Numbers 1:49
Numbers 1:49 in Multiple Translations
“Do not number the tribe of Levi in the census with the other Israelites.
Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:
Only the tribe of Levi thou shalt not number, neither shalt thou take the sum of them among the children of Israel;
Only the tribe of Levi is not to be numbered among the children of Israel,
“Don't register the tribe of Levi; don't count them in the census with the other Israelites.
Onely thou shalt not number the tribe of Leui, neither take the summe of them among the children of Israel:
'Only, the tribe of Levi thou dost not number, and their sum thou dost not take up in the midst of the sons of Israel;
“Only the tribe of Levi you shall not count, neither shall you take a census of them among the children of Israel;
Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:
Number not the tribe of Levi, neither shalt thou put down the sum of them with the children of Israel:
“When you ◄count/write the names of► the men of the tribes of Israel, do not count the men in the tribe of Levi.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 1:49
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 1:49 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֣ךְ
אֶת
מַטֵּ֤ה
לֵוִי֙
לֹ֣א
תִפְקֹ֔ד
וְ/אֶת
רֹאשָׁ֖/ם
לֹ֣א
תִשָּׂ֑א
בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ
בְּנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַטֵּ֤ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
N-ms
לֵוִי֙
Lêvîy
H3878
Levi
N-proper
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִפְקֹ֔ד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
רֹאשָׁ֖/ם
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִשָּׂ֑א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 1:49
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מַטֵּ֤ה
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
לֵוִי֙
Lêvîy
H3878
"Levi"
N-proper
Levi was a son of Jacob and Leah, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. He was a brother of Reuben, Simeon, and Judah, and the father of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi's name is significant in the tribe of Levi.
Definition: A man of 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) § Levi = "joined to" the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: Levi. See also H3879 (לֵוִי), H3881 (לֵוִיִּי). See also: Genesis 29:34; Deuteronomy 27:12; Psalms 135:20.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִפְקֹ֔ד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֹאשָׁ֖/ם
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תִשָּׂ֑א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
בְּ/ת֖וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Numbers 1:49
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 1:49 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 1:49
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 1:49
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 1:49
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 1:49
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 1:49
- Sermons on Numbers 1:49
Context — The Exemption of the Levites
47The Levites, however, were not numbered along with them by the tribe of their fathers.
48For the LORD had said to Moses:
49“Do not number the tribe of Levi in the census with the other Israelites.
50Instead, you are to appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, all its furnishings, and everything in it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its articles, care for it, and camp around it. 51Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 26:62 | The registration of the Levites totaled 23,000, every male a month old or more; they were not numbered among the other Israelites, because no inheritance was given to them among the Israelites. |
| 2 | Numbers 2:33 | But the Levites were not counted among the other Israelites, as the LORD had commanded Moses. |
Numbers 1:49 Summary
[This verse, Numbers 1:49, tells us that God had a special job for the Levites, and that's why they weren't counted with the other Israelites. It's like how some people are called to be pastors or missionaries today - God has a unique role in mind for them. As seen in 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, we all have different gifts and roles to play in God's plan. By following God's instructions, the Levites were able to fulfill their purpose and serve God in a special way, just like we can when we follow His plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11).]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Levites not included in the census of the other Israelites?
The Levites were set apart by God to serve Him and care for the tabernacle, as seen in Numbers 1:49 and Numbers 3:12, and therefore were not numbered with the other tribes for military or other purposes.
What does this verse reveal about God's plan for the Levites?
This verse shows that God had a special role in mind for the Levites, as stated in Numbers 1:49, and this role was distinct from the other tribes, as further explained in Numbers 3:6-10 and Exodus 32:26-29.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty?
This verse illustrates God's sovereignty over His people, as He specifically instructs Moses to exclude the Levites from the census, demonstrating His authority and purpose, as seen in Romans 9:20-21 and Psalm 135:6.
What can we learn from the Levites' special status in God's plan?
The Levites' special status teaches us about the importance of surrendering to God's will and being set apart for His service, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9 and Isaiah 6:8.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to be 'set apart' for God's service, and how can I apply this concept to my own life?
- How does God's sovereignty, as seen in Numbers 1:49, comfort or challenge me in my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways I can, like the Levites, dedicate myself to caring for and serving God's 'tabernacle' in my own community?
- In what ways can I trust God's plan for my life, even when it seems unclear or different from what others are doing?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 1:49
Only thou shall not number the tribe of Levi,.... That is, along with the other tribes, for it might be numbered by itself, as it afterwards was, Numbers 3:43; neither take the sum of them among the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 1:49
But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them. But the Levites ... were not numbered. They were obliged to keep a register of their own.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 1:49
Because they were not generally to go out to war, which was the thing principally eyed in this muster, ,20,45 but were to attend upon the service or the tabernacle, and therefore are reserved to another distinct muster, 4:2, &c. And lost this should bc thought to, be designed and done through Moses’ s ambition to give his own tribe the pre-eminence, he assures them it was done by God’ s express command.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 1:49
47–54. The Levites were not to be numbered as fighting men, but were assigned other duties on the march. These duties are stated more fully in chs. 3, 4.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 1:49
49. Tribe of Levi — This tribe, together with that of Simeon, because their founders had perpetrated the treacherous massacre of the Shechemites, (Genesis 34:25-26,) were under the curse of Jacob: “I
Sermons on Numbers 1:49
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Left Behind by George Matheson | George Matheson emphasizes the significance of the Levites, who were overlooked and uncounted in the census of Israel, yet held a vital role in maintaining the tabernacle. He illus |