Old Testament
Numbers 1:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The tribe of Judah totaled 74,600.
Compare translations
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Judah, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred.
What Numbers 1:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 1:27, we learn about the tribe of Judah, which was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The verse states that the total number of men in this tribe who were able to serve in the army was 74,600. This census was part of a larger effort to organize the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. The tribe of Judah held a significant position among the tribes, as it was the lineage from which King David and ultimately Jesus would come. The number reflects not only the strength of the tribe but also God's faithfulness in multiplying His people. This counting of the tribes was crucial for military and organizational purposes, ensuring that the Israelites were ready for the challenges ahead. The mention of Judah specifically highlights its importance in Israel's history and God's plan for redemption.
How to apply Numbers 1:27 to your life
Understanding the significance of the tribe of Judah encourages us to recognize our own roles in our communities. Just as Judah was prepared for battle, we should prepare ourselves spiritually and physically for the challenges we face, trusting in God's guidance and provision.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 1:27
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 1:27
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 1:27 say about the tribe of Judah?
Numbers 1:27 states that the tribe of Judah had a total of 74,600 men who were able to serve in the army. This census was part of a larger organization of the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, highlighting Judah's significant role among the tribes.
Why is the tribe of Judah important in the Bible?
The tribe of Judah is important because it is the lineage from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ descended. This tribe held a prominent position in Israel's history and is often associated with leadership, strength, and God's promises to His people.
What was the purpose of the census in Numbers 1?
The census in Numbers 1 served to organize the Israelites for military purposes as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It ensured that each tribe was accounted for and ready to face the challenges ahead, reflecting God's faithfulness in multiplying His people.
How can we apply the lessons from Judah's preparation to our lives today?
We can apply the lessons from Judah's preparation by recognizing the importance of being spiritually and physically ready for challenges in our own lives. Just as Judah was prepared for battle, we should seek God's guidance and provision in our preparations for life's difficulties.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.