King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:38 Mean?

Numbers 4:38 in the King James Version says “And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers, — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 4:38 · KJV


Context

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,

40

Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The sons of Gershon—Named after Levi's firstborn (Genesis 46:11), the Gershonites handled the tabernacle's fabric components: curtains, coverings, and hangings (4:24-26). Though firstborn, Gershon's descendants held secondary status to Kohathites, illustrating God's sovereign right to reverse birthright expectations (Jacob over Esau, Ephraim over Manasseh, David over his brothers).

Throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers—The dual classification (מִשְׁפְּחֹת, mishpachot and בֵּית אֲבֹתָם, beit avotam) provided both tribal identity and accountability structure. This ensured no one served anonymously; each worker's faithfulness or failure reflected on his entire household, cultivating corporate responsibility that American individualism often misses.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gershonites camped west of the tabernacle (3:23), positioned behind the tabernacle during Israel's march. Their service role—transporting fabrics rather than sacred objects—required different skills (fabric care, weather protection) than Kohathite duties, demonstrating God's varied distribution of service assignments.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's pattern of elevating younger sons (Kohath over Gershon) challenge cultural assumptions about seniority and inheritance?
  2. What would change in modern church culture if we recovered the biblical sense of corporate responsibility for individual faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וּפְקוּדֵ֖י1 of 6

And those that were numbered

H6485

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

בְּנֵ֣י2 of 6

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

גֵֽרְשׁ֑וֹן3 of 6

of Gershon

H1648

gereshon or gereshom, an israelite

לְמִשְׁפְּחוֹתָ֖ם4 of 6

throughout their 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

וּלְבֵ֥ית5 of 6

and by the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲבֹתָֽם׃6 of 6

of their fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application


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 4:38 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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