King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:26 Mean?

Numbers 4:26 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 4:26 · KJV

Context

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

28

This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

Read Numbers 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The comprehensive inventory of the Gershonites' burden includes all the fabric infrastructure of worship—curtains, coverings, hangings, and their cords. The cords, though small, were essential for stability; without them, the entire structure would collapse. This teaches that seemingly insignificant details matter greatly in God's service. The Reformed emphasis on God's sovereignty extends to every detail of His worship—nothing is too small to escape His care and command.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The court hangings formed a barrier around the tabernacle complex, creating sacred space and preventing unauthorized approach. The cords and pins secured these hangings against the wilderness winds, maintaining the boundary between holy and common ground.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the seemingly minor elements like cords and pins challenge our tendency to despise small things in God's service?
  2. What does the comprehensive nature of these instructions teach about thoroughness in obeying God?
  3. In what ways does attention to detail in worship reflect the character of the God we serve?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וְאֵת֩1 of 26
H853

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

קַלְעֵ֨י2 of 26

“And the hangings”

H7050

a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself

הֶֽחָצֵ֗ר3 of 26

“of the court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

וְאֶת4 of 26
H853

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

מָסַ֣ךְ׀5 of 26

“and the hanging”

H4539

a cover, i.e., veil

פֶּ֣תַח׀6 of 26

“for the door”

H6607

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

שַׁ֣עַר7 of 26

“of the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הֶֽחָצֵ֗ר8 of 26

“of the court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר9 of 26
H834

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

עַל10 of 26
H5921

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

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֤ן11 of 26

“which is by 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

וְעַל12 of 26
H5921

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

הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙13 of 26

“and by the altar”

H4196

an altar

סָבִ֔יב14 of 26

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וְאֵת֙15 of 26
H853

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

מֵֽיתְרֵיהֶ֔ם16 of 26

“and their cords”

H4340

a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow)

וְאֶֽת17 of 26
H853

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

כָּל18 of 26
H3605

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

כְּלֵ֖י19 of 26

“and all the instruments”

H3627

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

עֲבֹֽדָתָ֑ם20 of 26

“of their service”

H5656

work of any kind

וְאֵ֨ת21 of 26
H853

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

כָּל22 of 26
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֧ר23 of 26
H834

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

יֵֽעָשֶׂ֛ה24 of 26

“and all that is made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶ֖ם25 of 26
H0
וְעָבָֽדוּ׃26 of 26

“for them so shall they serve”

H5647

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

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 4:26 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 4:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 35:18Exodus 27:9

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