Question 1

What does Numbers 4:36 mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Numbers 4:36

Accepted Answer

"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.

Question 3

Why Numbers 4:36 matters

Accepted Answer

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.

Numbers 4:36 (KJV)