From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation,

NUMBERS 4:39KJV
Know the Bible

Numbers 4:39 (KJV)

What does Numbers 4:39 mean?

Numbers 4:39 sets out the age range for those Levites who were eligible to serve in the work of the tabernacle, stating that every man from thirty to fifty years old who entered into the service was counted. This verse is part of a census of the Levite clan of Merari, specifying who could perform duties related to the tabernacle.

Moses, at God’s command, is counting the Levites by family and by age to organize their responsibilities in the tabernacle. The age limits—thirty to fifty—show that only mature, able-bodied men were chosen for this demanding work. This careful selection helped ensure the tabernacle’s service was carried out with strength and reliability.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 4:39

  • "Service" (צָבָא, tsava’): This word often means "military service" or "duty," but here it refers to the organized, assigned work in the tabernacle. It highlights the seriousness and orderliness expected in their sacred tasks.
  • "Work" (עֲבֹדָה, avodah): This word means "labor" or "service," emphasizing the practical, hands-on nature of the Levites’ responsibilities. It was not just ritual but involved real effort.
  • "Tabernacle" (אֹהֶל, ohel): This term means "tent," specifically the tent of meeting, the central place of worship for Israel. The Levites’ work was directly tied to maintaining and moving this sacred space.

Why Numbers 4:39 matters

  • Numbers 4:39 clarifies that not all Levites served at all times; only those within a certain age range were counted for active duty, showing intentional organization.
  • The verse connects to the broader census in Numbers 4, where each Levitical clan is assigned specific roles, underlining the importance of order and structure in Israel’s worship.
  • By specifying ages, the verse shows a concern for both the capability and the dignity of those serving, ensuring that the work was done by those best able to handle its demands.

Where else these words appear

“work” 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 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 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.

“upward” Hebrew H4605 · used in 134 verses

  • Genesis 6:16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.

“fifty” Hebrew H2572 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:21 And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand.