And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.

NUMBERS 4:26KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 4:26 (KJV)

What does Numbers 4:26 mean?

Numbers 4:26 lists the specific items related to the tabernacle’s outer court—such as the hangings, the entrance curtain, the ropes, and all the tools used for their care—that the Levites were responsible for when the Israelites moved camp. This verse emphasizes that the Levites had to handle every part of the court’s setup and maintenance as part of their assigned service.

In Numbers 4, God is giving Moses instructions about dividing the work of caring for the tabernacle among the Levite clans. Numbers 4:26 focuses on the Gershonite clan, who were tasked with transporting and caring for the fabric parts and accessories of the tabernacle’s courtyard. The verse details their responsibilities, highlighting the careful organization and division of labor required for Israel’s worship practices during their journey in the wilderness.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 4:26

  • "hangings" (קְלָעִים, qela'im): This word refers to the woven curtains that formed the walls of the tabernacle’s courtyard. Mentioning them highlights the importance of even the outermost parts of the sanctuary.
  • "cords" (מֵיתָר, meitar): These were the ropes used to secure the hangings and other coverings. Their inclusion shows attention to every detail, not just the main structures.
  • "service" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This word means work or service, especially in a religious context. Here, it underlines that even tasks like carrying ropes and curtains were considered sacred duties.

Why Numbers 4:26 matters

  • Numbers 4:26 shows that every part of the tabernacle, even the ropes and curtains, was important and assigned to specific people, emphasizing order and care in worship.
  • The verse clarifies that the Levites’ service was not just about the altar or the most sacred objects, but included all the practical details needed for Israel’s worship life.
  • By listing these responsibilities, the passage connects to the broader theme of Numbers 4, where the work of serving God is shared among many, each with their own vital role.

Where else these words appear

“cords” Hebrew H4340 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 35:18 The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,
  • Numbers 3:26 And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.
  • Psalms 21:12 Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.

“hangings” Hebrew H7050 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 27:9 And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:
  • Exodus 38:12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.
  • 1 Samuel 17:40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

“hanging” Hebrew H4539 · used in 25 verses

  • Exodus 26:36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
  • Exodus 39:34 And the covering of rams' skins dyed red, and the covering of badgers' skins, and the vail of the covering,
  • Numbers 3:25 And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

“service” Hebrew H5656 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
  • Numbers 4:31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
  • 1 Chronicles 23:26 And also unto the Levites; they shall no more carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it for the service thereof.