Numbers 1 49

Numbers 1:49 kjv

Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:

Numbers 1:49 nkjv

"Only the tribe of Levi you shall not number, nor take a census of them among the children of Israel;

Numbers 1:49 niv

"You must not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the census of the other Israelites.

Numbers 1:49 esv

"Only the tribe of Levi you shall not list, and you shall not take a census of them among the people of Israel.

Numbers 1:49 nlt

"Do not include the tribe of Levi in the registration; do not count them with the rest of the Israelites.

Numbers 1 verses

Numbers 1 49 Meaning

Numbers 1:49 declares that the tribe of Levi is to be exempted from the general census of the other Israelite tribes. While the other tribes are counted for military service and future land inheritance, Levi is explicitly excluded. This verse sets them apart for a unique, sacred role connected to the tabernacle, rather than typical national service or land ownership.

Numbers 1 49 Context

Numbers chapter 1 details the first census of the Israelite tribes conducted at Mount Sinai, one month after the Tabernacle was erected (Exod 40:17; Num 1:1). The primary purpose of this census was to determine the number of able-bodied men, twenty years and upward, who could go to war (Num 1:3), thus preparing Israel for its journey and future conquest of Canaan. This also organized the tribes into a structured encampment around the Tabernacle (Num 2). Verse 49 stands as a stark contrast to this military and administrative counting, explicitly carving out a unique identity and role for the tribe of Levi, separating them from the general populace and their secular duties to dedicate them wholly to sacred service within the Tabernacle. This immediate distinction highlights the supreme importance and holiness of the dwelling place of God in Israel's midst.

Numbers 1 49 Word analysis

• But (אַךְ - 'akh): An emphatic particle often translated as "only," "surely," or "nevertheless." Here, it strongly emphasizes the exception being made for the tribe of Levi, drawing a clear distinction from the previous general command. It underscores a divine decree that overrides the standard practice.
• you (אַתָּה - 'attah): Singular second-person pronoun, directly addressing Moses. This indicates that this specific instruction for the Levites is a direct divine command given to the leader.
• shall not (לֹא - lo'): A strong negation, indicating a strict prohibition. It is a definite command from God that is not to be disobeyed.
• number (תִפְקֹד - tifqod): From the root פקד (paqad). This verb has a wide semantic range, meaning to "count," "muster," "appoint," "visit," or "attend to." In the context of a military census (as in Num 1:2-3), it implies official registration for military duty, financial levy, or general administrative organization. The prohibition against "numbering" them for this specific purpose sets them apart from the nation's military and civil roles.
• the tribe of Levi (מַטֵּה לֵוִי - matteh Levi): "Matteh" literally means "staff" or "rod," then figuratively refers to a "tribe" or "branch" of a people, emphasizing their distinct tribal identity based on descent from Levi, Jacob's third son. This specifically refers to the entire lineage, not just individuals.
• nor (וְלֹא - w'lo'): Further reinforces the negative command, extending the prohibition to the following phrase.
• take a census (תִשָּׂא אֶת־רֹאשָׁם - tissa' et-ro'sham): This is an idiom literally meaning "lift up their head." It is commonly used for taking a census, especially one that involves a count for military enrollment, taxation, or a roster. The idiom conveys the action of counting each individual, typically by looking up their name or counting their person. Its inclusion alongside "number" provides emphatic reiteration, ensuring no misunderstanding.
• among (בְּתוֹךְ - b'tokh): Literally "in the midst of" or "among." It highlights that the Levites are part of the larger Israelite community but are specifically to be excluded from this particular administrative practice alongside them.
• the children of Israel (בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל - b'nei Yisra'el): A common designation for the entire nation, emphasizing the corporate body of the twelve tribes. The contrast positions Levi as distinct from the national identity defined by military organization and land possession.

Words-group analysis:

• "But you shall not number... nor take a census of": This double negation and specific verb choice (tifqod and tissa' et-ro'sham) powerfully conveys a definitive and non-negotiable divine exclusion. It signifies that Levi's purpose lies outside the scope of typical national service defined by warfare and territorial control.
• "the tribe of Levi... among the children of Israel": This highlights that while Levites are ethnically and socially part of Israel, their functional identity and role within the national structure are divinely ordained to be unique and set apart. They are in Israel but not of Israel in terms of their primary national responsibility as determined by this census.

Numbers 1 49 Bonus section

• The census of the Levites is conducted separately later (Num 3:15, Num 4:46-48), not for military service or land allocation, but specifically for their distinct duties concerning the Tabernacle and its implements. This separate enumeration underscores their unique purpose.
• The special status of Levi is a key theological motif: a portion of Israel is sanctified and wholly dedicated to divine service. This pattern echoes the concept of firstfruits and highlights the principle of divine election and vocation.
• Historically, this distinct role for the Levites challenged common Ancient Near Eastern paradigms where religious functions were often interwoven with political and military power; here, divine appointment, not human hierarchy or martial strength, defines their purpose.
• The dangers of infringing upon Levi's specialized role and the sanctity of the Tabernacle are illustrated dramatically in subsequent chapters, such as the incident of Nadab and Abihu (Lev 10) and Korah's rebellion (Num 16), which demonstrate the severe consequences of violating this divine order.

Numbers 1 49 Commentary

Numbers 1:49 is a pivotal statement, setting the tribe of Levi apart from the rest of Israel. The exclusion from the military census underscores that their service to God superseded any conventional national duty. While other tribes prepared for warfare and inherited land, Levi's inheritance was to be God Himself, and their sphere of operation was the sacred space of the Tabernacle. This was not a demotion, but an elevation to a unique spiritual office, protecting the holiness of God's presence from unauthorized access and mediating between God and the people through ritual and instruction. Their very existence became a testament to Israel's identity as a holy nation dedicated to the worship of Yahweh, distinct from surrounding cultures who integrated religious and military roles more fluidly. This divine segregation protected the sanctity of the Tabernacle and its services, reinforcing the severity of defilement and the precision required in approaching the Holy God.