Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were: through Bela, the Belaite clan; through Ashbel, the Ashbelite clan; through Ahiram, the Ahiramite clan; New Living Translation These were the clans descended from the sons of Benjamin: The Belaite clan, named after their ancestor Bela. The Ashbelite clan, named after their ancestor Ashbel. The Ahiramite clan, named after their ancestor Ahiram. English Standard Version The sons of Benjamin according to their clans: of Bela, the clan of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the clan of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the clan of the Ahiramites; Berean Standard Bible These were the descendants of Benjamin by their clans: The Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram, King James Bible The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites: New King James Version The sons of Benjamin according to their families were: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; New American Standard Bible The sons of Benjamin by their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; NASB 1995 The sons of Benjamin according to their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; NASB 1977 The sons of Benjamin according to their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; Legacy Standard Bible The sons of Benjamin according to their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; Amplified Bible The sons of Benjamin according to their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; Christian Standard Bible Benjamin’s descendants by their clans: the Belaite clan from Bela; the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel; the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram; Holman Christian Standard Bible Benjamin’s descendants by their clans: the Belaite clan from Bela; the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel; the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram; American Standard Version The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; English Revised Version The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites: GOD'S WORD® Translation The families descended from [Benjamin] were the family of Bela, the family of Ashbel, the family of Ahiram, Good News Translation The tribe of Benjamin: the clans of Bela, Ashbel, Ahiram, International Standard Version The tribe of Benjamin, listed according to their families, included: From Bela, the family of the descendants of Bela; from Ashbel, the family of the descendants of Ashbel; from Ahiram, the family of the descendants of Ahiram; NET Bible The Benjaminites by their families: from Bela, the family of the Belaites; from Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; from Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; New Heart English Bible The descendants of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; Webster's Bible Translation The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThese were the descendants of Benjamin by their clans: The Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram, World English Bible The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSons of Benjamin by their families: of Bela [is] the family of the Belaite; of Ashbel the family of the Ashbelite; of Ahiram the family of the Ahiramite; Young's Literal Translation Sons of Benjamin by their families: of Bela is the family of the Belaite; of Ashbel the family of the Ashbelite; of Ahiram the family of the Ahiramite; Smith's Literal Translation The sons of Benjamin according to their families: to Bela, the families of the Belaites; to Ashbel, the families of the Ashbelites; to Ahiram, the families of the Ahiramites. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThese are the sons of Joseph by their families. The sons of Benjamin in their kindreds: Bela, of whom is the family of the Belaites: Asbel, of whom is the family of the Asbelites: Ahiram, of whom is the family of the Ahiramites: Catholic Public Domain Version These are the sons of Joseph by their families: the sons of Benjamin in their kinships: Bela, from whom is the family of the Belaites; Ashbel, from whom is the family of the Ashbelites; Ahiram, from whom is the family of the Ahiramites; New American Bible The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were: through Bela, the clan of the Belaites; through Ashbel, the clan of the Ashbelites; through Ahiram, the clan of the Ahiramites; New Revised Standard Version The descendants of Benjamin by their clans: of Bela, the clan of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the clan of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the clan of the Ahiramites; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the sons of Benyamin for their families: Bala, the family of Bala, Ashbel, the family of Ashbel, Akhiram, the family of Akhiram. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; Brenton Septuagint Translation The sons of Benjamin according to their families; to Bale, the family of the Balites; to Asyber, the family of the Asyberites; to Jachiran, the family of the Jachiranites. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Tribe of Benjamin38These were the descendants of Benjamin by their clans: The Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram, 39the Shuphamite clan from Shupham, and the Huphamite clan from Hupham.… Cross References Genesis 46:21 The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. 1 Chronicles 7:6-12 The three sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael. / The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, heads of their families—five in all. There were 22,034 mighty men of valor listed in their genealogies. / The sons of Becher: Zemirah, Joash, Eliezer, Elioenai, Omri, Jeremoth, Abijah, Anathoth, and Alemeth; all these were Becher’s sons. ... 1 Chronicles 8:1-7 Benjamin was the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third, / Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. / The sons of Bela: Addar, Gera, Abihud, ... Genesis 49:27 Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder.” Judges 20:12-17 And the tribes of Israel sent men throughout the tribe of Benjamin, saying, “What is this wickedness that has occurred among you? / Hand over the wicked men of Gibeah so we can put them to death and purge Israel of this evil.” But the Benjamites refused to heed the voice of their fellow Israelites. / And from their cities they came together at Gibeah to go out and fight against the Israelites. ... Deuteronomy 33:12 Concerning Benjamin he said: “May the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him; God shields him all day long, and upon His shoulders he rests.” Joshua 18:11-28 The first lot came up for the clans of the tribe of Benjamin. Their allotted territory lay between the tribes of Judah and Joseph: / On the north side their border began at the Jordan, went up past the northern slope of Jericho, headed west through the hill country, and came out at the wilderness of Beth-aven. / From there the border crossed over to the southern slope of Luz (that is, Bethel) and went down to Ataroth-addar on the hill south of Lower Beth-horon. ... 1 Samuel 9:1-2 Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. / And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. 1 Samuel 10:20-21 Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. / Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. 1 Samuel 14:47-48 After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. / He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers. 1 Samuel 15:34-35 Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul. / And to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel. 2 Samuel 2:8-9 Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. 2 Samuel 3:19 Abner also spoke to the Benjamites. Then he went to Hebron to tell David all that seemed good to Israel and to the whole house of Benjamin. 2 Samuel 19:16-17 Then Shimei son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David, / along with a thousand men of Benjamin, as well as Ziba the steward of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed down to the Jordan before the king 1 Kings 12:21 And when Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mobilized the whole house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin—180,000 chosen warriors—to fight against the house of Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam son of Solomon. Treasury of Scripture The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites: Shupham. Genesis 46:21 And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard. Jump to Previous Ashbel Bela Benjamin Clan Clans DescendantsJump to Next Ashbel Bela Benjamin Clan Clans DescendantsNumbers 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 These were the descendants of Benjamin by their clans: The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. Benjamin's descendants played a significant role in Israel's history, with notable figures such as King Saul and the Apostle Paul. The division into clans reflects the organizational structure of the Israelite tribes, which was important for maintaining order and distributing land. This enumeration occurs during the second census in the wilderness, as the Israelites prepare to enter the Promised Land. The Belaite clan from Bela: The Ashbelite clan from Ashbel: The Ahiramite clan from Ahiram: Persons / Places / Events 1. BenjaminThe youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, Benjamin is the patriarch of the tribe mentioned in this verse. His descendants are being counted in this census. 2. Bela The firstborn son of Benjamin, whose descendants form one of the clans within the tribe of Benjamin. 3. Ard and Naaman Sons of Bela, who are mentioned as heads of their respective families or clans within the tribe of Benjamin. Teaching Points The Importance of Lineage and HeritageThe census in Numbers 26 emphasizes the importance of family lineage and heritage in the Israelite community. It reminds us of the value of understanding our spiritual heritage and the legacy we leave for future generations. God's Faithfulness to His Promises The preservation and growth of the tribe of Benjamin demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises to the patriarchs. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises in their own lives. The Role of Community in Faith The detailed recording of families and clans underscores the significance of community and belonging in the faith journey. It challenges us to engage actively in our faith communities and support one another. Accountability and Responsibility The census serves as a reminder of accountability and responsibility within the community of faith. Each individual and family has a role to play in the larger body of believers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 26:38?2. How does Numbers 26:38 emphasize the importance of family lineage in God's plan? 3. What can we learn about God's faithfulness from the descendants listed in Numbers 26:38? 4. How does Numbers 26:38 connect to God's promises to Abraham's descendants? 5. How can understanding Numbers 26:38 help us value our spiritual heritage today? 6. What practical steps can we take to honor our spiritual lineage like Numbers 26:38? 7. What is the significance of the tribe of Benjamin in Numbers 26:38? 8. How does Numbers 26:38 reflect God's promise to Abraham? 9. Why is the genealogy in Numbers 26:38 important for biblical history? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 26? 11. 1 Chronicles 7:6–11 – Why do these tribal tallies for Benjamin differ from similar counts in Numbers and other books? 12. In 1 Chronicles 8:1-2, how can these names and lineages of Benjamin be reconciled with variations in other Old Testament genealogies? 13. Numbers 3:15 - Is it realistic to gather and count every male from one month old and upward in a nomadic environment? 14. 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? What Does Numbers 26:38 Mean Descendants of Benjamin“ ‘These were the descendants of Benjamin by their clans…’ ” (Numbers 26:38) • The verse appears in the second national census Moses conducted on the plains of Moab (Numbers 26:1–4). • Benjamin, Jacob’s youngest (Genesis 35:16-18), had survived the wilderness years and now fielded 45,600 fighting men (Numbers 26:41), up from 35,400 in the first census (Numbers 1:36-37). God had indeed been “fruitful and multiplied” them, just as He promised Abraham (Genesis 22:17). • Each clan will later receive its share of land west of the Jordan (Joshua 18:11-28). The listing shows that inheritance in Israel is grounded in real families, preserving both order and promise. • The tribe will give Israel its first king, Saul (1 Samuel 9:1-2), and centuries later the apostle Paul will testify, “I am…of the tribe of Benjamin” (Philippians 3:5). The genealogy here undergirds both stories. Belaite clan from Bela “ ‘…The Belaite clan from Bela…’ ” • Bela is Benjamin’s firstborn (Genesis 46:21). Firstborn sons normally carried special responsibility, and the size of Bela’s clan reflects that prominence: 45,600 Benjamites in total, but Bela’s sub-clan alone Numbers 45,600’s principal share (compare Numbers 26:40). • From Bela’s line comes Ehud, the left-handed judge who delivered Israel from Moab (Judges 3:15, where his father Gera is a Belaite; cf. 1 Chronicles 8:3). God often raises leaders from faithful households, affirming that He “remembers” names written generations earlier. • Practical take-away: our family histories matter to God. He tracks individuals so that blessings can travel down the line (Psalm 112:1-2). Ashbelite clan from Ashbel “ ‘…the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel…’ ” • Ashbel is listed second among Benjamin’s sons (Genesis 46:21). His clan survives four decades of wilderness wandering intact, a testimony to God’s preserving care in harsh conditions (Deuteronomy 8:2-4). • When the land is parceled, Ashbelites settle in the central hill country near Ramah and Gibeah (Joshua 18:21-28; Judges 19:14-15). Those towns later feature in the ministries of Samuel and Jeremiah, showing how clan allotments shape Israel’s story. • The presence of Ashbel’s name here underscores that every family, not just the largest, has a secure place in God’s covenant community (Psalm 68:6). Ahiramite clan from Ahiram “ ‘…the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram,’ ” • Ahiram (called Ehi in Genesis 46:21) rounds out the trio named in verse 38. The census registers his descendants alongside the others without ranking them, highlighting equal standing before the Lord (Numbers 1:2). • Later genealogies note Ahiram’s branch among the “mighty men of valor” in Jerusalem after the exile (1 Chronicles 8:1-7). God preserves even the seemingly minor lines for future service. • Lesson for believers: no lineage is too obscure for God’s unfolding purposes (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). He delights in using the overlooked to accomplish His plans. summary Numbers 26:38 is more than a roll call; it is a witness that God keeps covenant promises down to every household. By naming the Belaite, Ashbelite, and Ahiramite clans, Scripture affirms that real families survived the desert, received land, produced leaders, and ultimately pointed forward to the Messiah’s work through Israel. Every name matters, every promise stands, and every believer can trust the God who records such details—and fulfills them. Verse 38. - The sons of Benjamin. These formed seven families, five named after sons, two after grandsons. The list in Genesis 46:21 contains three names here omitted, and the rest are much changed in form. Them is still more divergence between these and the longer genealogies found in 1 Chronicles 7:6-12; 1 Chronicles 8:1-5 sq. It is possible that the family of Becher (Genesis), who had nine sons (1 Chronicles), went under another name, because there was a family of Becherites in Ephraim (verse 35); and similarly the family of the Ephraimite Beriah (1 Chronicles) may have ceded its name in favour of the Asherite family of Beriites (verse 44). But it must be acknowledged that the various genealogies of Benjamin cannot be reconciled as they stand.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew [These were] the descendantsבְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Benjamin בִנְיָמִן֮ (ḇin·yā·min) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites by their clans: לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם֒ (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 The Belaite הַבַּלְעִ֔י (hab·bal·‘î) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1108: Belaites -- a Belaite clan מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ (miš·pa·ḥaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people from Bela, לְבֶ֗לַע (lə·ḇe·la‘) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1106: Bela -- an Edomite, also two Israelites the Ashbelite הָֽאַשְׁבֵּלִ֑י (hā·’aš·bê·lî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 789: Ashbelites -- descendants of Ashbel 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 Ashbel, לְאַשְׁבֵּ֕ל (lə·’aš·bêl) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 788: Ashbel -- the second son of Benjamin the Ahiramite הָאֲחִירָמִֽי׃ (hā·’ă·ḥî·rā·mî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 298: Ahiramites -- descendants of Ahiram 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 Ahiram, לַאֲחִירָ֕ם (la·’ă·ḥî·rām) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 297: Ahiram -- 'brother of (the) lofty', a son of Benjamin Links Numbers 26:38 NIVNumbers 26:38 NLT Numbers 26:38 ESV Numbers 26:38 NASB Numbers 26:38 KJV Numbers 26:38 BibleApps.com Numbers 26:38 Biblia Paralela Numbers 26:38 Chinese Bible Numbers 26:38 French Bible Numbers 26:38 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 26:38 The sons of Benjamin after their families: (Nu Num.) |
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