King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:38 Mean?

Numbers 3:38 in the King James Version says “But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, sh...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 3:38 · KJV

Context

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.

40

And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.

Read Numbers 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses, Aaron, and Aaron's sons camping east of the tabernacle, before the entrance, positioned the supreme leaders at the place of highest honor facing the Holy Place's entry. This spatial arrangement taught that covenant leadership derives from proximity to God's presence and responsibility for guarding His holiness. The warning that 'the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death' maintained the distinction between those called to leadership and the general congregation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The eastern position facing the tabernacle entrance placed Moses and the priests at the most prominent location, from which they could oversee both the tabernacle and the entire camp. This positioning reinforced their mediating role between God and Israel.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses and Aaron's positioning closest to the tabernacle illustrate that spiritual leadership requires intimate communion with God?
  2. What does the death penalty for unauthorized approach teach us about respecting God-ordained offices and not presuming on positions for which we're not called?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְהַֽחֹנִ֣ים1 of 20

“But those that encamp”

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

לִפְנֵי֩2 of 20

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֡ן3 of 20

“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

קֵ֣דְמָה4 of 20

“toward the east”

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

לִפְנֵי֩5 of 20

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֹֽהֶל6 of 20

“the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֨ד׀7 of 20

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

מִזְרָ֜חָה8 of 20

“eastward”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

מֹשֶׁ֣ה׀9 of 20

“shall be Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאַֽהֲרֹ֣ן10 of 20

“and Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

בְּנֵ֣י11 of 20

“and his 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

שֹֽׁמְרִים֙12 of 20

“keeping”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

לְמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת13 of 20

“for the charge”

H4931

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

הַמִּקְדָּ֔שׁ14 of 20

“of the sanctuary”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

לְמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת15 of 20

“for the charge”

H4931

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

בְּנֵ֣י16 of 20

“and his 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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל17 of 20

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְהַזָּ֥ר18 of 20

“and the stranger”

H2114

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

הַקָּרֵ֖ב19 of 20

“that cometh nigh”

H7131

near

יוּמָֽת׃20 of 20

“shall be put to death”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 3:38 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 3:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 3:10Numbers 1:53Numbers 2:3Numbers 3:231 Chronicles 6:48-49Numbers 18:1-5

Test Your Knowledge

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