King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:22 Mean?

Numbers 3:22 in the King James Version says “Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand and five hundred.

Numbers 3:22 · KJV


Context

20

And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.

21

Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.

22

Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand and five hundred.

23

The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.

24

And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The specific census number for the Gershonites (7,500) demonstrates God's precise knowledge of those consecrated to His service. The numerical precision throughout the Levitical census shows that God doesn't deal in vague generalities but knows exactly who serves Him and in what capacity. This anticipates Jesus's teaching that He knows His sheep by name (John 10:3) and calls each believer to specific service within His body.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 7,500 Gershonites represented the smallest of the three main Levitical divisions (Gershonites 7,500, Kohathites 8,600, Merarites 6,200), yet their service transporting the tabernacle's fabric components was essential. Size didn't determine importance; faithfulness in assigned tasks mattered most.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's precise knowledge of servant numbers encourage confidence that He knows each believer personally and their specific calling?
  2. What does the variation in clan sizes teach us about not equating numerical size with spiritual importance or value?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
פְּקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם1 of 12

Those that were numbered

H6485

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

בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר2 of 12

of them according to the number

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

כָּל3 of 12
H3605

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

זָכָ֔ר4 of 12

of all the males

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

מִבֶּן5 of 12

old

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֹ֖דֶשׁ6 of 12

from a month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וָמָ֑עְלָה7 of 12

and upward

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

פְּקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם8 of 12

Those that were numbered

H6485

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

שִׁבְעַ֥ת9 of 12

of them were seven

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

אֲלָפִ֖ים10 of 12

thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וַֽחֲמֵ֥שׁ11 of 12

and five

H2568

five

מֵאֽוֹת׃12 of 12

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction


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 3:22 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 3:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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