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Numbers 2:17

Numbers 2:17 in Multiple Translations

In the middle of the camps, the Tent of Meeting is to travel with the camp of the Levites. They are to set out in the order they encamped, each in his own place under his standard.

¶ Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place by their standards.

Then the tent of meeting shall set forward, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps: as they encamp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place, by their standards.

Then the Tent of meeting is to go forward, with the tents of the Levites, in the middle of the armies; in the same order as their tents are placed, they are to go forward, every man under his flag.

The Tent of Meeting which stands at the center of the camp is to accompany the Levites. They are to march out in the same order as they set up camp, each in their rightful place under their flag.

Then the Tabernacle of the Congregation shall goe with the host of the Leuites, in the mids of the campe as they haue pitched, so shall they goe forwarde, euery man in his order according to their standerds.

And the tent of meeting — the camp of the Levites — hath journeyed in the midst of the camps; as they encamp so they journey, each at his station by their standards.

“Then the Tent of Meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps. As they encamp, so shall they set out, every man in his place, by their standards.

Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall move forward with the camp of the Levites, in the midst of the camp: as they encamp, so shall they move forward, every man in his place by their standards.

And the tabernacle of the testimony shall be carried by the officers of the Levites and their troops. As it shall be set up, so shall it be taken down. Every one shall march according to their places, and ranks.

Behind that group will walk the descendants of Levi, who will carry the Sacred Tent. The Israelis will march in the same order that they always set up their tents. Each tribe will carry its own flag.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 2:17

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 2:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/נָסַ֧ע אֹֽהֶל מוֹעֵ֛ד מַחֲנֵ֥ה הַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ הַֽ/מַּחֲנֹ֑ת כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר יַחֲנוּ֙ כֵּ֣ן יִסָּ֔עוּ אִ֥ישׁ עַל יָד֖/וֹ לְ/דִגְלֵי/הֶֽם
וְ/נָסַ֧ע nâçaʻ H5265 to set out Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֹֽהֶל ʼôhel H168 tent N-ms
מוֹעֵ֛ד môwʻêd H4150 meeting N-ms
מַחֲנֵ֥ה machăneh H4264 camp N-cs
הַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Art | Ngmpa
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֹ֑ת machăneh H4264 camp Art | N-cp
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
יַחֲנוּ֙ chânâh H2583 to camp V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כֵּ֣ן kên H3651 right Part
יִסָּ֔עוּ nâçaʻ H5265 to set out V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
יָד֖/וֹ yâd H3027 hand N-cs | Suff
לְ/דִגְלֵי/הֶֽם degel H1714 standard Prep | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 2:17

וְ/נָסַ֧ע nâçaʻ H5265 "to set out" Conj | V-Qal-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to set out or start a journey, like the Israelites departing from Egypt, or to remove something, as in pulling up tent pins.
Definition: 1) to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull out or up 1a2) to set out, depart 1a3) to journey, march 1a4) to set forth (of wind) 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up 1c2) to remove, quarry
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way. See also: Genesis 11:2; Numbers 33:9; Psalms 78:26.
אֹֽהֶל ʼôhel H168 "tent" N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
מוֹעֵ֛ד môwʻêd H4150 "meeting" N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
מַחֲנֵ֥ה machăneh H4264 "camp" N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
הַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם Lêvîyîy H3881 "Levi" Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
בְּ/ת֣וֹךְ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
הַֽ/מַּחֲנֹ֑ת machăneh H4264 "camp" Art | N-cp
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יַחֲנוּ֙ chânâh H2583 "to camp" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew verb means to set up camp or pitch a tent, like when the Israelites encamped in the wilderness. It can also mean to lay siege against a city.
Definition: 1) to decline, incline, encamp, bend down, lay siege against 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to decline 1a2) to encamp
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: abide (in tents), camp, dwell, encamp, grow to an end, lie, pitch (tent), rest in tent. See also: Genesis 26:17; Numbers 33:33; Psalms 27:3.
כֵּ֣ן kên H3651 "right" Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יִסָּ֔עוּ nâçaʻ H5265 "to set out" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this word means to set out or start a journey, like the Israelites departing from Egypt, or to remove something, as in pulling up tent pins.
Definition: 1) to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pull out or up 1a2) to set out, depart 1a3) to journey, march 1a4) to set forth (of wind) 1b) (Niphal) to be pulled up, be removed, be plucked up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to set out, lead out, cause to spring up 1c2) to remove, quarry
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: cause to blow, bring, get, (make to) go (away, forth, forward, onward, out), (take) journey, march, remove, set aside (forward), [idiom] still, be on his (go their) way. See also: Genesis 11:2; Numbers 33:9; Psalms 78:26.
אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יָד֖/וֹ yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
לְ/דִגְלֵי/הֶֽם degel H1714 "standard" Prep | N-mp | Suff
A degel is a flag or standard, often used to identify a group or nation. In Numbers 1:52, the Israelites were instructed to camp by their standards, and in Psalm 60:4, God is said to lift a flag to gather his people.
Definition: banner, standard
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: banner, standard. See also: Numbers 1:52; Numbers 2:31; Song of Solomon 2:4.

Study Notes — Numbers 2:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — The Order of the Camps

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Numbers 10:21 Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival.
2 Numbers 10:17 Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting it.
3 Numbers 3:38 Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.
4 Numbers 1:50–53 Instead, you are to appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, all its furnishings, and everything in it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its articles, care for it, and camp around it. Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death. The Israelites are to camp by their divisions, each man in his own camp and under his own standard. But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the tabernacle of the Testimony.”
5 1 Corinthians 14:40 But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.
6 Colossians 2:5 For although I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit, and I delight to see your orderly condition and firm faith in Christ.
7 Numbers 2:1 Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron:

Numbers 2:17 Summary

In Numbers 2:17, we see that the Tent of Meeting, which represented God's presence, was to be placed in the middle of the Israelites' camp. This teaches us that God wants to be at the center of our lives, guiding and directing us, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. The Israelites were also instructed to set out in the order they encamped, each in their own place under their standard, which reminds us of the importance of living in our assigned roles and responsibilities, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. By prioritizing God's presence and living in obedience to His Word, we can experience greater joy, peace, and effectiveness in our lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Tent of Meeting in Numbers 2:17?

The Tent of Meeting represents the presence of God among the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 33:7-11, and its placement in the middle of the camps emphasizes God's central role in their lives.

Why did the Levites have a special role in carrying the Tent of Meeting?

The Levites were chosen by God to serve as priests and caretakers of the Tent of Meeting, as stated in Numbers 1:50-53, and their role was to ensure the Tent was properly set up and taken down as the Israelites traveled.

What does it mean to 'set out in the order they encamped' in Numbers 2:17?

This phrase refers to the specific arrangement of the tribes around the Tent of Meeting, as described in Numbers 2:1-16, and emphasizes the importance of order and organization in the Israelites' journey, as also seen in Genesis 1:1-31 where God creates order out of chaos.

How does the concept of 'each in his own place under his standard' relate to our lives today?

This concept reminds us of the importance of living in our assigned roles and responsibilities, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, and being faithful stewards of the gifts and talents God has given us, as taught in Matthew 25:14-30.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the central placement of the Tent of Meeting in the Israelites' camp teach us about God's desire to be at the center of our lives?
  2. How can we, like the Levites, ensure that we are prioritizing our spiritual responsibilities and caring for the things of God in our daily lives?
  3. In what ways can we apply the principle of 'order' in our own lives, as seen in the Israelites' journey, to bring greater glory to God and effectiveness in our service to Him?
  4. What standard or banner are we living under, and how can we ensure that it is the standard of God's Word and not our own desires or the world's expectations?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 2:17

Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites,.... Which reached four miles, according to the Targum of Jonathan, as did Judah's.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 2:17

On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur. On the south side ... the standard of the camp of Reuben.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 2:17

In the midst of the camp, which is not to be understood strictly or exactly, but largely; for in their march they were divided, and part of that tribe marched next after Judah, , and the other part exactly in the midst of the camp.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 2:17

17. in the midst of the camps] This appears to mean in the centre of the line of march. The tribes on the east and south sides start first and second. Then follows the Tabernacle with all its parts and accessories, the Levites who carry it forming a hollow square. After them follow the tribes on the west and north sides. The Levitical families retain the respective positions which they occupy when encamped. In the present order of the text, these positions are not described till Numbers 3:23; Numbers 3:29; Numbers 3:35; Numbers 3:38. A different priestly tradition as to the order of match is given in Numbers 10:17-21.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 2:17

17. The camp of the Levites is fully described in Numbers 3:14-39.

Sermons on Numbers 2:17

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Chuck Missler Timothy, I #2 Ch. 2 by Chuck Missler In this sermon, the speaker discusses the brilliance of scientific minds who often fail to recognize the existence of a Creator. The speaker emphasizes the importance of confession
J.I. Packer The Disciplinarian Controversy by J.I. Packer In this video, the speaker discusses the points made in the admonition, a document written by Edwin Sam in 1573. The admonition criticizes young men who are seeking to overthrow th
Stephen Kaung The Breaking of Bread by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of announcing and remembering the death of the Lord Jesus. The act of breaking bread and drinking the cup is a testimony to th
Stephen Kaung Corinthians: Love, the More Excellent Way by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having faith in God, even when it becomes difficult to believe in our fellow brothers and sisters. The disciples ask Jesus
Dean Taylor Establishing Kingdom Communities - Part 2 by Dean Taylor In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living out the words of Jesus and putting them into practice. He shares a parable about a law school project that studied t
Ignatius of Antioch 6 - Smyrnaeans by Ignatius of Antioch In this sermon, the speaker warns the audience about the presence of false teachers and urges them to be cautious and avoid them. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and tur

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