King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:43 Mean?

Numbers 3:43 in the King James Version says “And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, we...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen .”

Numbers 3:43 · KJV

Context

41

And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.

42

And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel.

43

And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen .

44

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

45

Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'all the males...every male from a month old and upward' emphasizes completeness and thoroughness in God's census. No Levite was overlooked or considered insignificant. This reflects the biblical principle that God's call extends to all within the covenant community, not just the mature or capable. The inclusive counting foreshadows the Great Commission—making disciples of all nations, teaching everyone (Matthew 28:19-20). God's kingdom includes both young and old, weak and strong.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This census method differed from the military census of fighting men aged 20 and above (Numbers 1:3). Levites were counted from infancy because their tribal identity determined their sacred calling. They would not inherit land like other tribes but were set apart entirely for service to the Lord.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's inclusive count of all ages challenge age-segregated church models?
  2. What does it mean that even infants belonged to God's consecrated tribe?
  3. How should we view children in covenant families according to Scripture?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיְהִי֩1 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָל2 of 16
H3605

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

בְּכ֨וֹר3 of 16

“And all the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

זָכָ֜ר4 of 16

“males”

H2145

properly, remembered, i.e., a male (of man or animals, as being the most noteworthy sex)

בְּמִסְפַּ֥ר5 of 16

“by the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

שֵׁמֹ֛ת6 of 16

“of names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

מִבֶּן7 of 16

“old”

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

חֹ֥דֶשׁ8 of 16

“from a month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

וָמַ֖עְלָה9 of 16

“and upward”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

לִפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם10 of 16

“of those that were numbered”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

שְׁנַ֤יִם11 of 16

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וְעֶשְׂרִים֙12 of 16

“of them were twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

אֶ֔לֶף13 of 16

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה14 of 16
H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

וְשִׁבְעִ֖ים15 of 16

“and threescore and thirteen”

H7657

seventy

וּמָאתָֽיִם׃16 of 16

“two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

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 3:43 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 3:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 3:39

Test Your Knowledge

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