Numbers 18:4

Verse

They are to join you and attend to the duties of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent; but no outsider may come near you.

American Standard Version (1901)

And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tent of meeting, for all the service of the Tent: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.

Bible in Basic English

They are to be joined with you in the care of the Tent of meeting, doing whatever is needed for the Tent: and no one of any other family may come near you.

Free Bible Version

They are to help you and take care of the responsibilities of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent, but they are not allowed to be with you during your priestly ministry.

King James (Authorized) Version

And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.

One Unity Resource Bible

They shall be joined to you, and keep the responsibility of the Tent of Meeting, for all the service of the Tent. A stranger shall not come near to you.

Translation for Translators

They may assist you in doing all the work to take care of the Sacred Tent, but no one else is permitted to come near the place where you are working.

Unlocked Literal Bible

They must join you and take care of the tent of meeting, for all the work connected with the tent. A foreigner must not come near you.

Noah Webster Bible

And they shall be joined to thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh to you.

World English Bible

They shall be joined to you and keep the responsibility of the Tent of Meeting, for all the service of the Tent. A stranger shall not come near to you.

Young's Literal Translation

and they have been joined unto thee, and have kept the charge of the tent of meeting, for all the service of the tent; and a stranger doth not come near unto you;

Context

Duties of Priests and Levites

³And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die.⁴They are to join you and attend to the duties of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent; but no outsider may come near you.

Summary

In Numbers 18:4, God appoints the Levites to assist Aaron and the priests in the duties of the tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of order and structure in worship. This verse highlights the concept of divine delegation, where specific roles are assigned for the smooth functioning of the religious practices. By entrusting the Levites with certain responsibilities, God demonstrates His desire for reverence and respect in the sacred service, ensuring that all aspects of worship are carried out according to His instructions.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And they shall be joined unto thee,.... As assistants in the sacred service: and keep the charge of tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle; See Gill on Num 3:7 and See Gill on Num 3:8, and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you; not any of the other tribes, only such as were of the tribe of Levi; they only were to be brought with them, and joined unto them, and assist them, and minister to them, as in Num 18:2; though the Jews (h) understand by a stranger anyone that was not a priest. (h) Maimon. in Misn. Zebachim, c. 2. sect. 1.