Old Testament
Numbers 4:38
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Gershonites were also counted by their families and ancestral households.
Compare translations
And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,
What Numbers 4:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Numbers 4:38, the focus is on the Gershonites, one of the Levitical families tasked with specific duties related to the Tabernacle. This verse highlights the importance of organization and structure within the Israelite community, as each family and household is counted and recognized. The Gershonites were responsible for transporting the curtains and coverings of the Tabernacle, which were essential for worship and the presence of God among His people. By counting them by their families and ancestral households, the text emphasizes the significance of lineage and the roles each family played in the larger community. This counting also reflects God's attention to detail and His care for each individual within the community, ensuring that everyone had a role in the worship and service of the Lord. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of community, responsibility, and the divine order established by God among His people.
How to apply Numbers 4:38 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of our roles within our communities. Just as the Gershonites had specific responsibilities, we too have unique contributions to make. Embracing our roles can strengthen our communities and enhance our collective worship and service.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Numbers 4:38
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Numbers 4:38
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 4:38 mean?
Numbers 4:38 refers to the counting of the Gershonites, a Levitical family responsible for specific duties related to the Tabernacle. This verse highlights the importance of organization and the roles each family played in the Israelite community.
What is the significance of the Gershonites in Numbers 4:38?
The Gershonites were significant as they were tasked with transporting the curtains and coverings of the Tabernacle, which were essential for worship. Their counting by families emphasizes the importance of lineage and community structure.
How does Numbers 4:38 relate to community responsibility?
Numbers 4:38 illustrates the concept of community responsibility by showing how each family had specific duties in the worship of God. It encourages individuals to recognize and embrace their unique contributions to strengthen their communities.
What themes are present in Numbers 4:38?
The themes present in Numbers 4:38 include community, organization, service, responsibility, and divine order. These themes highlight the importance of each individual's role within the larger community of Israel.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.