Numbers 4:47

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

From thirty {H7970} years {H8141} old {H1121} and upward {H4605} even unto fifty {H2572} years {H8141} old {H1121}, every one that came {H935} to do {H5647} the service of the ministry {H5656}, and the service {H5656} of the burden {H4853} in the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150},

Complete Jewish Bible

all those between thirty and fifty years old who were part of those working to serve and working to carry loads in the tent of meeting,

Berean Standard Bible

from thirty to fifty years old who came to do the work of serving and carrying the Tent of Meeting.

American Standard Version

from thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entered in to do the work of service, and the work of bearing burdens in the tent of meeting,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 4:47 specifies the age range for active service among the Levites, mandating that those engaged in the "service of the ministry" and the "service of the burden" in the Tabernacle of the congregation must be between thirty and fifty years old. This verse underscores God's meticulous attention to order, maturity, and physical capability in the sacred duties associated with the Tabernacle's transport and maintenance during Israel's wilderness journey, ensuring that only those in their prime were entrusted with such weighty responsibilities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 4 is part of a larger section (Numbers 1-4) detailing the census and organization of the Israelite camp, particularly focusing on the Levites. Following the general census of the other tribes, chapters 3 and 4 meticulously outline the unique role and responsibilities of the Levites, who were set apart for service to the Tabernacle. Numbers 4 specifically delineates the duties of the three Levitical families—the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites—in dismantling, transporting, and reassembling the various components of the Tabernacle during Israel's wilderness wanderings. Verses [Numbers 4:1-3](/numbers/4-1 "Numbers 4:1-3 - Kohathite Age for Service") introduce the age requirement for the Kohathites, which is then reiterated and applied more broadly to all Levites in verse 47, serving as a summary statement for the active service period. This precise instruction highlights the sanctity and logistical complexity of handling God's dwelling place.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Numbers 4:47 is the Israelite wilderness journey, a period of nomadic existence where the Tabernacle served as the central point of worship and God's tangible presence among His people. The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, required constant dismantling, carrying, and reassembly as the Israelites moved from place to place. This was not a light task; many components, like the ark, the altars, and the coverings, were heavy and required careful handling due to their sacred nature. In ancient cultures, the age of thirty often marked the transition into full adulthood and responsibility, a time when physical strength, accumulated wisdom, and mature judgment were expected. The upper limit of fifty years old likely accounted for the natural decline in physical stamina, ensuring that the demanding "service of the burden" was performed by those at the peak of their capabilities. This age range also reflects a broader principle of readiness for significant public or religious roles, as seen in other ancient Near Eastern societies and later in the initiation of Jesus' public ministry around the age of [thirty](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - Jesus Begins Ministry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Service of the ministry** (Hebrew, _'avodah'_): This term broadly denotes "work," "labor," or "service." In a religious context, it often carries the connotation of worship or sacred duty. Here, it encompasses the overall spiritual and practical duties performed by the Levites in the Tabernacle, beyond just the physical carrying, including the care, preparation, and maintenance of the holy objects. It speaks to the dedicated, reverent nature of their calling, emphasizing that their labor was an act of devotion to God.
* **Service of the burden** (Hebrew, _massa'_): This word specifically refers to a "load," "burden," or "carrying." It highlights the physically demanding aspect of the Levites' duties, particularly the transportation of the heavy and cumbersome components of the Tabernacle. This was not merely manual labor but a sacred "burden," signifying the weight of responsibility for God's holy dwelling and the solemnity of its movement. The distinction from "service of the ministry" underscores the dual nature of their calling: both spiritual devotion and strenuous physical exertion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old":** This clause establishes the precise age window for active, full-capacity Levitical service. The lower limit of thirty years signifies a stage of physical maturity, wisdom, and experience, ensuring that those handling the sacred objects and performing demanding tasks were not only strong but also responsible and discerning. The upper limit of fifty years acknowledged the natural decline in physical vigor, ensuring that the strenuous "service of the burden" was performed by those in their physical prime.
* **"every one that came to do the service of the ministry":** This phrase refers to the general sacred duties and spiritual responsibilities of the Levites. It encompasses all aspects of their consecrated life and work within the Tabernacle, including the care of its components, assisting the priests, and maintaining the sanctity of the sacred space. This was their primary calling, a life dedicated to serving God and His people in the Tabernacle.
* **"and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation":** This specifies the physically demanding aspect of their service—the actual carrying and transportation of the Tabernacle and its holy furnishings. This task was vital for Israel's nomadic existence, allowing God's presence to move with His people. The phrase "in the tabernacle of the congregation" emphasizes that this service was directly related to the central place of worship and meeting with God, highlighting the profound significance of their physical labor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Precision** and **Specificity** through the exact age range and the clear delineation of two types of "service." This meticulous detail underscores the divine order and the sacredness of the Tabernacle work, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding who was qualified for these critical roles. There is also an implicit **Dichotomy** or **Juxtaposition** between "the service of the ministry" and "the service of the burden," highlighting the dual nature of the Levites' calling—spiritual devotion combined with demanding physical labor. This emphasizes that service to God often involves both the sacred and the strenuous, the spiritual and the practical. Furthermore, the entire instruction operates as a form of **Symbolism**, where the Levites literally bearing the weight of the Tabernacle symbolizes their responsibility for God's presence among His people and the weight of their spiritual calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 4:47 profoundly illustrates God's demand for maturity, readiness, and intentionality in those who serve Him, particularly in roles of significant responsibility. The specific age requirements for the Levites underscore that sacred service is not to be undertaken lightly or by the unprepared, but by individuals who possess the necessary physical strength, wisdom, and experience. This principle extends beyond the Old Covenant, teaching us that while specific age limits are no longer applicable, the importance of spiritual maturity, a holistic commitment of mind and body, and a diligent approach to our calling remain paramount in serving God and His people.

* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")
* [1 Peter 4:10-11](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10-11 - Serving with Spiritual Gifts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific age requirements for Levitical service are rooted in the Old Covenant and the unique context of the Tabernacle, the underlying principles of Numbers 4:47 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our service to God. It reminds us that true ministry often involves both spiritual devotion ("service of the ministry") and practical, sometimes physically demanding, effort ("service of the burden"). God desires our holistic commitment—our minds, bodies, and spirits—to be offered in His service, recognizing that all work done for His glory is sacred. We are called to be prepared, mature, and diligent in whatever roles He has given us within the body of Christ, understanding that every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or strenuous, plays a vital part in the larger purpose of God's kingdom. This passage encourages us to assess our own readiness and commitment, asking how we might better equip ourselves for the "burdens" of ministry God has placed before us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on maturity and physical capability in Levitical service inform our understanding of readiness for ministry in the church today?**
* **In what ways do you experience both the "service of the ministry" (spiritual devotion) and the "service of the burden" (practical effort) in your current service to God and others?**
* **What "burdens" of service has God called you to bear, and how are you preparing yourself, both spiritually and practically, to carry them faithfully?**

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

Answer: The age range of 30 to 50 years old was chosen for several practical and symbolic reasons. At 30, individuals were generally considered to have reached full physical maturity, strength, and accumulated sufficient life experience and wisdom to handle the sacred and demanding tasks of the Tabernacle. This age marked the peak of their physical capabilities, essential for the strenuous "service of the burden" which involved dismantling, carrying, and reassembling heavy components of the Tabernacle. The upper limit of 50 years old likely accounted for the natural decline in physical stamina and vigor, ensuring that the work continued to be performed efficiently and safely. This period represented the prime of a person's life, dedicated entirely to the Lord's service. It contrasts with other Levitical ages, such as 25 for training ([Numbers 8:24](/numbers/8-24 "Numbers 8:24 - Levites Begin Service at 25")), or 20 for general census purposes, highlighting the unique demands of this particular active service.

**What is the difference between "the service of the ministry" and "the service of the burden" in this verse?**

Answer: The verse distinguishes between two aspects of Levitical duty. "The service of the ministry" (Hebrew: *'avodah*) refers to the broader, general sacred duties and spiritual functions of the Levites within the Tabernacle. This includes the care and maintenance of the holy objects, assisting the priests, and ensuring the proper functioning of worship. It encompasses the spiritual and administrative aspects of their calling. "The service of the burden" (Hebrew: *massa'*) specifically refers to the physically demanding task of transporting the Tabernacle and its components. This involved carrying the heavy ark, the altars, the coverings, and the various poles and boards as the Israelites moved through the wilderness. This distinction highlights that the Levites' calling was comprehensive, involving both spiritual dedication and significant physical labor, all for the purpose of maintaining God's presence among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 4:47, with its meticulous instructions for the Levites bearing the physical and spiritual burdens of the Tabernacle, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levites bore the "burden" of God's dwelling place, but Christ, the true Tabernacle of God, bore the ultimate burden of humanity's sin and the weight of God's wrath upon Himself on the cross. He is the supreme Servant, who came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Just as the Levites began their active ministry around the age of thirty, so too did Jesus commence His public ministry at a similar age ([Luke 3:23](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23 - Jesus Begins Ministry")), demonstrating the divine timing and maturity required for His perfect service. He is our great High Priest, who perfectly fulfills and transcends the Levitical priesthood, having entered the true heavenly Tabernacle not with the blood of animals, but with His own blood, securing an eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of the Good Things to Come")). In Christ, the "service of the ministry" and "service of the burden" converge: He perfectly ministered God's truth and grace, while simultaneously bearing the crushing "burden" of our sin, inviting all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest and to take His yoke, which is easy, and His burden, which is light ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Through His finished work, all believers are now part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to bear witness to Him and to serve Him, not under the old covenant's physical burdens, but by living out the new covenant's spiritual realities in the power of His Spirit.

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

1 Corinthians 12:4

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:31

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Romans 12:6

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

Romans 12:8

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Numbers 4:3

From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Numbers 4:15

And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

1 Chronicles 23:3

Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.