Numbers 26:44-47
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While the verse simply lists Asher's descendants, the original Hebrew wording emphasizes that these named sons became the founders of distinct family lines ("the clan of the Imnites," "the clan of the Ishvites," "the clan of the Beriites"). This highlights how even in genealogical lists, God's Word points to the foundational impact individuals can have in establishing communities and identities that carry on through generations.
The sons of Asher according to their clans: of Imnah, the clan of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the clan of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the clan of the Beriites. Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the clan of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the clan of the Malchielites. And the name of the daughter of Asher was Serah. These are the clans of the sons of Asher as they were listed, 53,400.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a census conducted by Moses and Eleazar in the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites are to enter the Promised Land. The entire chapter lists the descendants of each tribe, detailing their family lines and numbers. This particular verse focuses on the tribe of Asher, enumerating its distinct family groups derived from Asher's sons.
In ancient Israel, names weren't just labels. They carried weight, identity, and a connection to ancestry. What does it mean for a tribe to be defined by the names of its founders?
This passage from Numbers lists the descendants of Asher, emphasizing the establishment of families through specific individuals.
Names as Foundations
Sometimes, not every name listed seems to fit perfectly. What happens when a family line appears to disappear or is combined with another?
While Numbers 26:44 lists three primary clans of Asher, other biblical texts hint at a more complex family structure or potential omissions.
Navigating Variations
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This shows us that while precise details can vary across different biblical accounts, the core truth of God's people being organized and preserved holds firm.
Understand the original words
Asher · Hebrew Proper Noun
The son of Jacob (Israel) and Leah's handmaid Zilpah, and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel; his name means 'happy' or 'blessed.'
mishpachah · Hebrew Noun
A foundational social unit in ancient Israel, referring to a group of families descended from a common ancestor who formed a larger kinship organization. It functioned as a primary division for inheritance, military service, and tribal identity.
ben · Hebrew Noun
Literally 'sons' or 'descendants'; refers to male offspring. In a tribal context, it identifies the direct lineage contributing to the broader familial and national structure of Israel.
paqad · Hebrew Verb
A specific act of counting or enrolling people for a census, military purpose, or genealogical record. It signifies divine order, stewardship, and the accountability of the people before God.
shem · Hebrew Noun
A formal designation of an individual's identity, character, and reputation within the covenant community. In biblical thought, it often reflects the person's nature and their standing before God and man.
This census of Asher's descendants is part of a larger, divinely orchestrated re-counting of Israel after a devastating plague. It highlights God's faithfulness in preserving and organizing His people, even after significant judgment, as they stood on the brink of inheriting the promised land.
c. 1446 BC
Wilderness Wanderings Begin
Following their exodus from Egypt, the Israelites began their journey into the Sinai wilderness, a period marked by rebellion and divine judgment.
c. 1407 BC
First Census at Sinai
The first census of the Israelites was taken at Mount Sinai, detailing the population and tribal structures after their initial years in the wilderness.
c. 1406 BC
The Great Plague
A devastating plague swept through the Israelite camp, resulting in the deaths of many, particularly those who had followed a rebellious spirit.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Second Census in Moab
After the plague, a second census was commanded by God and taken by Moses and Eleazar on the plains of Moab, near the Jordan River, just before entering the Promised Land.
This passage lists the sons of Asher, including some who are also mentioned in the Numbers passage, highlighting the continuation of these family lines from an earlier generation.
1 Chronicles 7:30-31This chapter also enumerates the descendants of Asher, providing further genealogical detail and reinforcing the importance of these family units within the tribe.
Numbers 26:45-47This passage immediately follows the verse in question and details further subdivisions within the tribe of Asher, showing the meticulous way the census was organized by clans and families.
Joshua 17:14-18This passage shows the tribe of Joseph (which included Ephraim and Manasseh) complaining about their inheritance, illustrating the broader context of land distribution to tribes and families after the census.
gillNumbers 26:44: "Of the children of Asher after their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites: of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites: of Beriah, the family of the Beriites."
Of the children of Asher, after their families,.... This tribe was numbered next to Dan, because it was under his standard; one of his sons is omitted, very probably dying childless, and so had no family; from the rest sprang the families of the Iimnite, Jesuite, and Benite; and, from the latter, two others, the Heberi…
calvinNumbers 26:1-65: "And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying,"
And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the Lord:
Filii autem Eliab, Nebuel, Dathan et Abiron: isti sunt Dathan et Abiron majores synagogae qui rixati sunt contra Mosen et…
While the verse simply lists Asher's descendants, the original Hebrew wording emphasizes that these named sons became the founders of distinct family lines ("the clan of the Imnites," "the clan of the Ishvites," "the clan of the Beriites"). This highlights how even in genealogical lists, God's Word points to the foundational impact individuals can have in establishing communities and identities that carry on through generations.
This passage is part of a census conducted by Moses and Eleazar in the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites are to enter the Promised Land. The entire chapter lists the descendants of each tribe, detailing their family lines and numbers. This particular verse focuses on the tribe of Asher, enumerating its distinct family groups derived from Asher's sons.
This passage is part of a census conducted by Moses and Eleazar in the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites are to enter the Promised Land. The entire chapter lists the descendants of each tribe, detailing their family lines and numbers. This particular verse focuses on the tribe of Asher, enumerating its distinct family groups derived from Asher's sons.
"The sons of Asher according to their clans: of Imnah, the clan of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the clan of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the clan of the Beriites. Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the clan of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the clan of th…" — While the verse simply lists Asher's descendants, the original Hebrew wording emphasizes that these named sons became the founders of distinct family lines ("the clan of the Imnites," "the clan of…
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Last reviewed October 2026
