Numbers 4:27

Numbers 4:27 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.

American Standard Version ASV

At the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden, and in all their service; and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burden.

Bible in Basic English BBE

From the mouth of Aaron and his sons the Gershonites will have word about all the things they are to do and take up; you are to give them their orders.

Free Bible Version FBV

All that they do is to be under the supervision of Aaron and his sons—all their work and carrying assignments. You are to tell them all they are required to carry.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

At the commandement of Aaron and his sonnes shall all the seruice of the sonnes of ye Gershonites bee done, in all their charges and in all their seruice, and ye shall appoynt them to keepe all their charges.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'By the command of Aaron and his sons is all the service of the sons of the Gershonite in all their burden, and in all their service; and ye have laid a charge on them concerning the charge of all their burden.

World English Bible WEB

At the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden and in all their service; and you shall appoint their duty to them in all their responsibilities.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint to them in charge all their burdens.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The sons of Gerson shall carry, by the commandment of Aaron and his sons: and each man shall know to what burden he must be assigned.

Translation for Translators T4T

Aaron and his sons will supervise the work of all the descendants of Gershom. That work includes carrying those things and doing other work that is necessary for moving them. They must tell each of the descendants of Gershom what things they must carry.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:27

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 4:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עַל פִּי֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן וּ/בָנָ֜י/ו תִּהְיֶ֗ה כָּל עֲבֹדַת֙ בְּנֵ֣י הַ/גֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֔י לְ/כָל מַשָּׂאָ֔/ם וּ/לְ/כֹ֖ל עֲבֹדָתָ֑/ם וּ/פְקַדְתֶּ֤ם עֲלֵ/הֶם֙ בְּ/מִשְׁמֶ֔רֶת אֵ֖ת כָּל מַשָּׂאָֽ/ם

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

פִּי֩ peh H6310 lip N-ms

אַהֲרֹ֨ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper

וּ/בָנָ֜י/ו bên H1121 son Conj | N-mp | Suff

תִּהְיֶ֗ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

עֲבֹדַת֙ ʻăbôdâh H5656 service N-fs

בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp

הַ/גֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֔י Gêrᵉshunnîy H1649 Gershonite Art | Ngmsa

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

מַשָּׂאָ֔/ם massâʼ H4853 burden N-ms | Suff

וּ/לְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 all Conj | Prep | N-ms

עֲבֹדָתָ֑/ם ʻăbôdâh H5656 service N-fs | Suff

וּ/פְקַדְתֶּ֤ם pâqad H6485 to reckon Conj | V-Qal-2mp

עֲלֵ/הֶם֙ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

בְּ/מִשְׁמֶ֔רֶת mishmereth H4931 charge Prep | N-fs

אֵ֖ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

מַשָּׂאָֽ/ם massâʼ H4853 burden N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:27

עַל 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.

פִּי֩ peh H6310 "lip" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.

Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21

Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.

אַהֲרֹ֨ן ʼAhărôwn H175 "Aaron" N-proper

Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest

Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.

וּ/בָנָ֜י/ו bên H1121 "son" Conj | N-mp | Suff

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.

תִּהְיֶ֗ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

עֲבֹדַת֙ ʻăbôdâh H5656 "service" N-fs

This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.

Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)

Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.

בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" N-mp

Definition: : child/son

הַ/גֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֔י Gêrᵉshunnîy H1649 "Gershonite" Art | Ngmsa

A Gershonite is a descendant of Gershon, a man from the tribe of Levi, first mentioned in Genesis 46:11. Gershon was the son of Levi and brother of Kohath and Merari. His descendants are also mentioned in 1 Chronicles.

Definition: Someone descended from Gershon who was 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; Group of ge.re.shon (גֵּרְשׁוֹן "Gershon" H1648) § Gershonite , of Geshur a descendant of Gershon, firstborn son of Levi

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Gershonite, sons of Gershon. See also: Numbers 3:21; Numbers 26:57; 2 Chronicles 29:12.

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

מַשָּׂאָ֔/ם massâʼ H4853 "burden" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a message from God, like a prophecy or oracle, often given through a prophet. It can also mean a burden or a song. It appears in books like Isaiah and Ezekiel, where God speaks through prophets to His people.

Definition: 1) load, bearing, tribute, burden, lifting 1a) load, burden 1b) lifting, uplifting, that to which the soul lifts itself up 1c) bearing, carrying 1d) tribute, that which is carried or brought or borne

Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: burden, carry away, prophecy, [idiom] they set, song, tribute. See also: Exodus 23:5; Isaiah 13:1; Psalms 38:5.

וּ/לְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | Prep | N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

עֲבֹדָתָ֑/ם ʻăbôdâh H5656 "service" N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.

Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)

וּ/פְקַדְתֶּ֤ם pâqad H6485 "to reckon" Conj | V-Qal-2mp

This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.

Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered

Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.

עֲלֵ/הֶם֙ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

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.

בְּ/מִשְׁמֶ֔רֶת mishmereth H4931 "charge" Prep | 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.

אֵ֖ת 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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

מַשָּׂאָֽ/ם massâʼ H4853 "burden" N-ms | Suff

Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: burden, carry away, prophecy, [idiom] they set, song, tribute. See also: Exodus 23:5; Isaiah 13:1; Psalms 38:5.

Study Notes — Numbers 4:27

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 4:27 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:27
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:27
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:27
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:27
Sermons on Numbers 4:27

Context — The Duties of the Gershonites

25They 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, 26the 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.

27All 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.

28This 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. 29As for the sons of Merari, you are to number them by their clans and families,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 1:70	as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,
2	1 Corinthians 11:2	Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for maintaining the traditions, just as I passed them on to you.

Numbers 4:27 Summary

[This verse is saying that the Gershonites, a group of people who helped with the tabernacle, had to do their work under the direction of Aaron and his sons. This means they had to listen to and follow the instructions of their leaders, just like we are called to follow God's instructions in Proverbs 3:5-6. The Gershonites were responsible for carrying and taking care of the tabernacle and its equipment, and they had to work together to get everything done. By following God's plan and working together, we can accomplish great things and bring glory to God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of work were the Gershonites responsible for?

The Gershonites were responsible for carrying the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and other equipment, as seen in Numbers 4:25-26, and their work was to be done under the direction of Aaron and his sons, as stated in Numbers 4:27.

Why did the Gershonites need to be directed by Aaron and his sons?

The Gershonites needed to be directed by Aaron and his sons because they were responsible for handling sacred objects and equipment, and God had appointed Aaron and his sons as leaders and priests, as seen in Exodus 4:14 and Numbers 3:10.

What does it mean to 'assign to them all that they are responsible to carry'?

This means that Moses and the leaders of the Israelites were to clearly communicate to the Gershonites what their specific responsibilities and tasks were, so they could carry out their duties effectively, similar to how God gave specific instructions to Moses in Exodus 25:9 and Exodus 31:6-11.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of leadership in the Bible?

This verse highlights the importance of leadership and delegation, as seen in Numbers 4:27, and is similar to the way Jesus gave instructions to his disciples in Matthew 10:5-15, demonstrating that effective leadership involves clear communication and assignment of tasks.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to submit to God's direction and leadership, just like the Gershonites submitted to Aaron and his sons?
How can I ensure that I am carrying out my responsibilities in a way that honors God and is in line with His plans, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11?
What are some ways that I can support and assist others in their work and responsibilities, just like the Gershonites worked together to carry out their tasks?
How can I trust God to provide me with the strength and ability to carry out my responsibilities, just like the Gershonites trusted God to provide for them in the wilderness, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:4?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:27

At the appointment of Aaron and his sons,.... As they shall order and direct: shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites; everyone of them was to take their share, as Aaron and his sons

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:27

This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens: This is the service ... They were appointed to carry "the curtains of the tabernacle" - i:e., the goats' hair

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:27

27. ye shall appoint] The subject is apparently Moses and Aaron. LXX. (perhaps rightly) has a singular verb referring to Moses alone. in charge] Perhaps, with LXX. , read by name (αְּ ?ωֵׁ ?ξֹ ?ϊ for αְּ ?ξִ ?ωְׁ ?ξֶ ?ψֶ ?ϊ) as in Numbers 4:32.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:27

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

Sermons on Numbers 4:27

	Sermon	Description
	Holiness & Righteousness - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher starts by sharing a personal anecdote about doodling an eagle and giving it away to someone who admired it. He then discusses the importance of being e
	(Through the Bible) Luke 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the purpose of Jesus' coming, which is to seek and save the lost. The concept of redemption is highlighted, with the speaker noting that God
	Of the Covenant of Grace, as Exhibited in the Times of David, and the Succeeding Prophets, to the Coming of Christ. by John Gill	John Gill expounds on the Covenant of Grace as revealed through the times of David and the succeeding prophets leading up to Christ. He emphasizes that the covenant was foretold by
	The Introduction; With a Particular Consideration of That First Prophecy, Respecting the Messiah, Recorded in Genesis 3:15. by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the significance of the first prophecy regarding the Messiah found in Genesis 3:15, which foretells the enmity between the serpent and the woman's seed. He exp
	Head-Coverings in Worship Part 1 by Milton Vincent	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of head coverings in worship based on the passage in 1 Corinthians. He acknowledges that this passage is controversial and difficul
	Head Coverings: History, Context, and Exegesis by Carlton C. McLeod	This sermon delves into the controversial topic of head coverings for women in worship, rooted in biblical principles of God's order, creation order, angelic observance, nature, an
	Head-Coverings in Worship Part 4 by Milton Vincent	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the topic of head coverings in worship, specifically in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16. The sermon is part 4 of a series on this subject. The preache