Numbers 2:3

Numbers 2:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

On the east side, toward the sunrise, the divisions of Judah are to camp under their standard: The leader of the descendants of Judah is Nahshon son of Amminadab,

King James Version KJV

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 Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.

American Standard Version ASV

And those that encamp on the east side toward the sunrising shall be they of the standard of the camp of Judah, according to their hosts: and the prince of the children of Judah shall be Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Those whose tents are on the east side, looking to the dawn, will be round the flag of the children of Judah, with Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, as their chief.

Free Bible Version FBV

The tribal division of Judah is to camp under their flag on the east side. Their leader is Nahshon, son of Amminadab,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

On the East side towarde the rising of the sunne, shall they of the standerd of the hoste of Iudah pitch according to their armies: and Nahshon the sonne of Amminadab shalbe captaine of the sonnes of Iudah.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And those encamping eastward towards the sun-rising, [are of] the standard of the camp of Judah, by their hosts; and the prince of the sons of Judah [is] Nahshon, son of Amminadab;

World English Bible WEB

“Those who encamp on the east side toward the sunrise shall be of the standard of the camp of Judah, according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Judah shall be Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And on the east side towards the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

On the east Juda shall pitch his tents by the bands of his army: and the prince of his sons shall be Nahasson the son of Aminadab.

Translation for Translators T4T

The people of the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun must set up their tents on the east side of the Sacred Tent, close to their tribal flags. These are the names of the leaders of those tribes and the number of soldiers whom they will lead: Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, will be the leader of the 74,600 men of the tribe of Judah.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 2:3

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 2:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/הַ/חֹנִים֙ קֵ֣דְמָ/ה מִזְרָ֔חָ/ה דֶּ֛גֶל מַחֲנֵ֥ה יְהוּדָ֖ה לְ/צִבְאֹתָ֑/ם וְ/נָשִׂיא֙ לִ/בְנֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֔ה נַחְשׁ֖וֹן בֶּן עַמִּינָדָֽב

וְ/הַ/חֹנִים֙ chânâh H2583 to camp Conj | Art | V-Qal

קֵ֣דְמָ/ה qedem H6924 front N-ms | Suff

מִזְרָ֔חָ/ה mizrâch H4217 east N-ms | Suff

דֶּ֛גֶל degel H1714 standard N-ms

מַחֲנֵ֥ה machăneh H4264 camp N-cs

יְהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

לְ/צִבְאֹתָ֑/ם tsâbâʼ H6635 army Prep | N-cp | Suff

וְ/נָשִׂיא֙ nâsîyʼ H5387 leader Conj | N-ms

לִ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

נַחְשׁ֖וֹן Nachshôwn H5177 Nahshon N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

עַמִּינָדָֽב ʻAmmîynâdâb H5992 Izhar N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 2:3

וְ/הַ/חֹנִים֙ chânâh H2583 "to camp" Conj | Art | V-Qal

This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.

Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp

Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.

קֵ֣דְמָ/ה qedem H6924 "front" N-ms | Suff

The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.

Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east

Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.

מִזְרָ֔חָ/ה mizrâch H4217 "east" N-ms | Suff

This word means the direction of the sunrise, or east. It is used in the Bible to describe the direction of the sun and the east side of something.

Definition: 1) place of sunrise, east 1a) sunrise, east (with 'sun') 1b) the east (without 'sun') 1b1) to or toward the place of sunrise 1b2) to the east, eastward

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: east (side, -ward), (sun-) rising (of the sun). See also: Exodus 27:13; 1 Kings 7:25; Psalms 50:1.

דֶּ֛גֶל degel H1714 "standard" N-ms

A degel is a flag or standard, often used to identify a group or nation. In Numbers 1:52, the Israelites were instructed to camp by their standards, and in Psalm 60:4, God is said to lift a flag to gather his people.

Definition: banner, standard

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: banner, standard. See also: Numbers 1:52; Numbers 2:31; Song of Solomon 2:4.

מַחֲנֵ֥ה machăneh H4264 "camp" N-cs

This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.

Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people

Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.

יְהוּדָ֖ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

לְ/צִבְאֹתָ֑/ם tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.

Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service

Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.

וְ/נָשִׂיא֙ nâsîyʼ H5387 "leader" Conj | N-ms

This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.

Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader

Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.

לִ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יְהוּדָ֔ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

נַחְשׁ֖וֹן Nachshôwn H5177 "Nahshon" N-proper

Nahshon was an Israelite leader from the tribe of Judah, mentioned in Exodus 6:23 as the son of Amminadab and father of Salmon. He was an ancestor of Jesus and played a key role in Israel's wilderness journey. His name means enchanter.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Exo.6.23; son of: Amminadab (H5992); brother of: Elisheba (H0472); father of: Salmon (H8007) Also named: Naassōn (Ναασσών "Nahshon" G3476) § Nahshon = "enchanter" son of Amminadab and prince of the Judah at the first numbering in the wilderness; 5th in descent from Judah in the genealogy of Christ

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Naashon, Nahshon. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 7:17; 1 Chronicles 2:11.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

עַמִּינָדָֽב ʻAmmîynâdâb H5992 "Izhar" N-proper

Amminadab means my kinsman is noble, a name given to several Israelites, including a man in the tribe of Levi and the father of Nahshon. He is mentioned in Exodus 6:18 and is an ancestor of King David. Amminadab is also the father of Korah and other notable figures.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.18; son of: Kohath (H6955); brother of: Amram (H6019), Hebron (H2275B) and Uzziel (H5816); father of: Korah (H7141I), Nepheg (H5298), Zichri (H2147) and Shelomith (H8019A) Another name of yits.har (יִצְהָר "Izhar" H3324) § Amminadab = "my kinsman is noble" 1) son of Ram or Aram and father of Nahshon or Naasson and an ancestor of Jesus; father-in-law of Aaron 2) a Kohathite Levite and chief of the sons of Uzziel 3) a Levite, son of Kohath; also 'Izhar'

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Amminadab. See also: Exodus 6:23; Ruth 4:19; 1 Chronicles 15:11.

Study Notes — Numbers 2:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 2:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 2:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 2:3
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 2:3
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 2:3
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 2:3
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 2:3
Sermons on Numbers 2:3

Context — The Order of the Camps

1Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron: 2“The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family.

3On the east side, toward the sunrise, the divisions of Judah are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Judahites is Nahshon son of Amminadab,

4and his division numbers 74,600. 5The tribe of Issachar will camp next to it. The leader of the Issacharites is Nethanel son of Zuar,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Chronicles 2:10	Ram was the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, a leader of the descendants of Judah.
2	Ruth 4:20	Amminadab was the father of Nahshon, Nahshon was the father of Salmon,
3	Luke 3:32–33	the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Sala, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,
4	Numbers 10:14–16	First, the divisions of the camp of Judah set out under their standard, with Nahshon son of Amminadab in command. Nethanel son of Zuar was over the division of the tribe of Issachar, and Eliab son of Helon was over the division of the tribe of Zebulun.
5	Numbers 1:7	from Judah, Nahshon son of Amminadab;
6	Judges 1:1–2	After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?” “Judah shall go up,” answered the LORD. “Indeed, I have delivered the land into their hands.”
7	Matthew 1:4	Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon.
8	1 Chronicles 5:2	And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.
9	Numbers 26:19–22	The sons of Judah were Er and Onan, but they died in the land of Canaan. These were the descendants of Judah by their clans: The Shelanite clan from Shelah, the Perezite clan from Perez, and the Zerahite clan from Zerah. And these were the descendants of Perez: the Hezronite clan from Hezron and the Hamulite clan from Hamul. These were the clans of Judah, and their registration numbered 76,500.
10	Genesis 49:8–10	Judah, your brothers shall praise you. Your hand shall be on the necks of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down to you. Judah is a young lion— my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his.

Numbers 2:3 Summary

This verse, Numbers 2:3, tells us about the Israelites' camping arrangement in the wilderness, with the tribe of Judah on the east side, led by Nahshon son of Amminadab. The east side is significant because it's the direction of the sunrise, reminding us of God's presence and promises, as seen in Psalm 75:6-7. Just like the Israelites had to follow God's instructions and camp in an orderly way, we can learn to trust and follow God's plan for our lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6. By following God's lead, we can find our own place and purpose, just like the tribe of Judah did, and live a life that honors Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the east side in the Israelites' camp?

The east side, where the divisions of Judah camped, is significant because it is the direction of the sunrise, symbolizing a new beginning and the presence of God, as seen in Numbers 2:3 and reinforced in Psalm 75:6-7, which reminds us that God is the one who judges and promotes.

Who was Nahshon son of Amminadab and why was he chosen as the leader of Judah?

Nahshon son of Amminadab was a leader of the tribe of Judah, chosen by God to lead his people, as mentioned in Numbers 2:3, and his leadership is also noted in Exodus 6:23 and 1 Chronicles 2:10-11, highlighting his importance in Israel's history.

What can we learn from the organization of the Israelites' camp in the wilderness?

The organization of the Israelites' camp, as described in Numbers 2:1-31, teaches us about the importance of order, unity, and following God's instructions, as emphasized in Numbers 2:3 and reinforced in 1 Corinthians 14:33, which reminds us that God is a God of order.

How does the camping arrangement of the tribes relate to their future inheritance in the Promised Land?

The camping arrangement of the tribes, with Judah on the east side, as mentioned in Numbers 2:3, may foreshadow their future inheritance in the Promised Land, as described in Joshua 15:1-12, where Judah is allotted a significant portion of land, highlighting God's sovereignty over their history and destiny.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to camp 'under the standard' of Judah, and how can I apply this concept to my own life as a follower of Jesus Christ?
In what ways can I, like Nahshon, be a leader and example to others in my community, and what qualities should I strive to exhibit in my own leadership?
How does the concept of 'standard' or 'banner' relate to the idea of identity and purpose, and what can I learn from the way the Israelites identified themselves with their tribes and standards?
What can I learn from the Israelites' experience of camping in the wilderness, and how can I apply the lessons of trust, obedience, and community to my own journey with God?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 2:3

And on the east side, towards the rising of the sun,.... Which rises in the east; or of all; for, as Jarchi observes, that which is "before" is called "Kedem", the east, as the west is called

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 2:3

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 2:3

Numbers 2:3 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 Amminadab [shall be] captain of the children of Judah.Ver. 3. And on the east side.] Judah encamped foremost. It was fit the lion should lead the way. Better an army of harts, with a lion to lead them on, &c. This order in their march showed the principality that should continue in this tribe till Shiloh came. Judah herein also was a type of Christ, who is "the Captain of the Lord’ s host," and "of our salvation," and goeth before his heavenly armies.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 2:3

3. Judah] The most important tribe in each group of three is mentioned first, and the numbers of all the three together are reckoned under its name (Numbers 2:9; Numbers 2:16; Numbers 2:24; Numbers 2:31).

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 2:3

The following plan shows the general arrangement of the camp, which would vary in different places according to local exigencies.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 2:3

3. On the east — Or, in front of the door of the tabernacle. Nearest to the tents of Moses and Aaron and the priests, and situated toward the sunrise, was Judah’s standard, planted with the first

Sermons on Numbers 2:3

	Sermon	Description
	Role of Spiritual Warfare as Preparation for a Spiritual Awakening by Harold Vaughan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of an evil conscience and how it manifests in bitter thoughts. He shares a powerful testimony of a man who had harbored hatred to
	The Divine Purpose in the Continuation of the Conflict by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the ongoing nature of spiritual conflict, asserting that while Christ has secured victory over evil, believers must progressively realize this victory t
	Fire of God by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon transcript, the speaker describes a gathering where the bishop, who has been acting strangely, stands up and weeps while struggling to deliver a text. It is revealed
	Daniel and His Times by Sir Robert Anderson	Sir Robert Anderson delves into the life of the prophet Daniel, highlighting his unique role as a recipient of divine revelations rather than an inspired prophet. Daniel, living in
	(Genesis) Genesis 49:8-10 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17, which refers to a star. The preacher connects this prophecy to the coming of Christ, who is describ
	The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Ian Paisley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unity of the Bible, stating that it is one book despite being composed of many individual books. The sermon explores the theme of death
	The Woman, the Dragon & the Male Child - Christmas Eve 2017 by Michael Flowers	In this sermon, the preacher explores the unseen story behind the rebellion against God and the cosmic realities surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation is hi