Numbers 3:25

Numbers 3:25 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The 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,

King James Version KJV

And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

American Standard Version ASV

And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tent of meeting shall be the tabernacle, and the Tent, the covering thereof, and the screen for the door of the tent of meeting,

Bible in Basic English BBE

In the Tent of meeting, the Gershonites are to have the care of the House, and the Tent with its cover, and the veil for the door of the Tent of meeting,

Free Bible Version FBV

Their assigned responsibility for the Tent of Meeting was to take care of the Tabernacle and tent, its covering, the curtain at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the charge of the sonnes of Gershon in the Tabernacle of the Congregation shall be the Tabernacle, and the pauilion, the couering thereof, and the vaile of the dore of the Tabernacle of the Congregation,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tent of meeting [is] the tabernacle, and the tent, its covering, and the vail at the opening of the tent of meeting,

World English Bible WEB

The duty of the sons of Gershon in the Tent of Meeting shall be the tabernacle, the tent, its covering, the screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, its covering, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And their charge shall be in the tabernacle of the covenant:

Translation for Translators T4T

Their work was to take care of the Sacred Tent, including the coverings of the tent, the curtain at the entrance of the tent,

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:25

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 3:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/מִשְׁמֶ֤רֶת בְּנֵֽי גֵרְשׁוֹן֙ בְּ/אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֖ן וְ/הָ/אֹ֑הֶל מִכְסֵ֕/הוּ וּ/מָסַ֕ךְ פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד

וּ/מִשְׁמֶ֤רֶת mishmereth H4931 charge Conj | N-fs

בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp

גֵרְשׁוֹן֙ Gêrᵉshôwn H1648 Gershon N-proper

בְּ/אֹ֣הֶל ʼôhel H168 tent Prep | N-ms

מוֹעֵ֔ד môwʻêd H4150 meeting N-ms

הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֖ן mishkân H4908 tabernacle Art | N-ms

וְ/הָ/אֹ֑הֶל ʼôhel H168 tent Conj | Art | N-ms

מִכְסֵ֕/הוּ mikçeh H4372 covering N-ms | Suff

וּ/מָסַ֕ךְ mâçâk H4539 covering Conj | N-ms

פֶּ֖תַח pethach H6607 entrance N-ms

אֹ֥הֶל ʼôhel H168 tent N-ms

מוֹעֵֽד môwʻêd H4150 meeting N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:25

וּ/מִשְׁמֶ֤רֶת mishmereth H4931 "charge" Conj | N-fs

Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.

Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.

בְּנֵֽי 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.

גֵרְשׁוֹן֙ Gêrᵉshôwn H1648 "Gershon" N-proper

Gershon was a son of Levi and an ancestor of the tribe of Levi, which played a key role in the priesthood and worship of the Israelites. He is mentioned in books like Genesis and Chronicles, and his name means 'exile'.

Definition: 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; § Gershon or Gershom = "exile" firstborn son of Levi born before Jacob's family went to Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Gershon, Gershom. See also: Genesis 46:11; Numbers 4:38; 1 Chronicles 15:7.

בְּ/אֹ֣הֶל ʼôhel H168 "tent" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.

Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)

Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.

מוֹעֵ֔ד môwʻêd H4150 "meeting" N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.

Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting

Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.

הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֖ן mishkân H4908 "tabernacle" Art | N-ms

The tabernacle was a special tent where God met with the Israelites, as described in Exodus and Leviticus. It was a portable place of worship, like a dwelling place for God. The Israelites carried it with them.

Definition: 1) dwelling place, tabernacle 1a) dwelling-place 1b) dwellings Aramaic equivalent: mish.kan (מִשְׁכַּן "habitation" H4907)

Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. See also: Exodus 25:9; Numbers 3:23; Psalms 26:8.

וְ/הָ/אֹ֑הֶל ʼôhel H168 "tent" Conj | Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.

Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.

מִכְסֵ֕/הוּ mikçeh H4372 "covering" N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a physical covering, like the weatherboarding on a house or the animal skins covering the tabernacle. It is used in Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle.

Definition: 1) a covering 1a) covering (of the ark) 1b) covering (of the skins of the tabernacle)

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: covering. See also: Genesis 8:13; Numbers 3:25; Numbers 4:25.

וּ/מָסַ֕ךְ mâçâk H4539 "covering" Conj | N-ms

This term means a cover or veil, like the screen of the tabernacle, used for hiding or protection.

Definition: 1) covering, rag, screen 1a) covering 1b) screen (of the tabernacle)

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: covering, curtain, hanging. See also: Exodus 26:36; Exodus 40:8; Psalms 105:39.

פֶּ֖תַח pethach H6607 "entrance" N-ms

A pethach is an entrance or doorway, like the gates of Jerusalem or the door to the temple, often symbolizing transition or access to a new place.

Definition: opening, doorway, entrance

Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: door, entering (in), entrance (-ry), gate, opening, place. See also: Genesis 4:7; Judges 9:40; Psalms 24:7.

אֹ֥הֶל ʼôhel H168 "tent" N-ms

The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.

Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.

מוֹעֵֽד môwʻêd H4150 "meeting" N-ms

Study Notes — Numbers 3:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 3:25 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:25
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:25
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:25
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 3:25
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:25
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:25
Sermons on Numbers 3:25

Context — The Gershonites

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. 27From Kohath came the clans of the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites; these were the clans of the Kohathites.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 25:9	You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.
2	1 Chronicles 23:32	So the Levites were to carry out the responsibilities for the Tent of Meeting and the Holy Place, and, under their brothers the descendants of Aaron, the service of the house of the LORD.
3	1 Chronicles 9:14–33	From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, a descendant of Merari; Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph; Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites. These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD. In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar had been in charge of the gatekeepers, and the LORD was with him. Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. So they and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent. The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south. Their relatives came from their villages at fixed times to serve with them for seven-day periods. But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God. They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they were responsible for guarding it and opening it every morning. Some of them were in charge of the articles used in worship, to count them whenever they were brought in or taken out. Others were put in charge of the furnishings and other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the fine flour, wine, oil, frankincense, and spices. And some of the sons of the priests mixed the spices. A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with baking the bread. Some of their Kohathite brothers were responsible for preparing the rows of the showbread every Sabbath. Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night.
4	Numbers 7:7	He gave the Gershonites two carts and four oxen, as their service required,
5	Exodus 26:36–37	For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold hooks, and cast five bronze bases for them.
6	Mark 13:34	It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch.
7	1 Chronicles 26:21–22	From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD.
8	Exodus 40:19	Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him.
9	1 Timothy 1:18	Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,
10	Numbers 4:24–28	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.

Numbers 3:25 Summary

This verse tells us about the specific jobs that the Gershonites had to do at the Tent of Meeting, which was like a portable church for the Israelites. They were in charge of taking care of the tabernacle, the tent, and the curtains, which is similar to how we are called to take care of God's house today (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). The Gershonites' duties show us that every job is important, no matter how big or small, and that we should do our best to serve God in everything we do (Colossians 3:23-24). By following the Gershonites' example, we can learn to be faithful and diligent in our own service to God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the specific duties of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting?

According to Numbers 3:25, the Gershonites were responsible for the tabernacle, tent, its covering, and the curtain for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, as well as other items listed in Numbers 3:26.

Why were the Gershonites assigned to these specific tasks?

The Bible does not provide a direct answer to this question, but it can be inferred that God assigned these tasks to the Gershonites as part of His larger plan for the organization of the Israelites, as seen in Numbers 3:1-10 and Exodus 18:13-27.

How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Numbers 3?

Numbers 3:25 is part of a larger section that describes the roles and responsibilities of the different Levitical clans, highlighting God's attention to detail and order in the establishment of the Tent of Meeting, as seen in Exodus 25:8 and Hebrews 8:5.

What can we learn from the Gershonites' responsibilities about our own service to God?

The Gershonites' duties demonstrate the importance of faithful service and attention to detail in our own walk with God, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24 and Matthew 25:14-30.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can serve God with the same diligence and attention to detail as the Gershonites?
How can I apply the principle of faithful service to my own life and ministry, just as the Gershonites did?
What are some areas of my life where I can demonstrate a greater commitment to serving God, just as the Gershonites were committed to their duties at the Tent of Meeting?
In what ways can I work together with others, like the Gershonites and other Levitical clans, to accomplish God's purposes?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:25

And the charge of the sons of Gershom,.... The Libnites and Shimites: in the tabernacle of the congregation; or with respect to the things of it, when it was taken down and committed to them; for

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:25

And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, Number the children of Levi.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:25

The tabernacle; not the boards, which belonged to Merari, , but the ten curtains mentioned . The tent, to wit, the curtains of goats’ hair. The covering thereof, i.e. the coverings of rams’ skins and badgers’ skins. See .

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 3:25

(25) In the tabernacle of the congregation.—Better, in the tent of meeting. It is important to distinguish between the ohel—i.e., the tent—and the mishkan—i.e., the tabernacle—which was the building of shittim wood with its curtains which was within the tent. The word ohel, where it occurs in the second place in this verse, evidently means the outer covering, as in Exodus 26:7, where the passage may be literally rendered thus :—“And thou shalt make curtains (or hangings) of goats’ (hair) for an ohel upon (or over) the mishkan.”The covering thereof.—The mikseh (covering) appears to include the two coverings described in Exodus 26:14—viz., the covering of rams’ skins and that of badgers’ skins or seals’ skins. The hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation—i.e., for the entrance or opening of the tent of meeting. This hanging was of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine-twined linen, and was hung at the entrance—i.e., the eastern or open end of the tent (Exodus 26:36). The word rendered door (pethach, not deleth) means an opening. At a later period, when the Tabernacle was at Shiloh, it had doors (1 Samuel 3:15). Both words occur in 1 Kings 6:31 : “And for the entering (or at the opening) of the oracle he made doors.” &c.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:25

25. the tabernacle; the Tent; the covering] Since the wooden framework is to be carried by the Merarites, these three expressions denote only the stuff hangings; cf. Numbers 4:25. An explanation of the terms is found in Exodus 26:1-14. As an ordinary tent consists mainly of the covering, the wood-work being only an accessory to support it, so (1) the tabernacle (or rather dwelling) proper consisted of ten strips of linen worked in three colours with figures of cherubim, and joined by hooks and loops into one whole (Numbers 3:1; Numbers 3:6 b). (2) The tent1 [Note: The spelling of the word in the R.V. with a capital T is misleading.] consisted of eleven strips of goats’ hair, joined together in the same way, and covering the ‘dwelling’ (Numbers 3:7; Numbers 3:11 b, 13b). (3) The covering was of rams’ skins dyed red (probably tanned) and of the water-tight skin of some marine animal such as the porpoise or dugong (Numbers 3:14).

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:25

25. Tabernacle… tent… covering — The tabernacle consisted of three chief parts, namely, the dwelling place, mishkan, or tabernacle strictly so called; the tent, ohel; and mikseh, the covering.

Sermons on Numbers 3:25

	Sermon	Description
	Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for revival and awakening in the church. He cautions against expecting the Holy Spirit to clean up the mess without taking responsib
	(Exodus) Exodus 25:9 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle and its significance in the Bible. He emphasizes that the tabernacle was a pattern of the one in heaven, indicating the existen
	God, as an Enemy by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the message shared by another preacher and highlights key points. He emphasizes the importance of teaching children the ways of the Lord and
	Acid Test Series 1 of 8 - the Priority of Prayer by Al Whittinghill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of a believer. He uses a story of a little boy who boldly approaches a king covered in mud to illustrate
	Gods Perfect Planning - Part 2 by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to do some research and Bible study to understand why Joseph and Mary did not return to Bethlehem after Jesus' birth. The speake
	Book of Acts Series - Part 40 \| the Plan by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of having a plan in various aspects of life. He highlights how society operates with plans in businesses, universities, and eve
	Pattern in Building by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pattern on which God builds the church. He explains that the New Testament provides a blueprint for the church, starting with the four Go