Numbers 4:38
New International Version
The Gershonites were counted by their clans and families.

New Living Translation
The Gershonite division was also listed by its clans and families.

English Standard Version
Those listed of the sons of Gershon, by their clans and their fathers’ houses,

Berean Standard Bible
Then the Gershonites were numbered by their clans and families,

Berean Literal Bible
And those numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their clans, and by the house of their fathers,

King James Bible
And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,

New King James Version
And those who were numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their families and by their fathers’ house,

New American Standard Bible
And the numbered men of the sons of Gershon by their families and by their fathers’ households,

NASB 1995
The numbered men of the sons of Gershon by their families and by their fathers’ households,

NASB 1977
And the numbered men of the sons of Gershon by their families, and by their fathers’ households,

Legacy Standard Bible
The numbered men of the sons of Gershon by their families and by their fathers’ households,

Amplified Bible
The men who were numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their families (clans), and by their fathers’ households,

Berean Annotated Bible
Then the Gershonites (exile) were numbered by their clans and families,

Christian Standard Bible
The Gershonites were registered by their clans and their ancestral families,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Gershonites were registered by their clans and their ancestral houses,

American Standard Version
And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, their families, and by their fathers' houses,

English Revised Version
And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their families, and by their fathers' houses,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Gershonites were registered by families and households.

International Standard Version
The tribes and the ancestral houses of the descendants of Gershon were numbered

NET Bible
Those numbered from the Gershonites, by their families and by their clans,

New Heart English Bible
Those who were numbered of the sons of Gershon, their families, and by their fathers' houses,

Webster's Bible Translation
And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then the Gershonites were numbered by their clans and families,

World English Bible
Those who were counted of the sons of Gershon, by their families, and by their fathers’ houses,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And those numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their families, and by the house of their fathers,

Berean Literal Bible
And those numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their clans, and by the house of their fathers,

Young's Literal Translation
And those numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their families, and by the house of their fathers,

Smith's Literal Translation
And they being reviewed of the sons of Gershon, according to their families, according to the house of their fathers,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The sons of Gerson also were numbered by the kindreds and houses of their fathers,

Catholic Public Domain Version
The sons of Gershon also were numbered by the kinships and houses of their fathers,

New American Bible
As for the enrollment of the Gershonites, by clans and ancestral houses,

New Revised Standard Version
The enrollment of the Gershonites, by their clans and their ancestral houses,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the number of the sons of Gershon by their families, and by the house of their fathers,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the number of the sons of Gershun by their families for the house of their fathers.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their families, and by their fathers' houses,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sons of Gedson were numbered according to their families, according to the houses of their lineage,

Additional Translations ...



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.…

Cross References
Then the Gershonites were numbered

Numbers 26:57
Now these were the Levites numbered by their clans: The Gershonite clan from Gershon, the Kohathite clan from Kohath, and the Merarite clan from Merari.

1 Chronicles 23:27
For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted,
by their clans and families,

Numbers 1:2
“Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one.

Exodus 6:16-17
These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. / The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans.

1 Chronicles 6:16-17
The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. / These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.
1 Chronicles 23:12-13
The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all. / The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.

1 Chronicles 23:24-32
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.” …

1 Chronicles 24:20-31
Now these were the rest of the descendants of Levi: From the sons of Amram: Shubael; from the sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah. / As for Rehabiah, from his sons: The first was Isshiah. / From the Izharites: Shelomoth; from the sons of Shelomoth: Jahath. …

1 Chronicles 26:20-28
Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. / From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, / the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. …

2 Chronicles 29:12-19
Then the Levites set to work: Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah from the Kohathites; Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel from the Merarites; Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah from the Gershonites; / Shimri and Jeuel from the Elizaphanites; Zechariah and Mattaniah from the Asaphites; / Jehiel and Shimei from the Hemanites; and Shemaiah and Uzziel from the Jeduthunites. …

Nehemiah 12:8-9
The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who, with his associates, led the songs of thanksgiving. / Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood across from them in the services.

Nehemiah 12:24-26
The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God. / Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. / They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe.

Hebrews 7:5
Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham.

Hebrews 9:1-5
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. / A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, …

Hebrews 9:6-10
When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties. / But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. / By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing. …

Hebrews 9:11-14
But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands and is not a part of this creation. / He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption. / For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, …


Treasury of Scripture

And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,

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Clans Counted Families Fathers Gershon Gershonites House Households Houses Numbered Throughout
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Clans Counted Families Fathers Gershon Gershonites House Households Houses Numbered Throughout
Numbers 4
1. The age at which the Levites were to serve, and the duration of the service
4. The duty of the Kohathites
16. The charge of Eleazar
17. The office of the priests
21. The duty of the Gershonites
29. Of the Merarites
34. The number of the Kohathites
38. Of the Gershonites
42. And of the Merarites












Then the Gershonites were numbered

Gershon, Levi’s eldest son, was the ancestor of one of the three principal Levitical divisions. The census identified men from thirty to fifty years old who were assigned to the Tabernacle’s service. Their numbering established an orderly rotation of qualified workers for the demanding responsibilities entrusted to them.

Num 26:57 Now these were the Levites numbered by their clans:…
1Ch 23:27 For according to the final instructions of David,…

by their clans and families,

The registration preserved the family structure through which the Levites received their duties. Gershonite households were responsible for transporting and caring for the Tabernacle curtains, coverings, screens, and cords. Their organized service ensured that every part of the sanctuary was handled according to God’s command.

Num 1:2 “Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel…
Exo 6:16-17 These were the names of the sons of Levi…
1Ch 6:16-17 The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Sons of Gershon
Gershon was the eldest son of Levi, and his descendants were responsible for the care of the tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and other fabric elements. This verse refers to the census of the Gershonites, who were part of the Levitical priesthood.

2. Genealogies
This refers to the recorded lineage of the Gershonites, which was important for maintaining the purity and order of the Levitical duties.

3. Clans and Families
The organization of the Gershonites into clans and families highlights the structured approach to their service in the tabernacle, ensuring that each group had specific responsibilities.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Order in Worship
The detailed organization of the Gershonites' duties underscores the importance of order and structure in worship. God values precision and dedication in how we approach Him.

Heritage and Responsibility
The genealogies remind us of the importance of spiritual heritage and the responsibilities that come with it. As believers, we are called to uphold the faith and duties passed down to us.

Service in the Body of Christ
Just as the Gershonites had specific roles, each believer has a unique role in the body of Christ. Understanding and fulfilling our God-given responsibilities is crucial for the health of the church.

Faithfulness in Small Things
The Gershonites' seemingly mundane tasks were vital to the worship of Israel. This teaches us that faithfulness in small, unseen tasks is significant in God's eyes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 4:38?

2. How does Numbers 4:38 emphasize the importance of organized service in ministry?

3. What can we learn from the specific duties assigned to the Gershonites?

4. How does Numbers 4:38 connect to New Testament teachings on spiritual gifts?

5. In what ways can we apply the Gershonites' obedience to our daily lives?

6. How does this verse encourage us to fulfill our God-given responsibilities today?

7. What is the significance of the age range mentioned in Numbers 4:38 for service?

8. How does Numbers 4:38 reflect the organization of the Israelite community?

9. Why were the Gershonites specifically counted in Numbers 4:38?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4?


Numbers 4:38 teaches that after assigning the Kohathites, God turned to the Gershonites, numbering every qualified man in an orderly, family-centered way. The verse highlights divine order, individual worth, shared responsibility, and generational faithfulness. In seeing how precisely God organized Israel’s worship work, we gain confidence that He likewise numbers, equips, and places us where we can best serve His dwelling presence today.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the Gershonites
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

were numbered
וּפְקוּדֵ֖י (ū·p̄ə·qū·ḏê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

by their clans
לְמִשְׁפְּחוֹתָ֖ם (lə·miš·pə·ḥō·w·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

and families,
אֲבֹתָֽם׃ (’ă·ḇō·ṯām)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father


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OT Law: Numbers 4:38 Those who were numbered of the sons (Nu Num.)

Numbers 4:37
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