1 Chronicles 23:3
1 Chronicles 23:3 in Multiple Translations
The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000.
Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.
And the Levites were numbered from thirty years old and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.
And the Levites, all those of thirty years old and over, were numbered; and the number of them, by heads, man by man, was thirty-eight thousand.
The Levites over thirty years old were counted, and there was 38,000 in total.
And the Leuites were numbred from ye age of thirtie yeere and aboue, and their nomber according to their summe was eight and thirtie thousand men.
and the Levites are numbered from a son of thirty years and upward, and their number, by their polls, is of mighty men thirty and eight thousand.
The Levites were counted from thirty years old and upward; and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty-eight thousand.
Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.
And the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years, and upwards: and there were found of them thirty-eight thousand men.
He commanded some of his officials to count the descendants of Levi who were at least thirty years old, and they found out that there were 38,000 of them.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Chronicles 23:3
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.
1 Chronicles 23:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּסָּֽפְרוּ֙
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
מִ/בֶּ֛ן
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
שָׁנָ֖ה
וָ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
וַ/יְהִ֨י
מִסְפָּרָ֤/ם
לְ/גֻלְגְּלֹתָ/ם֙
לִ/גְבָרִ֔ים
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
וּ/שְׁמוֹנָ֖ה
אָֽלֶף
וַ/יִּסָּֽפְרוּ֙
çâphar
H5608
to recount
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
מִ/בֶּ֛ן
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Adj
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
וָ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Conj | Adv | Suff
וַ/יְהִ֨י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִסְפָּרָ֤/ם
miçpâr
H4557
number
N-ms | Suff
לְ/גֻלְגְּלֹתָ/ם֙
gulgôleth
H1538
head
Prep | N-fp | Suff
לִ/גְבָרִ֔ים
geber
H1397
great man
Prep | N-mp
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Adj
וּ/שְׁמוֹנָ֖ה
shᵉmôneh
H8083
eight
Conj | Adj
אָֽלֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Chronicles 23:3
וַ/יִּסָּֽפְרוּ֙
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
מִ/בֶּ֛ן
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-ms
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.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
"thirty"
Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
שָׁנָ֖ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וָ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Conj | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
וַ/יְהִ֨י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מִסְפָּרָ֤/ם
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
לְ/גֻלְגְּלֹתָ/ם֙
gulgôleth
H1538
"head"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word means 'head' or 'skull', often used to count people in a census. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Numbers 1:2, where God instructs Moses to take a census of the Israelites. The word can also refer to the skull as a physical part of the body.
Definition: 1) head, poll, skull 1a) skull 1b) head, poll (of census)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: head, every man, poll, skull. See also: Exodus 16:16; Numbers 3:47; 1 Chronicles 23:24.
לִ/גְבָרִ֔ים
geber
H1397
"great man"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
"thirty"
Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
וּ/שְׁמוֹנָ֖ה
shᵉmôneh
H8083
"eight"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number eight, which was considered a special number in biblical times. It is used to describe quantities, such as eight days or eight years, and also appears in ordinal forms, like eighth or eighth day.
Definition: 1) eight, eighth 1a) eight (as cardinal number) 1b) eighth (as ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: eight(-een, -eenth), eighth. See also: Genesis 5:4; 1 Chronicles 16:38; Jeremiah 32:1.
אָֽלֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 23:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Chronicles 23:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 23:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 23:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 23:3
Context — The Divisions of the Levites
1When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel.
2Then he gathered all the leaders of Israel, as well as the priests and Levites.
3The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000.
4“Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, 54,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 23:24 | These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. |
| 2 | Numbers 4:2–49 | “Take a census of the Kohathites among the Levites by their clans and families, men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things. Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in, take down the veil of the curtain, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles. Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it. And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles. They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand used for light, together with its lamps, wick trimmers, and trays, as well as the jars of oil with which to supply it. Then they shall wrap it and all its utensils inside a covering of fine leather and put it on the carrying frame. Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles. They are to take all the utensils for serving in the sanctuary, place them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather, and put them on the carrying frame. Then they shall remove the ashes from the bronze altar, spread a purple cloth over it, and place on it all the vessels used to serve there: the firepans, meat forks, shovels, and sprinkling bowls—all the equipment of the altar. They are to spread over it a covering of fine leather and insert the poles. When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting. Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.” Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be cut off from among the Levites. In order that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and what he is to carry. But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.” And the LORD said to Moses, “Take a census of the Gershonites as well, by their families and clans, from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport: They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with the covering of fine leather over it, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, and the curtains for the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites will do all that needs to be done with these items. All the service of the Gershonites—all their transport duties and other work—is to be done at the direction of Aaron and his sons; you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry. This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the Tent of Meeting, and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. As for the sons of Merari, you are to number them by their clans and families, from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work of the Tent of Meeting. This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases, and the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use. You shall assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry. This is the service of the Merarite clans according to all their work at the Tent of Meeting, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.” So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered the Kohathites by their clans and families, everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. And those numbered by their clans totaled 2,750. These were counted from the Kohathite clans, everyone who could serve at the Tent of Meeting. Moses and Aaron numbered them according to the command of the LORD through Moses. Then the Gershonites were numbered by their clans and families, everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. And those numbered by their clans and families totaled 2,630. These were counted from the Gershonite clans who served at the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted at the LORD’s command. And the Merarites were numbered by their clans and families, everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. The men registered by their clans numbered 3,200. These were counted from the Merarite clans, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the LORD’s command through Moses. So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel numbered by their clans and families all the Levites from thirty to fifty years old who came to do the work of serving and carrying the Tent of Meeting. And the number of men was 8,580. At the LORD’s command they were numbered through Moses and each one was assigned his work and burden, as the LORD had commanded Moses. |
1 Chronicles 23:3 Summary
This verse tells us that there were 38,000 Levites who were thirty years old or older, and they were counted to serve the Lord. Just like the Levites, we all have roles to play in serving God, and we should strive to fulfill our duties with maturity and experience, as seen in Numbers 8:24. As King David organized the Levites, we can learn the importance of leadership and division of labor in serving the Lord, and apply these principles in our own lives, as supported by biblical teachings such as in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and Ephesians 4:11-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Levites have to be thirty years old or older to be counted?
According to Numbers 4:3, the Levites had to be at least thirty years old to serve in the tabernacle, and this age requirement was likely still in place during King David's time, as seen in 1 Chronicles 23:3, to ensure they had the necessary maturity and experience to fulfill their duties.
What is the significance of the total number of Levites being 38,000?
The large number of Levites, 38,000, highlights God's provision for the Israelites and the importance of the Levites' roles in the worship and service of the Lord, as outlined in Leviticus 1:1 and Numbers 3:6.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of 1 Chronicles?
This verse is part of King David's organization of the Levites and priests for the service of the Lord, as seen in 1 Chronicles 22:1-19, and sets the stage for the division of their duties in 1 Chronicles 23:4-5, demonstrating David's commitment to following God's commands, such as those found in Deuteronomy 12:10-11.
What can we learn from the organization of the Levites in this verse?
We can learn the importance of organization, leadership, and division of labor in serving the Lord, as demonstrated by King David's example in 1 Chronicles 23:3, and supported by other biblical principles such as in Exodus 18:13-27 and Matthew 25:14-30.
Reflection Questions
- What role do I play in serving the Lord, and how can I fulfill my duties with maturity and experience, as seen in the example of the Levites in 1 Chronicles 23:3?
- How can I, like King David, prioritize the organization and leadership of those serving the Lord, and what biblical principles can guide me in this effort, such as those found in 1 Timothy 3:1-13?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my commitment to following God's commands, as King David did in 1 Chronicles 22-23, and how can I apply these principles in my own life, as seen in Psalm 119:10-16?
- In what ways can I learn from the example of the Levites and apply the principles of organization, leadership, and division of labor in my own service to the Lord, as supported by biblical teachings such as in Romans 12:3-8?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Chronicles 23:3
Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years, and upward,.... So they were numbered in the days of Moses, and by his order, and so they were now at first; though afterwards there was a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 23:3
Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:3
From the age of thirty years and upward; not only till fifty, as it was appointed, ,3, but even till their death; for that was but a temporary law grounded upon a special reason, because the Levites were employed in carrying the tabernacle and sacred vessels from place to place; and therefore God would have them freed from those burdens when they came to feel the infirmities of age; which reason wholly ceasing upon the building of the temple, and their work being far easier than it had been, and their service being more a privilege than a burden, their time of service is justly and fitly prolonged.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:3
1 Chronicles 23:3 Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.Ver. 3. Now the Levites were numbered.] Not as the people had been, out of curiosity and vainglory: but on piety and prudence, and by a divine instinct.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:3
(3) Now . . . and—i.e., after the council had agreed upon it. The Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward.—A census like that which Moses instituted (Numbers 4:3; Numbers 4:23; Numbers 4:30, &c.), of all Levites “from thirty years old and upward unto fifty years,” for the work of the Tabernacle. By their polls, man by man.—Lit., As to their skulls, as to men. The second phrase defines the first, and excludes women and children.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 23:3
Verse 3. Thirty years and upward] The enumeration of the Levites made in the desert, Numbers 4:3, was from thirty years upwards to fifty years. In this place, the latter limit is not mentioned, probably because the service was not so laborious now; for the ark being fixed they had no longer any heavy burdens to carry, and therefore even an old man might continue to serve the tabernacle. David made another ordinance afterwards; see on 1 Chronicles 23:24; 1 Chronicles 23:27.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Chronicles 23:3
3. by their polls] Lit. by their skulls. “Poll” is an almost obsolete word for “head,” retained in the compound word, “poll-tax.” thirty and eight thousand] A great increase since the time of Moses; the males from a month old and upwards are reckoned at 22,000 in Numbers 3:39 and at 23,000 in Numbers 26:62.