Numbers 4:37
These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
Original Language Analysis
פָּקַ֤ד
These were they that were numbered
H6485
פָּקַ֤ד
These were they that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
2 of 17
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
of the families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
of the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
3 of 17
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
הַקְּהָתִ֔י
of the Kohathites
H6956
הַקְּהָתִ֔י
of the Kohathites
Strong's:
H6956
Word #:
4 of 17
a kohathite (collectively) or descendants of kehath
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעֹבֵ֖ד
all that might do service
H5647
הָֽעֹבֵ֖ד
all that might do service
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
6 of 17
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
7 of 17
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
8 of 17
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
פָּקַ֤ד
These were they that were numbered
H6485
פָּקַ֤ד
These were they that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
10 of 17
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פִּ֥י
according to the commandment
H6310
פִּ֥י
according to the commandment
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
14 of 17
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Moses's unique mediatorial role ('by the hand of Moses') established the pattern for prophetic authority under the old covenant. The phrase appears 24 times in Numbers alone, underscoring Moses's unparalleled access to God's direct revelation (12:6-8) that wouldn't be matched until Christ (Hebrews 3:1-6).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the transformation of avad (service) from Egyptian slavery to tabernacle ministry illustrate redemption's purpose in your life?
- What does it mean today to organize church life 'according to the commandment of the LORD' rather than cultural preferences or pragmatism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
According to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses (עַל־פִּי יְהוָה בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁה, al-pi YHWH beyad-Mosheh)—Literally 'by the mouth of the LORD through the hand of Moses.' This phrase anchors the census in divine authority, not human initiative. The Hebrew פֶּה (peh, mouth) emphasizes God's spoken word as organizational foundation.
All that might do service in the tabernacle—The verb עָבַד (avad, to serve/work) appears 289 times in the OT, carrying meanings from slavery to priestly ministry to worship. Here it denotes sacred vocational service, the same term used for Israel's enslaved labor in Egypt (Exodus 1:14) now redeemed into joyful service to YHWH. Redemption transforms forced servitude into voluntary worship.