King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:32 Mean?

Numbers 4:32 in the King James Version says “And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 4:32 · KJV


Context

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.

34

And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The comprehensive list—bars, pillars, sockets, and all instruments—shows that the Merarites bore responsibility for every component of the tabernacle's framework. The specific mention of 'all their instruments' indicates that even the tools for assembly were consecrated for this purpose. This reflects the Reformed understanding that all of life is to be lived coram Deo (before the face of God), with even our tools and methods dedicated to His service.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The bars held the boards together, the pillars supported the courtyard hangings, and the sockets provided the foundation. Each element was precisely crafted according to the pattern God showed Moses on the mountain, ensuring the tabernacle's structure matched its heavenly archetype.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the consecration of even tools and instruments inform our approach to work and daily life?
  2. What does the precision of the tabernacle's framework teach about God's attention to detail?
  3. In what ways should our methods and means reflect our commitment to God's glory?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְעַמּוּדֵי֩1 of 16

And the pillars

H5982

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

הֶֽחָצֵ֨ר2 of 16

of the court

H2691

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

סָבִ֜יב3 of 16

round about

H5439

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

וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֗ם4 of 16

and their sockets

H134

a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)

וִיתֵֽדֹתָם֙5 of 16

and their pins

H3489

a peg

וּמֵ֣יתְרֵיהֶ֔ם6 of 16

and their cords

H4340

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

לְכָל7 of 16
H3605

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

כְּלֵ֖י8 of 16

the instruments

H3627

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

וּלְכֹ֖ל9 of 16
H3605

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

עֲבֹֽדָתָ֑ם10 of 16

and with all their service

H5656

work of any kind

וּבְשֵׁמֹ֣ת11 of 16

and by name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

תִּפְקְד֔וּ12 of 16

ye shall reckon

H6485

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

אֶת13 of 16
H853

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

כְּלֵ֖י14 of 16

the instruments

H3627

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

מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת15 of 16

of the charge

H4931

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

מַשָּׂאָֽם׃16 of 16

of their burden

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 4:32 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 4:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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