Numbers 4:36 (KJV)

What does Numbers 4:36 mean?

Numbers 4:36 states that the number of men counted from a particular group of Levites, organized by their families, was 2,750. This verse is part of a census listing the number of Levite men eligible for specific duties related to the tabernacle.

In this section, Moses is recording the results of a careful count of the clan of Kohath among the Levites, as God had instructed. Only men of a certain age range were included, since they would be responsible for carrying and caring for the most sacred objects in Israel’s worship. The verse gives a precise total, showing the organization and seriousness with which these duties were assigned.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 4:36

• "numbered" (פָּקַד, pāqad): This word means to count, appoint, or muster. Here, it emphasizes that the men were officially registered for service, not just casually estimated.
• "families" (מִשְׁפָּחוֹת, mishpāḥōt): This refers to extended family groups or clans. The organization by families shows the importance of lineage and structure in Israelite society.
• The numbers "thousand" (אֶלֶף, ’eleph), "seven" (שֶׁבַע, sheva‘), "hundred" (מֵאָה, mē’āh), and "fifty" (חֲמִשִּׁים, ḥămishshim): Each word is used to give an exact total, underlining the careful record-keeping and the value placed on every individual counted.

Why Numbers 4:36 matters

• This verse highlights the careful organization of Israel’s worship community, showing that sacred duties were assigned with precision and order.
• The specific count underscores that every eligible person had a role, and none were overlooked or left out, reflecting the value of each individual in the community.
• By connecting this number to the wider census in Numbers 4, the verse shows the seriousness and reverence with which the Israelites approached their responsibilities regarding the tabernacle.