Numbers 26:2
New International Version
“Take a census of the whole Israelite community by families—all those twenty years old or more who are able to serve in the army of Israel.”

New Living Translation
“From the whole community of Israel, record the names of all the warriors by their families. List all the men twenty years old or older who are able to go to war.”

English Standard Version
“Take a census of all the congregation of the people of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers’ houses, all in Israel who are able to go to war.”

Berean Standard Bible
“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.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel from twenty years old and above, by their fathers’ houses, all who are able to go to war in Israel.”

New American Standard Bible
“Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers’ households, whoever is able to go to war in Israel.”

NASB 1995
“Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers’ households, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel.”

NASB 1977
“Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers’ households, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel.”

Legacy Standard Bible
“Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers’ households, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel.”

Amplified Bible
“Take a census of all the [males in the] congregation of the sons of Israel from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers’ households, all in Israel who are able to go to war.”

Christian Standard Bible
“Take a census of the entire Israelite community by their ancestral families of those twenty years old or more who can serve in Israel’s army.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Take a census of the entire Israelite community by their ancestral houses of those 20 years old or more who can serve in Israel’s army.”

American Standard Version
Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers' houses, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel.

Contemporary English Version
"I want you to find out how many Israelites are in each family. Then make a list of every man 20 years and older who is able to serve in Israel's army."

English Revised Version
Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers' houses, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Take a census of the whole community of Israel by households. List those who are at least 20 years old and eligible for military duty."

Good News Translation
"Take a census by families of the whole community of Israel, of all men twenty years old or older who are fit for military service."

International Standard Version
"Take a census of the entire community of Israel from the age of 20 years and above, according to each ancestral tribe, counting everyone who is able to go out to war in Israel."

Majority Standard Bible
?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.?

NET Bible
"Take a census of the whole community of Israelites, from twenty years old and upward, by their clans, everyone who can serve in the army of Israel."

New Heart English Bible
"Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers' houses, all who are able to go forth to war in Israel."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
“Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers’ houses, all who are able to go out to war in Israel.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel, from a son of twenty years and upward, by the house of their fathers, everyone going out to the host in Israel.”

Young's Literal Translation
'Take up the sum of all the company of the sons of Israel, from a son of twenty years and upward, by the house of their fathers, every one going out to the host in Israel.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Take the head of all the assembly of the sons of Israel, from the son of twenty years and above, according to the house of their fathers, all going forth to war in Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Number the whole sum of the children of Israel from twenty years old and upward, by their houses and kindreds, all that are able to go forth to war.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“Number the entire sum of the sons of Israel, from twenty years and above, by their houses and kinships, all who are able to go forth to war.”

New American Bible
Take a census, by ancestral houses, throughout the community of the Israelites of all those of twenty years or more who are eligible for military service in Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
“Take a census of the whole congregation of the Israelites, from twenty years old and upward, by their ancestral houses, everyone in Israel able to go to war.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers' houses, all that are able to go to war in Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“Take a pebblecounting of all of the assembly of the children of Israel from a son of twenty years and above, for the house of their fathers, everyone who goes out in the army in Israel.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers' houses, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, according to the houses of their lineage, every one that goes forth to battle in Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Second Census of Israel
1After the plague had ended, the LORD said to Moses and Eleazar son of Aaron the priest, 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.” 3So on the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest issued the instruction,…

Cross References
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.

Numbers 1:2-3
“Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. / 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.

1 Chronicles 21:1-2
Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. / So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan and bring me a report, so that I may know their number.”

2 Samuel 24:1-2
Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.” / 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.”

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.

Numbers 3:15-16
“Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.” / So Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he had been commanded.

Numbers 4:2-3
“Take a census of the Kohathites among the Levites by their clans and families, / men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.

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.

Numbers 1:18-19
and on the first day of the second month they assembled the whole congregation and recorded their ancestry by clans and families, counting one by one the names of those twenty years of age or older, / just as the LORD had commanded Moses. So Moses numbered them in the Wilderness of Sinai:

Numbers 1:45-46
So all the Israelites twenty years of age or older who could serve in Israel’s army were counted according to their families. / And all those counted totaled 603,550.

Numbers 31:48-49
Then the officers who were over the units of the army—the commanders of thousands and of hundreds—approached Moses / and said, “Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one of us is missing.

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.

Matthew 10:30
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

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,


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Numbers 26:63
These are they that were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho.

Numbers 22:1
And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.

Numbers 31:12
And they brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and unto the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the camp at the plains of Moab, which are by Jordan near Jericho.

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Able Assembly Census Children Community Company Congregation Host House Households Houses Israel Israelite Military Names Numbered Service Sum Throughout Twenty Upward War Whole
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














Take a census
The phrase "Take a census" in Numbers 26:2 is a directive from God to Moses and Eleazar. The Hebrew root for "census" is "paqad," which means to count, number, or muster. This command is not merely about counting people; it is a divine mandate to organize and prepare the Israelites for their future in the Promised Land. Historically, censuses were crucial for military organization and resource allocation. In a spiritual sense, this census signifies God's intimate knowledge and care for His people, emphasizing that each individual is known and valued by God.

of the whole congregation
The term "of the whole congregation" underscores the inclusivity of God's command. The Hebrew word for "congregation" is "edah," referring to the assembly or community of Israel. This phrase highlights the unity and collective identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people. It serves as a reminder that every member of the community, regardless of status or tribe, is part of God's covenant and has a role in His divine plan.

of the Israelites
The phrase "of the Israelites" identifies the specific group to be counted. The Israelites, descendants of Jacob (also known as Israel), are the recipients of God's promises and the bearers of His covenant. This designation reinforces their unique identity and mission as God's people. Historically, the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the brink of the Promised Land is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

by their families
The phrase "by their families" indicates the organizational structure of the census. The Hebrew word for "families" is "mishpachot," which refers to extended family units or clans. This structure reflects the importance of family and tribal identity in Israelite society. It also emphasizes the continuity of God's promises through generations, as each family is a link in the chain of God's covenantal relationship with His people.

all those twenty years old and older
The specification "all those twenty years old and older" sets the criteria for those to be counted. In ancient Israel, twenty was the age of military service and adulthood. This age requirement underscores the practical purpose of the census: to assess the nation's military strength. Spiritually, it signifies the readiness and responsibility of the Israelites to take possession of the land God promised them.

who can serve in the army of Israel
The phrase "who can serve in the army of Israel" highlights the military aspect of the census. The Hebrew word for "army" is "tzava," which can also mean host or service. This reflects the dual nature of Israel's identity as both a community of worship and a nation prepared for battle. The army of Israel is not just a military force but a representation of God's power and protection. This phrase serves as a reminder that the Israelites' victories are not by their strength alone but by the Lord's might and guidance.

(2) Take the sum . . . --The same command had been given to Moses and Aaron (Numbers 1:2-3). In that case a man taken out of every tribe, the head of his father's house, was appointed to assist Moses and Aaron in taking the census. It is probable that the same arrangement was made in the present instance, though it is not recorded.

Verse 2. - Take the sum of all the congregation. This was certainly not commanded with a view to the war against Midian, which was of no military importance, and was actually prosecuted with no more than 12,000 men (Numbers 31:5). A general command to "vex the Midianites" had indeed been given (Numbers 25:17) on the principle of just retribution (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:6), but no attempt seems to have been made to act upon it until a more specific order was issued (Numbers 31:2). In any case the present mustering has to do with something far more important, viz., with the approaching settlement of the people in its own territory. This is clear from the instructions given in verses 52-56, and from the distribution of the tribes into families. From twenty years. See on chapter Numbers 1:3.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“Take a census
שְׂא֞וּ (śə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

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

congregation
עֲדַ֣ת (‘ă·ḏaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5712: A stated assemblage

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

those twenty
עֶשְׂרִ֥ים (‘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

and older,
וָמַ֖עְלָה (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 the houses
לְבֵ֣ית (lə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of their fathers—
אֲבֹתָ֑ם (’ă·ḇō·ṯām)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

all
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 the army
צָבָ֖א (ṣā·ḇā)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

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


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OT Law: Numbers 26:2 Take the sum of all the congregation (Nu Num.)
Numbers 26:1
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