Bible Dictionary
Thousands
“Thousands” can refer to clans or family groups within Israel. Several such clans together formed a tribe.
Definition
“Thousands” can designate families or clans within Israel. Several such family groups together formed a tribe.
Biblical Usage
The term is used in the sense of clans or families in passages such as Micah and the census and tribal lists.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Micah 5:2), another name for “families” or “clans” (see Num. 1:16; 10:4; Josh. 22:14, 21). Several “thousands” or “families” made up a “tribe.”