King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:14 Mean?

Numbers 4:14 in the King James Version says “And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it. basons: or, bowls”

Numbers 4:14 · KJV

Context

12

And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar:

13

And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

14

And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it. basons: or, bowls

15

And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

16

And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

Read Numbers 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The comprehensive inventory of altar vessels—censers, fleshhooks, shovels, and basins—demonstrates that every aspect of sacrifice was ordained by God. These instruments of atonement had to be properly covered and carried, teaching that the means of approaching God through sacrifice was not a human invention but divine revelation. The altar represents the centrality of substitutionary atonement in God's plan of redemption. Reformed theology sees this as prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The bronze altar stood in the tabernacle courtyard where the daily burnt offerings and sin offerings were made. The instruments listed were used for removing ashes, turning the sacrifice, and handling the blood—all essential elements of the sacrificial system that maintained Israel's covenant relationship with God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the detailed regulation of altar vessels demonstrate that salvation is by God's prescription, not human merit?
  2. What does the bronze altar's continual use teach us about the ongoing need for atonement?
  3. In what ways do these Old Testament sacrificial instruments point forward to Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וְנָֽתְנ֣וּ1 of 27

“And they shall put”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עָ֠לָיו2 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶֽת3 of 27
H853

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

כָּל4 of 27
H3605

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

כְּלֵ֣י5 of 27

“all the vessels”

H3627

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 27
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יְֽשָׁרְת֧וּ7 of 27

“thereof wherewith they minister”

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

עָלָ֣יו8 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בָּהֶ֗ם9 of 27
H0
אֶת10 of 27
H853

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

הַמַּחְתֹּ֤ת11 of 27

“about it even the censers”

H4289

a pan for live coals

אֶת12 of 27
H853

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

הַמִּזְלָגֹת֙13 of 27

“the fleshhooks”

H4207

a fork

וְאֶת14 of 27
H853

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

הַיָּעִ֣ים15 of 27

“and the shovels”

H3257

a shovel

וְאֶת16 of 27
H853

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

הַמִּזְרָקֹ֔ת17 of 27

“and the basons”

H4219

a bowl (as if for sprinkling)

כֹּ֖ל18 of 27
H3605

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

כְּלֵ֣י19 of 27

“all the vessels”

H3627

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ20 of 27

“of the altar”

H4196

an altar

וּפָֽרְשׂ֣וּ21 of 27

“and they shall spread”

H6566

to break apart, disperse, etc

עָלָ֗יו22 of 27
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כְּס֛וּי23 of 27

“upon it a covering”

H3681

properly, covered, i.e., (as noun) a covering

ע֥וֹר24 of 27

“skins”

H5785

skin (as naked); by implication, hide, leather

תַּ֖חַשׁ25 of 27

“of badgers”

H8476

a (clean) animal with fur, probably a species of antelope

וְשָׂמ֥וּ26 of 27

“and put”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

בַדָּֽיו׃27 of 27

“to the staves”

H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

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 4:14 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 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 4:19Exodus 38:1-7

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