Numbers 4:19
But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:
Original Language Analysis
עֲשׂ֣וּ
But thus do
H6213
עֲשׂ֣וּ
But thus do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 21
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְחָיוּ֙
unto them that they may live
H2421
וְחָיוּ֙
unto them that they may live
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
4 of 21
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָמֻ֔תוּ
and not die
H4191
יָמֻ֔תוּ
and not die
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
6 of 21
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
בְּגִשְׁתָּ֖ם
when they approach
H5066
בְּגִשְׁתָּ֖ם
when they approach
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
7 of 21
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַקֳּדָשִׁ֑ים
holy things
H6944
הַקֳּדָשִׁ֑ים
holy things
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
9 of 21
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
הַקֳּדָשִׁ֑ים
holy things
H6944
הַקֳּדָשִׁ֑ים
holy things
Strong's:
H6944
Word #:
10 of 21
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
וּבָנָיו֙
and his sons
H1121
וּבָנָיו֙
and his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יָבֹ֔אוּ
shall go in
H935
יָבֹ֔אוּ
shall go in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
13 of 21
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְשָׂמ֣וּ
and appoint
H7760
וְשָׂמ֣וּ
and appoint
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
14 of 21
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אוֹתָ֗ם
H853
אוֹתָ֗ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אִ֛ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
16 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אִ֛ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
17 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 21
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The tabernacle furnishings varied greatly in weight and bulk. The ark was relatively small and manageable, while the bronze altar was large and heavy. God's individual assignments may have considered each man's strength, but primarily taught submission to divine sovereignty in role assignment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's specific assignment of service challenge the idea that we can serve wherever we wish?
- What is your specific 'burden' or calling in the body of Christ?
- How can you contentedly fulfill your role without envying others' assignments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The detailed assignment of each man to 'his service and to his burden' shows that God ordains specific, individual callings within corporate service. The Hebrew ish-ish (each man, individually) emphasizes personal assignment. No Kohathite could choose his burden or swap duties—each received divine appointment. This pictures the doctrine of spiritual gifts where God assigns each believer specific capacities and callings (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Faithfulness means accepting God's assignment, not coveting another's role or shirking one's own.