Numbers 4:39
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
Historical Context
The twenty-year service window (ages 30-50) persisted throughout Israel's wilderness period but was adjusted when temple worship became permanent in Jerusalem. The tent of meeting remained Israel's worship center for nearly 500 years (from Exodus 40:17, c. 1446 BC, until Solomon's temple, c. 966 BC).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the equal age requirement for 'prestigious' Kohathite and 'mundane' Gershonite service challenge your view of ministry hierarchy?
- In what ways do you facilitate God's 'meeting' with people through your service role, however seemingly insignificant?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old—The identical age requirement for Gershonites as Kohathites (v. 35) demonstrates God's impartiality in ministry qualifications. Whether carrying the golden ark or woolen curtains, service required the same maturity, strength, and consecration. The New Testament church maintains this principle: qualifications for elders (1 Timothy 3) and deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-13) are identical regardless of specific ministry assignment.
For the work in the tabernacle of the congregation (לַעֲבֹדָה בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, la'avodah be'ohel mo'ed)—The 'tent of meeting' (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, ohel mo'ed) appears 146 times in Exodus-Numbers, emphasizing God's appointed place for encountering His people. Every service role, from ark-bearing to curtain-carrying, facilitated this divine-human meeting point.