King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:8 Mean?

Numbers 3:8 in the King James Version says “And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel,... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 3:8 · KJV


Context

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.

10

And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command that Levites 'keep all the instruments of the tabernacle' emphasizes faithful stewardship of sacred things. God's people are trustees, not owners, of what He entrusts to them. The tabernacle's instruments were tools for worship, and the Levites' careful maintenance ensured they remained fit for sacred use. This principle extends to the church's stewardship of Word, sacraments, and ministry—we preserve what God has entrusted, not innovating or discarding according to human preference.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The tabernacle's instruments included the altar, lampstand, table of showbread, incense altar, ark, and various utensils for sacrifice and service. Each item had specific construction requirements (Exodus 25-31) and required careful handling to prevent profanation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Levites' careful maintenance of tabernacle instruments illustrate the church's responsibility to preserve and protect what God has entrusted?
  2. What does this teach us about the balance between preserving what God has given and allowing unauthorized innovation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְשָֽׁמְר֗וּ1 of 14

And they shall keep

H8104

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

אֶֽת2 of 14
H853

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

כָּל3 of 14
H3605

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

כְּלֵי֙4 of 14

all the instruments

H3627

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

אֹ֣הֶל5 of 14

of the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֔ד6 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

וְאֶת7 of 14
H853

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

מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת8 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., (

בְּנֵ֣י9 of 14

of the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל10 of 14

of Israel

H3478

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

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 3:8 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 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study