Numbers 4:31
Numbers 4:31 in Multiple Translations
This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases,
And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tent of meeting: the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof,
And this is their part in the work of the Tent of meeting: the transport of the boards and the rods of the Tent, with the pillars and their bases;
This is how they will serve in handling the Tent of Meeting: they are to carry the frames of the Tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and stands,
And this is their office and charge according to all their seruice in the Tabernacle of the Congregation: the boardes of the Tabernacle with the barres thereof, and his pillars, and his sockets,
'And this [is] the charge of their burden, of all their service in the tent of meeting; the boards of the tabernacle, and its bars, and its pillars, and its sockets,
This is the duty of their burden, according to all their service in the Tent of Meeting: the tabernacle’s boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets,
And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and its bars, and its pillars, and its sockets,
These are their burdens: They shall carry the boards of the tabernacle and the bars thereof, the pillars and their sockets,
Their work will be to carry the frames that hold up the tent, the crossbars, the posts that hold up the curtains, and the bases.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:31
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 4:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/זֹאת֙
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
מַשָּׂאָ֔/ם
לְ/כָל
עֲבֹדָתָ֖/ם
בְּ/אֹ֣הֶל
מוֹעֵ֑ד
קַרְשֵׁי֙
הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
וּ/בְרִיחָ֖י/ו
וְ/עַמּוּדָ֥י/ו
וַ/אֲדָנָֽי/ו
וְ/זֹאת֙
zôʼth
H2063
this
Conj | Pron
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
charge
N-fs
מַשָּׂאָ֔/ם
massâʼ
H4853
burden
N-ms | Suff
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
עֲבֹדָתָ֖/ם
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
service
N-fs | Suff
בְּ/אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Prep | N-ms
מוֹעֵ֑ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
קַרְשֵׁי֙
qeresh
H7175
board
N-mp
הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
mishkân
H4908
tabernacle
Art | N-ms
וּ/בְרִיחָ֖י/ו
bᵉrîyach
H1280
bar
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וְ/עַמּוּדָ֥י/ו
ʻammûwd
H5982
pillar
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וַ/אֲדָנָֽי/ו
ʼeden
H134
socket
Conj | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:31
וְ/זֹאת֙
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Conj | 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.
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
N-fs
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.
מַשָּׂאָ֔/ם
massâʼ
H4853
"burden"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a message from God, like a prophecy or oracle, often given through a prophet. It can also mean a burden or a song. It appears in books like Isaiah and Ezekiel, where God speaks through prophets to His people.
Definition: 1) load, bearing, tribute, burden, lifting 1a) load, burden 1b) lifting, uplifting, that to which the soul lifts itself up 1c) bearing, carrying 1d) tribute, that which is carried or brought or borne
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: burden, carry away, prophecy, [idiom] they set, song, tribute. See also: Exodus 23:5; Isaiah 13:1; Psalms 38:5.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֲבֹדָתָ֖/ם
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
"service"
N-fs | Suff
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.
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.
קַרְשֵׁי֙
qeresh
H7175
"board"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a flat piece of wood, like a board or plank, often used in building ships or other structures. It appears in descriptions of the tabernacle and Solomon's temple. The KJV Bible translates it as 'board' or 'bench'.
Definition: 1) board, boards, plank 1a) board 1b) boards
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bench, board. See also: Exodus 26:15; Exodus 36:22; Ezekiel 27:6.
הַ/מִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
mishkân
H4908
"tabernacle"
Art | N-ms
The tabernacle was a special tent where God met with the Israelites, as described in Exodus and Leviticus. It was a portable place of worship, like a dwelling place for God. The Israelites carried it with them.
Definition: 1) dwelling place, tabernacle 1a) dwelling-place 1b) dwellings Aramaic equivalent: mish.kan (מִשְׁכַּן "habitation" H4907)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. See also: Exodus 25:9; Numbers 3:23; Psalms 26:8.
וּ/בְרִיחָ֖י/ו
bᵉrîyach
H1280
"bar"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A bar or bolt, often made of wood, used to secure city gates or as a symbol of tribulation. It represents a fortress or a prison.
Definition: 1) bar 1a) of wood 1b) of city gates 2) of tribulation, a fortress, of the earth as a prison (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bar, fugitive. See also: Exodus 26:26; 2 Chronicles 14:6; Psalms 107:16.
וְ/עַמּוּדָ֥י/ו
ʻammûwd
H5982
"pillar"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a pillar or column, often used as a symbol of strength or support. It can also describe a platform or a stand, like a column of smoke rising into the air. The word is used in various contexts, including architecture and nature.
Definition: 1) pillar, column 1a) pillar 1b) column, upright 1c) column (of smoke)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apiece, pillar. See also: Exodus 13:21; 1 Kings 7:3; Psalms 75:4.
וַ/אֲדָנָֽי/ו
ʼeden
H134
"socket"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
Eden means a strong foundation or base, like a pedestal or socket. It is used to describe the earth's foundation and the bases of the tabernacle. The word signifies a firm and strong base.
Definition: 1) base, pedestal, socket (strong, firm) 1a) pedestals of gold on which marble pillars were set 1b) pedestals of the earth, foundation of the earth 1c) pedestals, bases, or sockets on which tabernacle stood
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: foundation, socket. See also: Exodus 26:19; Exodus 36:38; Song of Solomon 5:15.
Study Notes — Numbers 4:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 4:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:31
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:31
- Sermons on Numbers 4:31
Context — The Duties of the Merarites
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.
31This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases,
32and the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use. You shall assign by name the items that they are responsible to carry. 33This 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 3:36–37 | The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes. |
| 2 | Exodus 26:15 | You are to construct upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. |
| 3 | Numbers 7:8–9 | and he gave the Merarites four carts and eight oxen, as their service required, all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since they were to carry on their shoulders the holy objects for which they were responsible. |
Numbers 4:31 Summary
[This verse is talking about the Merarites, a group of people who helped take care of the Tent of Meeting, a special place where God met with his people. They were in charge of carrying the frames of the tabernacle and other equipment, which was an important job because it allowed the people to worship God and hear his Word, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:11. The Merarites' work was like the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a church or community running smoothly, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:22-24. By doing their part, the Merarites helped the community come together to worship and serve God, just like we can do today by using our gifts and talents to serve others, as encouraged in Romans 12:4-8.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main responsibility of the Merarites in the Tent of Meeting?
According to Numbers 4:31, the Merarites were responsible for carrying the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, and bases, as well as other equipment for the tabernacle and the surrounding courtyard, as outlined in Numbers 4:31-32.
Why were the Merarites assigned to carry the tabernacle frames and other equipment?
The Merarites were assigned to carry the tabernacle frames and other equipment because they were numbered among those who were thirty to fifty years old and were able to serve in the work of the Tent of Meeting, as stated in Numbers 4:30, similar to the Levites in Numbers 4:23.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of service in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of service and responsibility in the kingdom of God, as seen in other passages such as Romans 12:4-8, where believers are called to use their gifts to serve one another, and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, where the body of Christ is compared to a physical body with different parts working together.
What can we learn from the Merarites' specific duties about our own service to God?
The Merarites' specific duties teach us that our service to God is not just about grand or visible tasks, but also about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the body of Christ functioning, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:22-24, where Paul writes that the parts of the body that seem weaker are indispensable.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can serve in my own community or church, even if it's behind the scenes?
- How can I ensure that I am using my gifts and abilities to serve others, as the Merarites did in the Tent of Meeting?
- What does it mean to 'carry the load' for others in my life, and how can I do that in a way that honors God?
- In what ways can I work together with others to achieve a common goal, just as the Merarites worked together to carry the tabernacle and its equipment?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:31
And this [is] the charge of their burden,.... What should be committed to their care and charge, and they should bear and carry: according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:31
As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families, by the house of their fathers; As for the sons of Merari.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:31
Which were as the feet upon which the pillars stood; of which see .
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:31
(31) The boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof . . . —The duty of the Merarites was to carry the heavier and more cumbersome parts of the Tabernacle and the court; and it is probably on this account that, in their case, the specific duties of each were assigned to them by name (Numbers 4:32). The description of the several portions of the Tabernacle and Court here enumerated is found in Exodus 26, 36.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:31
29–33. The Merarites and their duties. They carry (in wagons Numbers 7:8) the wooden framework of the Dwelling, and everything else of wood—bars, pillars and pins (or rather pegs)—the silver bases (R.V. ‘sockets’) of the framework and the bronze bases of the pillars of the court.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 4:31
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 4:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Pins of the Tabernacle. by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the significance of seemingly insignificant tasks in God's work, using the example of the 'pins' of the tabernacle to illustrate that God notices and values |