Numbers 4:22

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families;

Complete Jewish Bible:

"Take a census of the descendants of Gershon also, by clans and families;

Berean Standard Bible:

“Take a census of the Gershonites as well, by their families and clans,

American Standard Version:

Take the sum of the sons of Gershon also, by their fathers’ houses, by their families;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Take^{H5375} also the sum^{H7218} of the sons^{H1121} of Gershon^{H1648}, throughout the houses^{H1004} of their fathers^{H1}, by their families^{H4940};

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Commentary for Numbers 4:22

1. Themes:
- Organization and Census: Numbers 4:22 is part of the instructions given by God to Moses and Aaron regarding the census and organization of the Levites, specifically the Gershonite clan. This reflects the broader theme of order and structure within the Israelite community, particularly concerning religious duties.
- Divine Service: The Gershonites were responsible for the care and transportation of the Tabernacle's fabrics and coverings. The census was a means to allocate duties and responsibilities in the service of the sanctuary, emphasizing the importance of serving God.
- Inheritance and Identity: The detailed accounting of the families and clans underscores the significance of lineage and hereditary roles among the Israelites. The Gershonites' role was passed down through generations, highlighting the theme of inherited religious responsibility.

2. Historical Context:
- The verse is set during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt and before their entry into the Promised Land.
- The book of Numbers, where this verse is found, is the fourth book of the Pentateuch and is traditionally attributed to Moses. It details the events and laws that shaped the Israelite nation during this formative period.
- The census was conducted approximately one month after the Tabernacle was erected, as the Israelites prepared to journey towards Canaan. It was crucial to establish a system for managing the Tabernacle, which was the central place of worship for the Israelites at that time.
- The Gershonites, along with the Kohathites and Merarites, were one of the three main divisions of the Levite tribe, each with specific duties concerning the Tabernacle. The Gershonites were tasked with carrying the lighter elements of the sanctuary, which were still sacred and required careful handling.

In summary, Numbers 4:22 reflects the themes of divine order, service, and hereditary roles within the context of the Israelites' organization as a worshipping community during their wilderness journey, as they transitioned from a loose collection of tribes into a nation under God's laws and guidance.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5375
   There are 611 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָשָׂא
   Transliteration: nâsâʼ
   Pronunciation: naw-saw'
   Description: or נָסָה; (Psalm 4:6 (אֲבַד)), a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative; accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7218
   There are 548 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רֹאשׁ
   Transliteration: rôʼsh
   Pronunciation: roshe
   Description: from an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.); band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1121
   There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֵּן
   Transliteration: bên
   Pronunciation: bane
   Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1648
   There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גֵּרְשׁוֹן
   Transliteration: Gêrᵉshôwn
   Pronunciation: gay-resh-one'
   Description: or גֵּרְשׁוֹם; from גָּרַשׁ; a refugee; Gereshon or Gereshom, an Israelite; Gershon, Gershom.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1004
   There are 1718 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בַּיִת
   Transliteration: bayith
   Pronunciation: bah'-yith
   Description: probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out).
   
6. Strong's Number: H1
   There are 15773 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָב
   Transliteration: ʼâb
   Pronunciation: awb
   Description: a primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application; chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'.
   
7. Strong's Number: H4940
   There are 224 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מִשְׁפָּחָה
   Transliteration: mishpâchâh
   Pronunciation: mish-paw-khaw'
   Description: from שָׁפָה (compare שִׁפְחָה); 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; family, kind(-red).