Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version All the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to do the work of serving and carrying the tent of meeting New Living Translation All the men between thirty and fifty years of age who were eligible for service in the Tabernacle and for its transportation English Standard Version from thirty years old up to fifty years old, everyone who could come to do the service of ministry and the service of bearing burdens in the tent of meeting, Berean Standard Bible from thirty to fifty years old who came to do the work of serving and carrying the Tent of Meeting. King James Bible From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation, New King James Version from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who came to do the work of service and the work of bearing burdens in the tabernacle of meeting— New American Standard Bible from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who could enter to do the work of service and the work of carrying in the tent of meeting— NASB 1995 from thirty years and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who could enter to do the work of service and the work of carrying in the tent of meeting. NASB 1977 from thirty years and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who could enter to do the work of service and the work of carrying in the tent of meeting. Legacy Standard Bible from thirty years and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who could enter to perform the work of service and the service of carrying in the tent of meeting, Amplified Bible from thirty years and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who could enter to do the work of service and the work of carrying in the Tent of Meeting (tabernacle); Christian Standard Bible from thirty years old to fifty years old, everyone who was qualified to do the work of serving at the tent of meeting and transporting it. Holman Christian Standard Bible from 30 years old to 50 years old, everyone who was qualified to do the work of serving at the tent of meeting and transporting it. American Standard Version from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered in to do the work of service, and the work of bearing burdens in the tent of meeting, English Revised Version from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered in to do the work of service, and the work of bearing burdens in the tent of meeting, GOD'S WORD® Translation These were the men between the ages of 30 and 50 who were qualified to do the work of serving and who carried the tent of meeting. International Standard Version from 30 to 50 years old, who entered the service for work at the Tent of Meeting NET Bible from thirty years old and upward to fifty years old, everyone who entered to do the work of service and the work of carrying relating to the tent of meeting-- New Heart English Bible from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered in to do the work of service, and the work of bearing burdens in the Tent of Meeting, Webster's Bible Translation From thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblefrom thirty to fifty years old who came to do the work of serving and carrying the Tent of Meeting. World English Bible from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered in to do the work of service and the work of bearing burdens 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 do the work of the service, even the service of burden 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 do the work of the service, even the service of burden in the tent of meeting, Smith's Literal Translation From the son of thirty years and above, and even to the son of fifty years, all going forth to serve the works of the service, and the works of lifting up in the tent of appointment; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFrom thirty years old and upward, until fifty years old, that go into the ministry of the tabernacle, and to carry the burdens, Catholic Public Domain Version from thirty years and above, until the fiftieth year, entering for the ministry of the tabernacle and carrying the burdens, New American Bible all between thirty and fifty years of age who were to undertake tasks of service or transport for the tent of meeting— New Revised Standard Version from thirty years old up to fifty years old, everyone who qualified to do the work of service and the work of bearing burdens relating to the tent of meeting, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFrom thirty years old and upward to fifty years old, all able men, to do the service of the ministry and the work of the burden 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 to do work in the service and the service of the removal in the Time Tabernacle: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered in to do the work of service, and the work of bearing burdens 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 the service of the works, and the charge of the things that are carried in the tabernacle of witness. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Numbering of the Levite Clans…46So Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel numbered by their clans and families all the Levites 47from thirty to fifty years old who came to do the work of serving and carrying the Tent of Meeting. 48And the number of men was 8,580.… Cross References 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. Numbers 1:3 You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army. Numbers 8:24-25 “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. 1 Chronicles 23:3 The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000. 1 Chronicles 23:24 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. 1 Chronicles 23:27 For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted, 1 Chronicles 28:13 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: 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 11:19 And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men. Luke 3:23 Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, Acts 4:36-37 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), / sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 6:3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them Acts 7:23 When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. Acts 7:30 After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. Treasury of Scripture From thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation. from thirty Numbers 4:3,23,30 From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation… 1 Chronicles 23:3,27 Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand… every one Numbers 4:15,24,37 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation… Romans 12:6-8 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; … 1 Corinthians 12:4-31 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit… Jump to Previous Able Age Bearing Burden Burdens Carrying Congregation Enter Entered Fifty Meeting Ministry Serve Service Serving Tabernacle Tent Thirty Transport Upward WorkJump to Next Able Age Bearing Burden Burdens Carrying Congregation Enter Entered Fifty Meeting Ministry Serve Service Serving Tabernacle Tent Thirty Transport 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 from thirty to fifty years old This age range was significant for the Levites, who were tasked with the service of the Tabernacle. Thirty years old was considered the age of maturity and full strength, suitable for the demanding physical tasks involved. The upper limit of fifty years allowed for the preservation of the Levites' health and strength, ensuring that the work was performed efficiently. This age range reflects a period of peak physical capability, which is also seen in the age requirements for priests and leaders in other parts of the Bible, such as when Jesus began His ministry at about thirty years of age (Luke 3:23). who came to do the work of serving and carrying the Tent of Meeting Persons / Places / Events 1. The LevitesA tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting. 2. The Tent of Meeting Also known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. 3. Moses and Aaron Leaders of the Israelites who were responsible for organizing the Levites and ensuring the proper functioning of the Tabernacle. 4. The Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites Clans within the Levites, each with specific duties related to the Tabernacle's service and transportation. 5. The Wilderness Journey The period during which the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, relying on God's guidance and provision. Teaching Points The Importance of ServiceThe Levites' service in the Tent of Meeting underscores the value of dedicated service to God. Each believer is called to serve in their unique capacity within the body of Christ. Age and Maturity in Ministry The age range of thirty to fifty years old for Levites highlights the importance of maturity and experience in ministry. It encourages believers to grow in wisdom and readiness for service. Carrying the Presence of God The Levites' role in transporting the Tabernacle symbolizes the responsibility of believers to carry God's presence into the world. Our lives should reflect His holiness and love. Order and Organization in Worship The structured duties of the Levites remind us of the need for order and organization in worship and church activities. This ensures that everything is done decently and in order, as Paul advises in 1 Corinthians 14. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 4:47?2. How does Numbers 4:47 emphasize the importance of organized service in ministry today? 3. What can we learn about God's order from "service and carrying" in Numbers 4:47? 4. How does Numbers 4:47 connect to New Testament teachings on spiritual gifts? 5. How can we apply the principles of duty in Numbers 4:47 to church roles? 6. In what ways does Numbers 4:47 encourage us to serve God with dedication? 7. What is the significance of the age range in Numbers 4:47 for temple service? 8. How does Numbers 4:47 reflect the organization of the Israelite community? 9. Why were only men aged 30 to 50 chosen for service in Numbers 4:47? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4? 11. What was the minimum age for a priest? 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. Why does God kill Uzzah instantly for touching the Ark to prevent it from falling (2 Samuel 6:7)? 14. How can the exclusive priestly role assigned to Aaron's descendants (Numbers 18:1-7) be historically verified given the sparse archaeological evidence for tribal lineages? What Does Numbers 4:47 Mean Thirty to fifty years oldThis age span marks a season of mature strength balanced with seasoned judgment. Earlier, the Levites began preparatory duties at twenty-five (Numbers 8:24-26), but full responsibility fell on those thirty and up, paralleling the age when priests began ministry (Luke 3:23). By fifty, the heaviest tasks ended, protecting both the sacred objects and the servants themselves (1 Chronicles 23:3). God values both vigor and wisdom, assigning the right people at the right time. Who came The phrase highlights willing presentation. These men “came”—they showed up when summoned, echoing Exodus 35:21 where “everyone whose heart stirred him came” to build the tabernacle. Availability precedes ability; God looks for servants who step forward (Isaiah 6:8). The census lists in Numbers 4:3, 23, 30 confirm that every eligible Levite reported for duty. To do the work Service in God’s house is called “work,” affirming its dignity. Colossians 3:23 urges believers to “work heartily, as for the Lord,” and 1 Corinthians 15:58 calls us “always abounding in the work of the Lord.” These Levites modeled steadfast labor that was neither casual nor optional. Of serving “Serving” translates into hands-on ministry: maintaining lamps (Exodus 27:20-21), tending incense (Exodus 30:7-8), and blessing the people (Deuteronomy 10:8). Hebrews 9:6 recalls priests “performing their ritual duties” daily. Service centers on meeting God’s requirements and meeting people’s needs through obedience. And carrying Unlike the later temple, the wilderness tabernacle moved often. The Kohathites bore the holy furnishings on their shoulders (Numbers 7:9); the Gershonites and Merarites transported curtains, boards, and sockets (Numbers 4:24-33). Proper carrying prevented profane handling (2 Samuel 6:13). Ministry sometimes means literally shouldering weighty responsibility. The Tent of Meeting This portable sanctuary, first erected in Exodus 40:2, was where “the LORD would speak” with Moses (Exodus 33:7-11). Hebrews 9:1-2 calls it “earthly” yet divinely ordered, foreshadowing Christ who “tabernacled among us” (John 1:14). Guarding and transporting the Tent safeguarded the revelation of God’s presence for the whole nation. summary Numbers 4:47 spotlights a specific, time-bound band of Levites—thirty-to-fifty-year-olds—who willingly reported, labored, served, and carried every component of God’s dwelling. Their example underscores that God appoints qualified, surrendered workers to uphold His worship, protect His holiness, and make His presence accessible to His people. Hebrew from thirtyשְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים (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 הַבָּ֗א (hab·bā) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to do לַעֲבֹ֨ד (la·‘ă·ḇōḏ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave the work עֲבֹדַ֧ת (‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5656: Work of any kind of serving עֲבֹדָ֛ה (‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5656: Work of any kind and carrying מַשָּׂ֖א (maś·śā) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4853: A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire 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 4:47 NIVNumbers 4:47 NLT Numbers 4:47 ESV Numbers 4:47 NASB Numbers 4:47 KJV Numbers 4:47 BibleApps.com Numbers 4:47 Biblia Paralela Numbers 4:47 Chinese Bible Numbers 4:47 French Bible Numbers 4:47 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 4:47 From thirty years old and upward even (Nu Num.) |
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