Numbers 1:3
New International Version
You and Aaron are to count according to their divisions all the men in Israel who are twenty years old or more and able to serve in the army.

New Living Translation
twenty years old or older who are able to go to war. You and Aaron must register the troops,

English Standard Version
From twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go to war, you and Aaron shall list them, company by company.

Berean Standard Bible
You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army.

King James Bible
From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

New King James Version
from twenty years old and above—all who are able to go to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

New American Standard Bible
from twenty years old and upward, whoever is able to go to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall count them by their armies.

NASB 1995
from twenty years old and upward, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel, you and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

NASB 1977
from twenty years old and upward, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel, you and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

Legacy Standard Bible
from twenty years old and upward, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel, you and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

Amplified Bible
from twenty years old and upward, all in Israel who are able to go out to war. You and Aaron shall number them, army by army.

Christian Standard Bible
You and Aaron are to register those who are twenty years old or more by their military divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You and Aaron are to register those who are 20 years old or more by their military divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army.

American Standard Version
from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel, thou and Aaron shall number them by their hosts.

English Revised Version
from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel, thou and Aaron shall number them by their hosts.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
who is at least 20 years old. You and Aaron must register everyone in Israel who is eligible for military duty. List them by divisions.

Good News Translation
twenty years old or older who are fit for military service.

International Standard Version
from 20 years and upward. You and Aaron are to register everyone in Israel who is able to go to war, company by company.

Majority Standard Bible
You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army.

NET Bible
You and Aaron are to number all in Israel who can serve in the army, those who are twenty years old or older, by their divisions.

New Heart English Bible
from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go out to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their divisions.

Webster's Bible Translation
From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel; thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

World English Bible
from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go out to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall count them by their divisions.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
from a son of twenty years and upward, everyone going out to the host in Israel, you number them by their hosts, you and Aaron;

Young's Literal Translation
from a son of twenty years and upward, every one going out to the host in Israel, ye do number them by their hosts, thou and Aaron;

Smith's Literal Translation
From the son of twenty years and above, all going forth to war in Israel; ye shall review them according to their armies, thou and Aaron.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
From twenty years old and upwards, of all the men of Israel fit for war, and you shall number them by their troops, thou and Aaron.

Catholic Public Domain Version
from twenty years and above, of all the able-bodied men out of Israel, and you shall number them by their companies, you and Aaron.

New American Bible
You and Aaron shall enroll in companies all the men in Israel of twenty years or more who are fit for military service.

New Revised Standard Version
from twenty years old and upward, everyone in Israel able to go to war. You and Aaron shall enroll them, company by company.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
From twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go forth to war in Israel; you and Aaron your brother shall number them by their armies.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
From a son of twenty years and above, everyone who goes out in the army in Israel, you shall number them in their armies, you and Ahron your brother.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: ye shall number them by their hosts, even thou and Aaron.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
from twenty years old and upwards, every one that goes forth in the forces of Israel, take account of them with their strength; thou and Aaron take account of them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Census of Israel's Warriors
2“Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. 3You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions— everyone who can serve in Israel’s army. 4And one man from each tribe, the head of each family, must be there with you.…

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

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.

2 Samuel 24:9
And Joab reported to the king the total number of the troops. In Israel there were 800,000 men of valor who drew the sword, and in Judah there were 500,000.

1 Chronicles 21:5
And Joab reported to David the total number of the troops. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah.

1 Chronicles 27:23-24
David did not count the men aged twenty or under, because the LORD had said that He would make Israel as numerous as the stars of the sky. / Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. For because of this census wrath came upon Israel, and the number was not entered in the Book of the Chronicles of King David.

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.”

Numbers 26:4
“Take a census of the men twenty years of age or older, as the LORD has commanded Moses.” And these were the Israelites who came out of the land of Egypt:

Deuteronomy 20:5-9
Furthermore, the officers are to address the army, saying, “Has any man built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man dedicate it. / Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit. / Has any man become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man marry her.” ...

Judges 20:2
The leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel presented themselves in the assembly of God’s people: 400,000 men on foot, armed with swords.

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.

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. ...

Luke 2:1-3
Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. / This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. / And everyone went to his own town to register.

Acts 1:15
In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (a gathering of about a hundred and twenty) and said,

Acts 2:41
Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day.

Acts 4:4
But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.


Treasury of Scripture

From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: you and Aaron shall number them by their armies.

twenty

Numbers 14:29
Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me,

Numbers 32:11
Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed me:

Exodus 30:14
Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.

able

Numbers 26:2
Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers' house, all that are able to go to war in Israel.

Deuteronomy 3:18
And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war.

Deuteronomy 24:5
When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.

by their

Numbers 33:1
These are the journeys of the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt with their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Exodus 12:17
And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.

Jump to Previous
Aaron Able Armies Army Company Divisions Forth Host Hosts Israel Military Numbered Serve Service Twenty Upward War
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Aaron Able Armies Army Company Divisions Forth Host Hosts Israel Military Numbered 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














You and Aaron
This phrase highlights the leadership roles of Moses and Aaron, chosen by God to guide the Israelites. Moses, as the prophet and leader, and Aaron, as the high priest, represent both the civil and spiritual leadership necessary for the governance of the people. Their partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in leadership, with Moses receiving direct revelation from God and Aaron serving as the intermediary in religious matters. Historically, this dual leadership was crucial for maintaining order and spiritual direction during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.

are to register
The act of registration, or census-taking, is significant in the context of ancient Israel. The Hebrew root for "register" is "paqad," which can mean to count, muster, or appoint. This was not merely a numerical exercise but a divinely commanded act to organize the people for both military and communal purposes. It reflects God's orderliness and His concern for each individual within the community. The census was a way to prepare the nation for the challenges ahead, ensuring that every capable person was accounted for in the defense and service of Israel.

those who are twenty years of age or older
The age of twenty was considered the age of maturity and responsibility in ancient Israel. It was the age at which a young man was deemed capable of bearing arms and participating in the defense of the nation. This reflects a broader biblical principle of accountability and readiness to serve. The age requirement underscores the importance of maturity and preparedness in fulfilling one's duties, both in a military and spiritual sense. It also highlights the value placed on the strength and vigor of youth in the service of God's purposes.

by their divisions
The organization "by their divisions" indicates a structured and orderly approach to the census. The Hebrew term "tzava" often refers to a military division or host. This organization was essential for effective military strategy and reflects the broader biblical theme of order and discipline within the community of God's people. It also points to the importance of each tribe and family unit within the larger national identity, emphasizing that every group had a role to play in the collective mission of Israel.

everyone who can serve in Israel’s army
This phrase emphasizes the call to service and the readiness required of those who were counted. The Hebrew word for "serve" is "tzava," which is closely related to the word for "army" or "host." This dual meaning highlights the concept of service as both a military and spiritual duty. Serving in the army was not just a civic responsibility but also a spiritual one, as the defense of Israel was seen as part of God's divine plan. This call to service reflects the broader biblical theme of being prepared to stand for God's purposes and to defend the community of faith against external threats.

(3) From twenty years old and upward.--The result of the previous numbering (Exodus 30:12; Exodus 38:26), which was made about six months earlier, and which was probably obtained by counting the number of half-shekels which were paid, as Ithamar appears to have done (Exodus 38:2), exactly corresponds with the result of the present census (Numbers 1:46). But the complete census, or numbering and enrolment of the persons according to tribes, families, and fathers' houses, appears to have been deferred until after the erection of the tabernacle, towards the construction of which the atonement money had been paid. If the whole was done in obedience to the command contained in Exodus 30:12, and was regarded as one transaction, those only would be numbered on the second occasion who had already paid their atonement money. There is nothing impossible in the supposition that the whole of those who had been numbered six months previously were still alive, but no allowance is made, on this supposition, for the number of those who were below twenty years of age at the earlier period, and who had exceeded that age at the later period. Inasmuch, however, as the sum-total in both cases is divisible by ten, and inasmuch as the separate items in this chapter are given in tens (the smallest subdivision of the people which was adopted by Moses, on the recommendation of Jethro, Exodus 18:21), no objection to the historical accuracy of both records can be sustained if it be allowed that the number of those who had attained the age of twenty years since the earlier census corresponded nearly with the number of deaths during the same period. The whole of the objection, however, is removed in a far more satisfactory manner by the supposition that there was only one census. (See the Introduction.) . . . Verse 3. - By their armies. Every citizen was a soldier. The military monarchies of mediaeval or of modern days, with their universal obligation to service in the ranks, have (so far) but followed the example of ancient Israel.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
You
אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

and Aaron
וְאַהֲרֹֽן׃ (wə·’a·hă·rōn)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

are to register
תִּפְקְד֥וּ (tip̄·qə·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

those
אֹתָ֛ם (’ō·ṯām)
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

who are 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

by their divisions—
צָבָ֖א (ṣā·ḇā)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

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

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

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

army.
לְצִבְאֹתָ֖ם (lə·ṣiḇ·’ō·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign


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OT Law: Numbers 1:3 From twenty years old and upward all (Nu Num.)
Numbers 1:2
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