Numbers 3:31 — Word Study
WLCוּמִשְׁמַרְתָּ֗ם הָאָרֹ֤ן וְהַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ וְהַמְּנֹרָ֣ה וְהַֽמִּזְבְּחֹ֔ת וּכְלֵ֣י הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְשָׁרְת֖וּ בָּהֶ֑ם וְהַ֨מָּסָ֔ךְ וְכֹ֖ל עֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃
BSATheir dutiesmishmereth [charge, responsibility] [were] the arkʼârôwn [a sacred chest, the Ark of the Covenant] the tableshulchân [a place of communion, for sacred purposes] the lampstandmᵉnôwrâh [candlestick] the altarsmizbêach [places of sacrifice] the articleskᵉlîy [utensils, vessels] of the sanctuaryqôdesh [Holy Place, a set-apart area] usedshârath▸ and the curtainmâçâk [veil, a screen for hiding or protection] allkôl [everything, the entirety] the service [for these items]ʻăbôdâh [ministry, work]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וּמִשְׁמַרְתָּ֗ם | and duty their | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| הָאָרֹ֤ן | [was] the ark | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְהַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ | and the table | Conjunction, particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְהַמְּנֹרָ֣ה | and the lampstand | Conjunction, particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וְהַֽמִּזְבְּחֹ֔ת | and the altars | Conjunction, particle, noun common feminine plural absolute |
| וּכְלֵ֣י | and [the] equipment of | Conjunction, noun common masculine plural construct |
| הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ | the holy place | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| אֲשֶׁ֥ר | which | Particle |
| יְשָׁרְת֖וּ | they will serve | Verb, Piel, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| בָּהֶ֑ם | by them | Preposition, suffix |
| וְהַ֨מָּסָ֔ךְ | and the screen | Conjunction, particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וְכֹ֖ל | and all | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct |
| עֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃ | service its | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items. |
| KJV | And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof. |
| ASV | And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the screen, and all the service thereof. |
| YLT | And their charge [is] the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary with which they serve, and the vail, and all its service. |
| WEB | Their duty shall be the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, the screen, and all its service. |
| BBE | In their care are the ark, and the table, and the lights, and the altars, and all the vessels used in the holy place, and the veil, and all they are used for. |
All translations agree on the essence of the duties outlined in this verse.
The structure consists of a main clause followed by several noun phrases that enumerate the specific duties, culminating in a summary of the overall service.
4 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Cambridge & more — read them ›
clause
verbשָׁרַת
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Numbers 3:31
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Duties of the Kohathitesgenerated
Numbers 3:31 outlines the specific duties assigned to the Kohathites, a clan of the Levites responsible for the care of the most sacred items in the tabernacle. This verse emphasizes the importance of their roles in maintaining the sanctity of worship and the items used in service to God. The context highlights the structured organization of the Levitical priesthood and their responsibilities, as seen throughout the book of Numbers.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 4:4–16 | This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things. |
| 2 | Exodus 25:10–40 | And they are to construct an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. |
| 3 | Exodus 31:1–35 | Then the LORD said to Moses, |
| 4 | Exodus 37:1–24 | Bezalel went on to construct the ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. |
| 5 | Exodus 39:33–42 | Then they brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent with all its furnishings, its clasps, its frames, its crossbars, and its posts and bases; |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מִשְׁמֶ֫רֶת, mishmerethgenerated
The word מִשְׁמֶ֫רֶת (mishmereth) is a noun derived from the root meaning to guard or watch over. It signifies a duty or obligation, particularly in a religious context, emphasizing the act of preservation and safekeeping of sacred items.
In this verse, it refers to the responsibilities of the Kohathites, indicating that their role is not merely functional but also deeply tied to the spiritual care of the tabernacle's sacred objects.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The verse is rendered consistently across translations, with all versions acknowledging the duties of the Levites regarding the sacred items.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the sentence is יְשָׁרְת֖וּ (they will serve), which governs the entire clause. The structure lists multiple noun phrases that detail the specific items and duties, creating a comprehensive overview of the Kohathites' responsibilities.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the duties first, highlighting their significance before detailing the specific items of service.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates מִשְׁמֶ֫רֶת as φυλακὴ (phylakē), meaning 'guard' or 'watch.' This choice reflects a similar emphasis on the protective and custodial aspect of the Kohathites' duties.
This translation shows continuity in the understanding of the Levites' responsibilities, focusing on their role in safeguarding sacred items.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Numbers 3:31 explains that the Kohathites had specific duties related to the ark, table, lampstand, altars, and other sacred items used in the tabernacle. Their role was to serve and maintain these items, ensuring they were treated with the respect required for worship.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The Kohathites were responsible for the care and service of the sacred items in the tabernacle, including the ark, table, lampstand, and altars.
The term 'mishmereth' emphasizes the protective and custodial nature of the Kohathites' duties, highlighting their obligation to safeguard sacred objects.
Their duties illustrate the importance of maintaining the sanctity of worship through the proper care of sacred items, ensuring that worship practices are honored.
The variations suggest differing traditions or understandings of the items and duties associated with the tabernacle service.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I ensure that I am fulfilling my responsibilities in a way that honors God?
- What does it mean to serve in a sacred capacity in my own life?
- In what ways can I support others in their duties and responsibilities?
- How does understanding the structure of the Levitical duties help me appreciate the importance of order in worship?
Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Numbers 3:31 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd their charge [shall be] the ark,.... That is, when the tabernacle was taken down, and carried from place to place, this, and the following things, were committed to their care and custody, the
Read John Gill on Numbers 3 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryIn the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Read Robert Jamieson on Numbers 3 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe hanging, which covered the most holy place, for all other hangings belonged to the Gershonites. All the service thereof, i.e. all the other furniture belonging to it, of which see ,9,14.
Read Matthew Poole on Numbers 3 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges31. For the ark, table, and candlestick (better lampstand)’, see Exodus 25, and for the two altars, Exodus 27:1-8; Exodus 30:1-10. the screen] The door-hangings of the tabernacle and of the court have been assigned to the Gershonites (Numbers 3:25 f.). This is therefore the veil which separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. But it is nowhere else called simply ‘the screen.’ We should probably read (with the Syr.) the veil of the screen, i.e. the veil which acts as a screen, as in Numbers 4:5, Exodus 40:3; Exodus 40:21.
Read Cambridge on Numbers 3 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.
Their duty shall be the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, the screen, and all its service.
Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.
Their responsibilities included the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the utensils of the sanctuary with which they ministered, the curtain, and all their service.
Tyndale line
And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.
And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the screen, and all the service thereof.
And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the screen, and all the service thereof.
And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the hanging, and all the service of it.
And their charge shalbe the Arke, and the Table, and the Candlesticke, and the altars, and the instruments of the Sanctuarie that they minister with, and the vaile, and all that serueth thereto.
Strictly literal
And their charge was the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the utensils of the sanctuary with which they ministered, and the curtain, and all that belongs to its service.
And their charge [is] the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary with which they serve, and the vail, and all its service.
And their charge [is] the Ark, and the table, and the lampstand, and the altars, and the vessels of the holy place with which they serve, and the veil, and all its service.
And their charge was the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary which are used for the service, and the vail, and all belonging thereto.
They must care for the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the holy things that are used in their service, the curtain, and all the work around it.
From the Latin
And they shall keep the ark, and the table and the candlestick, the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary, wherewith they minister, and the veil, and all the furniture of this kind.
Simplified
Their assigned responsibility was to care for the Ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, the veil, and everything connected with these items.
In their care are the ark, and the table, and the lights, and the altars, and all the vessels used in the holy place, and the veil, and all they are used for.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text aligns closely with the Septuagint, with 13 of the 13 words matched. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs in six words, notably using terms like 'basin' and 'base,' indicating variations in the understanding of the items involved in the service.
וּמִשְׁמַרְתָּ֗ם הָאָרֹ֤ן וְהַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ וְהַמְּנֹרָ֣ה וְהַֽמִּזְבְּחֹ֔ת וּכְלֵ֣י הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְשָׁרְת֖וּ בָּהֶ֑ם וְהַ֨מָּסָ֔ךְ וְכֹ֖ל עֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃
13 of the 13 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ומשׁמרתם הארון והשׁלחן והמנורה והמזבחות וכלי הקדשׁ אשׁר ישׁרתו בהם והמסך והכיור וכנו וכל עבדתם
6 words differ from the Masoretic Text: ארון (ark), מנורה (lamp stand), מזבחות (altar), כיור (basin), כנו (base), עבדתם (work)
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Numbers 3:31
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
מִשְׁמֶ֫רֶת (mishmereth) refers to a guard or watch, encompassing the concepts of duty, function, and preservation. It can denote a specific role, such as a sentry or an office, and implies the act of keeping or safeguarding. The term appears in contexts related to obligation and service, highlighting its multifaceted use in the Old Testament.
מִשְׁמֶ֫רֶת 78 n.f. guard, watch, also charge, function
base
H4931 מִשְׁמֶ֫רֶת guard, watch, also charge, function
4931 mishmereth mish-mer'-reth
fem. of 4929; watch, i.e. the act (custody), or (concr.) the
sentry, the post; obj. preservation, or (concr.) safe; fig.
observance, i.e. (abstr.) duty or (obj.) a usage or
party:--charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace,
safeguard, ward, watch.
see HEBREW for 04929
מִשְׁמֶ֫רֶת (mish.me.ret) — charge.
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)
Conj | N-fs | Suff — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHC/Ncfsc/Sp3mp
The Hebrew word אֲרוֹן, transliterated as arown, means 'chest' or 'ark.' It can refer to various types of containers, including a money chest, the Ark of the Covenant, and even a coffin. The word is built from the root meaning 'gathering' and is used in contexts related to sacred and practical storage.
אֲרוֹן, c. art. הָאָרוֹן, הָאָרֹן 203 n.m. chest, ark
chest, for money-offerings
sarcophagus, mummy-case
chest, ark in tabernacle & temple
base
H727 אֲרוֹן, c. art. הָאָרוֹן, הָאָרֹן chest, ark
727 'arown aw-rone'
or laron {aw-rone'}; from 717 (in the sense of gathering); a
box:--ark, chest, coffin.
see HEBREW for 0717
אֲרוֹן (a.ron) — ark.
1) chest, ark
1a) money chest
1b) Ark of the Covenant
2)(TWOT) coffin
Art | N-cs — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
see ARK OF BULRUSHES; ARK OF THE COVENANT; ARK OF NOAH
Ark
Noah’s ark, a building of gopher-wood, and covered with pitch, 300 cubits long, 50 cubits broad, and 30 cubits high (Gen. 6:14-16); an oblong floating house of three stories, with a door in the side and a window in the roof. It was 100 years in building (Gen. 5:32; 7:6). It was intended to preserve certain persons and animals from the deluge which God was about to bring over the earth. It contained eight persons (Gen. 7:13; 2 Pet. 2:5), and of all “clean” animals seven pairs, and of “unclean” one pair, and of birds seven pairs of each sort (Gen. 7:2, 3). It was in the form of an oblong square, with flat bottom and…
The Hebrew word שֻׁלְחָן (shulchan) means 'table' and is derived from the root meaning to spread out. It can refer to various types of tables, including those used for kings, private use, or sacred purposes. The entries consistently emphasize its primary meaning as a table.
שֻׁלְחָן 71 n.m. table
base
H7979 שֻׁלְחָן table
7979 shulchan shool-khawn'
from 7971; a table (as spread out); by implication, a
meal:--table.
see HEBREW for 07971
שֻׁלְחָן (shul.chan) — table.
1) table
1a) table
1a1) of king's table, private use, sacred uses
Conj | Art | N-ms — Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Td/Ncmsa
"Table" is derived from the Latin tabula, meaning primarily "a board," but with a great variety of other significances, of which "writing-tablet" is the most important for the Biblical use of "table." So in English "table" meant at first "any surface" and, in particular, "a surface for writing," and further specialization was needed before "table" became the name of the familiar article of furniture ("object with a horizontal surface"), a meaning not possessed by tabula in Latin. After this specialization "table" in the sense of "a surface for writing" was replaced in later English by the diminutive form "tablet." But "surface for writing" was still a common meaning of "table," and in this sense it represents luach (Ex 24:12, etc.), a word of uncertain origin, plax, "something flat" (
See BREAD, and EATING.
מְנוֹרָה (mĕnôrâ) means 'lampstand' and refers specifically to a type of chandelier or candlestick. It is noted in the context of both private homes and the temple, particularly the seven-branched lampstand used in the tabernacle. The word is derived from a feminine form of another Hebrew word related to light.
מְנוֹרָה, מְנֹרָה 42 n.f. lampstand
in private house
ten lampstands in temple
seven-branched lampstand in tabern.
base
H4501 מְנוֹרָה, מְנֹרָה lampstand
4501 mnowrah men-o-raw'
or mnorah {men-o-raw'}; feminine of 4500 (in the original
sense of 5216); a chandelier:--candlestick.
see HEBREW for 04500
see HEBREW for 05216
מְנוֹרָה (me.no.rah) — lampstand.
lamp stand
Conj | Art | N-fs — Conjunction · particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHC/Td/Ncfsa
מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) means 'altar' in Hebrew. It is derived from the root word meaning to slay or kill, indicating its use in sacrificial contexts. The term is consistently used throughout the Old Testament to refer to places of sacrifice and worship.
מִזְבֵּחַ 401 n.m. altar
base
H4196 מִזְבֵּחַ altar
4196 mizbeach miz-bay'-akh
from 2076; an altar:--altar.
see HEBREW for 02076
מִזְבֵּחַ (miz.be.ach) — altar.
altar
Conj | Art | N-mp — Conjunction · particle · noun common feminine plural absoluteHC/Td/Ncfpa
- Designed for sacrifice
- To be made of earth, or unhewn stone
- Of brick, hateful to God
- Natural rocks sometimes used as
Jud 6:19-21; 13:19,20
כְּלִי (kliy) refers to an article or utensil, encompassing a wide range of objects such as vessels, tools, and implements used for various purposes, including music and warfare. It is derived from a root meaning 'to prepare' and can denote anything from furniture to weapons. The entries highlight its general use in the Old Testament without significant disagreement among lexicons.
כְּלִי 324 n.m. article, utensil, vessel
base
H3627 כְּלִי article, utensil, vessel
3627 kliy kel-ee'
from 3615; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an
implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon):--armour
((-bearer)), artillery, bag, carriage, + furnish, furniture,
instrument, jewel, that is made of, X one from another, that
which pertaineth, pot, + psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool,
vessel, ware, weapon, + whatsoever.
see HEBREW for 03615
כְּלִי (ke.li) — article/utensil.
1) article, vessel, implement, utensil
1a) article, object (general)
1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel
1b1) implement (of hunting or war)
1b2) implement (of music)
1b3) implement, tool (of labour)
1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen)
1b5) utensils, furniture
1c) vessel, receptacle (general)
1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Conj | N-mp — Conjunction · noun common masculine plural constructHC/Ncmpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
קֹ֫דֶשׁ (qodesh) refers to the concepts of apartness, sacredness, and holiness. It can denote a sacred place or thing, such as the Most Holy Place or a sanctuary. The term emphasizes the idea of being set apart, whether in relation to God, places, or objects.
קֹ֫דֶשׁ 469 n.m. apartness, sacredness
base
H6944 קֹ֫דֶשׁ apartness, sacredness
6944 qodesh ko'-desh
from 6942; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract,
sanctity:--consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed
(thing), holiness, (X most) holy (X day, portion, thing),
saint, sanctuary.
see HEBREW for 06942
קֹ֫דֶשׁ (qo.desh) — holiness.
1) apartness, holiness, sacredness, separateness
1a) apartness, sacredness, holiness
1a1) of God
1a2) of places
1a3) of things
1b) set-apartness, separateness
קֹ֫דֶשׁ (qo.desh) — Most Holy Place.
This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness
Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Most Holy Place" G0039H)
קֹ֫דֶשׁ (qo.desh) — (Way of) Holiness.
Combined with de.rekh (דֶּ֫רֶךְ "Way" H1870H)
This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness
קֹ֫דֶשׁ (qo.desh) — Holy Place.
This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness
Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
(ha-qodhesh, Ex 26:33, ha-hekhal, 1Ki 6:17, etc.; he prote skene, Heb 9:6 f):
1. The Terms:
The tabernacle consisted of two divisions to which a graduated scale of holiness is attached: "The veil shall separate unto you between the holy place and the most holy" (Ex 26:33). This distinction was never abrogated. In the Epistle to the Hebrews these divisions are called the "first" and "second" tabernacles (Heb 9:6 f). The term "holy place" is not indeed confined to the outer chamber of the sanctuary; in Le 6:16, it is applied to "the court of the tent of meeting." But the…
Holy place
One of the two portions into which the tabernacle was divided (Ex. 26:31; 37:17-25; Heb. 9:2). It was 20 cubits long and 10 in height and breadth. It was illuminated by the golden candlestick, as it had no opening to admit the light. It contained the table of showbread (Ex. 25:23-29) and the golden altar of incense (30:1-11). It was divided from the holy of holies by a veil of the most costly materials and the brightest colours.
The arrangement of the temple (q.v.) was the same in this respect. In it the walls of hewn stone were wainscotted with cedar and overlaid with gold, and adorned with beautiful carvings. It was entered from the porch by folding doors overlaid with gold and richly embossed. Outside the holy…
→ See TABERNACLE
→ See TEMPLE
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.
אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.
base
בַאֲשֶׁר
in (that) which
adv. in (the place) where
conj. in that, inasmuch as
on account of whom?
base
מֵאֲשֶׁר
from (or than) that which
adv. from (the place) where
conj. from (the fact) that …, since
base
כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when
according to that which, according as, as
with a causal force, in so far as, since
with a temporal force, when
base
H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which
. adv. in (the place) where
. conj. in that, inasmuch as
. on account of whom?
H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which
. adv. from (the place) where
. conj. from (the fact) that …, since
H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as
. with a causal force, in so far as, since
. with a temporal force, when
834 'aher ash-er'
a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)
when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X
alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +
from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,
wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where
(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +
whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is
indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun
expletively, used to show the connection.
אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.
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
בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.
1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.
1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.
conj
1) according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
HTr — ParticleHTr
שָׁרַת (sharath) is a Hebrew verb meaning to minister or serve. It is derived from a primitive root that conveys the idea of attending to someone as a servant or worshipper. The entries indicate its use in contexts related to ministry and service, particularly in the Piel form, which emphasizes active participation in serving.
[שָׁרַת] 97 vb. Pi. minister, serve
base
H8334 שָׁרַת Pi. minister, serve
8334 sharath shaw-rath'
a primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper;
figuratively, to contribute to:--minister (unto), (do)
serve(- ant, -ice, -itor), wait on.
שָׁרַת (sha.rat) — to minister.
(Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Piel · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVpi3mp
הֶם (hem) — them.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person masculine plural
HRd/Sp3mp — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp3mp
מָסָךְ (masakh) refers to a covering or screen, often associated with the tabernacle. It is derived from the root meaning to cover, and encompasses terms like curtain and hanging. The entries consistently highlight its function as a veil or protective layer.
מָסָךְ n.[m.] covering, screen
base
H4539 מָסָךְ covering, screen
4539 macak maw-sawk'
from 5526; a cover, i.e. veil:--covering, curtain, hanging.
see HEBREW for 05526
מָסָךְ (ma.sakh) — covering.
1) covering, rag, screen
1a) covering
1b) screen (of the tabernacle)
Conj | Art | N-ms — Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Td/Ncmsa
כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.
כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all
with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
Absolutely:
without the art., all things, all
with the art. הַכֹּל
where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
base
H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all
. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
3605 kol kole
or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;
hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a
plural sense):--(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 HEBREW for 03634
כֹּל (kol) — all.
1) all, the whole
1a) all, the whole of
1b) any, each, every, anything
1c) totality, everything
Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Conj | N-ms — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular constructHC/Ncmsc
ol: Used in various combinations, and with different meanings.
(1) All along, "Weeping all along as he went" (Jer 41:6), i.e. throughout the whole way he went, feigning equal concern with the men from Shiloh, etc., for the destruction of the Temple, so as to put them off their guard.
(2) All in all, "That God may be all in all" (1Co 15:28, Greek: panta en pasin, "all things in all (persons and) things"). "The universe, with all it comprises, will wholly answer to God's will and reflect His mind" (Dummelow).
עֲבֹדָה (abodah) refers to various forms of labor or service, including the work of a servant or slave, the service of captives or subjects, and the service of God. It is built from the root word for work and encompasses a range of meanings related to labor and ministry.
עֲבֹדָה, and (Chr) עֲבוֹדָה 146 n.f. labour, servicelabour, work
labour of servant or slave
labour, service of captives or subjects
service of God
base
H5656 עֲבֹדָה, and עֲבוֹדָה labour . labour, work
. labour of servant or slave
. labour, service of captives or subjects
. service of God
5656 `abodah ab-o-daw'
or mabowdah {ab-o-daw'}; from 5647; work of any kind:--act,
bondage, + bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try),
office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, X wrought.
see HEBREW for 05647
עֲבֹדָה (a.vo.dah) — service.
: 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)
עֲבֹדָה (a.vo.dah) — service: ministry.
: ministry[for_God]/tabernacle]
1) labour, service
1a) labour, work
1b) labour (of servant or slave)
1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects)
1d) service (of God)
עֲבֹדָה (a.vo.dah) — service: work.
: work/labour
1) labour, service
1a) labour, work
1b) labour (of servant or slave)
1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects)
1d) service (of God)
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp3ms