Numbers 3:35
Numbers 3:35 in Multiple Translations
The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.
And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.
And the prince of the fathers’ house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: they shall encamp on the side of the tabernacle northward.
The chief of the families of Merari was Zuriel, the son of Abihail: their tents are to be placed on the north side of the House.
The leader of the Merari families was Zuriel, son of Abihail. Their camp was on the north side of the Tabernacle.
The captaine and the ancient of the house of the families of Merari shalbe Zuriel the sonne of Abihail: they shall pitche on the Northside of the Tabernacle.
And the prince of a father's house for the families of Merari [is] Zuriel son of Abihail; by the side of the tabernacle they encamp northward.
The prince of the fathers’ house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. They shall encamp on the north side of the tabernacle.
And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.
Their prince Suriel the son of Abihaiel: they shall camp on the north side.
They were told to set up their tents on the north side of the Sacred Tent. The leader of those two clans was Zuriel, the son of Abihail.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:35
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 3:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/נְשִׂ֤יא
בֵֽית
אָב֙
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
מְרָרִ֔י
צוּרִיאֵ֖ל
בֶּן
אֲבִיחָ֑יִל
עַ֣ל
יֶ֧רֶךְ
הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
יַחֲנ֖וּ
צָפֹֽנָ/ה
וּ/נְשִׂ֤יא
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
Conj | N-ms
בֵֽית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אָב֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Prep | N-fp
מְרָרִ֔י
Mᵉrârîy
H4847
Merari
N-proper
צוּרִיאֵ֖ל
Tsûwrîyʼêl
H6700
Zuriel
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֲבִיחָ֑יִל
ʼĂbîyhayil
H32
Abihail
N-proper
עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
יֶ֧רֶךְ
yârêk
H3409
thigh
N-fs
הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
mishkân
H4908
tabernacle
Art | N-ms
יַחֲנ֖וּ
chânâh
H2583
to camp
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
צָפֹֽנָ/ה
tsâphôwn
H6828
Zaphon
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:35
וּ/נְשִׂ֤יא
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.
אָב֙
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.
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Prep | N-fp
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
מְרָרִ֔י
Mᵉrârîy
H4847
"Merari"
N-proper
Merari was a man in the Bible, the third son of Levi and head of a family of Levites. His name means 'bitter' and he's mentioned in Genesis as an ancestor of the tribe of Levi.
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: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955) and Jochebed (H3115); father of: Mahli (H4249), Mushi (H4187) and Jaaziah (H3269) Also named: me.ra.ri (מְרָרִי "Merari" H4848) § Merari = "bitter" the 3rd son of Levi and head of a Levitical family
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Merari. See also H4848 (מְרָרִי). See also: Genesis 46:11; 1 Chronicles 6:1; Ezra 8:19.
צוּרִיאֵ֖ל
Tsûwrîyʼêl
H6700
"Zuriel"
N-proper
Zuriel was an Israelite who lived during the time of the Exodus, and his name means my rock is God. He was the son of Abihail and the chief of the Merarite Levites, as mentioned in Numbers 3:35. Zuriel played a significant role in the Israelites' journey.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at Num.3.35; son of: Abihail (H0032) § Zuriel = "my rock is God" son of Abihail and chief of the Merarite Levites at the time of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Zuriel. See also: Numbers 3:35.
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.
אֲבִיחָ֑יִל
ʼĂbîyhayil
H32
"Abihail"
N-proper
Abihail is a name given to several Israelites, including the father of Esther, meaning my father is might. It appears in Esther 2:15, describing Abihail as the father of the future queen. The name represents the idea of God's strength and power.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.15; father of: Esther (H0635) § Abihail = "my father is might" 1) a Levite in Moses's time 2) a Gadite 3) father of Esther 4) wife of Abishur 5) wife of Rehoboam
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Abihail. See also: Numbers 3:35; 2 Chronicles 11:18; Esther 9:29.
עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יֶ֧רֶךְ
yârêk
H3409
"thigh"
N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the thigh or the side of something, and can also symbolize strength or power. It is used to describe where a sword is worn, and also represents the loins as the seat of procreative power.
Definition: 1) thigh, side, loin, base 1a) thigh 1a1) outside of thigh (where sword was worn) 1a2) loins (as the seat of procreative power) 1b) side (flank) (of object) 1c) base
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] body, loins, shaft, side, thigh. See also: Genesis 24:2; Numbers 3:35; Psalms 45:4.
הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
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.
יַחֲנ֖וּ
chânâh
H2583
"to camp"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
צָפֹֽנָ/ה
tsâphôwn
H6828
"Zaphon"
N-fs | Suff
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.
Study Notes — Numbers 3:35
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Merarites
33From Merari came the clans of the Mahlites and Mushites; these were the Merarite clans.
34The number of all the males a month old or more was 6,200.
35The leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.
36The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items, 37as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 1:53 | But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.” |
| 2 | Numbers 2:25 | On the north side, the divisions of Dan are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Danites is Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai, |
| 3 | Numbers 3:28–29 | The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. The clans of the Kohathites were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle, |
Numbers 3:35 Summary
This verse tells us about the leader of the Merarite families, Zuriel, and how they were assigned to camp on the north side of the tabernacle. This was an important role, as the Merarites were responsible for taking care of the tabernacle's frames, crossbars, and other equipment, as mentioned in Numbers 3:36-37. Just like the Merarites had a specific job, we too can serve God with our unique skills and talents, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. By following God's instructions and using our gifts to serve others, we can bring glory to Him and fulfill our purpose, just as the Merarites did in their assigned role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the leader of the Merarite families and what was their role?
According to Numbers 3:35, the leader of the families of the Merarites was Zuriel son of Abihail, and they were assigned to camp on the north side of the tabernacle, indicating their importance in the tribe's organization and worship, as seen in Numbers 3:36-37.
Why was the location of the Merarite camp significant?
The location of the Merarite camp on the north side of the tabernacle, as mentioned in Numbers 3:35, was significant because it reflected their role in the tribe's worship and service, similar to how the Levites were positioned around the tabernacle in Numbers 1:53.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of worship in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of order and organization in worship, as seen in Numbers 3:35, and is consistent with other biblical teachings on worship, such as in Leviticus 1:1-7 and Deuteronomy 12:10-11, which emphasize the need for proper protocol and reverence in approaching God.
What can we learn from the Merarites' assignment to camp on the north side of the tabernacle?
The Merarites' assignment teaches us about the value of obedience and following God's instructions, as seen in Numbers 3:35, and is reinforced by other biblical passages, such as Exodus 40:16 and Joshua 1:7, which emphasize the importance of following God's commands.
Reflection Questions
- How does the concept of assigned roles and responsibilities, as seen in Numbers 3:35, apply to my own life and service to God?
- What does the Merarites' camp location on the north side of the tabernacle reveal about God's attention to detail and care for His people?
- In what ways can I, like the Merarites, offer my skills and talents in service to God and His people, as described in Numbers 3:36-37?
- How does the organization and structure of the Israelite camp, as described in Numbers 3:35, reflect God's character and nature, as seen in other passages like Psalm 19:1-6?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:35
And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari,.... I think it should rather be rendered, "and the chief of the house", that is, of the Merarites, "the father to the families of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:35
Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:35
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.
Sermons on Numbers 3:35
| 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 |