Numbers 4:28
Numbers 4:28 in Multiple Translations
This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the Tent of Meeting, and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
This is the service of the families of the sons of the Gershonites in the tent of meeting: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
This is the work of the family of the Gershonites in the Tent of meeting, and they will be under the direction of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest.
These are their responsibilities for moving the Tent of Meeting, carried out under the direction of Ithamar, son of Aaron the priest.
This is the seruice of the families of the sonnes of the Gershonites in the Tabernacle of the Congregation, and their watch shall be vnder the hande of Ithamar the sonne of Aaron the Priest.
This [is] the service of the families of the sons of the Gershonite in the tent of meeting; and their charge [is] under the hand of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
This is the service of the families of the sons of the Gershonites in the Tent of Meeting. Their duty shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
This is the service of the family of the Gersonites in the tabernacle of the covenant, and they shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
Those are the tasks that you must give to the men who belong to the clans descended from Gershom. Aaron’s son Ithamar is the one who will supervise their work.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:28
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 4:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זֹ֣את
עֲבֹדַ֗ת
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֛ת
בְּנֵ֥י
הַ/גֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֖י
בְּ/אֹ֣הֶל
מוֹעֵ֑ד
וּ/מִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔/ם
בְּ/יַד֙
אִֽיתָמָ֔ר
בֶּֽן
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
הַ/כֹּהֵֽן
זֹ֣את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
עֲבֹדַ֗ת
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
service
N-fs
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֛ת
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
N-fp
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
הַ/גֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֖י
Gêrᵉshunnîy
H1649
Gershonite
Art | Ngmsa
בְּ/אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Prep | N-ms
מוֹעֵ֑ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
וּ/מִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔/ם
mishmereth
H4931
charge
Conj | N-fs | Suff
בְּ/יַד֙
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
אִֽיתָמָ֔ר
ʼÎythâmâr
H385
Ithamar
N-proper
בֶּֽן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵֽן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:28
זֹ֣את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
עֲבֹדַ֗ת
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
"service"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.
Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֛ת
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
N-fp
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/גֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֖י
Gêrᵉshunnîy
H1649
"Gershonite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Gershonite is a descendant of Gershon, a man from the tribe of Levi, first mentioned in Genesis 46:11. Gershon was the son of Levi and brother of Kohath and Merari. His descendants are also mentioned in 1 Chronicles.
Definition: Someone descended from Gershon who was a man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.11; son of: Levi (H3878); brother of: Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115); father of: Libni (H3845) and Shimei (H8096); also called Gershom at 1Ch.6.16,17,20,43,62,71; 15.7; Group of ge.re.shon (גֵּרְשׁוֹן "Gershon" H1648) § Gershonite , of Geshur a descendant of Gershon, firstborn son of Levi
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Gershonite, sons of Gershon. See also: Numbers 3:21; Numbers 26:57; 2 Chronicles 29:12.
בְּ/אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Prep | 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.
מוֹעֵ֑ד
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.
וּ/מִ֨שְׁמַרְתָּ֔/ם
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
בְּ/יַד֙
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
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.
אִֽיתָמָ֔ר
ʼÎythâmâr
H385
"Ithamar"
N-proper
Ithamar was a son of Aaron, a leader in the tribe of Levi, first mentioned in Exodus 6:23. He was the youngest of four brothers, including Nadab, Abihu, and Eleazar. His name means 'coast of palms'.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.23; son of: Aaron (H0175) and Elisheba (H0472); brother of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030) and Eleazar (H0499) § Ithamar = "coast of palms" fourth and youngest son of Aaron
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Ithamar. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 7:8; Ezra 8:2.
בֶּֽן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
הַ/כֹּהֵֽן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
Study Notes — Numbers 4:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 4:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:28
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:28
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:28
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 4:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:28
- Sermons on Numbers 4:28
Context — The Duties of the Gershonites
26the curtains of the courtyard, and the curtains for the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites will do all that needs to be done with these items.
27All the service of the Gershonites—all their transport duties and other work—is to be done at the direction of Aaron and his sons; you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry.
28This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the Tent of Meeting, and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
29As for the sons of Merari, you are to number them by their clans and families, 30from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work of the Tent of Meeting.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 4:33 | This is the service of the Merarite clans according to all their work at the Tent of Meeting, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.” |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 12:5–6 | There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. |
Numbers 4:28 Summary
This verse is talking about the Gershonite clans and their jobs at the Tent of Meeting. They were in charge of taking care of the tabernacle and its equipment, and they were supervised by Ithamar, who was a son of Aaron the priest. This shows us that God values teamwork and organization, just like we see in Exodus 18:13-27, where Moses is advised to appoint leaders to help him. Just like the Gershonites, we can serve God with the gifts and talents He has given us, and we should always try to do our best to follow His will, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Gershonite clans' service at the Tent of Meeting?
The Gershonite clans played a crucial role in the maintenance and transportation of the tabernacle and its equipment, as seen in Numbers 4:26, and their service was essential to the worship and daily life of the Israelites, as mentioned in Numbers 4:28, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
Who is Ithamar son of Aaron the priest and why is he mentioned in this verse?
Ithamar was one of the sons of Aaron, as mentioned in Exodus 6:23, and he was appointed to oversee the Gershonite clans' service, ensuring that their duties were performed in accordance with God's instructions, as seen in Numbers 4:28.
What does it mean for the Gershonites' duties to be under the direction of Ithamar?
This means that Ithamar was responsible for guiding and supervising the Gershonites in their tasks, ensuring that they were completed correctly and in accordance with God's will, as seen in Numbers 4:28, and as supported by Numbers 3:6-10, where the roles of the Levites are described.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of the Israelites' worship and service?
This verse highlights the importance of organization and delegation in the service of God, as seen in Numbers 4:28, and is reminiscent of Exodus 18:13-27, where Moses is advised to appoint leaders to assist him in his responsibilities, demonstrating that even in the Old Testament, God values teamwork and cooperation in His service.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can serve God with the gifts and talents He has given me, just like the Gershonite clans?
- How can I ensure that my service to God is done 'under the direction' of His will, just like Ithamar guided the Gershonites?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to submit to God's direction and guidance, just like the Gershonites submitted to Ithamar's leadership?
- How can I work together with others to serve God, just like the different clans and families worked together in the tabernacle?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:28
This [is] the service of the families of the sons of Gershon,.... Which they should execute when the camp and tabernacle were in motion: in the tabernacle of the congregation in the court; where they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:28
This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens: This is the service ... They were appointed to carry "the curtains of the tabernacle" - i:e., the goats' hair
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:28
Under his conduct and direction. Thus the hand of Hege, , is his care and custody.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:28
(28) Under the hand of Ithamar.—It appears from Exodus 38:21 that Ithamar had been actively concerned in the construction of the Tabernacle. As the special duties of Eleazar, the eldest son of Aaron, had been already assigned (Numbers 4:16), so also are those of Ithamar, the younger son. These duties consisted in the superintendence of the Gershonites, as stated in this verse, and in the superintendence of the Merarites, as stated in Numbers 4:33.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:28
28. Ithamar superintends both the Gershonites and the Merarites (Numbers 4:33).
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 4:28
The Gershonites and Merarites are superintended by Ithamar, Aaron’s younger son, who had already had the oversight of the tabernacle in its construction Exodus 38:21.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:28
SERVICE OF THE SONS OF GERSHON, Numbers 4:21-28.The special service assigned to this great family of Levites was the transportation of the cloth and skin coverings of the tabernacle, with its
Sermons on Numbers 4:28
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Gifted Ministries by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches on the significance of the Five-fold Ministries of Ephesians chapter 4, also known as the Ascension Gifts or Christ's Ministry Gifts. These gifts are close |