Numbers 4:47
From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in 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
וָמַ֔עְלָה
and upward
H4605
וָמַ֔עְלָה
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
וְעַ֖ד
H5704
וְעַ֖ד
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
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבָּ֗א
every one that came
H935
הַבָּ֗א
every one that came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
10 of 17
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לַֽעֲבֹ֨ד
to do
H5647
לַֽעֲבֹ֨ד
to do
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
11 of 17
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
מַשָּׂ֖א
of the burden
H4853
מַשָּׂ֖א
of the burden
Strong's:
H4853
Word #:
15 of 17
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
Historical Context
This age restriction ensured Levites had maturity for sacred duties while possessing strength for transporting the tabernacle's heavy components across the wilderness. Jesus began public ministry at 'about thirty years of age' (Luke 3:23), possibly reflecting this Levitical pattern. The requirement balanced vigor with wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the twenty-year service window teach about seasons of life and the importance of both preparation and rest in ministry?
- How might distinguishing between 'service of ministry' and 'service of burden' help you appreciate different kinds of work as equally sacred?
- In what ways does viewing even menial tasks as service 'in the tabernacle of congregation' transform your daily work ethic?
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 twenty-year service window (30-50) balanced physical prime with spiritual maturity. The dual description to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden (עֲבֹדַת עֲבֹדָה וַעֲבֹדַת מַשָּׂא, avodat avodah va'avodat massa) distinguishes sacred tasks from physical labor.
In the tabernacle of the congregation (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד, ohel mo'ed, 'tent of meeting') grounds all service—both ministry and burden-bearing—in God's dwelling. Even carrying tent pegs was service 'in' God's presence. The age requirement appears again in 8:24-25, where Levites begin at 25 (apprenticeship?) and retire at 50, though Numbers 4 specifies 30-50 for heavy labor.