King James Version
Numbers 3:23 in the King James Version says “The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.”
Numbers 3:23 · KJV
Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
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.
The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.
And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.
And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,
KJV Study — Public Domain
“The families”
H4940a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
“behind”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
“the tabernacle”
H4908a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
“shall pitch”
H2583properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
“westward”
H3220a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
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 3:23 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 3:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge