King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:26 Mean?

Numbers 3:26 in the King James Version says “And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar r... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 3:26 · KJV


Context

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.

28

In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Gershonites' responsibility for the tabernacle courtyard hangings and gate emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper boundaries around sacred space. The courtyard separated common space from holy space, teaching Israel that approaching God required recognition of His transcendent holiness. Every cord and pin served a purpose in maintaining the structure's integrity, illustrating how seemingly minor faithful service matters in God's kingdom. No task in service of God's house is insignificant.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The courtyard hangings created a 100 cubit by 50 cubit enclosure (Exodus 27:9-18) using fine twisted linen suspended from bronze and silver pillars. This visible boundary reminded Israel that God was both accessible (having a dwelling among them) and holy (requiring proper approach through the priesthood and sacrifices). The east gate faced the sunrise, symbolizing God as the source of light and life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do proper boundaries in approaching God protect both His holiness and our spiritual wellbeing?
  2. In what ways can you faithfully fulfill responsibilities that may seem small but contribute to the larger work of God's kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְקַלְעֵ֣י1 of 16

And the hangings

H7050

a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself

הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר2 of 16

of the court

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

וְאֶת3 of 16
H853

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

מָסַךְ֙4 of 16

and the curtain

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil

פֶּ֣תַח5 of 16

for the door

H6607

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

הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר6 of 16

of the court

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

אֲשֶׁ֧ר7 of 16
H834

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

עַל8 of 16
H5921

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

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן9 of 16

which is by 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

וְעַל10 of 16
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ11 of 16

and by the altar

H4196

an altar

סָבִ֑יב12 of 16

round about

H5439

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

וְאֵת֙13 of 16
H853

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

מֵֽיתָרָ֔יו14 of 16

and the cords

H4340

a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow)

לְכֹ֖ל15 of 16
H3605

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

עֲבֹֽדָתֽוֹ׃16 of 16

of it for all the service

H5656

work of any kind


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 3:26 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 3:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study