King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:37 Mean?

Numbers 3:37 in the King James Version says “And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords. — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 3:37 · KJV


Context

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.

39

All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The detailed listing of Merarite responsibilities (pillars, sockets, pins, cords) demonstrates that God values and assigns even the smallest components of worship infrastructure. Nothing was too minor for divine attention or careful assignment. This comprehensive concern for details teaches that faithfulness in small things characterizes genuine kingdom service, and nothing is beneath notice when it relates to God's worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The court pillars and their sockets created the boundary between the sacred tabernacle courtyard and the common camp, while pins and cords secured the structure against wind and weather. These seemingly mundane items were essential for the tabernacle's stability and function.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's attention to pins and cords teach us that no detail of worship preparation is too small to matter?
  2. What does this teach us about the importance of faithful attention to seemingly minor details in church ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְעַמֻּדֵ֧י1 of 6

And the pillars

H5982

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

הֶֽחָצֵ֛ר2 of 6

of the court

H2691

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

סָבִ֖יב3 of 6

round about

H5439

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

וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֑ם4 of 6

and their sockets

H134

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

וִיתֵֽדֹתָ֖ם5 of 6

and their pins

H3489

a peg

וּמֵֽיתְרֵיהֶֽם׃6 of 6

and their cords

H4340

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


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 3:37 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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