King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:37 Mean?

Numbers 4:37 in the King James Version says “These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.”

Numbers 4:37 · KJV

Context

35

From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation:

36

And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.

37

These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

38

And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,

39

From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
According to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses (עַל־פִּי יְהוָה בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה, al-pi YHWH beyad-Mosheh)—Literally 'by the mouth of the LORD through the hand of Moses.' This phrase anchors the census in divine authority, not human initiative. The Hebrew פֶּה (peh, mouth) emphasizes God's spoken word as organizational foundation.

All that might do service in the tabernacle—The verb עָבַד (avad, to serve/work) appears 289 times in the OT, carrying meanings from slavery to priestly ministry to worship. Here it denotes sacred vocational service, the same term used for Israel's enslaved labor in Egypt (Exodus 1:14) now redeemed into joyful service to YHWH. Redemption transforms forced servitude into voluntary worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses's unique mediatorial role ('by the hand of Moses') established the pattern for prophetic authority under the old covenant. The phrase appears 24 times in Numbers alone, underscoring Moses's unparalleled access to God's direct revelation (12:6-8) that wouldn't be matched until Christ (Hebrews 3:1-6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the transformation of avad (service) from Egyptian slavery to tabernacle ministry illustrate redemption's purpose in your life?
  2. What does it mean today to organize church life 'according to the commandment of the LORD' rather than cultural preferences or pragmatism?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֵ֤לֶּה1 of 17
H428

these or those

פָּקַ֤ד2 of 17

“These were they that were numbered”

H6485

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

מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת3 of 17

“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

הַקְּהָתִ֔י4 of 17

“of the Kohathites”

H6956

a kohathite (collectively) or descendants of kehath

כָּל5 of 17
H3605

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

הָֽעֹבֵ֖ד6 of 17

“all that might do service”

H5647

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

בְּאֹ֣הֶל7 of 17

“in the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד8 of 17

“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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר9 of 17
H834

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

פָּקַ֤ד10 of 17

“These were they that were numbered”

H6485

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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃11 of 17

“of Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

וְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ן12 of 17

“and Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

עַל13 of 17
H5921

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

פִּ֥י14 of 17

“according to the commandment”

H6310

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

יְהוָ֖ה15 of 17

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּיַד16 of 17

“by 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

מֹשֶֽׁה׃17 of 17

“of Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

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 4:37 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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