Numbers 1:49
Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:
Original Language Analysis
אַ֣ךְ
H389
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַטֵּ֤ה
the tribe
H4294
מַטֵּ֤ה
the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
3 of 13
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִפְקֹ֔ד
Only thou shalt not number
H6485
תִפְקֹ֔ד
Only thou shalt not number
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
6 of 13
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רֹאשָׁ֖ם
the sum
H7218
רֹאשָׁ֖ם
the sum
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
8 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשָּׂ֑א
neither take
H5375
תִשָּׂ֑א
neither take
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
10 of 13
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
בְּת֖וֹךְ
of them among
H8432
בְּת֖וֹךְ
of them among
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
11 of 13
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
Historical Context
Levi's numbers were counted separately and differently—all males from one month old (Numbers 3:15), not just military age. This produced a total of 22,000 Levites (Numbers 3:39), a small fraction of the fighting-age men from other tribes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Levi's dependence on God's provision through the people challenge modern assumptions about pastoral ministry requiring secular employment?
- What does Levi's exemption from military service teach us about the priority of spiritual warfare over physical conflict?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command 'thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi' establishes their unique status among Israel's tribes. Levi's separation for holy service meant they would not fight in Israel's wars or own tribal territory, depending instead on offerings and designated cities. This prefigures the New Testament principle that those who serve the gospel should live by the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14), supported by God's people rather than pursuing secular employment.