Numbers 3:24
Numbers 3:24 in Multiple Translations
and the leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael.
And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.
And the prince of the fathers’ house of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.
The chief of the Gershonites is Eliasaph, the son of Lael.
The leader of the Gershon families was Eliasaph, son of Lael.
The captaine and auncient of the house of the Gershonites shalbe Eliasaph the sonne of Lael.
And the prince of a father's house for the Gershonite [is] Eliasaph son of Lael.
Eliasaph the son of Lael shall be the prince of the fathers’ house of the Gershonites.
And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.
Under their prince Eliasaph the son of Lael.
The leader of those two clans was Eliasaph, the son of Lael.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:24
BAB
Word Study
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Numbers 3:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/נְשִׂ֥יא
בֵֽית
אָ֖ב
לַ/גֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֑י
אֶלְיָסָ֖ף
בֶּן
לָאֵֽל
וּ/נְשִׂ֥יא
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
Conj | N-ms
בֵֽית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אָ֖ב
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms
לַ/גֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֑י
Gêrᵉshunnîy
H1649
Gershonite
Prep | Ngmsa
אֶלְיָסָ֖ף
ʼElyâçâph
H460
Eliasaph
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
לָאֵֽל
Lâʼêl
H3815
Lael
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:24
וּ/נְשִׂ֥יא
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.
בֵֽית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָ֖ב
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לַ/גֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֑י
Gêrᵉshunnîy
H1649
"Gershonite"
Prep | Ngmsa
A Gershonite is a descendant of Gershon, a man from the tribe of Levi, first mentioned in Genesis 46:11. Gershon was the son of Levi and brother of Kohath and Merari. His descendants are also mentioned in 1 Chronicles.
Definition: Someone descended from Gershon who was a man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.11; son of: Levi (H3878); brother of: Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115); father of: Libni (H3845) and Shimei (H8096); also called Gershom at 1Ch.6.16,17,20,43,62,71; 15.7; Group of ge.re.shon (גֵּרְשׁוֹן "Gershon" H1648) § Gershonite , of Geshur a descendant of Gershon, firstborn son of Levi
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Gershonite, sons of Gershon. See also: Numbers 3:21; Numbers 26:57; 2 Chronicles 29:12.
אֶלְיָסָ֖ף
ʼElyâçâph
H460
"Eliasaph"
N-proper
Elyasaph was an Israelite who lived during the time of the wilderness census. He was a Gadite chief and a head of the Gershonites, and his name means God has added in Hebrew.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at Num.3.24; son of: Lael (H3815) § Eliasaph = "God has added" 1) a Gadite chief in the wilderness census 2) a head of the Gershonites
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Eliasaph. See also: Numbers 1:14; Numbers 7:42; Numbers 10:20.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
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.
לָאֵֽל
Lâʼêl
H3815
"Lael"
N-proper
Lael was an Israelite who lived during the time of the wilderness journey. He was the father of Eliasaph and a descendant of Gershon, a Levite. His name means 'belonging to God'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at Num.3.24; father of: Eliasaph (H0460H) § Lael = "belonging to God" a Levite, father of Eliasaph and descendant of Gershon
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Lael. See also: Numbers 3:24.
Study Notes — Numbers 3:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Gershonites
22The number of all the males a month old or more was 7,500.
23The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle,
24and the leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael.
25The duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting were the tabernacle and tent, its covering, the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, 26the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, and the cords—all the service for these items.Numbers 3:24 Summary
Numbers 3:24 tells us that Eliasaph son of Lael was the leader of the Gershonite families, who were responsible for taking care of the tabernacle and its furnishings. This shows us that God values organization and leadership, just like we see in Exodus 18:13-27 where Moses appoints leaders to help him. Eliasaph's role reminds us that each of us has a part to play in serving God and His people, whether as a leader or a follower, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. By following Eliasaph's example, we can learn to fulfill our own roles with faithfulness and integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Eliasaph son of Lael and why is he mentioned in Numbers 3:24?
Eliasaph son of Lael was the leader of the families of the Gershonites, and his mention in Numbers 3:24 highlights the importance of leadership and organization in the Israelite community, as seen in Exodus 18:13-27 where Moses appoints leaders to assist him.
What was the significance of the Gershonites' role in the Israelite community?
The Gershonites played a crucial role in the Israelite community, being responsible for the tabernacle and its furnishings, as stated in Numbers 3:25-26, which reflects their importance in the worship and religious life of the Israelites, similar to the role of the Levites in Deuteronomy 10:8-9.
How does the mention of Eliasaph son of Lael in Numbers 3:24 relate to the broader theme of leadership in the Bible?
The mention of Eliasaph son of Lael in Numbers 3:24 highlights the importance of leadership and responsibility, as seen in other biblical leaders such as Moses in Exodus 3:1-4:17 and Joshua in Joshua 1:1-9, who were also called by God to lead His people.
Reflection Questions
- What does the appointment of Eliasaph son of Lael as leader of the Gershonites reveal about God's plan for leadership and organization in the church today?
- How can I, like Eliasaph, fulfill my role in the body of Christ with faithfulness and integrity, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31?
- What are some ways I can support and pray for my leaders, just as the Israelites supported their leaders in the wilderness, as seen in Numbers 11:16-30?
- How does the example of Eliasaph son of Lael challenge me to be a better leader or follower in my own community, in light of biblical teachings on leadership such as 1 Timothy 3:1-13?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:24
And the chief of the house of the fathers of the Gershonites,.... Who had the chief authority over them, and the chief direction of them in what they were to do: [shall be] Eliasaph the son of Lael;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:24
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, Number the children of Levi.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:24
21–39. The Levitical families and their duties. Notice that narrative in Numbers 3:21 f., 27 f., 33 f., 39 alternates with commands in Numbers 3:23-26; Numbers 3:29-32; Numbers 3:35-38. It is one of the many indications that the priestly portions of the book were the composite work of more than one writer.