Numbers 26:29
New International Version
The descendants of Manasseh: through Makir, the Makirite clan (Makir was the father of Gilead); through Gilead, the Gileadite clan.

New Living Translation
These were the clans descended from Manasseh: The Makirite clan, named after their ancestor Makir. The Gileadite clan, named after their ancestor Gilead, Makir’s son.

English Standard Version
The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the clan of the Machirites; and Machir was the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the clan of the Gileadites.

Berean Standard Bible
These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead, and the Gileadite clan from Gilead.

Berean Literal Bible
The sons of Manasseh: Of Machir, the clan of the Machirite; and Machir begat Gilead; of Gilead, the clan of the Gileadite.

King James Bible
Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites.

New King James Version
The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir begot Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

New American Standard Bible
The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir fathered Gilead: of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

NASB 1995
The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir became the father of Gilead: of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

NASB 1977
The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir became the father of Gilead: of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

Legacy Standard Bible
The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir became the father of Gilead: of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

Amplified Bible
The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir was the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

Berean Annotated Bible
These were the descendants of Manasseh (causing to forget): The Machirite (a salesman) clan from Machir (sold), the father of Gilead (rocky region), and the Gileadite clan from Gilead.

Christian Standard Bible
Manasseh’s descendants: the Machirite clan from Machir. Machir fathered Gilead; the Gileadite clan from Gilead.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Manasseh’s descendants: the Machirite clan from Machir. Machir fathered Gilead; the Gileadite clan from Gilead.

American Standard Version
The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

English Revised Version
The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
(from Manasseh) the family of Machir (Machir was the father of Gilead) and the family of Gilead.

Good News Translation
The tribe of Manasseh. Machir son of Manasseh was the father of Gilead, and the following clans traced their ancestry to Gilead:

International Standard Version
The descendants of Manasseh included: From Machir, the family of the descendants of Machir. (Machir was the father of Gilead.) From Gilead, the family of the Gileadites

NET Bible
The Manassehites: from Machir, the family of the Machirites (now Machir became the father of Gilead); from Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

New Heart English Bible
The descendants of Manasseh: of Makir, the family of the Makirites; and Makir became the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

Webster's Bible Translation
Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead, and the Gileadite clan from Gilead.

World English Bible
The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir became the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Sons of Manasseh: of Machir [is] the family of the Machirite; and Machir has begotten Gilead; of Gilead [is] the family of the Gileadite.

Berean Literal Bible
The sons of Manasseh: Of Machir, the clan of the Machirite; and Machir begat Gilead; of Gilead, the clan of the Gileadite.

Young's Literal Translation
Sons of Manasseh: of Machir is the family of the Machirite; and Machir hath begotten Gilead; of Gilead is the family of the Gileadite.

Smith's Literal Translation
The sons of Manasseh: to Machir, the families of the Machirites; and Machir begat Gilead; to Gilead, the families of the Gileadites.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Of Manasses was born Machir, of whom is the family of the Machirites. Machir beget Galaad, of whom is the family of the Galaadites.

Catholic Public Domain Version
From Manasseh was born Machir, from whom is the family of the Machirites. Machir conceived Gilead, from whom is the family of the Gileadites.

New American Bible
The descendants of Manasseh by clans were: through Machir, the clan of the Machirites. Now Machir begot Gilead: through Gilead, the clan of the Gileadites.

New Revised Standard Version
The descendants of Manasseh: of Machir, the clan of the Machirites; and Machir was the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the clan of the Gileadites.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead comes the family of the Gileadites.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sons of Menasheh: Makir, the family of Makir, and Makir begot Gelad: Gelad, the family of Gelad.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites--and Machir begot Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The sons of Manasse. To Machir the family of the Machirites; and Machir begot Galaad: to Galaad, the family of the Galaadites.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Tribe of Manasseh
28The descendants of Joseph included the clans of Manasseh and Ephraim. 29These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead, and the Gileadite clan from Gilead. 30These were the descendants of Gilead: the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek,…

Cross References
These were the descendants of Manasseh:

Joshua 17:1-2
Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn son, namely for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh and father of the Gileadites, who had received Gilead and Bashan because Machir was a man of war. / So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These are the other male descendants of the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph.

Genesis 48:19-20
But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” / So that day Jacob blessed them and said: “By you shall Israel pronounce this blessing: ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’” So he put Ephraim before Manasseh.

Genesis 41:51
Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.”
The Machirite clan from Machir,

Numbers 32:39-40
The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it, and drove out the Amorites who were there. / So Moses gave Gilead to the clan of Machir son of Manasseh, and they settled there.

Deuteronomy 3:15
To Machir I gave Gilead,

Joshua 13:31
half of Gilead; and Ashtaroth and Edrei, the royal cities of Og in Bashan. All this was for the clans of the descendants of Machir son of Manasseh, that is, half of the descendants of Machir.
the father of Gilead,

1 Chronicles 7:14
The descendants of Manasseh: Asriel through his Aramean concubine. She also gave birth to Machir the father of Gilead.

Genesis 50:23
He saw Ephraim’s sons to the third generation, and indeed the sons of Machir son of Manasseh were brought up on Joseph’s knees.

1 Chronicles 5:23-24
Now the people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous. They settled in the land from Bashan to Baal-hermon (that is, Senir, also known as Mount Hermon). / These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families.
and the Gileadite clan from Gilead.

Judges 11:1
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor; he was the son of a prostitute, and Gilead was his father.

Judges 10:3-5
Tola was followed by Jair the Gileadite, who judged Israel twenty-two years. / He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys. And they had thirty towns in the land of Gilead, which to this day are called Havvoth-jair. / When Jair died, he was buried in Kamon.

2 Samuel 17:27
When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim.
Genesis 46:9
The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Exodus 6:14
These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben.

1 Chronicles 5:1-2
These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. / And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.

Genesis 49:3-4
Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. / Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.


Treasury of Scripture

Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites.

Jeezer, called Abiezer

Joshua 17:2
There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.

Judges 6:11,24,34
And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites…

Judges 8:2
And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?

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Numbers 26
1. The sum of all Israel is taken in the plains of Moab
52. The law of dividing among them the inheritance of the land
57. The families and number of the Levites
63. None but Caleb and Joshua was left of those who were numbered at Sinai












These were the descendants of Manasseh:
Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His descendants played a significant role in the history of Israel, particularly in the settlement of the Promised Land. The tribe of Manasseh was divided into two half-tribes, one settling on the east side of the Jordan River and the other on the west. This division is significant in understanding the tribal allotments and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

The Machirite clan from Machir:
Machir was the firstborn son of Manasseh and is often associated with strength and valor. The Machirites were known for their military prowess, which is highlighted in the conquest narratives. Machir's descendants settled in the region of Gilead, a fertile and strategically important area east of the Jordan River. This settlement is confirmed by archaeological findings that suggest a strong presence of Israelite culture in Gilead during the period of the Judges.

The father of Gilead:
Machir is referred to as the father of Gilead, indicating his significant role in the establishment and leadership of this region. Gilead was a mountainous area known for its balm, a valuable commodity in ancient times. The term "father" here signifies not only biological descent but also leadership and foundational influence. Gilead's importance is seen in various biblical narratives, including the stories of Jephthah and Elijah.

And the Gileadite clan from Gilead:
The Gileadites were a prominent clan within the tribe of Manasseh, known for their distinct identity and contributions to Israel's history. The region of Gilead was often a site of conflict and refuge, playing a crucial role in the narratives of the Judges and the monarchy. The Gileadites' identity is further explored in the context of their interactions with other tribes and nations, highlighting themes of unity and division within Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Manasseh
The firstborn son of Joseph, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His descendants are significant in the division of the Promised Land.

2. Makir
The son of Manasseh, known for his valor and leadership. His lineage is important in the inheritance of land east of the Jordan River.

3. Gilead
The son of Makir, representing a clan that settled in a region known for its balm and fertile land. Gilead is both a person and a geographical area.
Teaching Points
Heritage and Legacy
The passage highlights the importance of family lineage and heritage in God's plan. Believers are encouraged to consider the spiritual legacy they are leaving for future generations.

God's Faithfulness
The detailed genealogies in Numbers remind us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Reflect on how God has been faithful in your life.

Role of Leadership
Makir's leadership and valor are noted in Scripture. Consider how God calls us to lead in our families, communities, and churches with integrity and courage.

Inheritance in Christ
Just as the tribes of Israel received a physical inheritance, believers have a spiritual inheritance in Christ. Reflect on what it means to be co-heirs with Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 26:29?

2. How does Numbers 26:29 emphasize the importance of family lineage in God's plan?

3. What can we learn about God's faithfulness from Numbers 26:29?

4. How does Numbers 26:29 connect to God's promises to Abraham's descendants?

5. How can understanding Numbers 26:29 influence our view of spiritual inheritance today?

6. How might Numbers 26:29 encourage us to value our spiritual heritage and legacy?

7. What is the significance of Numbers 26:29 in the context of Israel's tribal lineage?

8. How does Numbers 26:29 reflect God's promise to the descendants of Manasseh?

9. Why is the genealogy in Numbers 26:29 important for understanding Israel's history?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 26?

11. 1 Chronicles 7:14–15 – How do we reconcile the lineage of Manasseh here with conflicting genealogical details elsewhere in Scripture?

12. 1 Chronicles 7:20-29 - Are there historical or archaeological records supporting Ephraim's vast numbers and territorial claims listed here?

13. Judges 6:14-15: If Gideon was the least in his family, do other biblical records or genealogical data contradict or confirm his lowly status?

14. Numbers 32:23: Are there any historical or archaeological records that corroborate Moses' warnings about sin and its consequences for these tribes?
What Does Numbers 26:29 Mean
These were the descendants of Manasseh

“ ‘These were the descendants of Manasseh…’ ” (Numbers 26:29a)

• Manasseh, Joseph’s firstborn (Genesis 41:51; Genesis 48:14–20), receives a full tribal standing despite Ephraim’s pre-eminence.

• This listing appears in the second wilderness census, taken just before Israel enters Canaan (Numbers 26:1–2), confirming that God preserved His people through judgment and wandering (compare Numbers 14:29-31).

• The verse anchors the tribe within God’s covenant promises: the original blessings spoken over Joseph’s sons are now being realized in a new generation (Genesis 48:19; Revelation 7:6).


The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead

“… ‘The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead…’ ” (Numbers 26:29b)

• Machir, Manasseh’s firstborn (Joshua 17:1), distinguished himself as “a man of war,” so his descendants later receive the rugged territory of Gilead and Bashan east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:39-40; Deuteronomy 3:13-15).

• Scripture repeatedly calls him “father of Gilead,” highlighting how a single faithful life can shape an entire region and future lineage (1 Chronicles 7:14-17).

• This reminds us that God honors courageous obedience; what began in Egypt with Joseph seeing “the children of Machir” on his knees (Genesis 50:23) now blossoms into a thriving clan about to claim its inheritance.


and the Gileadite clan from Gilead

“… ‘and the Gileadite clan from Gilead.’ ” (Numbers 26:29c)

• Gilead becomes both a person and a place. The descendants of Gilead expand into the fertile highlands east of the Jordan, an area later known for balm and strength (Jeremiah 8:22).

• Their land assignment is confirmed in Joshua 17:3-6 and reiterated when Gideon, Jephthah, and Elijah emerge from this same region to serve God’s purposes (Judges 6:11; Judges 11:1; 1 Kings 17:1).

• The mention of the Gileadites signals fulfillment: promises made to the patriarchs are translating into tangible territory, attesting to the Lord’s reliability (Joshua 21:43-45).


summary

Numbers 26:29 highlights God’s faithfulness through family lines: Manasseh’s descendants endure, Machir’s bravery yields territory, and Gilead’s name becomes both clan and homeland. Each phrase shows covenant continuity—what began with promises to Joseph now stands on the edge of fulfillment, proving that every word God speaks is kept, down to individual families and their future lands.

(29) Machir begat Gilead.--It is stated in 1Chronicles 7:14, and in the LXX. of Genesis 46:20, that Machir's mother was an Aramitess. This may account for the name which was given to his son, Gilead, the border land between Syria and Canaan, and that in which Laban overtook Jacob (Genesis 31:25).

Verse 29. - The sons of Manasseh. There is considerable difficulty about the families of this tribe, because they are not recorded in Genesis, while the details preserved in 1 Chronicles 7:14-17 are so obscure and fragmentary as to be extremely perplexing. According to the present enumeration there were eight families in Manasseh, one named after his son Machir, one after his grandson Gilead, and the rest after his great-grandsons. The list given in Joshua 17:1, 2 agrees with this, except that the Machirites and the Gileadites are apparently identified. It appears from the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 7 that the mother of Machir was a stranger from Aram, the country of Laban. This may perhaps account for the fact that Machir's son received the name of Gilead, for Gilead was the border land between Aram and Canaan; it more probably explains the subsequent allotment of territory in that direction to the Machirites (Numbers 32:40). Gilead appears again as a proper name in Judges 11:2.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[These were] the descendants
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Manasseh:
מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה (mə·naš·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4519: Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites

The Machirite
הַמָּכִירִ֔י (ham·mā·ḵî·rî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4354: Machirites -- descendant of Machir

clan
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת (miš·pa·ḥaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

from Machir.
לְמָכִיר֙ (lə·mā·ḵîr)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4353: Machir -- two Israelites

Machir
וּמָכִ֖יר (ū·mā·ḵîr)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4353: Machir -- two Israelites

was the father of
הוֹלִ֣יד (hō·w·lîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage

Gilead,
גִּלְעָ֑ד (gil·‘āḏ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1568: Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites

the Gileadite
הַגִּלְעָדִֽי׃ (hag·gil·‘ā·ḏî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1569: Gileadite -- a descendant of Gilead, also an inhabitant of Gilead

clan
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת (miš·pa·ḥaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

from Gilead.
לְגִלְעָ֕ד (lə·ḡil·‘āḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1568: Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites


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OT Law: Numbers 26:29 The sons of Manasseh: of Machir (Nu Num.)
Numbers 26:28
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