King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:31 Mean?

Numbers 4:31 in the King James Version says “And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,”

Numbers 4:31 · King James Version

Context

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

31

And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,

32

And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.

33

This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The Merarites' burden of boards represents the fundamental structure supporting God's dwelling place. Boards, though less visibly glorious than the golden furnishings or embroidered curtains, were absolutely essential. Without them, the entire tabernacle would collapse. This teaches the Reformed principle that foundational, supporting work has immense value even when it lacks outward glamour. God values faithful service in every capacity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The tabernacle boards were made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, standing upright and fitted into silver sockets. Each board was approximately fifteen feet tall and over two feet wide, making them heavy and requiring careful handling during transport.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the essential nature of unglamorous foundational work challenge our pursuit of visible ministry?
  2. What does the golden covering of the boards teach about the value God places on structural support?
  3. In what ways does faithful service in supporting roles demonstrate Christ-like humility?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְזֹאת֙1 of 12
H2063

this (often used adverb)

מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת2 of 12

“And this is the charge”

H4931

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

מַשָּׂאָ֔ם3 of 12

“of their burden”

H4853

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

לְכָל4 of 12
H3605

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

עֲבֹֽדָתָ֖ם5 of 12

“according to all their service”

H5656

work of any kind

בְּאֹ֣הֶל6 of 12

“in the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד7 of 12

“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

קַרְשֵׁי֙8 of 12

“the boards”

H7175

a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship

הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן9 of 12

“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

וּבְרִיחָ֖יו10 of 12

“and the bars”

H1280

a bolt

וְעַמּוּדָ֥יו11 of 12

“thereof and the pillars”

H5982

a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform

וַֽאֲדָנָֽיו׃12 of 12

“thereof and sockets”

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, 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 4:31 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 4:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 3:36-37Numbers 7:8-9Exodus 26:15

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