Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed. New Living Translation Give the larger tribes more land and the smaller tribes less land, each group receiving a grant in proportion to the size of its population. English Standard Version To a large tribe you shall give a large inheritance, and to a small tribe you shall give a small inheritance; every tribe shall be given its inheritance in proportion to its list. Berean Standard Bible Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. Berean Literal Bible To the many you shall increase their inheritance, and to the few you shall diminish their inheritance; each according to their numbered shall be given its inheritance. King James Bible To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him. New King James Version To a large tribe you shall give a larger inheritance, and to a small tribe you shall give a smaller inheritance. Each shall be given its inheritance according to those who were numbered of them. New American Standard Bible To a larger group you shall increase their inheritance, and to a smaller group you shall decrease their inheritance; each shall be given their inheritance corresponding to the total of those who were numbered of them. NASB 1995 “To the larger group you shall increase their inheritance, and to the smaller group you shall diminish their inheritance; each shall be given their inheritance according to those who were numbered of them. NASB 1977 “To the larger group you shall increase their inheritance, and to the smaller group you shall diminish their inheritance; each shall be given their inheritance according to those who were numbered of them. Legacy Standard Bible To the larger group you shall increase their inheritance, and to the smaller group you shall diminish their inheritance; each shall be given their inheritance according to those who were numbered of them. Amplified Bible To the larger tribe you shall give the larger inheritance, and to the smaller tribe the smaller inheritance; each tribe shall be given its inheritance according to its numbers. Berean Annotated Bible Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. Christian Standard Bible Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one. Each is to be given its inheritance according to those who were registered in it. Holman Christian Standard Bible Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one. Each is to be given its inheritance according to those who were registered in it. American Standard Version To the more thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to the fewer thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one according to those that were numbered of him shall his inheritance be given. Contemporary English Version so the larger tribes have more land than the smaller ones. English Revised Version To the more thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to the fewer thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one according to those that were numbered of him shall his inheritance be given. GOD'S WORD® Translation Give more land to larger tribes and less land to smaller ones. Use the totals [from the census] in giving land to each tribe. International Standard Version The more there are in number, you are to increase their inheritance, and the less there are in number, you are to decrease their inheritance. You are to provide an inheritance to each based on the size of their family, NET Bible To a larger group you will give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group you will give a smaller inheritance. To each one its inheritance must be given according to the number of people in it. New Heart English Bible To the more you shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer you shall give the less inheritance: to everyone according to those who were numbered of him shall his inheritance be given. Webster's Bible Translation To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few thou shalt give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given, according to those that were numbered of him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIncrease the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. World English Bible To the more you shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer you shall give the less inheritance. To everyone according to those who were counted of him shall his inheritance be given. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionto the many you increase their inheritance, and to the few you diminish their inheritance; each is given his inheritance according to his numbered ones. Berean Literal Bible To the many you shall increase their inheritance, and to the few you shall diminish their inheritance; each according to their numbered shall be given its inheritance. Young's Literal Translation to the many thou dost increase their inheritance, and to the few thou dost diminish their inheritance; to each according to his numbered ones is given his inheritance. Smith's Literal Translation To the many thou shalt multiply his inheritance, and to the few thou shalt diminish his inheritance: to each according to his reviewing his inheritance shall be given. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTo the greater number thou shalt give a greater portion, and to the fewer a less: to every one, as they have now been reckoned up, shall a possession be delivered : Catholic Public Domain Version To the greater number you shall give a greater portion, and to the lesser number, a lesser portion. To each one, just as they have now been counted, a possession shall be delivered. New American Bible To a large tribe you shall assign a large heritage, to a small tribe a small heritage, each receiving its heritage in proportion to the number enrolled in it. New Revised Standard Version To a large tribe you shall give a large inheritance, and to a small tribe you shall give a small inheritance; every tribe shall be given its inheritance according to its enrollment. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTo a large family you shall give a large inheritance and to a small family you shall give a small inheritance; every one shall receive his inheritance according to those that were numbered of him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated For many you will increase their inheritance, and for a few you shall diminish their inheritance; a man will receive his inheritance according to his number. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917To the more thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to the fewer thou shalt give the less inheritance; to each one according to those that were numbered of it shall its inheritance be given. Brenton Septuagint Translation To the greater number thou shalt give the greater inheritance, and to the less number thou shalt give the less inheritance: to each one, as they have been numbered, shall their inheritance be given. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Inheritance by Lot…53“The land is to be divided among the tribes as an inheritance, according to the number of names. 54Increase the inheritance for a large tribe and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. 55Indeed, the land must be divided by lot; they shall receive their inheritance according to the names of the tribes of their fathers.… Cross References Increase the inheritance for a large tribe Joshua 17:14-18 Then the sons of Joseph said to Joshua, “Why have you given us only one portion as an inheritance? We have many people, because the LORD has blessed us abundantly.” / Joshua answered them, “If you have so many people that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, go to the forest and clear for yourself an area in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.” / “The hill country is not enough for us,” they replied, “and all the Canaanites who live in the valley have iron chariots, both in Beth-shean with its towns and in the Valley of Jezreel.” … 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. Deuteronomy 21:17 Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him. and decrease it for a small one; Joshua 19:9 The inheritance of the Simeonites was taken from the territory of Judah, because the share for Judah’s descendants was too large for them. So the Simeonites received an inheritance within Judah’s portion. Joshua 18:4-6 Appoint three men from each tribe, and I will send them out to survey the land and map it out, according to the inheritance of each. Then they will return to me / and divide the land into seven portions. Judah shall remain in their territory in the south, and the house of Joseph shall remain in their territory in the north. / When you have mapped out the seven portions of land and brought it to me, I will cast lots for you here in the presence of the LORD our God. Mark 4:25 For whoever has will be given more. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” each tribe is to receive its inheritance Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the entire land, in keeping with all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to the allotments to their tribes. Then the land had rest from war. Joshua 14:1-2 Now these are the portions that the Israelites inherited in the land of Canaan, as distributed by Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families of the tribes of Israel. / Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses. Joshua 19:51 These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the families distributed by lot to the tribes of Israel at Shiloh before the LORD at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. So they finished dividing up the land. according to the number of those registered. Deuteronomy 32:8 When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. Exodus 38:25-26 The silver from those numbered among the congregation totaled 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel— / 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. Exodus 30:12-16 “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. / Everyone who crosses over to those counted must pay a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD. / Everyone twenty years of age or older who crosses over must give this offering to the LORD. … Joshua 18:10 And Joshua cast lots for them in the presence of the LORD at Shiloh, where he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions. Ezekiel 47:13-14 This is what the Lord GOD says: “These are the boundaries by which you are to divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel; Joseph shall receive two portions. / You are to divide it equally among them. Because I swore with an uplifted hand to give it to your forefathers, this land will fall to you as an inheritance. Ezekiel 48:29 This is the land you are to allot as an inheritance to the tribes of Israel, and these will be their portions,” declares the Lord GOD. Leviticus 25:46 You may leave them to your sons after you to inherit as property; you can make them slaves for life. But as for your brothers, the Israelites, no man may rule harshly over his brother. Treasury of Scripture To many you shall give the more inheritance, and to few you shall give the less inheritance: to every one shall his inheritance be given according to those that were numbered of him. by lot Numbers 26:56 According to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided between many and few. Numbers 33:54 And ye shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families: and to the more ye shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer ye shall give the less inheritance: every man's inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falleth; according to the tribes of your fathers ye shall inherit. Numbers 34:13 And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe: Jump to Previous Diminish Increase Inheritance Less Listed Numbered Numbers Ones Part Receive Relation Small Smaller TribeJump to Next Diminish Increase Inheritance Less Listed Numbered Numbers Ones Part Receive Relation Small Smaller TribeNumbers 26 1. The sum of all Israel is taken in the plains of Moab52. 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 Increase the inheritance for a large tribe This directive reflects the practical and equitable distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. The larger tribes, having more people, required more land to sustain their population. This principle of proportionality ensures that resources are allocated based on need and capacity. Historically, this allocation was crucial for maintaining social stability and economic viability within the tribes. The concept of inheritance here also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of spiritual inheritance, where believers receive blessings according to their faith and capacity to serve (Ephesians 1:11). and decrease it for a small one; each tribe is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those registered. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is overseeing the census and the distribution of the land. 2. Eleazar The priest who assists Moses in the census and the allocation of the land. 3. Israelites The people of God who are being counted and prepared to enter the Promised Land. 4. Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 5. Tribes of Israel The twelve tribes, each descending from one of the sons of Jacob, who are to receive portions of the land. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in ProvisionGod determines the inheritance of each tribe, reflecting His sovereign will and provision for His people. Trust in God's provision for your life, knowing He knows your needs. Equity and Justice The distribution of land according to the size of each tribe demonstrates God's fairness and justice. In our lives, we should strive to reflect God's justice in our dealings with others. Community and Responsibility Each tribe's inheritance was tied to their numbers, emphasizing the importance of community and shared responsibility. Engage actively in your community, recognizing that your actions impact the collective well-being. Faithfulness in Stewardship The tribes were to manage their allotted land wisely. Similarly, we are called to be faithful stewards of the resources and gifts God has given us. Preparation for Future Blessings The census and allocation of land were preparations for entering the Promised Land. Prepare your heart and life for the blessings God has in store, being ready to step into His promises. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 26:54?2. How does Numbers 26:54 illustrate God's fairness in land distribution among tribes? 3. What principles can we learn about stewardship from Numbers 26:54? 4. How does Numbers 26:54 connect to God's promises to Abraham's descendants? 5. How can we apply the concept of "inheritance" from Numbers 26:54 today? 6. In what ways does Numbers 26:54 encourage trust in God's provision and justice? 7. How does Numbers 26:54 reflect God's fairness in land distribution among the tribes of Israel? 8. What theological significance does the division of land in Numbers 26:54 hold for modern believers? 9. How does Numbers 26:54 demonstrate God's sovereignty in determining the inheritance of the Israelites? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 26? 11. What role did Issachar play among Jacob's sons? 12. Is the quick replenishment of certain tribes after mass deaths (Numbers 26) plausible without any record of extraordinary birth rates or other means of population growth? 13. Do the detailed genealogies in Numbers 26 align consistently with other biblical genealogies, or are there discrepancies that suggest later editing? 14. In 1 Chronicles 8:1-2, how can these names and lineages of Benjamin be reconciled with variations in other Old Testament genealogies? What Does Numbers 26:54 Mean Increase the inheritance for a large tribe• In the second wilderness census (Numbers 26:1–51), some tribes—such as Judah (76,500) and Joseph’s two halves, Ephraim and Manasseh (totaling 85,200)—had far more fighting-age men than others. • God instructs Moses that land distribution must match that reality: “Increase the inheritance for a large tribe” (Numbers 26:54). • This is not favoritism but proportional stewardship: the families who will cultivate, defend, and develop a larger area should receive a larger portion (compare Joshua 17:14–18, where Joseph’s descendants request more territory because of their numbers). • Cross references highlight the same principle of proportional blessing: Deuteronomy 1:11 speaks of God multiplying Israel “a thousand times over,” and Psalm 115:14 prays, “May the Lord add to you, both you and your children.” Bigger families naturally need broader provision. and decrease it for a small one • Conversely, tribes like Simeon (22,200) or Benjamin (45,600) required less territory. • Limiting their allotment preserved equity, preventing waste and avoiding jealousy between tribes (see Deuteronomy 33:24, where Asher is blessed with abundance suited to his size). • The guideline also curbs greed: smaller tribes were not to grasp beyond their capacity, echoing Proverbs 30:8–9, “Give me neither poverty nor riches… lest I be full and deny You.” • In practice, Joshua 19 shows smaller inheritances given to smaller tribes, confirming God’s timeless wisdom in matching provision to responsibility. each tribe is to receive its inheritance • The word “inheritance” underscores that the land is a gift, not a conquest prize (Leviticus 25:23, “The land is Mine, and you are but foreigners and sojourners with Me”). • Every tribe—regardless of size—receives an irrevocable portion, assuring them of belonging and security (Ezekiel 47:13–14 repeats the promise even for Israel’s future restoration). • This collective ownership knits the nation together; no tribe is left landless or dependent on another (compare Numbers 18:20, where only the Levites receive no territorial inheritance because the Lord Himself is theirs). according to the number of those registered • The census list serves as an objective, public record, eliminating guesswork or favoritism (Numbers 1:2–3 shows the same counting method at Sinai). • Registration ties inheritance to covenant responsibility: those counted are able-bodied men ready to defend the land God entrusts to them (Nehemiah 4:13–14 echoes the link between family defense and assigned land sections). • By grounding distribution “according to the number,” the Lord affirms both His justice and His knowledge of each family’s needs, fulfilling Matthew 10:30, “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” summary Numbers 26:54 teaches that God’s allocation of the Promised Land is both generous and just: larger tribes receive more, smaller tribes receive less, yet every tribe receives a divinely guaranteed inheritance precisely suited to its size. The verse showcases God’s orderly provision, His care for every family, and His expectation that blessings match responsibilities—a pattern still relevant for faithful stewardship today. Hebrew Increaseתַּרְבֶּה֙ (tar·beh) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great the inheritance נַחֲלָת֔וֹ (na·ḥă·lā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion for a large [tribe] לָרַ֗ב (lā·raḇ) Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7227: Much, many, great and decrease תַּמְעִ֖יט (tam·‘îṭ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 4591: To pare off, lessen, in, to be, small, few it נַחֲלָת֑וֹ (na·ḥă·lā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion for a small one; וְלַמְעַ֕ט (wə·lam·‘aṭ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 4592: A little, fewness, a few each אִ֚ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person is to receive יֻתַּ֖ן (yut·tan) Verb - QalPass - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set its inheritance נַחֲלָתֽוֹ׃ (na·ḥă·lā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5159: Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion according to לְפִ֣י (lə·p̄î) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to the number of those registered. פְקֻדָ֔יו (p̄ə·qu·ḏāw) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit Links Numbers 26:54 NIVNumbers 26:54 NLT Numbers 26:54 ESV Numbers 26:54 NASB Numbers 26:54 KJV Numbers 26:54 BibleApps.com Numbers 26:54 Biblia Paralela Numbers 26:54 Chinese Bible Numbers 26:54 French Bible Numbers 26:54 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 26:54 To the more you shall give (Nu Num.) |
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