New International Version“This is the service of the Gershonite clans in their carrying and their other work:
New Living Translation“These Gershonite clans will be responsible for general service and carrying loads.
English Standard VersionThis is the service of the clans of the Gershonites, in serving and bearing burdens:
Berean Standard BibleThis is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport:
King James BibleThis is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens:
New King James VersionThis is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and carrying:
New American Standard BibleThis is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in carrying:
NASB 1995“This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in carrying:
NASB 1977“This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in carrying:
Legacy Standard BibleThis is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in carrying:
Amplified BibleThis is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in carrying [when on the march]:
Christian Standard BibleThis is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transportation duties:
Holman Christian Standard BibleThis is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transportation duties:
American Standard VersionThis is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens:
Contemporary English VersionThe Gershonites will be responsible
English Revised VersionThis is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens:
GOD'S WORD® Translation"This is what the Gershonite families will do and what they will carry:
Good News TranslationThey shall be responsible for carrying the following objects:
International Standard Version"These are the responsibilities that the descendants of Gershon are to have:
NET BibleThis is the service of the families of Gershonites, as they serve and carry it.
New Heart English BibleThis is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens:
Webster's Bible TranslationThis is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport:
World English Bible“This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens: Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThis [is] the service of the families of the Gershonite, to serve and for burden:
Young's Literal Translation This is the service of the families of the Gershonite, to serve -- and for burden,
Smith's Literal TranslationThis the service from the families of the Gershonites, for service, and for lifting up: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThis is the office of the family of the Gersonites :
Catholic Public Domain VersionThis is the duty of the family of the Gershonites:
New American BibleThis is the task of the clans of the Gershonites, what they must do and what they must carry:
New Revised Standard VersionThis is the service of the clans of the Gershonites, in serving and bearing burdens: Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThis is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and to bear burdens;
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedThis is the service of the family of Gershun to minister and to remove: OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens:
Brenton Septuagint TranslationThis is the public service of the family of Gedson, to minister and to bear.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Duties of the Gershonites… 23from thirty to fifty years old, counting everyone who comes to serve in the work at the Tent of Meeting. 24Thisis the serviceof the Gershoniteclansregarding workand transport:25They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with the covering of fine leather over it, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting,…
Cross References Exodus 6:16-19These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. / The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans. / The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years. ...
1 Chronicles 23:6-32Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. / The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. / The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the first, Zetham, and Joel—three in all. ...
1 Chronicles 6:16-30The sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. / These are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. ...
1 Chronicles 15:2Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him forever.”
1 Chronicles 15:12-13And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. / It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.”
1 Chronicles 23:24-32These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. / For David had said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever. / So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.” ...
1 Chronicles 24:20-31Now these were the rest of the descendants of Levi: From the sons of Amram: Shubael; from the sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah. / As for Rehabiah, from his sons: The first was Isshiah. / From the Izharites: Shelomoth; from the sons of Shelomoth: Jahath. ...
2 Chronicles 29:11Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”
2 Chronicles 31:2Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.
Nehemiah 12:44-47And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving. / They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. ...
Hebrews 9:6When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties.
Hebrews 9:21In the same way, he sprinkled with blood the tabernacle and all the vessels used in worship.
Hebrews 8:5The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”
Hebrews 9:1-5Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. / A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, ...
Hebrews 10:11Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
Treasury of Scripture This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens: burdens, or carriage Jump to Previous BearingBurdenBurdensCarryCarryingClansFamiliesGershoniteGershonitesServeServingWorkJump to Next BearingBurdenBurdensCarryCarryingClansFamiliesGershoniteGershonitesServeServingWorkNumbers 4 1.The age at which the Levites were to serve, and the duration of the service4.The duty of the Kohathites16.The charge of Eleazar17.The office of the priests21.The duty of the Gershonites29.Of the Merarites34.The number of the Kohathites38.Of the Gershonites42.And of the MeraritesThis is the service of the Gershonite clansThe Gershonites were one of the three Levitical families, descendants of Levi through his son Gershon. Their role was crucial in the maintenance and transportation of the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This service highlights the division of labor among the Levites, emphasizing the importance of order and organization in worship. The Gershonites' duties were distinct from those of the Kohathites and Merarites, reflecting the structured approach God ordained for His people. This division of labor can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament teaching on the body of Christ, where each member has a unique role ( 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). regarding work and transport:
The Gershonites were responsible for the care and transportation of the Tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and other fabric elements. This included the tent curtains, the covering of the Tent of Meeting, the outer covering of durable leather, the curtains for the courtyard, and the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle and altar. Their duties required careful handling and reverence, as these items were integral to the sacred space where God met with His people. The emphasis on transport underscores the nomadic nature of the Israelites during this period and the need for a mobile place of worship. This foreshadows the concept of the church as a living, moving body of believers, not confined to a single location (John 4:21-24). Persons / Places / Events 1. GershonitesA Levitical clan descended from Gershon, the son of Levi. They were responsible for specific duties related to the tabernacle, particularly involving the care and transport of its coverings and curtains. 2. LeviThe third son of Jacob and Leah, whose descendants were set apart for religious duties. The tribe of Levi was divided into clans, each with specific responsibilities in the service of the tabernacle. 3. TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice. 4. Wilderness JourneyThe period during which the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, during which the tabernacle was constructed and used. 5. Moses and AaronLeaders of the Israelites who were responsible for organizing the duties of the Levites, including the Gershonites, in accordance with God's commands. Teaching Points Faithfulness in ServiceThe Gershonites were entrusted with specific duties, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in the roles God assigns to us. Each task, no matter how seemingly mundane, contributes to the greater purpose of worship and service to God. Unity in DiversityThe division of labor among the Levites illustrates how God values different gifts and roles within the body of believers. Each person has a unique contribution to make, and all are essential for the functioning of the community. Preparation for WorshipThe meticulous care in transporting the tabernacle's components underscores the need for preparation and reverence in our approach to worship. We should consider how we prepare our hearts and minds to meet with God. Obedience to God's CommandsThe Gershonites' service was in direct obedience to God's instructions. This teaches us the importance of aligning our actions with God's will as revealed in Scripture. Legacy of ServiceThe ongoing role of the Gershonites throughout Israel's history reminds us of the lasting impact of faithful service. Our actions today can influence future generations in their walk with God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Numbers 4:24?
2.What duties are assigned to the Gershonites in Numbers 4:24, and why?
3.How do the Gershonites' tasks reflect God's order and purpose for His people?
4.Compare the Gershonites' responsibilities with those of the Kohathites in Numbers 4.
5.How can we apply the principle of service from Numbers 4:24 in our lives?
6.What does Numbers 4:24 teach about the importance of community roles in the church?
7.What is the significance of the duties of the Gershonites in Numbers 4:24?
8.How does Numbers 4:24 reflect the organization of Israelite worship?
9.Why were the Gershonites assigned specific tasks in Numbers 4:24?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4?
11.Numbers 4 - Given the large census numbers in previous chapters, is there any historical or scientific basis to confirm the vast manpower needed for these Tabernacle tasks?
12.Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites?
13.Numbers 4:24-26 - How feasible is it that the Gershonites could manage the massive weights of curtains and tents in a desert setting?
14.What rationale is given for excluding Levites from the census in Numbers 1:47-53, and how does this affect the overall population count?What Does Numbers 4:24 Mean This is the serviceWhen the LORD declares, “This is the service,” He is defining a divine assignment, not a volunteer option (Numbers 3:7-8;Romans 12:1). Service flows out of worship; the Levites’ labor maintained the very place where God met His people (Exodus 25:8). By setting the terms, God reminds every generation that ministry is never self-appointed. Much later Paul echoes the same principle: “There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:5).Numbers 4:24 therefore anchors the idea that the tabernacle—and all who serve there—operate under God’s clear authority and order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
of the Gershonite clansThe Gershonites, descendants of Levi’s firstborn son Gershon (Exodus 6:16;Numbers 3:21-22), form one of three Levitical divisions alongside the Kohathites and Merarites (Numbers 3:17). Each clan receives a distinct portfolio. For Gershon, Moses records: • Care for the tent curtains, coverings, and screens (Numbers 4:25-26). • Responsibility for ropes and all equipment tied to those fabrics (Numbers 3:25). Placing the Gershonites on the west side of the tabernacle (Numbers 3:23) situates them nearest the Holy of Holies, a subtle reminder that every ministry role—visible or backstage—exists in God’s presence. Centuries later, David organizes temple servants along similar family lines (1 Chronicles 23:7-11), underscoring the lasting pattern of God-assigned duties.
regarding work“Work” here points to the day-to-day tasks that kept worship possible. Scripture never separates sacred and practical: sewing, folding, cleaning, and maintaining fabrics were holy acts because they preserved the dwelling place of the LORD (Colossians 3:23-24). Key observations: • The Gershonites start service at age thirty, signifying maturity and readiness (Numbers 4:30). • Their labor is continuous whenever the cloud moves (Numbers 9:17-19). • God values skilled craftsmanship; Bezalel and Oholiab’s artistry (Exodus 31:1-6) parallels the Gershonites’ fabric care. Every believer’s “work of faith” (1 Thessalonians 1:3) follows this model—ordinary tasks become extraordinary when dedicated to God (Ephesians 2:10).
and transportTransport describes the logistical side of worship. When the camp breaks, the Gershonites pack and carry their assigned pieces, then set them up at the next stop (Numbers 4:27). Their movement teaches several lessons: • Order: Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons supervise to ensure nothing is misplaced (Numbers 4:28). • Protection: Wagons and oxen later provided by the leaders lighten the load (Numbers 7:7), showing God’s provision for heavy duties. • Mobility: God’s presence is not confined to one spot; as the tabernacle advances, so does His people’s mission (Deuteronomy 1:33). Believers today carry the testimony of Christ wherever they go (2 Corinthians 4:7;Matthew 28:19-20). The Gershonites foreshadow this calling—faithfully moving sacred things so others may meet the LORD.
summaryNumbers 4:24 assigns the Gershonites a clear, God-ordained role: to serve by handling, maintaining, and transporting the tabernacle’s fabrics. The verse highlights divine authority (“This is the service”), family stewardship (“of the Gershonite clans”), diligent labor (“regarding work”), and purposeful mobility (“and transport”). Together they model wholehearted, orderly ministry that safeguards worship and advances God’s presence among His people.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Thisזֹ֣את(zōṯ)Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063:Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,is the serviceעֲבֹדַ֔ת(‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5656:Work of any kindof the Gershoniteהַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֑י(hag·gê·rə·šun·nî)Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1649:Gershonites -- descendant of Gershonclansמִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת(miš·pə·ḥōṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4940:A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, peopleregarding workלַעֲבֹ֖ד(la·‘ă·ḇōḏ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5647:To work, to serve, till, enslaveand transport:וּלְמַשָּֽׂא׃(ū·lə·maś·śā)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4853:A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire
Links Numbers 4:24 NIVNumbers 4:24 NLTNumbers 4:24 ESVNumbers 4:24 NASBNumbers 4:24 KJV
Numbers 4:24 BibleApps.comNumbers 4:24 Biblia ParalelaNumbers 4:24 Chinese BibleNumbers 4:24 French BibleNumbers 4:24 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Numbers 4:24 This is the service of the families (Nu Num.) |
