Numbers 4:36

KJV

And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.

KJV (with Strong's)

And those that were numbered {H6485} of them by their families {H4940} were two thousand {H505} seven {H7651} hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Registered by their families, they numbered 2,750.

Berean Standard Bible

And those numbered by their clans totaled 2,750.

American Standard Version

and those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 4:36 concludes the meticulous census of the Kohathite clan, specifying that two thousand seven hundred and fifty males, aged between thirty and fifty, were counted and deemed eligible for the sacred service of transporting the Tabernacle's most holy furnishings. This seemingly simple statistic underscores God's divine order, precision, and the careful preparation of His people for their specific and weighty responsibilities in the wilderness journey, highlighting the importance of every individual in His grand design.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 4 is a detailed chapter dedicated to outlining the specific duties of the three main Levite clans—the Kohathites, the Gershonites, and the Merarites—who were set apart for service related to the Tabernacle. Following the general census of the entire Israelite community in Numbers 1-3, this chapter narrows its focus to the functional organization of the Levites, particularly those aged thirty to fifty, as stipulated in [Numbers 4:3](/numbers/4-3 "Numbers 4:3 - Age for Tabernacle Service"). Numbers 4:36 specifically marks the culmination of the Kohathite census, detailing the final count of those responsible for carrying the most sacred items of the Tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, and the altars, as described in [Numbers 4:4-15](/numbers/4-4 "Numbers 4:4-15 - Kohathite Duties"). The verses immediately preceding 4:36 (Numbers 4:34-35) describe the process of Moses and Aaron numbering the Kohathites, leading directly to this summary statement of their total.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Numbers chronicles Israel's forty-year journey through the wilderness, a period of profound spiritual formation, divine instruction, and practical organization. The Tabernacle, God's dwelling place among His people, was central to their nomadic existence, symbolizing His presence and guiding their movements. The detailed census of the Levites, including the specific age range for service, was not merely an administrative task but a crucial preparation for the arduous and sacred work of dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the Tabernacle. In a society where tribal identity and family lineage were paramount, the meticulous counting "by their families" (as seen throughout [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel")) ensured accountability, maintained tribal integrity, and reinforced the hereditary nature of the Levites' unique priestly and service roles. This organization was vital for maintaining order, preventing chaos, and ensuring the reverent handling of holy objects in the challenging environment of the wilderness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _paqad'_):** The Hebrew verb פָּקַד (_paqad_) is a rich term meaning "to count," "to visit," "to inspect," "to appoint," or "to muster." In this context, it signifies an official enrollment or census, specifically for the purpose of assigning and preparing individuals for service. It implies a deliberate, precise act of divine accounting, where each person is not just counted, but also acknowledged and designated for a specific role within God's ordered plan. This is not a casual tally but an authoritative registration for sacred duty.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mishpachah'_):** The Hebrew word מִשְׁפָּחָה (_mishpachah_) refers to a family, clan, or extended household. Its inclusion here emphasizes the structured, tribal organization of Israel and the Levites. Service was not individualistic but rooted in one's familial and clan identity, reinforcing the communal nature of their sacred responsibilities and ensuring that duties were passed down through established lineages.
* **Two thousand seven hundred and fifty (Hebrew, _'alpayim shiv'a me'ot va-chamishim'_):** This precise numerical figure is significant. It highlights the meticulousness of God's instructions and the exactitude with which they were carried out. The specificity of the number indicates a complete and accurate count, ensuring that sufficient manpower was available for the physically demanding and spiritually weighty tasks assigned to the Kohathites, underscoring divine foresight and provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And those that were numbered of them":** This phrase refers to the Kohathites, the specific Levite clan whose census is being concluded. The act of "numbering" implies a divinely commanded and executed census, not merely a human administrative task. It signifies a process of identification and selection for sacred service, highlighting God's active involvement in organizing His people.
* **"by their families":** This clause emphasizes the structured and orderly nature of the census. The counting was done according to established familial and clan divisions, reinforcing the tribal identity and the hereditary nature of the Levites' service. It ensured that every eligible male within the designated age range from each Kohathite family was accounted for.
* **"were two thousand seven hundred and fifty":** This is the precise total number of Kohathite males, aged 30 to 50, who were qualified and designated for Tabernacle service. This exact figure underscores the divine precision and sufficiency of the workforce appointed for the weighty task of transporting the holy components of the Tabernacle, ensuring that God's dwelling place could be moved reverently and efficiently.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 4:36, and indeed throughout the census accounts in Numbers, is **Precision** or **Exactitude**. The specific numerical count ("two thousand seven hundred and fifty") is not a round figure but an exact tally, emphasizing the meticulousness of God's divine order and the faithful execution of His commands by Moses and Aaron. This precision underscores the importance of every individual within the divine plan and the sufficiency of the appointed workforce for the sacred tasks. Additionally, there is an element of **Repetition** in the larger context of Numbers 4, as similar census summaries are provided for the Gershonites and Merarites, reinforcing the overarching theme of divine organization and the systematic assignment of duties to each Levite clan. This consistent structure highlights the comprehensive and orderly nature of God's administration over His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 4:36, though a simple statistic, profoundly illustrates several core theological truths. It speaks to God's inherent nature as a God of order and precision, demonstrating His meticulous care in organizing His people for His purposes. The specific numbering of the Kohathites for their sacred duties underscores the principle of divine calling and equipping—God not only calls individuals to service but also ensures they are sufficient in number and prepared for the task. This verse highlights the importance of stewardship, as each "numbered" individual was entrusted with a vital responsibility related to God's presence. It also foreshadows the New Testament concept of the body of Christ, where every member is uniquely gifted and essential for the functioning of the whole, reflecting God's design for communal, ordered service.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Equipping the Saints for Ministry")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 4:36, while detailing an ancient census, offers timeless principles for believers today. Just as God meticulously "numbered" and organized the Kohathites for their specific and vital role in serving the Tabernacle, so too does He orchestrate and equip His people for service in the New Covenant. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, not chaos, and that diligence, preparation, and clear roles contribute to effective ministry. It encourages us to recognize that every believer is "counted" and has a unique and indispensable place within the body of Christ. No gift is too small, no task too insignificant, when performed for God's glory. We are called to identify, develop, and faithfully steward the spiritual gifts and talents God has entrusted to us, understanding that we are part of a larger, divinely ordered plan to advance His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision in Numbers 4:36 challenge my approach to order and diligence in my own life and service?**
* **In what specific ways am I using my unique gifts and talents, which God has "numbered" in me, for the building up of His church?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm the diverse roles and contributions of others within the body of Christ, knowing that every "number" is essential?**

### FAQ
**Why was the age range for Levite service specifically 30 to 50 years old?**

Answer: The age range of 30 to 50 years for active Tabernacle service, as outlined in [Numbers 4:3](/numbers/4-3 "Numbers 4:3 - Age for Tabernacle Service"), was chosen for several practical and spiritual reasons. Physically, this period represents the peak of a man's strength and endurance, essential for the strenuous duties of dismantling, carrying, and reassembling the heavy components of the Tabernacle. Spiritually and experientially, individuals in this age bracket would have gained significant maturity, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of the sacredness of their duties, having lived through various life experiences and observed the divine commands. This age range ensured that those handling the holy objects were not only physically capable but also spiritually prepared and responsible.

**What was the significance of counting the Levites "by their families"?**

Answer: Counting the Levites "by their families" (or clans) was profoundly significant within the ancient Israelite context. This method, emphasized throughout the census accounts in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel") and [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Levites"), underscored the tribal and familial structure of Israelite society. For the Levites, it reinforced the hereditary nature of their priestly and service roles, ensuring that the sacred duties were passed down through specific, designated lineages. It also provided a clear system of accountability and organization, allowing for the precise assignment of tasks to specific family units, thereby maintaining order and preventing confusion in the complex operations of the Tabernacle and the wilderness encampment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 4:36, with its meticulous counting and equipping of the Kohathites for sacred service, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The Old Testament Tabernacle, with its specific rituals and designated servants, was a shadow pointing to the reality found in Christ. Jesus is the ultimate High Priest, who, through His perfect sacrifice, fulfilled the need for a physical Tabernacle and its services (as seen in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, Our High Priest")). Under the New Covenant, the "numbering" for service is no longer confined to a specific tribe or age group, nor is it for the physical transport of a tent. Instead, through Christ, all believers are "numbered" and called into a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve God and build up His spiritual temple, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Christ")). The precise organization seen in Numbers foreshadows the divine order within the body of Christ, where every member, though diverse in gifting, is essential and "numbered" for a unique purpose in advancing God's kingdom ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")). Our service is now spiritual, offered through Christ, who perfectly accomplished the work of reconciliation, making us all acceptable and equipped to participate in His ongoing mission.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.