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 meticulously concludes the census for the Gershonite clan, specifying that two thousand six hundred and thirty men, aged thirty to fifty, were registered for active service in the Tabernacle. This precise enumeration highlights God's divine order, the specific responsibilities assigned to each Levitical family for the dismantling, transport, and reassembly of the sacred wilderness sanctuary, and the importance of accountability and preparedness in serving the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 4:40 serves as the concluding numerical summary for the Gershonite clan's census, situated within a broader chapter dedicated to detailing the duties and subsequent enumeration of the three primary Levitical families. The chapter systematically outlines the responsibilities of the Kohathites (Numbers 4:1-20), the Gershonites (Numbers 4:21-28), and the Merarites (Numbers 4:29-33). Each segment meticulously describes their specific roles concerning the Tabernacle's components, followed by a precise tally of those eligible for service, typically men aged 30 to 50. The Kohathite count is found in [Numbers 4:34-37](/numbers/4-34-37 "Numbers 4:34-37 - Kohathite Census"), while the Merarite census concludes the individual family counts in [Numbers 4:42-45](/numbers/4-42-45 "Numbers 4:42-45 - Merarite Census"). The chapter then culminates with a grand total of all eligible Levites in [Numbers 4:46-49](/numbers/4-46-49 "Numbers 4:46-49 - Total Levitical Census"). This repetitive structure of duty assignment followed by a census underscores the divine precision and inherent order required for the Tabernacle's operation and the Israelites' wilderness journey.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Numbers chronicles Israel's forty-year sojourn through the wilderness following their exodus from Egyptian bondage, a period characterized by divine provision, testing, and the establishment of a covenant community centered around the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle functioned as the portable dwelling place of God among His people, symbolizing His tangible presence and providing the prescribed means for atonement and worship. Unlike the other Israelite tribes who were allotted territorial inheritances, the Levites were uniquely set apart for dedicated service to the Lord, specifically for the meticulous care and transport of the Tabernacle. Censuses were a common administrative practice in the ancient Near East, often conducted for military conscription, taxation, or, in Israel's unique case, for organizing sacred service. The specified age range of 30 to 50 for active duty, as first introduced in [Numbers 4:3](/numbers/4-3 "Numbers 4:3 - Age for Levitical Service"), signifies a requirement for mature physical strength, accumulated wisdom, and seasoned experience essential for handling the sacred objects and structures. This ensured that only those fully capable and prepared undertook these vital, reverent tasks, reflecting God's desire for a structured, disciplined, and holy people.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 4:40, within its broader chapter, powerfully contributes to several key theological and narrative themes. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Order and Holiness**, emphasizing God's meticulous attention to detail and His demand for precision in all matters pertaining to His presence and worship. The exact counts and specific assignments underscore that God is not a God of chaos but of perfect structure. Related to this is the theme of **Sacred Service and Responsibility**, where the Levites are uniquely consecrated for their duties, highlighting that serving God is a serious, divinely appointed task requiring specific qualifications and accountability. The chapter also illustrates **God's Presence and Provision**, as the Tabernacle, which the Levites served, was the tangible sign of God dwelling among His people, and their organized service ensured its proper maintenance for the community's spiritual well-being. Finally, the census itself speaks to **Accountability and Preparedness**, demonstrating that God knows and calls each individual to their specific role within His larger plan, requiring them to be ready and capable for their assigned tasks, as seen in the detailed requirements for service found in [Numbers 4](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Levites").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _pâqad'_):** H6485. This verb signifies more than a mere numerical tally; it implies a divine visitation, an inspection, or an appointment with a specific purpose. In this context, it denotes God's personal oversight and designation of individuals for sacred service. It reflects not just 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, under God's watchful eye.
* **Families (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** H4940. The emphasis on "throughout their families" underscores the deeply entrenched tribal and familial structure of ancient Israelite society. Within this culture, identity, responsibilities, 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, a deep-rooted understanding of their roles, and a collective responsibility within the community and before God.
* **House of their fathers (Hebrew, _bayith_ H1004, _ʼâb_ H1):** This combined phrase further reinforces the patriarchal and lineage-based system. It refers to the ancestral household or paternal lineage, emphasizing the continuity of identity, heritage, and responsibility from one generation to the next. The census was not merely of isolated individuals but of men identified by their established and recognized familial heritage, underscoring the communal and historical dimension of their consecrated service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even those that were numbered of them":** This phrase specifically identifies the Gershonite men who met the stringent criteria for active Tabernacle service, particularly those between the ages of thirty and fifty years old. It signifies a distinct, qualified group within the larger Gershonite clan, singled out and registered for their particular, weighty duties.
* **"throughout their families, by the house of their fathers":** This clause highlights 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. This underscores the divine order and structured organization of the Israelite community, reflecting God's desire for precision in all aspects of their lives and service.
* **"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 emphasizes 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, leaving no room for ambiguity.

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

### 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 profoundly 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 and the advancement of God's kingdom.

* [1 Corinthians 12:4-7](/1_corinthians/12-4-7 "Diversity of Gifts for the Common Good")
* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Gifts for the Church's Growth and Unity")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4-8 "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 profoundly 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 and the effective witness of His people in the world.

#### 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, and how am I preparing for them?**
* **Am I cultivating the maturity and readiness (like the 30-50 age range) necessary to faithfully fulfill my divine assignments, both spiritually and practically?**

### 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 that underscore God's divine order and the sanctity of the Tabernacle service. 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 combined with accumulated wisdom and experience. Second, the familial breakdown ensured accountability and clarity of responsibility. Each Levitical family—Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—had distinct and non-overlapping duties, as meticulously outlined in [Numbers 4:1-33](/numbers/4 "Numbers 4 - Duties of the Levites"). The census ensured that enough qualified men were available for each specific task, preventing overlap or neglect. 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, as warned in passages like [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 active service in the Tabernacle, combining all three families, was 8,580. This sum is derived from the individual counts provided for each clan:
* 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 of 8,580 is explicitly stated and confirmed in [Numbers 4:48](/numbers/4-48 "Numbers 4:48 - Total Levitical Census"), further emphasizing the meticulous and precise nature of God's divine order for His people and their sacred duties.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise and ordered service of the Gershonite Levites, as detailed in Numbers 4:40, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ and His New Covenant. The Tabernacle, with its intricate structure, specific components, and detailed service requirements, was not an end in itself but a shadow of the heavenly reality and pointed directly 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, curtains, and ropes—symbolizing the beauty, separation, and access to God's presence—Christ perfectly fulfilled all aspects of the Law and Tabernacle service through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection. He became the ultimate veil torn in two, granting direct, unhindered access to God the Father for all who believe ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "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")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. The Church, as the spiritual temple built on Christ the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "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 diverse spiritual gifts and ministries. Each member is uniquely appointed, equipped, and empowered by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the body of Christ and the extension of His kingdom ([1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "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 and manifesting His glory 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.

Cross-References

Numbers 3:32

And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest [shall be] chief over the chief of the Levites, [and have] the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.