King James Version

What Does Numbers 1:51 Mean?

Numbers 1:51 in the King James Version says “And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the L...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 1:51 · KJV

Context

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.

53

But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Levites' responsibility to dismantle and transport the tabernacle emphasizes their mediating role between God's holiness and Israel's camp. The warning that 'the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death' underscores the seriousness of approaching God improperly. Only those consecrated for this service could handle holy things without incurring judgment. This foreshadows Christ's exclusive mediation—He alone provides safe access to God's presence, and attempts to approach God apart from Christ result in judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The tabernacle's components were carefully assigned to Levitical clans: Kohathites carried the holy furniture, Gershonites transported the curtains and coverings, and Merarites handled the structural framework (Numbers 3-4). This division of labor ensured orderly movement.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the prohibition against unauthorized persons handling holy things illustrate that God determines how He may be approached?
  2. In what ways does Levitical mediation point to Christ's exclusive role as our way to the Father?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּבִנְסֹ֣עַ1 of 13

“setteth forward”

H5265

properly, to pull up, especially the tent-pins, i.e., start on a journey

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן2 of 13

“And when 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

יוֹרִ֤ידוּ3 of 13

“shall take it down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֹתוֹ֙4 of 13
H853

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

הַלְוִיִּ֑ם5 of 13

“the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וּבַֽחֲנֹת֙6 of 13

“is to be pitched”

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

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן7 of 13

“And when 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

יָקִ֥ימוּ8 of 13

“shall set it up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֹת֖וֹ9 of 13
H853

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

הַלְוִיִּ֑ם10 of 13

“the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְהַזָּ֥ר11 of 13

“and the stranger”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

הַקָּרֵ֖ב12 of 13

“that cometh nigh”

H7131

near

יוּמָֽת׃13 of 13

“shall be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 1:51 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 1:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 3:38Numbers 3:101 Samuel 6:192 Samuel 6:7Numbers 18:22Numbers 10:11

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