Numbers 1 47

Numbers 1:47 kjv

But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them.

Numbers 1:47 nkjv

But the Levites were not numbered among them by their fathers' tribe;

Numbers 1:47 niv

The ancestral tribe of the Levites, however, was not counted along with the others.

Numbers 1:47 esv

But the Levites were not listed along with them by their ancestral tribe.

Numbers 1:47 nlt

But this total did not include the Levites.

Numbers 1 verses

Numbers 1 47 Meaning

Numbers 1:47 clearly states that the tribe of Levi was explicitly excluded from the general census of Israel. This census, detailed in the preceding verses of the chapter, was primarily conducted for military purposes, enrolling men twenty years old and upward who were able to go out to war. The Levites, however, were set apart for a distinct sacred service related to the Tabernacle, not for military enlistment, signifying their unique position in God's covenant nation.

Numbers 1 47 Context

Numbers chapter 1 details the first census commanded by God at Sinai, about a year after the Exodus (Num 1:1). The primary purpose was to enumerate all men aged twenty and upward, "who are able to go out to war in Israel" (Num 1:3). This enrollment served to organize the nation militarily for their wilderness journey and eventual conquest of Canaan, establishing tribal units, military leaders, and order for encampment and marching. Each tribe, except Levi, was numbered and assigned its place. Verse 47 sets the stage for the specific divine directives concerning the Levites that follow in verses 48-54, highlighting their unique and non-military role central to the Tabernacle. This exclusion from the military census underscores their specialized function in Israel's spiritual life and worship.

Numbers 1 47 Word analysis

• But: (Hebrew: אך - ʾak) This word functions as a strong disjunctive, marking a distinct contrast or exception. It sets apart the information that follows as separate from the general rule established previously in the chapter regarding the census of all other tribes for military readiness. It emphasizes the immediate exception being made.
• the Levites: (Hebrew: הלוים - ha-Ləwiyyim) Refers to the descendants of Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons. This tribe was chosen by God for sacred service to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Unlike other tribes, their identity was intrinsically linked to their service and guardianship of holy things. Their name Levi is often linked to "joined" or "attached," signifying their close relationship and attachment to God's sanctuary.
• were not numbered: (Hebrew: לא פקדו - loʾ paqadû, but more precisely here as passive participle: לא יפקדו loʾ yippaqəḏû or לא הפקדו loʾ huppaqəḏû in various texts; huppāqəḏû is most common for passive 'were mustered'). The verb פקד (paqad) means "to count," "to visit," "to muster," "to inspect." The negative "not" (לא - loʾ) with this verb directly indicates exclusion from the count for military service. It wasn't merely an oversight, but a divinely ordained exemption.
• among them: (Hebrew: בתוכם - bəṯôḵām) Literally "in their midst" or "in their core." This signifies that the Levites were not integrated into the ranks of the other tribes for this particular census purpose, which was military. Their function and positioning were distinct from the twelve tribes organized for warfare.
• by their fathers' tribe: (Hebrew: למטה אבתם - ləmaṭṭê ʾăḇōṯām) This phrase clarifies the methodology of the census: it was conducted tribe-by-tribe, organized by paternal lineage. The Levites were explicitly not to be included in this tribal muster system as it applied to the other eleven tribes for military assessment. It highlights the established pattern of Israel's societal organization, which God Himself overrides for the Levites' unique role.

Words-group Analysis:

• "But the Levites were not numbered": This opening segment immediately presents the key deviation from the established pattern of the census. It's a divine exclusion, not a human oversight, highlighting God's direct involvement in defining the roles within His nation.
• "among them by their fathers' tribe": This phrase clarifies how and why they were not numbered. They were not counted alongside the other tribes based on the common tribal registration criteria for military purposes. This exclusion emphasized their distinct identity and destiny.

Numbers 1 47 Bonus section

The census in Numbers 1 was primarily for military enrollment (males 20 years and older). However, the Levites were subsequently counted in a separate census (Num 3:14-15; 4:2-3). This Levitical census was not for military purposes, but specifically to organize them for their duties pertaining to the Tabernacle, indicating a census for service rather than for war. Their varying ages for service (one month old for their numbering, 30-50 for active duties, later adjusted) further differentiated their role from the other tribes. This also highlighted God's meticulous order in all aspects of Israel's national and religious life, ensuring the proper handling and protection of His dwelling place.

Numbers 1 47 Commentary

Numbers 1:47 succinctly marks the exceptional status of the Levites within the Israelite community. While other tribes were meticulously cataloged for military duty, ready for the impending journey and conquest, the Levites were consciously omitted. This divine directive underscores a profound theological truth: their warfare was of a spiritual nature, safeguarding the holy things of God, rather than a physical one. Their exclusion was not a lesser status but a higher, consecrated calling to serve as custodians of the Tabernacle, mediators of worship, and instructors of the Law. This separation preserved the sanctity of God's presence among His people, as only the Levites were permitted to handle and transport the sacred vessels. It also foreshadows a spiritual separation and service, applicable to believers in the New Covenant, who are called to be a "royal priesthood" (1 Pet 2:9) dedicated to God's purposes, separate from the world's ways. The absence of earthly inheritance for Levites (Num 18:20) and their divine portion reinforces their reliance on God and their identity solely found in His service.