Numbers 1:40
New International Version
From the descendants of Asher: All the men twenty years old or more who were able to serve in the army were listed by name, according to the records of their clans and families.

New Living Translation
Asher 41,500

English Standard Version
Of the people of Asher, their generations, by their clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:

Berean Standard Bible
From the sons of Asher, 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,

Berean Literal Bible
From the sons of Asher, their genealogies, by their clans, by the house of their fathers, by the number of names, from a son of twenty years and above, everyone going out to the host,

King James Bible
Of 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;

New King James Version
From the children of Asher, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war:

New American Standard Bible
Of the sons of Asher, their descendants by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go to war,

NASB 1995
Of the sons of Asher, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war,

NASB 1977
Of the sons of Asher, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war,

Legacy Standard Bible
Of the sons of Asher, their genealogical registration by their families, by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, whoever was able to go out to war,

Amplified Bible
Of the sons of Asher, their descendants, by their families (clans), by their fathers’ households, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war:

Berean Annotated Bible
From the sons of Asher (happy), 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,

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

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

American Standard Version
Of the children of Asher, 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;

English Revised Version
Of the children of Asher, 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;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The roster of families and households for the descendants of [Asher] listed the men by name who were at least 20 years old and eligible for military duty.

International Standard Version
The genealogies of Asher's descendants 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.

NET Bible
From the descendants of Asher: 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.

New Heart English Bible
Of the descendants of Asher, their generations, according to 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 forth to war;

Webster's Bible Translation
Of 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;
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
From the sons of Asher, 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,

World English Bible
Of the children of Asher, 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:
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Of the sons of Asher—their births, by their families, by the house of their fathers, in the number of names, from a son of twenty years and upward, everyone going out to the host—

Berean Literal Bible
From the sons of Asher, their genealogies, by their clans, by the house of their fathers, by the number of names, from a son of twenty years and above, everyone going out to the host,

Young's Literal Translation
Of the sons of Asher -- 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 --

Smith's Literal Translation
And for the tribe of Asher, their generations, according to their families, according to the house of their fathers, according to the number of names, from the son of twenty years and above, all going forth to war.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Of the sons of Aser, by their generations and families and houses of their kindreds, were reckoned up by the names of every one from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Of the sons of Asher, by their generations and families, and the houses of their kinships, having been counted by the names of each one, from twenty years and above, of all who were able to go forth to war,

New American Bible
Of the descendants of Asher, registered 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 Asher, their lineage, in their clans, by their ancestral houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, everyone able to go to war:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Of 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 who were able to go forth to war in Israel;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sons of Ashir in their families, for their tribes for the house of their fathers, in the number of the names of a son of twenty years and above, everyone who goes out in the army in Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Of the children of Asher, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the sons of Aser 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 polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, every one that goes forth with the host,

Additional Translations ...



Context
The Number of Every Tribe
39those registered to the tribe of Dan numbered 62,700. 40From the sons of Asher, 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, 41those registered to the tribe of Asher numbered 41,500.…

Cross References
From the sons of Asher,

Genesis 46:17
The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.

1 Chronicles 7:30
The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah.

Deuteronomy 33:24
And concerning Asher he said: “May Asher be the most blessed of sons; may he be the most favored among his brothers and dip his foot in oil.
according to the records of their clans and families,

1 Chronicles 9:1
So all Israel was recorded in the genealogies written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. But Judah was exiled to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.

Nehemiah 7:5
Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. I found the genealogical register of those who had first returned, and I found the following written in it:

Ezra 8:1
These are the family heads and genealogical records of those who returned with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes:
counting the names of all those

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.”

Exodus 30:12
“When you take a census of the Israelites to number them, each man must pay the LORD a ransom for his life when he is counted. Then no plague will come upon them when they are numbered.

2 Samuel 24:2
So the king said to Joab the commander of his army, who was with him, “Go now throughout the tribes of Israel from Dan to Beersheba and register the troops, so that I may know their number.”
twenty years of age or older

Numbers 14:29
Your bodies will fall in this wilderness—all who were numbered in the census, everyone twenty years of age or older—because you have grumbled against Me.

Exodus 30:14
Everyone twenty years of age or older who crosses over must give this offering to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 25:5
Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he numbered those twenty years of age or older throughout Judah and Benjamin and found 300,000 chosen men able to serve in the army, bearing the spear and shield.
who could serve in the army,

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 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:

1 Chronicles 27:1
This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division:
Genesis 46:16-18
The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. / The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel. / These are the sons of Jacob born to Zilpah—whom Laban gave to his daughter Leah—sixteen in all.


Treasury of Scripture

Of 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;

Genesis 30:12,13
And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a second son…

Genesis 46:27
And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, were two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were threescore and ten.

Genesis 49:20
Out of Asher his bread shall be fat, and he shall yield royal dainties.

Jump to Previous
Able Asher Births Clans Descendants Families Fathers Forth Genealogical Generations Host House Households Houses Male Military Names Numbered Records Registration Serve Service Twenty Upward War
Jump to Next
Able Asher Births Clans Descendants Families Fathers Forth Genealogical Generations Host House Households Houses Male Military Names Numbered Records Registration Serve Service 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 sons of Asher,

Asher, whose name means “happy” or “blessed,” descended from Jacob’s eighth son, born to Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. His tribe received territory along the fertile Mediterranean coast in northern Canaan, a region associated with agricultural abundance.

Gen 46:17 The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi…
1Ch 7:30 The children of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah…
Deu 33:24 And concerning Asher he said: “May Asher be the most favored…

according to the records of their clans and families,

The census preserved the tribal and family structure established among Israel. These records identified each man’s place within the covenant community and protected the inheritance assigned to every clan.

1Ch 9:1 So all Israel was recorded in the genealogies…
Neh 7:5 Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles,…
Ezr 8:1 These are the family heads and genealogical records…

counting the names of all those

Moses and Aaron counted the eligible men as God commanded, preparing Israel for the responsibilities ahead. The census also displayed the growth of Jacob’s descendants during their years in Egypt and the wilderness.

Num 26:2 Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel…
Exo 30:12 When you take a census of the Israelites…
2Sa 24:2 So the king said to Joab the commander of his army,…

twenty years of age or older

Men of this age were recognized as responsible adults and were liable for military service. They represented the generation expected to enter the land God had promised Israel.

Num 14:29 Your bodies will fall in this wilderness…
Exo 30:14 Everyone twenty years of age or older…
2Ch 25:5 Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah…

who could serve in the army,

Asher’s fighting men were counted with the other tribes as Israel prepared to march toward Canaan. Their service was part of the nation’s divinely ordered preparation to possess the land.

1Ch 5:18 The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh…
1Ch 12:23 Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle…
1Ch 27:1 This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Asher
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The tribe of Asher is known for its prosperity and abundance, as prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49:20.

2. Genealogies
The recording of family lineages, which was crucial for maintaining tribal identity and inheritance rights among the Israelites. This census was part of a larger effort to organize the Israelites for their journey and conquest of the Promised Land.

3. Clans and Families
The subdivisions within the tribe of Asher, indicating the importance of family structure and heritage in Israelite society.

4. Military Service
The census was specifically for identifying those eligible for military service, highlighting the need for readiness and defense as the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan.

5. The Wilderness of Sinai
The location where the census took place, a significant period in Israel's history where they received the Law and were prepared for entering the Promised Land.
Teaching Points
Importance of Identity and Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage is crucial for our identity in Christ. Just as the Israelites valued their genealogies, Christians should value their spiritual lineage and the legacy of faith.

Preparedness for Spiritual Battle
The census for military service reminds us of the need to be prepared for spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages believers to put on the full armor of God.

Community and Family Structure
The emphasis on clans and families highlights the importance of community and family in spiritual growth and support. Christians are called to live in community, supporting one another in faith.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' obedience in taking the census as commanded by God serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's instructions in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 1:40?

2. How does Numbers 1:40 emphasize the importance of organized community in God's plan?

3. What can we learn from the tribe of Asher's role in Numbers 1:40?

4. How does Numbers 1:40 connect to God's covenant promises to Israel?

5. How can we apply the principle of accountability from Numbers 1:40 today?

6. In what ways does Numbers 1:40 encourage us to value our spiritual heritage?

7. How does Numbers 1:40 reflect the importance of genealogy in Israelite society?

8. Why is the tribe of Reuben specifically mentioned in Numbers 1:40?

9. What does Numbers 1:40 reveal about the organization of the Israelite tribes?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 1?


Numbers 1:40 records Asher’s men eligible for battle, proving God’s meticulous care for lineage, order, family, personal identity, maturity, and readiness. The verse grounds us in the literal history of Israel while pointing forward to our own call to be counted, equipped, and faithful in the service of the Lord.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
From the sons
לִבְנֵ֣י (liḇ·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Asher,
אָשֵׁ֔ר (’ā·šêr)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 836: Asher -- 'happy one', a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, also perhaps a city in Palestine

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

the names
שֵׁמֹ֗ת (šê·mōṯ)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8034: A name

of those 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

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


Additonal Resources
Numbers 1:40 Blue Letter Bible
Numbers 1:40 Bible Gateway
Numbers 1:40 Bible.com

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OT Law: Numbers 1:40 Of the children of Asher their generations (Nu Num.)

Numbers 1:39
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