Numbers 4 3

Numbers 4:3 kjv

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.

Numbers 4:3 nkjv

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.

Numbers 4:3 niv

Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting.

Numbers 4:3 esv

from thirty years old up to fifty years old, all who can come on duty, to do the work in the tent of meeting.

Numbers 4:3 nlt

List all the men between the ages of thirty and fifty who are eligible to serve in the Tabernacle.

Numbers 4 verses

Numbers 4 3 Meaning

Numbers 4:3 sets forth the precise age range for Levite males permitted to perform the most arduous and physically demanding tasks related to the Tabernacle in the wilderness. This specific period, from thirty to fifty years old, was when a Levite was deemed to possess the optimal combination of physical strength, mature judgment, and acquired wisdom necessary to meticulously handle, transport, and assemble the sacred elements of the Tent of Meeting as commanded by the Almighty.

Numbers 4 3 Context

Numbers chapter 4 is part of a larger section in the book detailing the census, organization, and duties of the Israelite camp in the wilderness, specifically concerning the tribe of Levi and their role with the Tabernacle. Following a general census (Ch 1) and the arrangement of tribes around the Tent of Meeting (Ch 2), Chapter 3 outlines the division of Levites into three families—Kohath, Gershon, and Merari—and their primary responsibilities. Chapter 4 then focuses on the precise age qualifications and the distinct tasks assigned to each of these families concerning the packing, carrying, and setting up of the sacred components of the Tabernacle during Israel's nomadic journey. Verse 3 is a summary age requirement specifically for those engaging in the direct, strenuous labor of transporting the dismantled Tabernacle elements, which included very holy and often heavy items, ensuring only those at their physical and mental prime were involved. This meticulous instruction underscores the divine demand for order, sanctity, and physical capability in the service of the Most High God, especially concerning the tangible symbols of His presence.

Numbers 4 3 Word analysis

• From thirty years old (מִבֶּן֩ שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים שָׁנָ֤ה - mibben shloshim shanah):

  • "From a son of thirty years": The Hebrew idiom "son of X years" signifies having fully completed that age.
  • Significance: Thirty years of age in ancient Near Eastern and Israelite cultures represented full maturity, physical prime, and often the commencement of significant public responsibility. It was considered the age of full strength, experience, and wisdom. This age ensures the Levite is physically robust enough to handle heavy loads and spiritually mature enough to treat holy items with due reverence.

• and upward (וָמַ֙עְלָה֙ - wamah’lah):

  • Meaning: Indicating from this age and older.
  • Significance: It marks the beginning of the service window. The strength and vigor characteristic of this age bracket were essential for the rigorous and constant work of disassembling, transporting, and reassembling the Tabernacle.

• even until fifty years old (וְעַד֙ בֶּן־חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה - v’ad ben-chamishim shanah):

  • Meaning: Specifies the upper limit, having completed forty-nine years and entering the fiftieth.
  • Significance: Fifty years of age was generally considered the time for "retirement" from the most strenuous physical labors in Israelite society, even if not from all forms of service. It acknowledges a decline in peak physical strength while recognizing continued capacity for administrative, supervisory, or less physically demanding spiritual duties (Num 8:26).

• all that enter into the host (כָּל־הַבָּא֙ לִצְבָא֙ צָבָ֔א - kol-habbah litz'vah tsava):

  • "all that enter": Emphasizes universality within the prescribed group, meaning no one who qualifies is exempt from the service if called.
  • "into the host" (לִצְבָא֙ צָבָ֔א - litz'vah tsava): This phrase can also be translated "to serve the service." The term tsava (צָבָא) often refers to a military army or host, suggesting organized, disciplined, and sometimes arduous service, likening the Levites' duty to that of soldiers. This reflects the intense, disciplined, and ordered nature of their service for God.

• to do the work (לַעֲבֹ֖ד עֲבֹדָה֙ - la’avod avodah):

  • Meaning: "to serve service," or "to perform work/duty."
  • Significance: The verb 'avad (עבד) and noun 'avodah (עבדה) emphasize labor, ministry, or worshipful service. This particular "work" involved the laborious handling of the holy objects and Tabernacle components. It signifies not merely casual assistance but dedicated, consecrated, and disciplined service, essential for maintaining the purity and function of God’s dwelling.

• in the tabernacle of the congregation (בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃ - b’ohel mo’ed):

  • "Tabernacle of the congregation" (Ohel Mo'ed): "Tent of Meeting" or "Tent of Appointment."
  • Significance: This specific location highlights the unique and sacred nature of the Levites' service. Their duties were not mundane; they directly pertained to God's holy dwelling place where He met with His people. It stresses the profound responsibility and spiritual weight of their assigned labor.

Numbers 4 3 Bonus section

The rationale for the 30-50 age limit likely encompasses several facets:

1. Physical Strength: Transporting the heavy timbers, coverings, and solid furnishings of the Tabernacle, as well as the sacred Ark and other vessels, was physically demanding work suitable for men in their prime.
2. Maturity and Prudence: By age 30, a man was generally considered mature, capable of exercising sound judgment, and disciplined—qualities essential for handling holy objects with precision and reverence, avoiding common errors that could invite divine wrath (Lev 10:1-2).
3. Apprenticeship and Training: The variant age of 25 (Num 8:24) for Levites "to wait upon the service" before their formal duties, or possibly for initial lighter tasks, suggests a five-year apprenticeship or training period, ensuring competence before full responsibility was assumed at 30.
4. Cultural Parallelism: The age of 30 was a culturally recognized benchmark for major leadership roles (e.g., Joseph (Gen 41:46), David before full reign (though he started younger), and significantly, Jesus began His public ministry around this age (Luk 3:23)), signifying a person had reached their peak capacity for wisdom and influence.
5. Distinction from Temple Service: Later, when the Tabernacle was replaced by the fixed Temple in Jerusalem, the need for strenuous physical transport diminished, and the starting age for full Levitical service was reduced to 20 years old (1 Chr 23:24, 27). This demonstrates how divine requirements adapted to changing circumstances while maintaining the principle of orderly service.

Numbers 4 3 Commentary

Numbers 4:3 defines the sacred and specific service period for Levites entrusted with the weighty responsibility of handling and transporting the Tabernacle. The specified age range (30-50 years) was not arbitrary; it recognized the necessity of optimal physical vigor and mature discernment for such demanding and consecrated duties. Before 30, they might lack the requisite experience or strength; after 50, their peak physical capabilities might diminish, though they could continue in lighter or supervisory roles (Num 8:26). This divine decree emphasizes the principles of divine order, human preparation, and reverence in ministry. God demands service that is not merely willing, but also capable and carried out with meticulous attention and respect for His holiness. This set the standard for diligent and accountable service within God's chosen system, reminding Israel that their worship was to be a disciplined and well-organized "host" dedicated to the Most High. The provision illustrates that even service to God has specific parameters tailored to its nature, demanding appropriate maturity, strength, and experience for certain sacred trusts.