Numbers 3:31

Verse

Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.

American Standard Version (1901)

And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the screen, and all the service thereof.

Bible in Basic English

In their care are the ark, and the table, and the lights, and the altars, and all the vessels used in the holy place, and the veil, and all they are used for.

Free Bible Version

Their assigned responsibility was to care for the Ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, the veil, and everything connected with these items.

King James (Authorized) Version

And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.

One Unity Resource Bible

Their duty shall be the ark, the table, the menorah ·lamp·, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the screen, and all its service.

Translation for Translators

The work of the men of those clans was to take care of the sacred chest, the table on which the priest put the sacred bread, the lampstand, the altars, all the items that the priest used in the Sacred Tent, and the curtain that is inside the tent. Their work was also to take care of the things inside the tent.

Unlocked Literal Bible

They must care for the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the holy things that are used in their service, the curtain, and all the work around it.

Noah Webster Bible

And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the hanging, and all the service of it.

World English Bible

Their duty shall be the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, the screen, and all its service.

Young's Literal Translation

And their charge [is] the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary with which they serve, and the vail, and all its service.

Context

The Kohathites

³⁰and the leader of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan son of Uzziel.³¹Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.

Summary

In Numbers 3:31, we see the specific duties assigned to the Levites regarding the care of the tabernacle. The verse highlights the importance of attention to detail and the sacred nature of their responsibilities in maintaining the sanctuary. This passage underscores the significance of order and organization in the worship of God, emphasizing the need for reverence and diligence in serving Him. By following these instructions, the Levites demonstrated their obedience and commitment to God's commands, setting an example for future generations in honoring the Lord.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest,.... Who was of the first of these families, the Amramites: shall be chief over the chief of the Levites; over the three chiefs of the three houses of the Levites, who were Eliasaph the son of Lael, the chief of the Gershonites; and Elizaphan the son of Uzziel, the chief of the Kohathites; and Zuriel the son of Abihail, the chief of the Merarites: and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary; the Kohathites, who had the care of the things belonging to the holy and most holy places; and these were particularly under the inspection of Eleazar, because they were things the priests had a, special concern in; see Num 4:32.