Numbers 4:35
From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation:
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
old
H1121
בֶּן
old
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וָמַ֔עְלָה
and upward
H4605
וָמַ֔עְלָה
and upward
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
4 of 14
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
וְעַ֖ד
H5704
וְעַ֖ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 14
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 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבָּא֙
every one that entereth
H935
הַבָּא֙
every one that entereth
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 14
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לַצָּבָ֔א
into the service
H6635
לַצָּבָ֔א
into the service
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
11 of 14
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
Cross References
1 Chronicles 23:24These were the sons of Levi after the house of their fathers; even the chief of the fathers, as they were counted by number of names by their polls, that did the work for the service of the house of the LORD, from the age of twenty years and upward.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.
Historical Context
The age requirement ensured physical strength for transporting the tabernacle's heavy furnishings during wilderness migrations. Later, David lowered the minimum age to twenty-five (1 Chronicles 23:24-27), then twenty, as temple service became stationary rather than nomadic.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing Christian service as 'spiritual warfare' (tzava) transform your approach to seemingly mundane ministry tasks?
- What role does spiritual maturity (the 'age thirty' principle) play in qualifications for church leadership today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old—The twenty-year service window (מִבֶּן שְׁלֹשִׁים שָׁנָה, miben shloshim shanah) matched Jesus's age at ministry commencement (Luke 3:23). Thirty represented maturity and tested character; fifty marked transition from active labor to mentorship roles (Numbers 8:24-26).
Every one that entereth into the service (כָּל־הַבָּא לַצָּבָא, kol-haba latzava)—The verb צָבָא (tzava) literally means 'to wage war,' depicting tabernacle service as spiritual warfare. Paul echoed this in 1 Timothy 1:18 and 2 Timothy 2:3-4, calling believers to 'soldier' for Christ. Service wasn't passive ritual but active engagement in God's kingdom advance.