Keraia
Numbers 4

Numbers 4:37

The Numbering of the Levite Clans · Numbers 4:34–49
Read Numbers 4

Translations

Modern
These 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.
Traditional
These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
Literal
These were the ones who were numbered of the clans of the Kohathite, all who might serve in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered, according to the commandment of YHWH, by the hand of Moses.
Latin
Hic est numerus populi Caath qui intrant tabernaculum fœderis: hos numeravit Moyses et Aaron juxta sermonem Domini per manum Moysi.

Original

Hebrew
English
These 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.

Notes

Numbers 4:34–49

The numbering and recording the Levites' names and ensuring each man understood his task was crucial. This helped properly organize Israel for travel and camping and protected the Tent of Meeting.

Numbers 4:1–49

  • This section continues the discussion from 3:21–37 about the duties of the three Levite clans. The Levites carried and cared for the Tent of Meeting while traveling and camping. Other tribes always surrounded them to protect them and their valuable cargo (2:17). They placed the holy items of God in the center of the tribes. The priests and their Levitical assistants kept these items holy by separating them.

  • God, in his holiness, deserves to have the details of his will given careful attention. The Tent of Meeting and its furnishings were holy. The tribe of Levi had to maintain the difference between holy and common, and between ceremonially clean and unclean. This is why there is so much information about the duties of the three Levite clans.

Numbers 3:1–4:49

Israel's priests and Levites had duties like moving, assembling, protecting, and maintaining the Tent of Meeting. The way God organized the tribes highlighted his concern for these priestly tasks.

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Kohath: Son of Levi; Levite clan ancestor Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Ark of the Covenant Biblical Concept of Law David Deuteronomy, Book of Kohath, Kohathites Numbers, Book of Priests and Levites

Topics

Levites: Functions of had Charge of the Tabernacle in the Encampments and on the March The Levites: Numbered As Ministers at Thirty