King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:27 Mean?

Numbers 4:27 in the King James Version says “At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Numbers 4:27 · KJV

Context

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.

29

As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families, by the house of their fathers;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'at the appointment of Aaron and his sons' establishes the principle of ordained authority in worship. The Gershonites, though Levites, served under priestly direction. They could not decide for themselves what to carry or when; authority came from above. This hierarchy in worship leadership reflects the Reformed understanding of church government—God establishes order and authority structures for the edification and protection of His people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Aaron, as high priest, held ultimate responsibility for the tabernacle and its service. His sons, the priests, worked under his direction. The Levites served under the priests' supervision, creating three tiers of sacred service, each with distinct roles and responsibilities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the principle of appointed leadership in worship guard against individualism and disorder?
  2. What balance should exist between recognizing human authority in the church and Christ's ultimate headship?
  3. In what ways does submission to godly authority demonstrate trust in God's ordering of His church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
עַל1 of 19
H5921

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

פִּי֩2 of 19

“At the appointment”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

אַֽהֲרֹ֨ן3 of 19

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

בְּנֵ֣י4 of 19

“and his sons”

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

תִּֽהְיֶ֗ה5 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָּל6 of 19
H3605

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

עֲבֹֽדָתָ֑ם7 of 19

“and in all their service”

H5656

work of any kind

בְּנֵ֣י8 of 19

“and his sons”

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

הַגֵּֽרְשֻׁנִּ֔י9 of 19

“of the Gershonites”

H1649

a gereshonite or descendant of gereshon

לְכָ֨ל10 of 19
H3605

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

מַשָּׂאָֽם׃11 of 19

“all their burdens”

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

וּלְכֹ֖ל12 of 19
H3605

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

עֲבֹֽדָתָ֑ם13 of 19

“and in all their service”

H5656

work of any kind

וּפְקַדְתֶּ֤ם14 of 19

“and ye shall appoint”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

עֲלֵהֶם֙15 of 19
H5921

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

בְּמִשְׁמֶ֔רֶת16 of 19

“unto them in charge”

H4931

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

אֵ֖ת17 of 19
H853

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

כָּל18 of 19
H3605

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

מַשָּׂאָֽם׃19 of 19

“all their burdens”

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

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 4:27 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 4:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 11:2Luke 1:70

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