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href="/bsb/numbers/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />List all the men between the ages of thirty and fifty who are eligible to serve in the Tabernacle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />from thirty years old up to fifty years old, all who can come on duty, to do the work in the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />men from thirty to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the tabernacle of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />from thirty years old and upward, even to fifty years old, everyone who can enter the service <i>of ministry</i> to do work in the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />from thirty years and upward, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />from thirty years and upward, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />from thirty years and upward, even to fifty years old, all who enter the duty of doing the work in the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />from thirty years old and upward, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the Tent of Meeting (tabernacle).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />men from thirty years old to fifty years old—everyone who is qualified to do work at the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />men from 30 years old to 50 years old—everyone who is qualified to do work at the tent of meeting.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter upon the service, to do the work in the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter upon the service, to do the work in the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Register all the men between the ages of 30 and 50 who are qualified to work at the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and to register all the men between the ages of thirty and fifty who were qualified to work in the Tent of the LORD's presence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />from 30 years and older through the age of 50 years, from everyone who can enter the service to perform work at the Tent of Meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />men from thirty to fifty years old?everyone who is qualified to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />from thirty years old and upward to fifty years old, all who enter the company to do the work in the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all who enter into the service, to do the work in the Tent of Meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all who enter into the service to do the work in the Tent of Meeting. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />from a son of thirty years and upward, even until a son of fifty years, everyone going in to the host, to do work in the Tent of Meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> from a son of thirty years and upward, even till a son of fifty years, every one going in to the host, to do work in the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />From the son of thirty years and above, and to the son of fifty years, all coming in to war to do the works of the tent of appointment.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />From thirty years old and upward, to fifty years old, of all that go in to stand and to minister in the tabernacle of the covenant. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />from thirty years and above, even to the fiftieth year, of all who enter so as to stand and minister in the tabernacle of the covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />all between thirty and fifty years of age, who will join the personnel for doing tasks in the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />from thirty years old up to fifty years old, all who qualify to do work relating to the tent of meeting.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />From thirty years old and upward to fifty years old, all who can enter into the host to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />From a son of thirty years and above, and unto outside fifty years, all who come into the host to do work in the Time Tent.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter upon the service, to do work in the tent of meeting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />from twenty-five years old and upward until fifty years, every one that goes in to minister, to do all the works in the tabernacle of witness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/4-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=1062" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/4.htm">The Duties of the Kohathites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>“Take a census of the Kohathites among the Levites by their clans and families, <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7970.htm" title="7970: šə·lō·šîm (Number-cp) -- Thirty. Or shloshiym; multiple of shalowsh; thirty; or thirtieth.">men from thirty</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: mib·ben (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: šā·nāh (N-fs) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4605.htm" title="4605: wā·ma‘·lāh (Conj-w:: Adv:: 3fs) -- From alah; properly, the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: wə·‘aḏ (Conj-w:: Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/2572.htm" title="2572: ḥă·miš·šîm (Number-cp) -- Fifty. Multiple of chamesh; fifty.">fifty</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">years old</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: šā·nāh (N-fs) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year.">—</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">everyone</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">who is qualified</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: laṣ·ṣā·ḇā (Prep-l, Art:: N-cs) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">to serve</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4399.htm" title="4399: mə·lā·ḵāh (N-fs) -- From the same as mal'ak; properly, deputyship, i.e. Ministry; generally, employment or work; also property.">in the work</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: bə·’ō·hel (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent.">at the Tent</a> <a href="/hebrew/4150.htm" title="4150: mō·w·‘êḏ (N-ms) -- Appointed time, place, or meeting. ">of Meeting.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-3.htm">1 Chronicles 23:3</a></span><br />The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-24.htm">1 Chronicles 23:24-27</a></span><br />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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/28-13.htm">1 Chronicles 28:13</a></span><br />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:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/28-21.htm">1 Chronicles 28:21</a></span><br />The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the service of the house of God, and every willing man of every skill will be at your disposal for the work. The officials and all the people are fully at your command.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/31-17.htm">2 Chronicles 31:17</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/3-8.htm">Ezra 3:8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/8-24.htm">Leviticus 8:24-26</a></span><br />Moses also presented Aaron’s sons and put some of the blood on their right earlobes, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. Then he splattered the blood on all sides of the altar. / And Moses took the fat—the fat tail, all the fat that was on the entrails, the lobe of the liver, and both kidneys with their fat—as well as the right thigh. / And from the basket of unleavened bread that was before the LORD, he took one cake of unleavened bread, one cake of bread made with oil, and one wafer, and he placed them on the fat portions and on the right thigh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/10-4.htm">Leviticus 10:4-5</a></span><br />Moses summoned Mishael and Elzaphan, sons of Aaron’s uncle Uzziel, and said to them, “Come here; carry the bodies of your cousins outside the camp, away from the front of the sanctuary.” / So they came forward and carried them, still in their tunics, outside the camp, as Moses had directed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/21-21.htm">Leviticus 21:21-23</a></span><br />No descendant of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall approach to present the food offerings to the LORD. Since he has a defect, he is not to come near to offer the food of his God. / He may eat the most holy food of his God as well as the holy food, / but because he has a defect, he must not go near the veil or approach the altar, so as not to desecrate My sanctuaries. For I am the LORD who sanctifies them.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/8-24.htm">Numbers 8:24-26</a></span><br />“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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-6.htm">Numbers 18:6-7</a></span><br />Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting. / But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-18.htm">1 Samuel 2:18</a></span><br />Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-28.htm">1 Samuel 2:28</a></span><br />And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/3-1.htm">1 Samuel 3:1</a></span><br />And the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. Now in those days the word of the LORD was rare, and visions were scarce.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/3-20.htm">1 Samuel 3:20</a></span><br />So all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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.</p><p class="hdg">thirty years</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/8-24.htm">Numbers 8:24-26</a></b></br> This <i>is it</i> that <i>belongeth</i> 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: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/41-46.htm">Genesis 41:46</a></b></br> And Joseph <i>was</i> thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/23-3.htm">1 Chronicles 23:3,24-27</a></b></br> 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… </p><p class="hdg">enter</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/11-4.htm">2 Kings 11:4-12</a></b></br> And the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the LORD, and made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of the LORD, and shewed them the king's son… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/23-1.htm">2 Chronicles 23:1-11</a></b></br> And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into covenant with him… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3,4</a></b></br> For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: … </p><p class="hdg">to do</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/3-7.htm">Numbers 3:7,8</a></b></br> And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/16-9.htm">Numbers 16:9</a></b></br> <i>Seemeth it but</i> a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/6-48.htm">1 Chronicles 6:48</a></b></br> Their brethren also the Levites <i>were</i> appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/1-45.htm">Able</a> <a href="/exodus/31-17.htm">Age</a> <a href="/numbers/3-25.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">Count</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-2.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/numbers/2-32.htm">Fifty</a> <a href="/numbers/2-30.htm">Host</a> <a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/numbers/3-31.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/numbers/3-36.htm">Service</a> <a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/numbers/3-43.htm">Upward</a> <a href="/numbers/3-8.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/4-23.htm">Able</a> <a href="/numbers/4-23.htm">Age</a> <a href="/numbers/4-4.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/numbers/4-23.htm">Count</a> <a href="/numbers/4-23.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/numbers/4-23.htm">Fifty</a> <a href="/numbers/4-23.htm">Host</a> <a href="/numbers/4-4.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/numbers/4-9.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/numbers/4-9.htm">Service</a> <a href="/numbers/4-4.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/numbers/4-4.htm">Tent</a> <a href="/numbers/4-23.htm">Upward</a> <a href="/numbers/4-4.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-1.htm">The age at which the Levites were to serve, and the duration of the service</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-4.htm">The duty of the Kohathites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-16.htm">The charge of Eleazar</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-17.htm">The office of the priests</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-21.htm">The duty of the Gershonites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-29.htm">Of the Merarites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-34.htm">The number of the Kohathites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-38.htm">Of the Gershonites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">42. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/4-42.htm">And of the Merarites</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>men from thirty to fifty years old</b><br>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 full maturity and responsibility, as seen in the lives of Joseph (<a href="/genesis/41-46.htm">Genesis 41:46</a>), David (<a href="/2_samuel/5-4.htm">2 Samuel 5:4</a>), and Jesus (<a href="/luke/3-23.htm">Luke 3:23</a>). The upper limit of fifty likely reflects the physical demands of the Levitical duties, which required strength and endurance. This age range ensured that those serving were at their peak capability to handle the responsibilities of the Tabernacle service.<p><b>everyone who is qualified to serve</b><br>The qualification to serve was not merely about age but also about being ritually clean and spiritually prepared. The Levites were set apart for the service of the Lord, and their duties required a level of holiness and dedication. This concept of being "qualified" can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament idea of being called and equipped for ministry (<a href="/1_timothy/3.htm">1 Timothy 3:1-7</a>). The emphasis on qualification underscores the importance of readiness and suitability for the sacred tasks at hand.<p><b>in the work at the Tent of Meeting</b><br>The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The work involved in the Tent of Meeting included the care and transport of the sacred objects, as well as assisting in the sacrificial system. This service was a foreshadowing of the ultimate work of Christ, who fulfilled the law and became the mediator between God and humanity (<a href="/hebrews/9-11.htm">Hebrews 9:11-12</a>). The Tent of Meeting was a temporary structure, pointing to the eternal dwelling of God with His people, ultimately realized in the person of Jesus Christ (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>; <a href="/revelation/21-3.htm">Revelation 21:3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_levites.htm">The Levites</a></b><br>A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle, later the Temple. They were responsible for the care and transport of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tent_of_meeting.htm">The Tent of Meeting</a></b><br>Also known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses_and_aaron.htm">Moses and Aaron</a></b><br>Leaders of the Israelites who were responsible for organizing the Levites and ensuring the proper conduct of worship and service in the Tent of Meeting.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness_journey.htm">The Wilderness Journey</a></b><br>The period during which the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, during which the Tabernacle was central to their worship and community life.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_age_range.htm">The Age Range (30-50 years)</a></b><br>This specific age range was designated for active service in the Tabernacle, indicating a period of maturity and strength.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_maturity_in_service.htm">The Importance of Maturity in Service</a></b><br>The age requirement of thirty to fifty years signifies a period of maturity, wisdom, and physical capability. This teaches us the value of being prepared and mature in our spiritual service.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_levites_as_servants.htm">The Role of the Levites as Servants</a></b><br>The Levites were set apart for service, reminding us of our call to serve God and others with dedication and faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_the_tent_of_meeting.htm">The Significance of the Tent of Meeting</a></b><br>The Tent of Meeting was central to Israel's worship, symbolizing God's presence. Our lives should also be centered around worship and the presence of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_balance_of_work_and_rest.htm">The Balance of Work and Rest</a></b><br>The age limit of fifty suggests a balance between work and rest, encouraging us to recognize seasons in our lives for active service and times for rest and renewal.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_levites_start_at_25_or_30.htm">Why does Numbers 8:24–25 state Levites begin serving at age 25, while Numbers 4:3 says they start at age 30? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_'called_into_marvelous_light'.htm">Why did Jesus start His ministry at age 30?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_jesus_begin_ministry_at_30.htm">Why did Jesus start His ministry at age 30?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_the_merarites'_age_range_for_duties.htm">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?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">From thirty years old and upward even</span> <span class= "bld">until fifty years old.</span>--The previous census of the Levites was from a month old. The present census was with a view to the discharge of duties requiring a considerable amount of physical strength, and hence the prescribed age for entering upon these duties was fixed at this time at thirty, and limited to fifty. It has been supposed by some that five years were spent in preparation for the service, and that it is in this way that the apparent discrepancy between this verse and <a href="/numbers/8-24.htm" title="This is it that belongs to the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait on the service of the tabernacle of the congregation:">Numbers 8:24</a>, where the age for entering upon the service is fixed at twenty-five, is to be reconciled. (See Note on <a href="/numbers/8-24.htm" title="This is it that belongs to the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait on the service of the tabernacle of the congregation:">Numbers 8:24</a>.) In Eastern countries the strength fails at an earlier period than in colder and more temperate climates. Thirty was the age at which John the Baptist and our Lord entered upon their public ministry.<p><span class= "bld">All that enter into the host.</span>--Or, <span class= "ital">every one who enters upon the service. </span>The word <span class= "ital">zaba, </span>commonly rendered <span class= "ital">host, </span>and used elsewhere to denote military service, is here used to denote the service of the sanctuary.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">From thirty years old and upward.</span> The age at which they became liable for service was shortly after reduced to twenty-five (<a href="/numbers/8-24.htm">Numbers 8:24</a>), and at a later period to twenty (<a href="/1_chronicles/23-27.htm">1 Chronicles 23:27</a>). In the wilderness a larger number of the men might be required to attend to their own camps, and their own families; but the explanation may probably be found in the unusually large proportion who were at this time between the ages of thirty and fifty. The Septuagint has altered thirty into twenty-five to make it agree with <a href="/numbers/8-24.htm">Numbers 8:24</a>. Thirty years became among the Jews the perfect age at which a man attained to full maturity, and entered upon all his fights and duties (cf. <a href="/luke/3-23.htm">Luke 3:23</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Into the host.</span> Not the military ranks, but the <span class="accented">militia sacra</span> of the Lord. <span class="cmt_word">To do the work.</span> Literally, "to war the warfare." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/4-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">men from thirty</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7970.htm">Strong's 7970: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thirty, thirtieth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעַ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘aḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fifty</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·miš·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2572.htm">Strong's 2572: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fifty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">years old—</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">everyone</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who is qualified</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּא֙</span> <span class="translit">(bā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to serve</span><br /><span class="heb">לַצָּבָ֔א</span> <span class="translit">(laṣ·ṣā·ḇā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the work</span><br /><span class="heb">מְלָאכָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(mə·lā·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4399.htm">Strong's 4399: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at the Tent</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאֹ֥הֶל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’ō·hel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_168.htm">Strong's 168: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Meeting.</span><br /><span class="heb">מוֹעֵֽד׃</span> <span class="translit">(mō·w·‘êḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4150.htm">Strong's 4150: </a> </span><span class="str2">Appointed time, place, or meeting</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/4-3.htm">Numbers 4:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/4-3.htm">Numbers 4:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/4-3.htm">Numbers 4:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/4-3.htm">Numbers 4:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/4-3.htm">Numbers 4:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/4-3.htm">Numbers 4:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/4-3.htm">Numbers 4:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/4-3.htm">Numbers 4:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/4-3.htm">Numbers 4:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/4-3.htm">Numbers 4:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/4-3.htm">OT Law: Numbers 4:3 From thirty years old and upward even (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/4-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 4:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 4:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/4-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 4:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 4:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>