King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:7 Mean?

Numbers 3:7 in the King James Version says “And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to d... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle.

Numbers 3:7 · KJV


Context

5

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

6

Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.

7

And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle.

8

And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.

9

And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Levites' dual charge—'keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation'—demonstrates that their service benefited both Aaron (enabling him to fulfill priestly duties) and all Israel (maintaining the tabernacle where God dwelt among them). This principle of serving both leadership and congregation applies to church officers today who assist pastors while also serving the body of Christ. Effective ministry always has both vertical (toward God/leadership) and horizontal (toward people) dimensions.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'charge' (Hebrew mishmeret) refers to duties, obligations, and things entrusted to one's care. The Levites guarded, maintained, transported, and erected the tabernacle, enabling continuous worship without burdening the other tribes with these constant responsibilities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Levites' dual responsibility to Aaron and the congregation model how church officers should serve both pastoral leadership and the body of Christ?
  2. What does this teach us about how specialized service roles enable the whole community to worship and function effectively?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְשָֽׁמְר֣וּ1 of 14

And they shall keep

H8104

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

אֶת2 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙3 of 14

and the charge

H4931

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

וְאֶת4 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙5 of 14

and the charge

H4931

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

כָּל6 of 14
H3605

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

הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה7 of 14

of the whole congregation

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

לִפְנֵ֖י8 of 14

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

אֹ֣הֶל9 of 14

the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד10 of 14

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

לַֽעֲבֹ֖ד11 of 14

to do

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֶת12 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲבֹדַ֥ת13 of 14

the service

H5656

work of any kind

הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃14 of 14

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


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 3:7 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 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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