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Numbers 8:24

Numbers 8:24 in Multiple Translations

“This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years of age or older shall enter to perform the service in the work at the Tent of Meeting.

This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation:

This is that which belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service in the work of the tent of meeting:

This is the rule for the Levites: those of twenty-five years old and over are to go in and do the work of the Tent of meeting;

“This rule applies to the Levites. Those twenty-five or older shall serve at the Tent of Meeting.

This also belongeth to the Leuites: from fiue and twentie yeere olde and vpwarde, they shall goe in, to execute their office in the seruice of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

'This [is] that which [is] the Levites': from a son of five and twenty years and upward he doth go in to serve the host in the service of the tent of meeting,

“This is what is assigned to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall go in to wait on the service in the work of the Tent of Meeting;

This is it that belongeth to the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation:

This is the law of the Levites: From twenty-five years old and upwards, they shall go in to minister in the tabernacle of the covenant.

“The descendants of Levi who are between 25 and 50 years old will work at the Sacred Tent.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 8:24

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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 8:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB זֹ֖את אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם מִ/בֶּן֩ חָמֵ֨שׁ וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֤ים שָׁנָה֙ וָ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה יָבוֹא֙ לִ/צְבֹ֣א צָבָ֔א בַּ/עֲבֹדַ֖ת אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד
זֹ֖את zôʼth H2063 this Pron
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
לַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Prep | Ngmpa
מִ/בֶּן֩ bên H1121 son Prep | N-ms
חָמֵ֨שׁ châmêsh H2568 five Adj
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֤ים ʻesrîym H6242 twenty Conj | Adj
שָׁנָה֙ shâneh H8141 year N-fs
וָ/מַ֔עְלָ/ה maʻal H4605 above Conj | Adv | Suff
יָבוֹא֙ bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לִ/צְבֹ֣א tsâbâʼ H6633 to serve Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
צָבָ֔א tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cs
בַּ/עֲבֹדַ֖ת ʻăbôdâh H5656 service Prep | N-fs
אֹ֥הֶל ʼôhel H168 tent N-ms
מוֹעֵֽד môwʻêd H4150 meeting N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 8:24

זֹ֖את zôʼth H2063 "this" Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם Lêvîyîy H3881 "Levi" Prep | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
מִ/בֶּן֩ 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.
חָמֵ֨שׁ châmêsh H2568 "five" Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֤ים ʻesrîym H6242 "twenty" Conj | Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
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.
יָבוֹא֙ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
לִ/צְבֹ֣א tsâbâʼ H6633 "to serve" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To serve or go to war, this term is used to describe assembling for battle or serving at the sacred tent. It can also mean to fight or perform a duty, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe military or religious service.
Definition: 1) to go forth, wage war, fight, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wage war, fight, go forth to war 1a2) to serve (at sacred tent) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to go forth, muster
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: assemble, fight, perform, muster, wait upon, war. See also: Exodus 38:8; 2 Kings 25:19; Isaiah 29:7.
צָבָ֔א tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" 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.
בַּ/עֲבֹדַ֖ת 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.
אֹ֥הֶל ʼôhel H168 "tent" 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 8:24

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 4:3 men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.
2 1 Chronicles 23:3 The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000.
3 Numbers 4:23 from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.
4 1 Chronicles 23:24–27 These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. For David had said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever. So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.” For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted,
5 2 Timothy 2:3–5 Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
6 1 Chronicles 28:12–13 The plans contained everything David had in mind for the courts of the house of the LORD, for all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the house of God and of the dedicated things, for the divisions of the priests and Levites, for all the work of service in the house of the LORD, and for all the articles of service in the house of the LORD:
7 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?
8 2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
9 1 Timothy 1:18 Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,
10 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

Numbers 8:24 Summary

This verse tells us that God wanted the Levites to be at least 25 years old before they started serving at the Tent of Meeting. This was likely because He wanted them to be mature and ready for the important work they would be doing. Just like the Levites, we can dedicate ourselves to God's service when we are ready, and we can trust that He will guide us and use us for His glory, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. As we serve God, we can also look forward to a time of rest and retirement, just like the Levites did, and trust that God will still use us in meaningful ways, even in our older age, as seen in Psalm 92:14.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God specify that Levites had to be at least 25 years old to serve at the Tent of Meeting?

This age requirement was likely to ensure that the Levites had reached a level of physical and spiritual maturity, as seen in the example of Jesus, who began His ministry at the age of 30, according to Luke 3:23. This maturity was necessary for the demanding work of serving at the Tent of Meeting.

How does this verse relate to the concept of retirement in the Bible?

In Numbers 8:24, we see that Levites were required to retire from their duties at the age of 50, but they were still allowed to assist their brothers in fulfilling their duties, as stated in Numbers 8:25-26. This concept of retirement is also seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Genesis 2:2, where God rested on the seventh day.

What is the significance of the Tent of Meeting in this verse?

The Tent of Meeting was a sacred place where God dwelled among the Israelites, as described in Exodus 33:7-11. It was the central location for worship, sacrifice, and communion with God, making it a vital part of the Levites' service, as seen in Numbers 8:24.

How does this verse apply to our lives today?

Although we do not have a physical Tent of Meeting, the principle of dedicating ourselves to God's service at a certain stage in life still applies, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, where we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to God. We can apply this verse by seeking God's will for our lives and surrendering ourselves to His service, regardless of our age or circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can dedicate myself to God's service, just like the Levites did at the Tent of Meeting?
  2. How can I ensure that I am physically and spiritually prepared to serve God, just like the Levites had to be at least 25 years old?
  3. What are some lessons I can learn from the Levites' example of retiring from their duties at the age of 50, and how can I apply those lessons to my own life?
  4. In what ways can I assist my brothers and sisters in Christ, just like the retired Levites were allowed to do, as stated in Numbers 8:25-26?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 8:24

This [is it] that [belongeth] unto the Levites,.... The fixed and settled time for their service, as is after related: from twenty and five years old and upward, they shall go in to wait upon the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 8:24

This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: From twenty-five years old ... - (cf.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 8:24

From twenty and five years old. See Poole "".

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 8:24

Numbers 8:24 This [is it] that [belongeth] unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation:Ver. 24. From twenty-five years.]

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 8:24

(24) From twenty and five years old and upward.—This regulation may be understood as referring to the age at which the Levites were to enter upon their duties after the people had taken possession of the land of Canaan, and it appears to have remained in force until the time of David, who substituted the age of twenty for that of twenty-five, because the necessity of carrying the Tabernacle and its furniture from place to place, which arose but seldom after the entrance into Canaan, finally ceased after the removal of the ark to Mount Zion. The time of service during the wanderings in the wilderness was from thirty to fifty (Numbers 4:3; Numbers 4:23; Numbers 4:30), during which time the constant removal of the Tabernacle required the services of men in the full vigour of life. The chronological order of events is not always observed in this book, and the directions contained in Numbers 8:23-26 may have been given at a later period, but inserted here in connection with the account of the appointment of the Levites to their office. On the other hand, it is quite possible that from the first the Levites entered upon the lighter parts of their office at the age of twenty-five years, but were not employed before they were thirty years of age in the more onerous duties of removing the Tabernacle, or in bearing on their shoulders the sacred vessels, as in the case of the Kohathites. To wait upon the service.—Literally, to war the warfare, or to serve the (military) service. Similarly, in the following verse, he shall return from the warfare of the service.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 8:24

Verse 24. From twenty and five years old] See Clarke on Numbers 4:3, where the two terms of twenty-five and thirty years are reconciled.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 8:24

24. that which belongeth unto the Levites] An elliptical expression: that which [thou shall do] With regard to the Levites. from twenty and five years old] In Numbers 4:3 the age is from thirty years. See note there. to wait upon the service] R.V. marg. ‘to war the warfare.’ See on Numbers 4:3.

Barnes' Notes on Numbers 8:24

Twenty and five years old and upward - The permanent limit as distinguished from the temporary Numbers 4:3, Numbers 4:23, Numbers 4:30, though David found it necessary to extend the period of the

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 8:24

24. Wait upon the service — Literally, war the warfare. This is often referred to by St. Paul. 1 Corinthians 9:7; 2 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Timothy 1:18; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 2:3-5.

Sermons on Numbers 8:24

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill The Cost of Worship by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the humility and simplicity of Jesus Christ. He compares Jesus to the apostle Paul, who often said "finally" but continued to write more cha
A.W. Tozer Soldiers of Christ Arise by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker criticizes certain leaders who he believes are leading young people astray by portraying the Christian life as a game. He argues that this mindset affec
B.H. Clendennen Soldiers by B.H. Clendennen In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being transformed through discipline and obedience. He describes how he was initially undisciplined and did what he wa
B.H. Clendennen Soldiers Hymn by B.H. Clendennen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the idea that as believers, we are soldiers in a spiritual war. He encourages us to endure hardships and not be deceived by false theology.
K.P. Yohannan 911 Tradegy by K.P. Yohannan In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own life and ministry, realizing that he has become complacent and lacking in passion for sharing the gospel. He is convicted by the fac
B.H. Clendennen Soldier by B.H. Clendennen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a new dedication to walk with God and regain spiritual vision. He calls for a renewed desire for spiritual things an
Carter Conlon Disentangled Warriors by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of encouraging and supporting one another in the body of Christ. He references the story of Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:7, where

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