King James Version
Numbers 1:49 in the King James Version says “Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:”
Numbers 1:49 · KJV
But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them.
For the LORD had spoken unto Moses, saying,
Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:
But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.
And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“the tribe”
H4294a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“Only thou shalt not number”
H6485to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
“the sum”
H7218the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“neither take”
H5375to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
“the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Numbers 1:49 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Numbers 1:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge