King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:28 Mean?

Numbers 4:28 in the King James Version says “This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 4:28 · KJV

Context

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;

30

From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation. service: Heb. warfare

Read Numbers 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ithamar's oversight of the Gershonites establishes accountability in sacred service. Even those called to bear the tabernacle's coverings needed direction and supervision. This principle protects both the workers and the work—guidance prevents error, and accountability ensures faithful execution. The Reformed tradition emphasizes that ministry should be exercised within the context of church oversight, not independent individualism.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ithamar was Aaron's youngest surviving son, his older brothers Nadab and Abihu having died for offering unauthorized fire. Ithamar's assignment to oversee the Gershonites while his brother Eleazar oversaw the Kohathites divided the supervisory responsibilities among the priestly sons.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the principle of oversight in ministry protect both leaders and the church?
  2. What does Ithamar's role teach us about delegation and shared responsibility in leadership?
  3. In what ways does accountability in service reflect our ultimate accountability to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
זֹ֣את1 of 13
H2063

this (often used adverb)

עֲבֹדַ֗ת2 of 13

“This is the service”

H5656

work of any kind

מִשְׁפְּחֹ֛ת3 of 13

“of the families”

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

בֶּֽן4 of 13

“of the 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

הַגֵּֽרְשֻׁנִּ֖י5 of 13

“of Gershon”

H1649

a gereshonite or descendant of gereshon

בְּאֹ֣הֶל6 of 13

“in the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד7 of 13

“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

וּמִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔ם8 of 13

“and their charge”

H4931

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

בְּיַד֙9 of 13

“shall be under the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אִֽיתָמָ֔ר10 of 13

“of Ithamar”

H385

ithamar, a son of aaron

בֶּֽן11 of 13

“of the 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

אַהֲרֹ֖ן12 of 13

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵֽן׃13 of 13

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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 4:28 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 4:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 4:331 Corinthians 12:5-6

Test Your Knowledge

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