Numbers 4:22
Numbers 4:22 in Multiple Translations
“Take a census of the Gershonites as well, by their families and clans,
Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families;
Take the sum of the sons of Gershon also, by their fathers’ houses, by their families;
Let the sons of Gershon be numbered by families, in the order of their fathers' houses;
“Register the descendants of Gershon, according to their family and father's line
Take also ye summe of the sonnes of Gershon, euery one by the houses of their fathers throughout their families:
'Take up the sum of the sons of Gershon also by the house of their fathers, by their families;
“Take a census of the sons of Gershon also, by their fathers’ houses, by their families;
Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the house of their fathers, by their families;
Take the sum of the soils of Gerson also by their houses and families and kindreds.
“Write down the names of all the men who belong to the clans descended from the Gershon division of the descendants of Levi.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:22
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 4:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נָשֹׂ֗א
אֶת
רֹ֛אשׁ
בְּנֵ֥י
גֵרְשׁ֖וֹן
גַּם
הֵ֑ם
לְ/בֵ֥ית
אֲבֹתָ֖/ם
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽ/ם
נָשֹׂ֗א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Ptc
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רֹ֛אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
גֵרְשׁ֖וֹן
Gêrᵉshôwn
H1648
Gershon
N-proper
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
הֵ֑ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
לְ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
אֲבֹתָ֖/ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽ/ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Prep | N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:22
נָשֹׂ֗א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Ptc
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֹ֛אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
בְּנֵ֥י
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.
גֵרְשׁ֖וֹן
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.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
הֵ֑ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
לְ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | 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.
אֲבֹתָ֖/ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
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/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָֽ/ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 4:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Duties of the Gershonites
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. 24This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 3:18 | These were the names of the sons of Gershon by their clans: Libni and Shimei. |
| 2 | Numbers 3:21 | From Gershon came the Libnite clan and the Shimeite clan; these were the Gershonite clans. |
| 3 | Numbers 3:24 | and the leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael. |
Numbers 4:22 Summary
This verse, Numbers 4:22, is about God instructing Moses to take a census of the Gershonites, who were a family of Levites that helped with the Tabernacle. This means that God wanted to make sure the Gershonites were organized and prepared to do their jobs, just like we need to be organized and prepared to serve God in our own lives (as seen in Matthew 25:14-30 where the parable of the talents teaches us to be faithful with what God has given us). By taking a census, God was helping the Gershonites to know their specific roles and responsibilities, and we can ask God to do the same for us (as seen in Psalm 32:8 where God promises to instruct us and teach us in the way we should go).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Moses to take a census of the Gershonites?
God instructed Moses to take a census of the Gershonites to organize and prepare them for their specific roles and responsibilities in the service of the Tabernacle, as seen in Numbers 4:22 and supported by Exodus 18:21 where Moses organized the people to help with leadership responsibilities.
What is the significance of the Gershonites in the Bible?
The Gershonites were one of the three main families of the Levites, and they played a crucial role in the transportation and maintenance of the Tabernacle, as mentioned in Numbers 4:22-24 and Numbers 3:21-26 where their specific duties are outlined.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of the book of Numbers?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of the book of Numbers, which tells the story of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their preparation to enter the Promised Land, as seen in Numbers 1:1 and Numbers 36:13 where the book begins and ends with census-taking to organize the people.
What can we learn from the way God organized the Israelites in the wilderness?
We can learn about God's desire for order and organization in our lives, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:40 where it says that everything should be done decently and in order, and in Numbers 4:22 where God instructs Moses to take a census of the Gershonites to prepare them for their service.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be organized and prepared to serve God in my own life, just like the Gershonites were prepared to serve in the Tabernacle?
- How can I trust God to guide me and give me my specific role and responsibilities, just like He did for the Gershonites?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more organized and prepared, and how can I ask God to help me with those things?
- In what ways can I serve God and others, just like the Gershonites served in the Tabernacle, and how can I be faithful in those responsibilities?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:22
Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon,.... As well as of the sons of Kohath; for though Gershon was Levi's eldest son, yet his posterity were not excused from the service of the tabernacle, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:22
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, No JFB commentary on these verses.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:22
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 4:22
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