Numbers 4:39
Numbers 4:39 in Multiple Translations
everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.
From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation,
from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered upon the service, for work in the tent of meeting,
All those from thirty to fifty years old who were able to do the work in the Tent of meeting,
men aged thirty to fifty—all who were entitled to do the work of serving in the Tent of Meeting.
From thirtie yere olde and vpwarde, euen vnto fiftie yere olde: all that enter into the assemblie for the seruice of the Tabernacle of the Cogregation.
from a son of thirty years and upward even unto a son of fifty years, every one who is going in to the host, for service in the tent of meeting,
from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old—everyone who entered into the service for work in the Tent of Meeting,
From thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation,
From thirty years old and upward, unto fifty years old, all that go in to minister in the tabernacle of the covenant:
They/We counted all the men who were between 30 and 50 years old who were able to work at the Sacred Tent.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:39
BAB
Word Study
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Numbers 4:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/בֶּ֨ן
שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
שָׁנָה֙
וָ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה
וְ/עַ֖ד
בֶּן
חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים
שָׁנָ֑ה
כָּל
הַ/בָּא֙
לַ/צָּבָ֔א
לַ/עֲבֹדָ֖ה
בְּ/אֹ֥הֶל
מוֹעֵֽד
מִ/בֶּ֨ן
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms
שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Adj
שָׁנָה֙
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
וָ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Conj | Adv | Suff
וְ/עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים
chămishshîym
H2572
fifty
Adj
שָׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/בָּא֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Art | V-Qal
לַ/צָּבָ֔א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
Prep | N-cs
לַ/עֲבֹדָ֖ה
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
service
Prep | N-fs
בְּ/אֹ֥הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Prep | N-ms
מוֹעֵֽד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:39
מִ/בֶּ֨ן
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | 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.
שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
"thirty"
Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
שָׁנָה֙
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
וָ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Conj | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
וְ/עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
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.
חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים
chămishshîym
H2572
"fifty"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number fifty, used in various biblical contexts like measurements and quantities. It appears in Leviticus and Numbers.
Definition: 1) fifty 1a) fifty (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of fifty (with other numbers) 1c) fiftieth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: fifty. See also: Genesis 6:15; 1 Kings 7:2; Isaiah 3:3.
שָׁנָ֑ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
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.
הַ/בָּא֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לַ/צָּבָ֔א
tsâbâʼ
H6635
"army"
Prep | N-cs
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
לַ/עֲבֹדָ֖ה
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
"service"
Prep | 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.
בְּ/אֹ֥הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
מוֹעֵֽד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
Study Notes — Numbers 4:39
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Numbering of the Levite Clans
37These were counted from the Kohathite clans, everyone who could serve at the Tent of Meeting. Moses and Aaron numbered them according to the command of the LORD through Moses.
38Then the Gershonites were numbered by their clans and families,
39everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.
40And those numbered by their clans and families totaled 2,630. 41These were counted from the Gershonite clans who served at the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted at the LORD’s command.Numbers 4:39 Summary
[The verse Numbers 4:39 tells us that the Gershonites, a group of Levites, were responsible for serving at the Tent of Meeting, and they had to be between thirty and fifty years old to serve. This age range was likely chosen because it represented a time of physical and spiritual maturity, as seen in Numbers 8:24-25. The Gershonites were counted and assigned tasks by Moses and Aaron, as commanded by the Lord, demonstrating the importance of obedience and teamwork in serving God (Exodus 18:13-27). By serving at the Tent of Meeting, the Gershonites were able to play a vital role in the worship and spiritual life of the Israelites, just like we can serve the Lord with our own gifts and skills today.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age range for serving at the Tent of Meeting according to Numbers 4:39?
The age range is from thirty to fifty years old, as stated in Numbers 4:39, which is similar to the age range for the Levites in Numbers 8:24-25.
Who were the Gershonites and what was their role?
The Gershonites were a clan of the Levites, and according to Numbers 4:38-41, they were responsible for serving at the Tent of Meeting, with tasks assigned to them by Moses and Aaron, as commanded by the Lord, similar to the responsibilities given in Exodus 18:13-27 and Numbers 3:21-26.
Why were the Gershonites numbered by their clans and families?
The Gershonites were numbered by their clans and families, as recorded in Numbers 4:38-41, in order to determine the total number of men available to serve at the Tent of Meeting, which is similar to the numbering of the Israelites in Exodus 30:11-16 and Numbers 1:1-4.
What can we learn from the organization and structure of the Tent of Meeting?
The organization and structure of the Tent of Meeting, as described in Numbers 4:1-49, demonstrate the importance of order, obedience, and teamwork in serving the Lord, as also emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and Ephesians 4:11-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can serve the Lord with the skills and gifts He has given me, just like the Gershonites served at the Tent of Meeting?
- How can I demonstrate my commitment to serving the Lord, just like the Gershonites who were counted and assigned tasks?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more organized and structured, like the Tent of Meeting, in order to better serve the Lord?
- How can I work together with others, like the Gershonites and other Levites, to accomplish the Lord's work?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:39
From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old,.... [See comments on Numbers 4:34].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:39
And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers, Moses and Aaron ... This enumeration was made on
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:39
34–49. A detailed statement that Moses and Aaron numbered the men between the ages of 30 and 50 in the three Levitical families, as had been commanded.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:39
CENSUS OF LEVITES, Numbers 4:34-49.The results of the enumeration of Levites between thirty and fifty years are here tabulated, together with the number of incompetents and the