King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:40 Mean?

Numbers 4:40 in the King James Version says “Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, were two thousand and s... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Numbers 4:40 · KJV


Context

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.

41

These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD.

42

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Two thousand and six hundred and thirty—The Gershonites numbered 2,630 qualified servants from a total clan of 7,500 males (3:22), yielding a 35% service ratio, slightly higher than Kohathites (32%). Despite being Levi's firstborn line, Gershonites had the smallest serving workforce among the three Levitical clans, yet their role was indispensable—without curtains and coverings, the holy objects would be exposed to profanation.

The precise enumeration (not 'about 2,600') reflects God's comprehensive knowledge of His servants. Jesus later affirmed this principle: 'The very hairs of your head are all numbered' (Matthew 10:30). Divine omniscience extends beyond crowd counts to individual accountability, a truth both comforting (God knows me) and sobering (God will judge me).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Gershonites transported their fabric loads on two wagons pulled by four oxen (7:7), while Kohathites carried sacred objects on their shoulders without wagons (7:9). This distinction honored the sanctity of holy objects while acknowledging practical needs for fabric transport.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the indispensability of 'lesser' Gershonite service (curtains) illustrate Paul's body-of-Christ metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12:21-25?
  2. What comfort and challenge do you find in God's precise knowledge of your service contributions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙1 of 9
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

פְּקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם2 of 9

Even those that were numbered

H6485

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

לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם3 of 9

of them 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

לְבֵ֣ית4 of 9

by the house

H1004

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

אֲבֹתָ֑ם5 of 9

of their fathers

H1

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

אַלְפַּ֕יִם6 of 9

were two thousand

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

וְשֵׁ֥שׁ7 of 9

and six

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵא֖וֹת8 of 9

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וּשְׁלֹשִֽׁים׃9 of 9

and thirty

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth


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 4:40 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 4:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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