Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version All the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to serve in the work at the tent of meeting, New Living Translation The list included all the men between thirty and fifty years of age who were eligible for service in the Tabernacle, English Standard Version from thirty years old up to fifty years old, everyone who could come on duty for service in the tent of meeting— Berean Standard Bible everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. King James Bible 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, New King James Version from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service for work in the tabernacle of meeting— New American Standard Bible from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who could enter the service for work in the tent of meeting— NASB 1995 from thirty years and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service for work in the tent of meeting. NASB 1977 from thirty years and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service for work in the tent of meeting. Legacy Standard Bible from thirty years and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the duty of service in the tent of meeting, Amplified Bible from thirty years and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service to do the work in the Tent of Meeting (tabernacle); Christian Standard Bible men from thirty years old to fifty years old, everyone who was qualified for work at the tent of meeting. Holman Christian Standard Bible men from 30 years old to 50 years old, everyone who was qualified for work at the tent of meeting. American Standard Version 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, English Revised Version 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, GOD'S WORD® Translation All the men between the ages of 30 and 50 who were qualified to serve at the tent of meeting were registered. International Standard Version from 30 to 50 years old; that is, everyone who entered the service to perform work at the Tent of Meeting. NET Bible from thirty years old and upward to fifty years old, everyone who entered the company for the work in the tent of meeting-- New Heart English Bible from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service, for work in the Tent of Meeting, Webster's Bible Translation 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, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleeveryone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. World English Bible from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old—everyone who entered into the service for work in the Tent of Meeting, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfrom a son of thirty years and upward even to a son of fifty years, everyone who is going in to the host, for service in the Tent of Meeting, Young's Literal Translation 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, Smith's Literal Translation From the son of thirty years and above, even to the son of fifty years, all going forth to war, for the service in the tent of appointment, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFrom thirty years old and upward, unto fifty years old, all that go in to minister in the tabernacle of the covenant: Catholic Public Domain Version from thirty years and above, even to the fiftieth year, all who enter so as to minister in the tabernacle of the covenant. New American Bible all between thirty and fifty years of age who will join the personnel to work in the tent of meeting— New Revised Standard Version from thirty years old up to fifty years old, everyone who qualified for work relating to the tent of meeting— Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFrom thirty years old and upward to fifty years old, every able man, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated From a son of thirty years and above and unto a son of fifty years, everyone who comes into the host for the service of the Time Tent. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered upon the service, for service in the tent of meeting, Brenton Septuagint Translation from five and twenty years old and upward till fifty years old, every one that goes in to minister and to do the services in the tabernacle of witness. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Numbering of the Levite Clans…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.… Cross References Numbers 3:15-20 “Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.” / So Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he had been commanded. / These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. ... Numbers 8:24-26 “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. / But at the age of fifty, they must retire from performing the work and no longer serve. / After that, they may assist their brothers in fulfilling their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they themselves are not to do the work. This is how you are to assign responsibilities to the Levites.” 1 Chronicles 23:3-5 The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000. / “Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, / 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.” 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.” ... Exodus 38:26 a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be numbered, a total of 603,550 men. Leviticus 27:3 if the valuation concerns a male from twenty to sixty years of age, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel. 1 Chronicles 23:27 For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted, 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. / With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. ... 2 Chronicles 31:17 and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their responsibilities and divisions. Ezra 3:8 In the second month of the second year after they had arrived at the house of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jozadak, and the rest of their associates including the priests, the Levites, and all who had returned to Jerusalem from the captivity, began the work. They appointed Levites twenty years of age or older to supervise the construction of the house of the LORD. Nehemiah 7:66-67 The whole assembly numbered 42,360, / in addition to their 7,337 menservants and maidservants, as well as their 245 male and female singers. Nehemiah 12:44-47 And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving. / They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. ... Matthew 20:1-16 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. / He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. / About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ... Luke 1:5-9 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. / Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. / But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years. ... Acts 6:1-6 In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ... Treasury of Scripture From thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, every one that enters into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation, no reference Jump to Previous Able Age Congregation Enter Entered Entereth Fifty Host Labour Meeting Service Tabernacle Tent Upward WorkJump to Next Able Age Congregation Enter Entered Entereth Fifty Host Labour Meeting Service Tabernacle Tent Upward WorkNumbers 4 1. The age at which the Levites were to serve, and the duration of the service4. 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 everyone from thirty to fifty years old This age range was significant in ancient Israelite culture, as it represented the prime years of a man's life, combining physical strength with maturity and experience. The age of thirty is often seen as the beginning of a man's full maturity and capability to take on significant responsibilities. For example, Joseph began his service to Pharaoh at thirty (Genesis 41:46), and David became king at thirty (2 Samuel 5:4). The age of fifty marked the end of this period of service, allowing for a transition to roles that required less physical exertion. This age range ensured that those serving were at their peak in terms of physical and mental capabilities, which was crucial for the demanding tasks associated with the Tent of Meeting. who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting Persons / Places / Events 1. The KohathitesA Levitical family responsible for the care of the most sacred objects of the Tabernacle, including the Ark of the Covenant. 2. Moses The leader of the Israelites, who received and communicated God's instructions regarding the organization and duties of the Levites. 3. Aaron The brother of Moses and the first high priest, who played a key role in the religious leadership of Israel. 4. The Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle) The portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where the Kohathites performed their duties. 5. The Wilderness The setting for the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, where these instructions were given. Teaching Points The Importance of Order and Structure in WorshipGod is a God of order, and He established specific roles and responsibilities for the Levites to ensure the proper functioning of worship. The Value of Service in God's Kingdom The Kohathites' service, though behind the scenes, was crucial to the spiritual life of Israel. Every role in the church is valuable, regardless of visibility. The Significance of Age and Maturity in Ministry The age range of thirty to fifty years old for service suggests a period of maturity and strength, emphasizing the importance of readiness and capability in ministry roles. The Holiness of God's Presence The Kohathites' duties involved handling the most sacred objects, reminding us of the reverence due to God's presence and the seriousness of approaching Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 4:39?2. How does Numbers 4:39 emphasize the importance of organized service in ministry? 3. What can we learn from the age requirement for service in Numbers 4:39? 4. How does Numbers 4:39 connect to New Testament teachings on spiritual gifts? 5. How can we apply the principle of readiness for service in our lives? 6. What role does accountability play in fulfilling God's work, as seen in Numbers 4:39? 7. What is the significance of the age range mentioned in Numbers 4:39 for Levite service? 8. How does Numbers 4:39 reflect the organization of ancient Israelite religious practices? 9. Why were only males counted in Numbers 4:39, and what does this imply about gender roles? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4? 11. Why did Jesus start His ministry at age 30? 12. Why does Numbers 8:24-25 state Levites begin serving at age 25, while Numbers 4:3 says they start at age 30? 13. Numbers 4:29-30 - Why does God prescribe a seemingly arbitrary age range for the Merarites' duties, and does this contradict other biblical texts about priestly service? 14. Numbers 4:3 - How historically plausible is the requirement that only men aged 30 to 50 perform such physically demanding tasks for the Tabernacle? What Does Numbers 4:39 Mean ContextNumbers 4 records the census of the Levite clans—Kohath, Gershon, and Merari—“according to the word of the LORD through Moses” (Numbers 4:49). Verse 39 summarizes the Gershonite count, detailing who was qualified to serve. The verse reads: “everyone from thirty to fifty years old who came to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.” Each phrase matters. everyone “Everyone” underscores that no qualified Gershonite male was exempt. God’s service was not for a select favorite few but for all He appointed (compare Numbers 3:6–8). • Completeness—every eligible man was counted, ensuring accountability (Numbers 1:49–50). • Equality—each stood on level ground before God, much like New-Covenant believers are “one body” with varied gifts (1 Corinthians 12:12–14). from thirty to fifty years old This age span marks the prime of life—old enough for maturity, young enough for strength. • Maturity—age 30 had already been set for priestly service (Numbers 4:3; cf. Luke 3:23, where Jesus begins public ministry at about thirty). • Strength limitation—age 50 ended heavy lifting, protecting the older men (Numbers 8:25–26). • Principle—God values both readiness and wisdom, reminding us that He assigns roles suited to seasons of life (Psalm 90:12). who came to serve Service was not merely assigned; the men “came.” Their response showed willing obedience. • Voluntary obedience—echoes Exodus 35:21, where “everyone whose heart stirred him” brought offerings. • Heart posture—New-Testament believers are called to the same readiness: “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). in the work The word “work” highlights that ministry involves tangible tasks. For Gershonites, that meant transporting curtains, coverings, and ropes (Numbers 4:24–28). • Specificity—each clan had defined duties, preventing overlap and confusion (1 Corinthians 14:40). • Diligence—Colossians 3:23 urges believers to work “heartily, as for the Lord,” echoing this Old-Testament pattern. at the Tent of Meeting Service was centered where God met His people. • Divine presence—the Tabernacle housed the Mercy Seat (Exodus 25:22). Their labor upheld Israel’s worship life. • Worship focus—our own service revolves around God’s presence; the church is now “a dwelling place for God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21–22). • Corporate gathering—Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us not to neglect assembling, just as Israel gathered around the Tent. summary Numbers 4:39 shows God’s orderly plan for worship: every qualified Gershonite male—mature yet strong—willingly stepped into clearly defined tasks at the very center of Israel’s life with God. The verse points us to wholehearted, age-appropriate, God-centered service today, carried out with accountability, diligence, and joyful obedience. Hebrew everyoneכָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every from thirty שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים (šə·lō·šîm) Number - common plural Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth to וְעַ֖ד (wə·‘aḏ) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while fifty חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים (ḥă·miš·šîm) Number - common plural Strong's 2572: Fifty years old בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son who came הַבָּא֙ (hab·bā) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to serve לַצָּבָ֔א (laṣ·ṣā·ḇā) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign in the work לַעֲבֹדָ֖ה (la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5656: Work of any kind at the Tent בְּאֹ֥הֶל (bə·’ō·hel) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 168: A tent of Meeting. מוֹעֵֽד׃ (mō·w·‘êḏ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting Links Numbers 4:39 NIVNumbers 4:39 NLT Numbers 4:39 ESV Numbers 4:39 NASB Numbers 4:39 KJV Numbers 4:39 BibleApps.com Numbers 4:39 Biblia Paralela Numbers 4:39 Chinese Bible Numbers 4:39 French Bible Numbers 4:39 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 4:39 From thirty years old and upward even (Nu Num.) |
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