King James Version

What Does Numbers 7:5 Mean?

Numbers 7:5 in the King James Version says “Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.”

Numbers 7:5 · KJV

Context

3

And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.

4

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

5

Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.

6

And Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites.

7

Two wagons and four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gershon, according to their service:

Read Numbers 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses receiving the wagons and oxen to distribute to the Levites shows proper ecclesiastical authority in handling gifts for ministry. The phrase 'every man according to his service' establishes the principle of distributing resources based on actual need and function. Not all received equally, but all received appropriately. This demonstrates the Reformed understanding that gifts are tools for service, not status symbols. Equity doesn't mean identical distribution but appropriate allocation according to calling.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Levitical clans had different burdens—the Merarites carried the heaviest items (boards and sockets), while the Kohathites carried the sacred furniture. The distribution of transportation resources would reflect these different needs, with the Merarites receiving more wagons and the Kohathites possibly receiving none since they carried sacred objects on their shoulders.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does resource distribution according to service challenge egalitarian assumptions about fairness?
  2. What does appropriate allocation according to need teach about biblical stewardship?
  3. In what ways should functional requirements rather than status determine resource distribution in churches?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
קַ֚ח1 of 15

“Take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵֽאִתָּ֔ם2 of 15
H853

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

וְהָי֕וּ3 of 15
H1961

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

לַֽעֲבֹ֕ד4 of 15

“it of them that they may be to do”

H5647

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

אֶת5 of 15
H853

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

עֲבֹֽדָתֽוֹ׃6 of 15

“the service”

H5656

work of any kind

אֹ֣הֶל7 of 15

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד8 of 15

“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

וְנָֽתַתָּ֤ה9 of 15

“and thou shalt give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אוֹתָם֙10 of 15
H853

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

אֶל11 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם12 of 15

“them unto the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

אִ֖ישׁ13 of 15

“to every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כְּפִ֥י14 of 15

“according”

H6310

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

עֲבֹֽדָתֽוֹ׃15 of 15

“the service”

H5656

work of any kind

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 7:5 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 7:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 42:1-7Exodus 35:4-10Ephesians 4:11-13Isaiah 49:1-8Exodus 25:1-11Titus 3:8

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