Numbers 4:40

KJV

Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even those that were numbered {H6485} of them, throughout their families {H4940}, by the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}, were two thousand {H505} and six {H8337} hundred {H3967} and thirty {H7970}.

Complete Jewish Bible

yielded 2,630, registered by their clans and families.

Berean Standard Bible

And those numbered by their clans and families totaled 2,630.

American Standard Version

even those that were numbered of them, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 4:40 concludes the meticulous census of the Gershonite family, documenting that two thousand six hundred and thirty men, aged thirty to fifty, were deemed fit for active service in the Tabernacle. This precise enumeration underscores God's divine order and the specific responsibilities assigned to each Levitical family for the dismantling, transport, and reassembly of the sacred wilderness sanctuary, highlighting the importance of accountability and preparedness in serving the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 4:40 is the concluding verse of the census for the Gershonite clan within the larger chapter detailing the duties and census of the three Levitical families: the Kohathites (Numbers 4:1-20), the Gershonites (Numbers 4:21-28), and the Merarites (Numbers 4:29-33). Each section meticulously outlines their specific responsibilities regarding the Tabernacle's components and then provides a tally of those eligible for service (men aged 30-50). Numbers 4:34-37 records the Kohathite count (2,750), and Numbers 4:38-41 (which includes 4:40) focuses on the Gershonites, whose duties involved the lighter coverings, curtains, and ropes of the Tabernacle. The chapter culminates with the Merarite census (Numbers 4:42-45), whose heavy duties included the boards, bars, pillars, and sockets, and a final summary of all eligible Levites (Numbers 4:46-49). This repeated pattern of duty assignment followed by a census emphasizes the divine precision required for the Tabernacle's operation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Numbers chronicles Israel's journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, a period marked by divine guidance, testing, and the establishment of the covenant community. The Tabernacle served as the central dwelling place of God among His people, symbolizing His presence and providing the means for atonement and worship. The Levites, unlike the other tribes, received no territorial inheritance but were set apart for service to the Lord, specifically for the care and transport of the Tabernacle. Censuses were common in ancient Near Eastern societies, often for military conscription, taxation, or, in Israel's case, for organizing sacred service. The age range of 30 to 50 for active duty (as seen in [Numbers 4:3](/numbers/4-3 "Numbers 4:3 - Age for Levitical Service")) indicates a requirement for maturity, strength, and experience for handling the sacred objects and structures, ensuring that only those capable and prepared undertook these vital tasks. This meticulous organization was crucial for maintaining order and reverence during their nomadic existence, reflecting God's desire for a structured and disciplined people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _paqad'_):** This verb carries a richer meaning than a simple tally. It implies a divine visitation, an inspection, an appointment, or an enrollment with a specific purpose. In this context, it signifies God's personal oversight and designation of individuals for sacred service. It's not merely a demographic count but an act of divine commissioning and accountability, reinforcing the idea that these men were divinely chosen and set apart for their specific tasks.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mishpachah'_):** The emphasis on "throughout their families" highlights the strong tribal and familial structure of ancient Israelite society. Responsibilities, identity, and lineage were intrinsically linked. For the Levites, this meant that their sacred duties were inherited and passed down through specific family lines, ensuring continuity and a deep-rooted understanding of their roles within the community and before God.
* **House of their fathers (Hebrew, _beit 'av'_):** This phrase further reinforces the patriarchal and lineage-based system. It signifies the ancestral household, emphasizing the continuity of identity and responsibility from one generation to the next. The census was not just of individuals but of individuals identified by their established and recognized familial heritage, underscoring the communal and historical dimension of their service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even those that were numbered of them":** This phrase refers specifically to the Gershonite men who met the criteria for active Tabernacle service, namely being between the ages of thirty and fifty years old. It signifies a distinct group within the larger Gershonite clan, singled out for their particular duties.
* **"throughout their families, by the house of their fathers":** This clause emphasizes the systematic and hierarchical nature of the census. The counting was meticulously conducted according to established family units and patriarchal households, ensuring that every eligible man was accounted for within his proper lineage, reinforcing the order and structure of the Israelite community.
* **"were two thousand and six hundred and thirty":** This precise numerical total provides the exact count of the eligible Gershonite men. The specificity of the number highlights God's meticulous attention to detail and His demand for exactitude in the organization of His service, demonstrating the accountability of the census-takers and the transparency of the divine command.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, like much of Numbers 4, employs **Precision and Detail** as a prominent literary device. The exact numbers, age ranges, and familial designations are meticulously recorded, emphasizing God's demand for order and exactitude in the Tabernacle service. This is further reinforced by **Repetition** of the census formula ("those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers") for each Levitical family, creating a rhythmic and authoritative tone that underscores the divine mandate and the systematic nature of the organization. The cumulative effect of this detail and repetition is **Emphasis** on the sacredness of the Tabernacle, the seriousness of the Levites' duties, and God's sovereign oversight of every aspect of His people's worship and journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 4:40, in its precise accounting of the Gershonite Levites, powerfully illustrates God's nature as a God of order, purpose, and meticulous detail. It conveys that every aspect of His work, especially sacred service, is to be undertaken with intentionality, preparation, and accountability. The specific assignment of duties to each Levitical family, down to the exact number of eligible men, demonstrates that God values every individual's contribution within a larger, divinely orchestrated plan. This principle extends to the New Covenant, where every believer is gifted and called to serve within the body of Christ, each part vital for the whole's effective functioning.

* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4 "Diversity of Gifts for Common Good")
* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Gifts for the Church's Growth")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Gifts in the Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail of Numbers 4:40, focusing on the specific count of Gershonite Levites prepared for service, invites us to reflect on the divine order that God desires in our lives and in His church today. Just as each Levite had a divinely appointed and essential task, so too does every believer possess unique gifts and a specific calling within the body of Christ. This verse reminds us that God is not haphazard; He is intentional, and He equips us for the good works He has prepared in advance for us. Our service, whether seemingly grand or mundane, is significant in His eyes, requiring faithfulness, diligence, and a spirit of preparedness. It prompts us to consider our own readiness for ministry, our commitment to our assigned roles, and our willingness to submit to the divine order that brings about the flourishing of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed organization of the Levites challenge my understanding of "casual" or "informal" service to God?**
* **What specific "burdens" or "tasks" has God uniquely prepared me to carry in my family, church, or community?**
* **Am I cultivating the maturity and readiness (like the 30-50 age range) necessary to faithfully fulfill my divine assignments?**

### FAQ
**Why was such a detailed census of the Levites necessary, specifically for their age and family?**

Answer: The detailed census, including age and family lineage, was crucial for several reasons. First, it ensured that only men of mature age (30-50) and physical strength were assigned the arduous and sacred tasks of dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the Tabernacle. This age range likely reflected a period of peak physical ability and accumulated wisdom. Second, the familial breakdown ensured accountability and clarity of responsibility. Each family (Kohathites, Gershonites, Merarites) had distinct duties (as outlined in [Numbers 4:1-33](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Levites")), and the census ensured that enough qualified men were available for each specific task. This meticulous organization underscored the holiness of the Tabernacle and the seriousness of serving the Lord, preventing unauthorized or unprepared individuals from handling sacred objects, which could lead to severe consequences (e.g., [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Warning to the Kohathites")).

**What was the total number of all Levites counted for service in Numbers 4?**

Answer: The total number of Levite men aged 30 to 50 who were eligible for service in the Tabernacle, combining all three families, was 8,580. This sum is derived from the individual counts:
* Kohathites: 2,750 (recorded in [Numbers 4:36](/numbers/4-36 "Numbers 4:36 - Kohathite Census"))
* Gershonites: 2,630 (recorded in [Numbers 4:40](/numbers/4-40 "Numbers 4:40 - Gershonite Census"))
* Merarites: 3,200 (recorded in [Numbers 4:44](/numbers/4-44 "Numbers 4:44 - Merarite Census"))
The grand total is explicitly stated in [Numbers 4:48](/numbers/4-48 "Numbers 4:48 - Total Levitical Census"), confirming the meticulous nature of God's divine order for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise and ordered service of the Gershonite Levites, as detailed in Numbers 4:40, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ and His New Covenant work. The Tabernacle, with its intricate structure and specific components, was a shadow of the heavenly reality and pointed to Christ, who is the true dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as the Gershonites bore the lighter coverings and curtains, symbolizing the beauty and separation of God's presence, Christ perfectly fulfilled all aspects of the Law and Tabernacle service through His life, death, and resurrection, becoming the ultimate veil torn in two, granting direct access to God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Moreover, the meticulous organization of the Old Covenant priesthood foreshadows the New Covenant reality where all believers are made a "royal priesthood" in Christ ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). The Church, as the spiritual temple built on Christ the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")), now carries out God's work in the world, not with physical burdens of a tent, but with spiritual gifts and ministries, each member uniquely appointed and equipped by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the body of Christ ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - One Body, Many Members")). Thus, the ancient census of the Gershonites ultimately points to the perfect, ordered, and Spirit-empowered service of Christ's redeemed people, living out His mission in the world.

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.