Numbers 4:23
From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
old
H1121
בֶּן
old
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וָמַ֗עְלָה
and upward
H4605
וָמַ֗עְלָה
and upward
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
4 of 18
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
עַ֛ד
H5704
עַ֛ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 18
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בֶּן
old
H1121
בֶּן
old
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
תִּפְקֹ֣ד
shalt thou number
H6485
תִּפְקֹ֣ד
shalt thou number
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
9 of 18
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אוֹתָ֑ם
H853
אוֹתָ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבָּא֙
them all that enter in
H935
הַבָּא֙
them all that enter in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
12 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
צָבָ֔א
the service
H6635
צָבָ֔א
the service
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
14 of 18
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
לַֽעֲבֹ֥ד
to do
H5647
לַֽעֲבֹ֥ד
to do
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
15 of 18
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
Historical Context
The thirty-year minimum corresponds to the age when priests began their service and when Jesus began His public ministry. The maximum age of fifty ensured that those handling the heavy tabernacle components had adequate strength for the demanding work of repeated assembly and disassembly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the age requirement for Levitical service inform modern practices of training and ordaining church leaders?
- What balance should exist between youthful energy and mature wisdom in Christian service?
- In what ways did Jesus fulfillment of Levitical service transform our understanding of qualification for ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The age requirement of thirty to fifty years for Levitical service demonstrates divine wisdom in balancing maturity and strength for sacred work. These were men in their prime, possessing both the physical vigor for demanding labor and the seasoned judgment for careful handling of holy things. This principle of qualified service pervades Scripture—God calls workers who are equipped for the task. The Reformed tradition emphasizes both calling and preparation for ministry.