King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:31 Mean?

Numbers 3:31 in the King James Version says “And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.”

Numbers 3:31 · KJV

Context

29

The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward.

30

And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.

31

And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.

32

And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.

33

Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Kohathites' specific charge over the ark, table, candlestick, altars, and holy vessels represents the most sacred responsibility among the Levites. These were the objects that directly facilitated Israel's approach to God and God's manifestation among His people. The assignment of these most holy items to one clan demonstrates that even among those consecrated for service, God establishes varying levels of responsibility and corresponding holiness requirements.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The items entrusted to Kohathite care were the tabernacle's most sacred objects, those that dwelt in the Holy Place and Holy of Holies. The Kohathites could not touch or look upon these items directly (Numbers 4:15, 20) but transported them after priests had covered them, demonstrating extreme caution around holy things.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Kohathites' sacred but dangerous charge illustrate that greater privilege comes with greater responsibility and risk?
  2. What does the prohibition against touching or looking at uncovered holy things teach us about respecting God's holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּמִשְׁמַרְתָּ֗ם1 of 13

“And their charge”

H4931

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

הָֽאָרֹ֤ן2 of 13

“shall be the ark”

H727

a box

וְהַשֻּׁלְחָן֙3 of 13

“and the table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

וְהַמְּנֹרָ֣ה4 of 13

“and the candlestick”

H4501

a chandelier

וְהַֽמִּזְבְּחֹ֔ת5 of 13

“and the altars”

H4196

an altar

וּכְלֵ֣י6 of 13

“and the vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ7 of 13

“of the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

אֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 13
H834

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

יְשָֽׁרְת֖וּ9 of 13

“wherewith they minister”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

בָּהֶ֑ם10 of 13
H0
וְהַ֨מָּסָ֔ךְ11 of 13

“and the hanging”

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil

וְכֹ֖ל12 of 13
H3605

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

עֲבֹֽדָתֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“and 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 3:31 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 3:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 25:10-40Exodus 31:1-18Exodus 36:35-36Exodus 30:1-10Exodus 26:31-33Exodus 40:2-16

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