Numbers 4:36
And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ
H1961
וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
פְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
And those that were numbered
H6485
פְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
And those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
2 of 7
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
of them by their families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם
of them by their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
3 of 7
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
אַלְפַּ֕יִם
were two thousand
H505
אַלְפַּ֕יִם
were two thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
4 of 7
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
שְׁבַ֥ע
seven
H7651
שְׁבַ֥ע
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
5 of 7
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
Historical Context
This census occurred in the second month of Israel's second year after the Exodus (Numbers 1:1). The Kohathites descended from Aaron and Moses's immediate family line, explaining their privileged service role. Archaeological evidence confirms ancient Near Eastern temple service followed similar hereditary patterns.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's attention to precise numbers (2,750, not 'about 3,000') challenge casual approaches to stewardship and accountability?
- In what ways does the principle 'greater privilege equals greater responsibility' manifest in your Christian walk?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Two thousand seven hundred and fifty—The Kohathites numbered 2,750 qualified servants (ages 30-50) from a total clan of 8,600 males (3:28). This 32% service ratio indicates most Kohathite males either hadn't reached thirty or had passed fifty. The specificity of census numbers (not rounded) affirms historical reliability and God's attention to individual accountability.
Kohathites' higher service-to-population ratio compared to Gershonites (2,630 from 7,500) and Merarites (3,200 from 6,200) reflected their most sacred duties—carrying the ark, altars, and sanctuary vessels. Privilege correlated with responsibility, a principle Jesus reinforced: 'To whom much is given, much is required' (Luke 12:48).