King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:36 Mean?

Numbers 3:36 in the King James Version says “And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and ... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 3:36 · KJV


Context

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.

38

But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Merarites' specific charge over boards, bars, pillars, sockets, and tent pegs represents the foundational structural work enabling the tabernacle to stand. Without these components, the fabric elements (Gershonite responsibility) and holy furnishings (Kohathite responsibility) would have no structure to support them. This teaches that kingdom work includes essential but less visible support functions undergirding more prominent ministries.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The tabernacle's structural components were heavy and cumbersome, requiring significant physical labor to transport and erect. The Merarites' work was less ceremonially delicate than the Kohathites' but equally necessary for the tabernacle to function as God's dwelling among Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Merarites' foundational structural work illustrate that kingdom advancement requires essential support ministries enabling more visible service?
  2. What does this teach us about valuing the often-unseen work that provides the foundation for prominent ministries?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּפְקֻדַּ֣ת1 of 13

And under the custody

H6486

visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)

מִשְׁמֶרֶת֮2 of 13

and charge

H4931

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

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 13

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

מְרָרִי֒4 of 13

of Merari

H4847

merari, an israelite

קַרְשֵׁי֙5 of 13

shall be the boards

H7175

a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן6 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

וּבְרִיחָ֖יו7 of 13

and the bars

H1280

a bolt

וְעַמֻּדָ֣יו8 of 13

thereof and the pillars

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

וַֽאֲדָנָ֑יו9 of 13

thereof and the sockets

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)

וְכָל10 of 13
H3605

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

כֵּלָ֔יו11 of 13

thereof and all the vessels

H3627

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

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

thereof and all that serveth

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 3:36 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 3:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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