Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore.

NUMBERS 4:48KJV
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Numbers 4:48 (KJV)

What does Numbers 4:48 mean?

Numbers 4:48 states that the total number of men counted from the specified groups was 8,580. This verse gives the final tally of those Levites who were assigned to serve in the tabernacle, as recorded in the census described earlier in the chapter.

Moses, under God’s instruction, is recording the results of a census of the Levite clans responsible for the work of the tabernacle. This number includes only the men between the ages of thirty and fifty who were eligible for this special service. The verse wraps up a detailed listing of each clan’s count, showing the careful organization and seriousness of their duties.

Why Numbers 4:48 matters

  • Numbers 4:48 clarifies that only a specific group—Levite men of a certain age—were counted for this service, not the entire tribe, which helps avoid confusion about the size of the Levite population.
  • The verse highlights the importance of order and accountability in Israel’s worship practices, showing that every role was carefully assigned and recorded.
  • By giving the exact number, Numbers 4:48 connects to the broader theme of Numbers, which is about structure and preparation as Israel journeys through the wilderness.

Where else these words appear

“fourscore” Hebrew H8084 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 5:25 And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech:
  • 1 Kings 5:15 And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;
  • 2 Chronicles 14:8 And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.

“eight” Hebrew H8083 · used in 105 verses

  • Genesis 5:4 And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:
  • 1 Kings 7:15 For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.