Numbers 4:30
From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
old
H1121
בֶּן
old
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 17
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 17
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
וְעַ֛ד
H5704
וְעַ֛ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 17
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 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
תִּפְקְדֵ֑ם
shalt thou number
H6485
תִּפְקְדֵ֑ם
shalt thou number
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
9 of 17
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבָּא֙
them every one that entereth
H935
הַבָּא֙
them every one that entereth
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
11 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לַצָּבָ֔א
into the service
H6635
לַצָּבָ֔א
into the service
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
12 of 17
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
לַֽעֲבֹ֕ד
to do
H5647
לַֽעֲבֹ֕ד
to do
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
13 of 17
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Numbers 4:23From 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.Numbers 4:3From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
Historical Context
This consistent age requirement across all Levitical clans ensured uniform maturity and capability in those serving the tabernacle. It prevented both the rashness of youth and the frailty of old age from compromising the careful handling of sacred objects.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's consistent standard for service challenge modern tendencies toward age discrimination?
- What principles should guide the church in establishing qualifications for various ministries?
- In what ways does impartial application of standards reflect God's character?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The repeated age requirement emphasizes the consistency of God's standards. Whether Kohathite, Gershonite, or Merarite, the same qualification applied—thirty to fifty years old. God's impartiality in establishing service requirements demonstrates that His standards are based on principle, not favoritism. The Reformed doctrine of God's justice is reflected here—He judges and calls according to righteousness, not personal preference.