Numbers 4:21
Numbers 4:21 in Multiple Translations
And the LORD said to Moses,
¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
And the Lord said to Moses,
The Lord told Moses,
And the Lord spake vnto Moses, saying,
And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying,
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
Yahweh also said to Moses/me,
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:21
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 4:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
יְהוָ֖ה
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
לֵּ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
לֵּ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:21
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
לֵּ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Numbers 4:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Duties of the Gershonites
19In order that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and what he is to carry.
20But the Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy objects, even for a moment, or they will die.”
21And the LORD said to Moses,
22“Take a census of the Gershonites as well, by their families and clans, 23from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.Numbers 4:21 Summary
In Numbers 4:21, the Lord speaks to Moses to give him important instructions about the Gershonites. This shows that God wants to guide and direct us, just like He did with Moses. We can learn from this that God cares about the details of our lives and wants us to follow His plans, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. By listening to God's voice and following His instructions, we can experience His guidance and blessing in our lives, just like Moses did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Lord need to speak to Moses in Numbers 4:21?
The Lord spoke to Moses to give him specific instructions regarding the census and responsibilities of the Gershonites, as seen in Numbers 4:22-23, and to emphasize the importance of following God's commands, as stated in Deuteronomy 4:1-2.
What is the significance of the Lord speaking to Moses in this verse?
The Lord speaking to Moses in Numbers 4:21 highlights the personal and direct relationship between God and Moses, as seen in Exodus 33:11, and demonstrates God's desire to guide and direct His people through their leaders.
How does this verse relate to the surrounding context?
Numbers 4:21 is connected to the previous verses, which discuss the responsibilities of the Kohathites and the importance of following God's instructions to avoid death, as stated in Numbers 4:19-20, and it sets the stage for the census of the Gershonites in Numbers 4:22-23.
What can we learn from the Lord's direct communication with Moses?
We can learn that God desires to communicate with us and guide us, just as He did with Moses, as seen in Jeremiah 33:3, and that we should be attentive to His voice and follow His instructions, as stated in John 10:27-28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God speaks to us today, and how can we be more attentive to His voice?
- How does the Lord's direct communication with Moses encourage or challenge you in your own relationship with God?
- What are some times in your life when you felt like God was speaking directly to you, and how did you respond?
- How can you apply the principle of following God's instructions, as seen in Numbers 4:21, to your own life and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:21
And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... Though Aaron is not mentioned here, he was concerned in taking the sum of the Gershonites, as well as of the Kohathites, as appears from Numbers 4:41; saying; as follows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:21
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:21
21–28. The Gershonites and their duties. They carry (in wagons Numbers 7:7) all the hangings and coverings of which the Dwelling and the court are composed.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:21
SERVICE OF THE SONS OF GERSHON, Numbers 4:21-28.The special service assigned to this great family of Levites was the transportation of the cloth and skin coverings of the tabernacle, with its