Numbers 26:21 - The sons of Perez were: of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.

Generated Verse: Numbers 26:21

What does "Numbers 26:21" mean?


This verse from Numbers 26:21 is part of a census taken of the Israelite tribes. It lists descendants of Perez, who was the son of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38). Let's break down what the verse means:

"The sons of Perez were:" This introduces the lineage being traced back to Perez. Perez was a key figure in the line of Judah, from whom the kings of Israel (including David) would descend, and ultimately, according to Christian tradition, the Messiah.

"of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites;" Hezron was one of Perez's sons. The phrase "the family of the Hezronites" means that a group of people (a clan or tribe) traced their ancestry back to Hezron. They were identified as the Hezronites, distinguishing them from other groups descended from Perez.

"of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites." Similarly, Hamul was another son of Perez. The "family of the Hamulites" refers to the group or clan descended from Hamul.

In essence, the verse is a genealogical statement. It's saying that Perez had two sons, Hezron and Hamul, and that each of these sons became the patriarch of a distinct family or clan within the tribe of Judah. This helps to track the growth and organization of the Israelite tribes.

The purpose of these genealogical lists in the Bible is often multifaceted:

Historical Record: To maintain a record of who belonged to which tribe and family.
Land Allocation: To determine inheritance rights and land distribution.
Social Order: To establish and maintain social hierarchies and tribal affiliations.
Messianic Lineage: To trace the lineage of important figures, including the future Messiah.
Preservation of Identity: After the Exodus, and while wandering in the desert, maintaining tribal identity was crucial for the Israelites.

Therefore, Numbers 26:21 is more than just a list of names. It's a snapshot of the evolving social structure of the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of family and lineage within their society.

What categories does "Numbers 26:21" have?