King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:50 Mean?

Numbers 1:50 in the King James Version says “But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all thin... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 1:50 · KJV


Context

48

For the LORD had spoken unto Moses, saying,

49

Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:

50

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.

51

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.

52

And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands: 'appoint thou the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof.' The phrase 'tabernacle of testimony' (mishkan ha'edut) emphasizes the ark containing the Law - God's covenant testimony. Levites were responsible for setting up, taking down, carrying, and guarding the tabernacle. The death penalty for unauthorized approach (v.51) underscored the sacred trust. This stewardship typifies believers' responsibility for God's house - the church (1 Tim 3:15) - and for maintaining gospel truth entrusted to us (1 Tim 6:20, 2 Tim 1:14). Faithful stewardship requires both protecting truth and properly handling sacred things.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

During wilderness wanderings, the tabernacle needed dismantling and re-erecting at each encampment. Kohathites carried the ark and holy vessels, Gershonites the curtains and coverings, and Merarites the structural framework (ch 3-4). This system ensured orderly worship continuity despite constant travel. The Levites camped around the tabernacle (Num 3:23-38), forming a protective barrier between God's holy dwelling and the people, preventing unauthorized access that would bring death. Their position illustrated Christ's mediatorial role between holy God and sinful humanity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How seriously do you take your stewardship of spiritual truth and the church's purity?
  2. Are you guarding the gospel and God's house with the vigilance God requires of His stewards?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וְאַתָּ֡ה1 of 26
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

הַפְקֵ֣ד2 of 26

But thou shalt appoint

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

אֶת3 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַלְוִיִּם֩4 of 26

the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

עַל5 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן6 of 26

over the tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

הָֽעֵדֻ֜ת7 of 26

of testimony

H5715

testimony

וְעַ֣ל8 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל9 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כֵּלָ֔יו10 of 26

and all the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וְעַ֣ל11 of 26
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל12 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר13 of 26
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לוֹ֒14 of 26
H0
הֵ֜מָּה15 of 26
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יִשְׂא֤וּ16 of 26

thereof and over all things that belong to it they shall bear

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת17 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

לַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן18 of 26

over the tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

וְאֶת19 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל20 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

כֵּלָ֔יו21 of 26

and all the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וְהֵ֖ם22 of 26
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יְשָֽׁרְתֻ֑הוּ23 of 26

thereof and they shall minister

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

וְסָבִ֥יב24 of 26

round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

לַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן25 of 26

over the tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

יַֽחֲנֽוּ׃26 of 26

unto it and shall encamp

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Numbers 1:50 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 1:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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