King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:35 Mean?

Numbers 3:35 in the King James Version says “And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on t...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.”

Numbers 3:35 · KJV

Context

33

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

34

And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.

35

And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.

36

And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto, under: Heb. the office of the charge

37

And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Merarites' camp assignment on the north side of the tabernacle completed the four-sided Levitical enclosure around God's dwelling. Each clan's position had purpose and dignity, with no location considered inferior. This equal dignity across varying responsibilities illustrates that in God's kingdom, worth comes from faithful service in assigned roles, not from human hierarchies of importance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The north side, while not carrying the prominence of east or traditional honor of south, was nonetheless essential for complete protection of the tabernacle. The Merarites' position ensured all four sides had Levitical guardians preventing unauthorized approach.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the equal dignity of all four Levitical positions teach us that every role in Christ's body has inherent worth regardless of visibility?
  2. What does the complete encirclement of the tabernacle teach us about comprehensive ministry covering all aspects of church life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּנְשִׂ֤יא1 of 13

“And the chief”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

בֵֽית2 of 13

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָב֙3 of 13

“of the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת4 of 13

“of the families”

H4940

a 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

מְרָרִ֔י5 of 13

“of Merari”

H4847

merari, an israelite

צֽוּרִיאֵ֖ל6 of 13

“was Zuriel”

H6700

tsuriel, an israelite

בֶּן7 of 13

“the son”

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

אֲבִיחָ֑יִל8 of 13

“of Abihail”

H32

abihail or abichail, the name of three israelites and two israelitesses

עַ֣ל9 of 13
H5921

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

יֶ֧רֶךְ10 of 13

“on the side”

H3409

the thigh (from its fleshy softness); by euphemistically the generative parts; figuratively, a shank, flank, side

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן11 of 13

“of 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

יַֽחֲנ֖וּ12 of 13

“these shall pitch”

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

צָפֹֽנָה׃13 of 13

“northward”

H6828

properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)

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 3:35 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 3:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 1:53Numbers 2:25Numbers 3:28-29

Test Your Knowledge

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

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