New International VersionThese were the men appointed from the community, the leaders of their ancestral tribes. They were the heads of the clans of Israel.
New Living TranslationThese are the chosen leaders of the community, the leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the clans of Israel.”
English Standard VersionThese were the ones chosen from the congregation, the chiefs of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the clans of Israel.
Berean Standard BibleThese men were appointed from the congregation; they were the leaders of the tribes of their fathers, the heads of the clans of Israel.
King James BibleThese were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel.
New King James VersionThese were chosen from the congregation, leaders of their fathers’ tribes, heads of the divisions in Israel.
New American Standard BibleThese are the men who were called from the congregation, the leaders of their fathers’ tribes; they were the heads of divisions of Israel.”
NASB 1995“These are they who were called of the congregation, the leaders of their fathers’ tribes; they were the heads of divisions of Israel.”
NASB 1977“These are they who were called of the congregation, the leaders of their fathers’ tribes; they were the heads of divisions of Israel.”
Legacy Standard BibleThese are they who were called upon by the congregation, the leaders of their fathers’ tribes; they were the heads of divisions of Israel.”
Amplified BibleThese men were the ones called from the congregation, the leaders of their fathers’ (ancestors’) tribes; they were the heads of thousands [the highest ranking officers] in Israel.”
Christian Standard BibleThese are the men called from the community; they are leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of Israel’s clans.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThese are the men called from the community; they are leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of Israel’s clans.”
American Standard VersionThese are they that were called of the congregation, the princes of the tribes of their fathers; they were the heads of the thousands of Israel.
English Revised VersionThese are they that were called of the congregation, the princes of the tribes of their fathers; they were the heads of the thousands of Israel.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThese were the men chosen from the community, the leaders of their ancestors' tribes, and heads of the divisions of Israel.
International Standard VersionThese men were appointed from within their communities, since they were leaders of their ancestral houses and heads of the tribes of Israel.
NET BibleThese were the ones chosen from the community, leaders of their ancestral tribes. They were the heads of the thousands of Israel.
New Heart English BibleThese are those who were called of the congregation, the leaders of the tribes of their fathers; they were the heads of the thousands of Israel.
Webster's Bible TranslationThese were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThese men were appointed from the congregation; they were the leaders of the tribes of their fathers, the heads of the clans of Israel.
World English BibleThese are those who were called of the congregation, the princes of the tribes of their fathers; they were the heads of the thousands of Israel. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThese [are] those called of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers; they [are] heads of the thousands of Israel.
Young's Literal Translation These are those called of the company, princes of the tribes of their fathers; they are heads of the thousands of Israel.
Smith's Literal TranslationThese the called of the assembly, chiefs from the tribe of their fathers, they the heads of the thousands of Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThese are the most noble princes of the multitude by their tribes and kindreds, and the chiefs of the army of Israel:
Catholic Public Domain VersionThese are the very noble leaders of the multitude, by their tribes and kinships, and the heads of the army of Israel.
New American BibleThese were the elect of the community, leaders of their ancestral tribes, heads of the clans of Israel.
New Revised Standard VersionThese were the ones chosen from the congregation, the leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the divisions of Israel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThese were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands of the army of Israel.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedThese are the prominent of the assembly, Princes of the tribes of the house of their fathers; they are the Heads of the thousands of Israel.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917These were the elect of the congregation, the princes of the tribes of their fathers; they were the heads of the thousands of Israel.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThese were famous men of the congregation, heads of the tribes according to their families: these are heads of thousands in Israel.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Leaders of the Tribes… 15and from Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.” 16These menwere appointedfrom the congregation;they werethe leadersof the tribesof their fathers,the headsof the clansof Israel.
Cross References Exodus 18:25So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
Deuteronomy 1:15So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes.
1 Chronicles 27:1This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division:
Exodus 24:1Then the LORD said to Moses, “Come up to the LORD—you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of Israel’s elders—and you are to worship at a distance.
Numbers 11:16-17Then the LORD said to Moses, “Bring Me seventy of the elders of Israel known to you as leaders and officers of the people. Bring them to the Tent of Meeting and have them stand there with you. / And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
Joshua 22:14With him they sent ten chiefs—one family leader from each tribe of Israel, each the head of a family among the clans of Israel.
1 Samuel 8:4So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.
1 Chronicles 12:32From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.
2 Chronicles 1:2Then Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, to the judges, and to every leader in all Israel—the heads of the families.
Acts 6:3Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them
Acts 15:22Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers,
1 Corinthians 12:28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
Ephesians 4:11-12And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,
1 Timothy 3:1-13This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. / An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, / not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. ...
Titus 1:5-9The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. / An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. / As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. ...
Treasury of Scripture These were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel. the renowned. Numbers 2:3-31 And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadabshall be captain of the children of Judah… Numbers 7:2,10-83 That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, whowere the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered: … Numbers 10:14-27 In the firstplace went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his hostwas Nahshon the son of Amminadab… heads Numbers 1:4 And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers. Exodus 18:21,25 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and placesuch over them,to be rulers of thousands,and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: … Deuteronomy 1:15 So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and officers among your tribes. Jump to Previous AncestralAppointedAssemblyChiefsChosenClansCommunityCompanyCongregationDivisionsElectFathersHeadsHousesIsraelLeadersOnesPrincesRenownedSummonedThousandsTribesJump to Next AncestralAppointedAssemblyChiefsChosenClansCommunityCompanyCongregationDivisionsElectFathersHeadsHousesIsraelLeadersOnesPrincesRenownedSummonedThousandsTribesNumbers 1 1.God commands Moses to number the people5.The princes of the tribes17.The number of every tribe47.The Levites are exempted for the service of the LordThese men were appointed from the congregation;The appointment of leaders from within the congregation underscores the importance of communal involvement in leadership selection. This reflects the theocratic nature of Israelite society, where God directed Moses to choose leaders who were already recognized by the people. This process ensured that the leaders had the trust and respect of the community. The concept of being "appointed" also highlights the divine authority behind their selection, as Moses acted on God's command ( Numbers 1:1-4). This mirrors the New Testament practice of appointing elders and deacons within the early church ( Acts 6:3). they were the leaders of the tribes of their fathers,
The leaders were not only chosen from the congregation but were also representatives of their respective tribes. This tribal structure was central to Israelite identity and governance. Each tribe had its own distinct lineage and heritage, tracing back to the sons of Jacob. The leaders served as intermediaries between Moses and the people, ensuring that each tribe's needs and concerns were addressed. This tribal leadership system is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the division of the land inJoshua 13-21. It also foreshadows the twelve apostles in the New Testament, who represent the new spiritual Israel (Matthew 19:28). the heads of the clans of Israel.
The term "heads of the clans" indicates a further subdivision within the tribes, emphasizing the patriarchal and familial nature of Israelite society. Clans were extended family groups within a tribe, and their leaders were responsible for maintaining order and justice at a more localized level. This structure provided stability and continuity, as leadership was often hereditary. The emphasis on family and clan leadership reflects the covenantal promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, where God promised to make their descendants into a great nation (Genesis 12:2, 28:14). This also points to the importance of family in God's redemptive plan, culminating in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, who is traced back to these patriarchs (Matthew 1:1-17). Persons / Places / Events 1. The Men AppointedThese were the leaders chosen from each tribe of Israel. They were responsible for representing their tribes and assisting Moses in the census and organization of the people. 2. The CongregationRefers to the assembly of the Israelites, the collective body of God's chosen people, who were being organized for their journey and future battles. 3. Ancestral TribesThe twelve tribes of Israel, each descending from one of the sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. These tribes formed the foundational structure of the Israelite community. 4. Heads of the ClansThese were the patriarchal leaders within each tribe, responsible for the welfare and leadership of their respective clans. 5. MosesThe leader appointed by God to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and guide them through the wilderness. He was responsible for conducting the census as commanded by God. Teaching Points The Importance of LeadershipGod values order and structure within His people, appointing leaders to guide and manage the community. This teaches us the importance of godly leadership in our churches and communities. Shared ResponsibilityJust as Moses shared the burden of leadership with appointed leaders, we are reminded to share responsibilities within our church and community to prevent burnout and ensure effective ministry. Ancestral HeritageThe mention of ancestral tribes highlights the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ, encouraging us to value our place within the body of believers. Community and AccountabilityThe leaders were accountable to the congregation and to God, reminding us of the importance of accountability in our spiritual walk and leadership roles. God's Sovereignty in AppointmentsThe appointment of leaders was divinely orchestrated, reminding us that God is sovereign in placing people in positions of authority for His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Numbers 1:16?
2.How does Numbers 1:16 emphasize the importance of leadership in God's community?
3.What qualities made these men "leaders of their ancestral tribes"?
4.How can we identify and support godly leaders in our church today?
5.Compare Numbers 1:16 with 1 Timothy 3:1-7 on leadership qualifications.
6.How can we apply the principle of godly leadership in our daily lives?
7.Why were these leaders chosen in Numbers 1:16, and what criteria were used?
8.How does Numbers 1:16 reflect the organizational structure of ancient Israel?
9.What is the significance of the term "renowned" in Numbers 1:16?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 1?
11.Deuteronomy 1:13-16 details a system of judges set up by Moses; how does this align with other biblical accounts about Israel's leadership structure?
12.(Ezra 3:8-9) Why would Levites, rather than skilled foremen or Persian officials, be in charge of supervising construction under Persian rule?
13.How do the twenty-four elders from Revelation 4:4 align with or contradict other biblical notions of heavenly beings or leadership?
14.Does the severity of punishment in Numbers 16 align with the New Testament portrayal of a forgiving God?What Does Numbers 1:16 Mean These men were appointed• The verb highlights deliberate selection—Moses did not create his own committee. God issued the command (Numbers 1:1-4). • Such divine appointment echoes earlier patterns: “You shall appoint judges and officials in all your towns” (Deuteronomy 16:18). • In the church age the principle endures: “Brothers, choose seven men from among you whom we know to be full of the Spirit” (Acts 6:3). • Leadership flows from God’s sovereign choosing, not human ambition.
from the congregation• The leaders arose from within the people, ensuring they shared the same covenant identity (Exodus 19:7;Deuteronomy 1:13). • This rooted them in firsthand knowledge of the community’s needs—no distant bureaucracy. • The pattern guards against elitism: “Every high priest is selected from among men” (Hebrews 5:1). • God values representation that is both spiritual and relational.
they were the leaders of the tribes of their fathers• Israel’s twelve-tribe structure required decentralized leadership (Genesis 49). • Each leader bore responsibility for census totals, camp arrangement, and future warfare readiness (Numbers 1:4-16; 2:3-32). • Tribal identity fostered accountability: “Over the tribes of Israel: for Judah, Elihu… for Benjamin, Jaasiel” (1 Chronicles 27:16-22). • The verse underscores that God works through family lines and covenant history.
the heads of the clans of Israel• “Clans” (or “families”) subdivided tribes, creating layers of oversight (Numbers 2:32; 10:14). • Heads managed inheritance, justice, and worship logistics (Joshua 14:1; 22:14). • This framework points ahead to Christ, the ultimate Head (Ephesians 1:22-23), yet also affirms present-day value in ordered, accountable leadership. • Stability in Israel began with clearly identified heads who answered both to God and to the people.
summaryNumbers 1:16 shows God’s intentional design for leadership—chosen by Him, emerging from the community, rooted in family heritage, and organized for effective care. The verse invites us to respect divinely appointed authority, appreciate accountable structures, and remember that every role ultimately serves the Lord who calls and equips His people. (16) The renowned of the congregation.--Lit., the called men of the congregation, i.e.,the men chosen as representatives of their respective tribes, and appointed to act in that capacity in regulating the affairs of the nation. Heads of thousands in Israel.--Better,they were the heads of the thousands of Israel.Comp.Exodus 18:21;Exodus 18:25, where rulers, or princes of thousands, are the highest class of officers recommended by Jethro, and appointed by Moses. See alsoNumbers 10:4. Verse 16. - Headsof thousands. Septuagint, chiliarchs; but the word is used for families (see Judges 6:15), and, like all such words, it rapidly lost its numerical significance. CHAPTER 1:17-46 THE CENSUS TAKEN (verses 17-46).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew These menאֵ֚לֶּה(’êl·leh)Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428:These, thosewere appointedקְרוּאֵ֣י(qə·rū·’ê)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7148:Called, summonedfrom the congregation;הָעֵדָ֔ה(hā·‘ê·ḏāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5712:A stated assemblagethey [were]הֵֽם׃(hêm)Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992:Theythe leadersנְשִׂיאֵ֖י(nə·śî·’ê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5387:An exalted one, a king, sheik, a rising mistof the tribesמַטּ֣וֹת(maṭ·ṭō·wṯ)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4294:A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribeof their fathers,אֲבוֹתָ֑ם(’ă·ḇō·w·ṯām)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1:Fatherthe headsרָאשֵׁ֛י(rā·šê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218:The headof the clansאַלְפֵ֥י(’al·p̄ê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 505:A thousandof Israel.יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
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OT Law: Numbers 1:16 These are those who were called (Nu Num.) |
