Numbers 4:32

Numbers 4:32 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use. You shall assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry.

King James Version KJV

And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.

American Standard Version ASV

and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall appoint the instruments of the charge of their burden.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the pillars of the open space outside it, with their bases and their nails and cords and all the instruments used, and everything which has to be done there; all the instruments for which they are responsible are to be numbered by name.

Free Bible Version FBV

the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their stands, tent pegs, and ropes, all their equipment and everything connected with their use. You are to tell them by name what they are responsible for carrying.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the pillars rounde about the court, with their sockets and their pinnes, and their cords, with all their instruments, euen for all their seruice: and by name ye shall recken the instruments of their office and charge.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, of all their vessels, and of all their service; and by name ye do number the vessels of the charge of their burden.

World English Bible WEB

the pillars of the court around it, their sockets, their pins, their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service. You shall appoint the instruments of the duty of their burden to them by name.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The pillars also of the court round about, with their sockets and pins and cords. They shall receive by account all the vessels and furniture, and so shall carry them.

Translation for Translators T4T

They must also carry the posts for the curtains that form the walls of the courtyard and the bases for the posts, the tent pegs, and the ropes to fasten the curtains. Tell each man what things he must carry.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:32

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 4:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/עַמּוּדֵי֩ הֶ/חָצֵ֨ר סָבִ֜יב וְ/אַדְנֵי/הֶ֗ם וִֽ/יתֵדֹתָ/ם֙ וּ/מֵ֣יתְרֵי/הֶ֔ם לְ/כָל כְּלֵי/הֶ֔ם וּ/לְ/כֹ֖ל עֲבֹדָתָ֑/ם וּ/בְ/שֵׁמֹ֣ת תִּפְקְד֔וּ אֶת כְּלֵ֖י מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת מַשָּׂאָֽ/ם

וְ/עַמּוּדֵי֩ ʻammûwd H5982 pillar Conj | N-mp

הֶ/חָצֵ֨ר châtsêr H2691 court Art | N-cs

סָבִ֜יב çâbîyb H5439 around N-cs

וְ/אַדְנֵי/הֶ֗ם ʼeden H134 socket Conj | N-mp | Suff

וִֽ/יתֵדֹתָ/ם֙ yâthêd H3489 peg Conj | N-fp | Suff

וּ/מֵ֣יתְרֵי/הֶ֔ם mêythâr H4340 cord Conj | N-mp | Suff

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

כְּלֵי/הֶ֔ם kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil N-mp | Suff

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

עֲבֹדָתָ֑/ם ʻăbôdâh H5656 service N-fs | Suff

וּ/בְ/שֵׁמֹ֣ת shêm H8034 name Conj | Prep | N-mp

תִּפְקְד֔וּ pâqad H6485 to reckon V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כְּלֵ֖י kᵉlîy H3627 article/utensil N-mp

מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת mishmereth H4931 charge N-fs

מַשָּׂאָֽ/ם massâʼ H4853 burden N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:32

וְ/עַמּוּדֵי֩ ʻammûwd H5982 "pillar" Conj | N-mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.

Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)

Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.

הֶ/חָצֵ֨ר châtsêr H2691 "court" Art | N-cs

A village in the Bible is a small settlement surrounded by walls. In Matthew 21:2, Jesus sends his disciples to a village to find a donkey, while in Mark 6:6, Jesus travels from village to village teaching.

Definition: 1) court, enclosure 1a) enclosures 1b) court

Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: court, tower, village. See also: Genesis 25:16; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Psalms 10:8.

סָבִ֜יב çâbîyb H5439 "around" N-cs

This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.

Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side

Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.

וְ/אַדְנֵי/הֶ֗ם ʼeden H134 "socket" Conj | N-mp | Suff

Eden means a strong foundation or base, like a pedestal or socket. It is used to describe the earth's foundation and the bases of the tabernacle. The word signifies a firm and strong base.

Definition: 1) base, pedestal, socket (strong, firm) 1a) pedestals of gold on which marble pillars were set 1b) pedestals of the earth, foundation of the earth 1c) pedestals, bases, or sockets on which tabernacle stood

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: foundation, socket. See also: Exodus 26:19; Exodus 36:38; Song of Solomon 5:15.

וִֽ/יתֵדֹתָ/ם֙ yâthêd H3489 "peg" Conj | N-fp | Suff

A peg or nail is a small, pointed piece of metal used to hold things together, like the pegs used in the tabernacle in Exodus.

Definition: 1) pin, stake, peg, nail 1a) pin, peg, tent pin, tent stake 1b) nail, pin (fig.) 1c) pin (used in weaving)

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: nail, paddle, pin, stake. See also: Exodus 27:19; Judges 4:22; Isaiah 22:23.

וּ/מֵ֣יתְרֵי/הֶ֔ם mêythâr H4340 "cord" Conj | N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a cord or string, like the ones used for a tent or a bow. It is a simple term for a length of rope or twine. In the Bible, it is translated as cord or string.

Definition: cord, string

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: cord, string. See also: Exodus 35:18; Numbers 4:26; Psalms 21:13.

לְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | 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.

כְּלֵי/הֶ֔ם kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" N-mp | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.

Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed

Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.

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)

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.

וּ/בְ/שֵׁמֹ֣ת shêm H8034 "name" Conj | Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.

Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)

Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.

תִּפְקְד֔וּ pâqad H6485 "to reckon" V-Qal-Imperf-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.

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.

כְּלֵ֖י kᵉlîy H3627 "article/utensil" N-mp

מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת mishmereth H4931 "charge" 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.

מַשָּׂאָֽ/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.

Study Notes — Numbers 4:32

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 4:32 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:32
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:32
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:32
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 4:32
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:32
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:32
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:32
Sermons on Numbers 4:32

Context — The Duties of the Merarites

30from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work of the Tent of Meeting. 31This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases,

32and the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use. You shall assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry.

33This is the service of the Merarite clans according to all their work at the Tent of Meeting, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.” 34So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered the Kohathites by their clans and families,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 38:21	This is the inventory for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the Testimony, as recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
2	1 Chronicles 9:29	Others were put in charge of the furnishings and other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the fine flour, wine, oil, frankincense, and spices.
3	Numbers 3:8	They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle.
4	Exodus 38:17	The bases for the posts were bronze, the hooks and bands were silver, and the plating for the tops of the posts was silver. So all the posts of the courtyard were banded with silver.
5	Numbers 7:1	On the day Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, he anointed and consecrated it and all its furnishings, along with the altar and all its utensils.
6	Exodus 25:9	You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.

Numbers 4:32 Summary

[The verse Numbers 4:32 is talking about the Merarite clans and their responsibility to carry the equipment of the tabernacle, including the posts of the surrounding courtyard, tent pegs, and ropes. This shows that God values order and precision, as seen in Exodus 35:18 and Exodus 36:37. By assigning tasks by name, God emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. We can apply this principle to our own lives by being responsible and working together as a team, just like the Merarite clans did.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of assigning tasks by name in Numbers 4:32?

Assigning tasks by name emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and accountability, as seen in Exodus 18:13-27, where Moses delegates tasks to capable leaders, and in Numbers 1:1-4, where God instructs Moses to take a census of the Israelites for organizational purposes.

What kind of equipment is being referred to in Numbers 4:32?

The equipment mentioned includes the posts of the surrounding courtyard, tent pegs, and ropes, which are necessary for setting up and securing the tabernacle, as described in Exodus 35:18 and Exodus 36:37.

How does the organization of the tabernacle reflect God's character?

The organization of the tabernacle, as described in Numbers 4:32, reflects God's character as a God of order and precision, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:33 and 1 Corinthians 14:40, where God is described as a God of peace and order.

What can we learn from the Merarite clans' responsibility to carry the tabernacle equipment?

We can learn the importance of teamwork and cooperation in serving God, as seen in Numbers 4:31-33, where the Merarite clans work together to carry the tabernacle equipment, and in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, where the body of Christ is described as working together in unity.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can apply the principle of personal responsibility and accountability in my own life, as seen in Numbers 4:32?
How can I contribute to the organization and smooth operation of my church or community, just like the Merarite clans contributed to the tabernacle?
What are some things that I can do to help others understand the importance of order and precision in serving God, as reflected in the organization of the tabernacle?
In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to teamwork and cooperation in serving God, as seen in the Merarite clans' responsibility to carry the tabernacle equipment?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:32

And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords,.... These belonged to the court of the tabernacle; the pillars were what the hangings were hung upon, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:32

As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families, by the house of their fathers; As for the sons of Merari.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:32

Every part and parcel therefore shall be put in an inventory; which is required here rather than in the foregoing particulars, partly, because these were much more numerous than the former; partly, because being meaner things, and such as might easily be supplied, they might otherwise have been neglected; and partly, to teach us that God esteems nothing small in his worship and service, and that he expects his will should be observed in the minutest circumstances.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 4:32

Numbers 4:32 And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.Ver. 32. By name ye shall reckon.] That all might be ready and forthcoming, when the sanctuary was set up again. Christ "knoweth" and "calleth" all his "by name," not the meanest of them is missing.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:32

(32) Ye shall reckon.—Better, ye shall assign or appoint. (See Note on the preceding verse.)

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:32

32. the instruments of the charge of their burden] i.e. the articles committed to their charge to carry.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:32

32. By name… the instruments — As there was a great difference in the weight of these various parts, the burdens might be very unequally distributed if each was left free to choose his own.

Sermons on Numbers 4:32

	Sermon	Description
	Ever Increasing Light by Danny Bond	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the Great Commission, which is to spread the gospel to all corners of the world. He uses a story about a family
	The Ark of the Covenant and the Cross of Christ by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Eli, the last judge in Israel. Eli was a weary old man who excused sin in his own family and condoned it in the priesthood. He
	Princely Service by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God's people are a princely people, reflecting the character of the Lord Jesus. He explains that true princeliness is marked by spiritual dignity,
	Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for revival and awakening in the church. He cautions against expecting the Holy Spirit to clean up the mess without taking responsib
	(Exodus) Exodus 25:9 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle and its significance in the Bible. He emphasizes that the tabernacle was a pattern of the one in heaven, indicating the existen
	God, as an Enemy by Erlo Stegen	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the message shared by another preacher and highlights key points. He emphasizes the importance of teaching children the ways of the Lord and
	Acid Test Series 1 of 8 - the Priority of Prayer by Al Whittinghill	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of a believer. He uses a story of a little boy who boldly approaches a king covered in mud to illustrate