What does Numbers 26:51 mean?
"These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty." - Numbers 26:51

The Bible verse Numbers 26:51 in the King James Version reads: "These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty."
This verse is part of the book of Numbers, which is the fourth book of the Bible and is also known as the book of the Law. The book of Numbers continues the story of the Israelites from the book of Exodus, as they journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. It focuses on the census of the Israelites and their organization as a community.
In this particular verse, we see the result of the census that was taken of the Israelites. The number of men who were able to bear arms and go to war was 601,730. This would have constituted a significant portion of the total population as women, children, and the elderly were not included in this count. This large number reflects the size and strength of the nation of Israel at this time, and it is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.
The theme of census and numbering in the book of Numbers serves several purposes. First, it shows the organization and order within the community of Israel. Each tribe and family had a specific place and role within the larger community. Second, it reflects the idea of God's sovereignty and his ability to keep track of and care for each individual within the community. The numbering of the people is a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision for his people.
In a broader context, this verse can also be seen as a symbol of God's faithfulness and promise-keeping. The large number of Israelites serves as a reminder of God's covenant with Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars. It is a tangible expression of God's faithfulness and his ability to fulfill his promises, even in the face of difficult circumstances and long periods of waiting.
Furthermore, the large number of Israelites also reflects the importance of community and belonging. Each individual was part of a larger whole, and their identity and purpose were tied to their place within the community. This serves as a reminder of the value of unity and collaboration within the body of believers, as well as the responsibility to care for and support one another.
In summary, Numbers 26:51 in the King James Version is a verse that reflects the organization and strength of the nation of Israel at a specific point in their journey. It also serves as a symbol of God's faithfulness and promise-keeping, as well as a reminder of the importance of community and belonging. This verse not only provides historical context but also offers timeless truths and lessons for believers today.
Have questions about Numbers 26:51?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Numbers 26:51 Artwork
Numbers 26:51 - "These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty."
"These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty." - Numbers 26:51
Numbers 31:51 - "And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels."
Numbers 7:51 - "One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:"
Jeremiah 51:26 - "And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt be desolate for ever, saith the LORD."
Numbers 33:51 - "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye are passed over Jordan into the land of Canaan;"
Numbers 3:51 - "And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses."
Matthew 26:51 - "And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear."
Numbers 11:16-26
Numbers 26:8 - "And the sons of Pallu; Eliab."
Numbers 1:51 - "And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death."
Numbers 26:26 - "¶ Of the sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites: of Elon, the family of the Elonites: of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites."
Numbers 26:46 - "And the name of the daughter of Asher was Sarah."
"And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of them, even all wrought jewels." - Numbers 31:51
Numbers 26:11 - "Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not."
Numbers 33:26 - "And they removed from Makheloth, and encamped at Tahath."
Israelites taking census in Numbers 26
Numbers 26:52 - "¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"
Numbers 26:36 - "And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites."
Numbers 26:53 - "Unto these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names."
Numbers 26:39 - "Of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites: of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites."
Numbers 26:31 - "And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites:"
Numbers 26:6 - "Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites."
Numbers 26:49 - "Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites: of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites."
Numbers 26:24 - "Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites."
Numbers 26:17 - "Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of Areli, the family of the Arelites."
Numbers 26:13 - "Of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites: of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites."
"One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering:" - Numbers 7:51
Numbers 26:32 - "And of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites."
Numbers 26:16 - "Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites: of Eri, the family of the Erites:"