. This age requirement underscores the biblical principle of maturity and readiness for service, both physically and spiritually. It serves as a call for believers to be prepared and equipped for the spiritual battles they face in their own lives.

who could serve in the army
The phrase "who could serve in the army" reflects the practical need for a capable and organized military force to protect and advance the nation of Israel. In a broader spiritual sense, it symbolizes the call for believers to be part of God's army, equipped with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. This call to service is a reminder of the ongoing spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance, courage, and reliance on God's strength in the believer's life.

(20) By their generations.--The toledoth, or generations, included the whole of the descendants of the head of the tribe (Genesis 5:1; Genesis 6:9).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
From the sons
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Reuben,
רְאוּבֵן֙ (rə·’ū·ḇên)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7205: Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc

the firstborn
בְּכֹ֣ר (bə·ḵōr)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1060: Firstborn, chief

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

according to the records
תּוֹלְדֹתָ֥ם (tō·wl·ḏō·ṯām)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8435: Descent, family, history

of their clans
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם (lə·miš·pə·ḥō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

and families,
אֲבֹתָ֑ם (’ă·ḇō·ṯām)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

counting
בְּמִסְפַּ֤ר (bə·mis·par)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4557: A number, definite, indefinite, narration

one
לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָ֔ם (lə·ḡul·gə·lō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1538: A skull, head, poll (of persons)

by one the names
שֵׁמוֹת֙ (šê·mō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8034: A name

of every
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

male
זָכָ֗ר (zā·ḵār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2145: Remembered, a male

twenty
עֶשְׂרִ֤ים (‘eś·rîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 6242: Twenty, twentieth

years of age
מִבֶּ֨ן (mib·ben)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

or older,
וָמַ֔עְלָה (wā·ma‘·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4605: The upper part, with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top

everyone
כֹּ֖ל (kōl)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who could serve
יֹצֵ֥א (yō·ṣê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

in the army,
צָבָֽא׃ (ṣā·ḇā)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT Law: Numbers 1:20 The children of Reuben Israel's firstborn their (Nu Num.)
Numbers 1:19
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