King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:25 Mean?

Numbers 3:25 in the King James Version says “And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the c...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Numbers 3:25 · KJV

Context

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.

25

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,

26

And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.

27

And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sons of Gershon received charge over the tabernacle's structural coverings—the tent, covering, and outer veil. This assignment demonstrates God's orderly distribution of sacred responsibilities, with each Levitical family having distinct roles in serving God's dwelling place. The coverings protected the holy place from external defilement, symbolizing the separation required between God's holiness and a sinful world. This division of labor illustrates the body of Christ principle (1 Corinthians 12), where different members have different functions but all serve the same Lord.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Gershonites camped on the west side of the tabernacle (verse 23) and numbered 7,500 males one month old and above. During wilderness travels, they transported the tabernacle's fabric components using wagons (7:7), unlike the Kohathites who carried the sacred vessels on their shoulders. This organizational structure continued through Israel's history until the temple replaced the tabernacle.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's assignment of specific roles to different families illustrate the importance of faithful service in your assigned area?
  2. What does the careful protection of God's dwelling place teach about reverence in worship today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וּמִשְׁמֶ֤רֶת1 of 12

“And the charge”

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

בְּנֵֽי2 of 12

“of the sons”

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

גֵרְשׁוֹן֙3 of 12

“of Gershon”

H1648

gereshon or gereshom, an israelite

אֹ֥הֶל4 of 12

“and the tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃5 of 12

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן6 of 12

“shall be 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

אֹ֥הֶל7 of 12

“and the tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מִכְסֵ֕הוּ8 of 12

“the covering”

H4372

a covering, i.e., weatherboarding

וּמָסַ֕ךְ9 of 12

“thereof and the hanging”

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil

פֶּ֖תַח10 of 12

“for the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹ֥הֶל11 of 12

“and the tent”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃12 of 12

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

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 3:25 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 3:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 25:91 Chronicles 23:32Exodus 36:8-19Exodus 26:1-14Numbers 3:7Numbers 7:7

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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