King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:25 Mean?

Numbers 4:25 in the King James Version says “And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the coveri...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,”

Numbers 4:25 · KJV

Context

23

From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation. to perform: Heb. to war the warfare

24

This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens: burdens: or, carriage

25

And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

26

And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.

27

At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens. appointment: Heb. mouth

Read Numbers 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The detailed enumeration of the Gershonites' specific responsibilities—the tent curtains, the tabernacle covering, the outer covering of badger skins, and the hanging door—shows that God leaves nothing to chance in worship. Each element served a purpose in protecting and beautifying God's dwelling place among His people. This meticulous detail reflects the Reformed principle that God's worship must follow His revealed will (the regulative principle), not human imagination.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The tabernacle's covering consisted of multiple layers: fine linen curtains embroidered with cherubim, curtains of goats' hair, rams' skins dyed red, and an outer weather-resistant covering of badgers' skins (or possibly dugongs). Each layer had symbolic and practical significance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What do the multiple protective layers of the tabernacle teach us about God's comprehensive provision and protection?
  2. How should the detailed prescription of worship elements inform contemporary worship planning?
  3. In what ways does the beauty combined with functionality of the tabernacle reflect God's character?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְנָ֨שְׂא֜וּ1 of 18

“And they shall bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת2 of 18
H853

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

יְרִיעֹ֤ת3 of 18

“the curtains”

H3407

a hanging (as tremulous)

הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙4 of 18

“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

וְאֶת5 of 18
H853

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

אֹ֥הֶל6 of 18

“and the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃7 of 18

“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

וּמִכְסֵ֛ה8 of 18

“and the covering”

H4372

a covering, i.e., weatherboarding

וּמִכְסֵ֛ה9 of 18

“and the covering”

H4372

a covering, i.e., weatherboarding

הַתַּ֥חַשׁ10 of 18

“of the badgers”

H8476

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

אֲשֶׁר11 of 18
H834

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

עָלָ֖יו12 of 18
H5921

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

מִלְמָ֑עְלָה13 of 18

“skins that is above”

H4605

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

וְאֶ֨ת14 of 18
H853

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

מָסַ֔ךְ15 of 18

“upon it and the hanging”

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil

פֶּ֖תַח16 of 18

“for the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

אֹ֥הֶל17 of 18

“and the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃18 of 18

“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

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 4:25 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 4:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 3:25-26Exodus 26:14Numbers 7:5-7

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