King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:47 Mean?

Numbers 4:47 in the King James Version says “From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and t... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation,

Numbers 4:47 · KJV


Context

45

These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses.

46

All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chief of Israel numbered, after their families, and after the house of their fathers,

47

From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation,

48

Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore.

49

According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as the LORD commanded Moses.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old—The twenty-year service window (30-50) balanced physical prime with spiritual maturity. The dual description to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden (עֲבֹדַת עֲבֹדָה וַעֲבֹדַת מַשָּׂא, avodat avodah va'avodat massa) distinguishes sacred tasks from physical labor.

In the tabernacle of the congregation (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, ohel mo'ed, 'tent of meeting') grounds all service—both ministry and burden-bearing—in God's dwelling. Even carrying tent pegs was service 'in' God's presence. The age requirement appears again in 8:24-25, where Levites begin at 25 (apprenticeship?) and retire at 50, though Numbers 4 specifies 30-50 for heavy labor.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This age restriction ensured Levites had maturity for sacred duties while possessing strength for transporting the tabernacle's heavy components across the wilderness. Jesus began public ministry at 'about thirty years of age' (Luke 3:23), possibly reflecting this Levitical pattern. The requirement balanced vigor with wisdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the twenty-year service window teach about seasons of life and the importance of both preparation and rest in ministry?
  2. How might distinguishing between 'service of ministry' and 'service of burden' help you appreciate different kinds of work as equally sacred?
  3. In what ways does viewing even menial tasks as service 'in the tabernacle of congregation' transform your daily work ethic?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
בֶּן1 of 17

old

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

שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים2 of 17

From thirty

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

שָׁנָ֑ה3 of 17

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וָמַ֔עְלָה4 of 17

and upward

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

וְעַ֖ד5 of 17
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

בֶּן6 of 17

old

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

חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים7 of 17

even unto fifty

H2572

fifty

שָׁנָ֑ה8 of 17

years

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

כָּל9 of 17
H3605

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

הַבָּ֗א10 of 17

every one that came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לַֽעֲבֹ֨ד11 of 17

to do

H5647

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

וַֽעֲבֹדַ֥ת12 of 17

and the service

H5656

work of any kind

וַֽעֲבֹדַ֥ת13 of 17

and the service

H5656

work of any kind

וַֽעֲבֹדַ֥ת14 of 17

and the service

H5656

work of any kind

מַשָּׂ֖א15 of 17

of the burden

H4853

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

בְּאֹ֥הֶל16 of 17

in the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵֽד׃17 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


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 4:47 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 4:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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