New International VersionAll their service, whether carrying or doing other work, is to be done under the direction of Aaron and his sons. You shall assign to them as their responsibility all they are to carry.
New Living TranslationAaron and his sons will direct the Gershonites regarding all their duties, whether it involves moving the equipment or doing other work. They must assign the Gershonites responsibility for the loads they are to carry.
English Standard VersionAll the service of the sons of the Gershonites shall be at the command of Aaron and his sons, in all that they are to carry and in all that they have to do. And you shall assign to their charge all that they are to carry.
Berean Standard BibleAll the service of the Gershonites—all their transport duties and other work—is to be done at the direction of Aaron and his sons; you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry.
King James BibleAt the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.
New King James Version“Aaron and his sons shall assign all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, all their tasks and all their service. And you shall appoint to them all their tasks as their duty.
New American Standard BibleAll the service of the sons of the Gershonites, that is, all their loads and all their work, shall be performed at the command of Aaron and his sons; and you shall assign to them as a duty all their loads.
NASB 1995“All the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their loads and in all their work, shall be performed at the command of Aaron and his sons; and you shall assign to them as a duty all their loads.
NASB 1977 “All the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their loads and in all their work, shall be performed at the command of Aaron and his sons; and you shall assign to them as a duty all their loads.
Legacy Standard Bible All the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their loads and in all their service, shall be performed at the command of Aaron and his sons; and you shall assign to them as a responsibility all their loads.
Amplified BibleAaron and his sons shall direct all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, all they have to carry and all they have to do. You shall assign to them as a duty all that they are to carry [on the march].
Christian Standard Bible“All the service of the Gershonites, all their transportation duties and all their other work, is to be done at the command of Aaron and his sons; you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAll the service of the Gershonites, all their transportation duties and all their other work, is to be done at the command of Aaron and his sons; you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry.
American Standard VersionAt the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden, and in all their service; and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burden.
Contemporary English Versionand they will carry them wherever Aaron and his sons tell them to.
English Revised VersionAt the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burden.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAll their work, whatever they carry and all their duties, will be done under the direction of Aaron and his sons. You are in charge of telling them everything they're supposed to carry.
Good News TranslationMoses and Aaron shall see to it that the Gershonites perform all the duties and carry everything that Aaron and his sons assign to them.
International Standard VersionThe descendants of Gershon are to carry out the instructions of Aaron and his sons. You are to assign them their responsibilities to carry out.
NET Bible"All the service of the Gershonites, whether carrying loads or for any of their work, will be at the direction of Aaron and his sons. You will assign them all their tasks as their responsibility.
New Heart English BibleAt the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden, and in all their service; and you shall appoint their duty to them in all their responsibilities.
Webster's Bible TranslationAt the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint to them in charge all their burdens. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAll the service of the Gershonites—all their transport duties and other work—is to be done at the direction of Aaron and his sons; you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry.
World English BibleAt the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden and in all their service; and you shall appoint their duty to them in all their responsibilities. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBy the command of Aaron and his sons is all the service of the sons of the Gershonite, in all their burden and in all their service; and you have laid a charge on them concerning the charge of all their burden.
Young's Literal Translation 'By the command of Aaron and his sons is all the service of the sons of the Gershonite in all their burden, and in all their service; and ye have laid a charge on them concerning the charge of all their burden.
Smith's Literal TranslationAt the mouth of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites for all their lifting up and for all their service: and ye shall appoint upon them in their watches all their lifting up. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe sons of Gerson shall carry, by the commandment of Aaron and his sons: and each man shall know to what burden he must be assigned.
Catholic Public Domain Versionthe sons of Gershon shall carry, under the orders of Aaron and his sons. And so shall each one know to which burden he ought to surrender.
New American BibleThe service of the Gershonites shall be entirely under the direction of Aaron and his sons, with regard to what they must carry and what they must do; you shall list for them by name what they are to carry.
New Revised Standard VersionAll the service of the Gershonites shall be at the command of Aaron and his sons, in all that they are to carry, and in all that they have to do; and you shall assign to their charge all that they are to carry. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAt the command of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of Gershon, in all their burdens and in all their service; and you shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAll the service of the sons of Gershun shall be by the word of the mouth of Ahron and of his sons for all their removal and all their ministry and you shall authorize upon them the keeping over all their removal. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917At the commandment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burden, and in all their service; and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burden.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAccording to the direction of Aaron and his sons shall be the ministry of the sons of Gedson, in all their ministries, and in all their works; and thou shalt take account of them by name in all things borne by them.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Duties of the Gershonites… 26the curtains of the courtyard, and the curtains for the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites will do all that needs to be done with these items. 27All the service of the Gershonites — all their transport duties and other work— is to be done at the direction of Aaron and his sons; you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry. 28This is the service of the Gershonite clans at the Tent of Meeting, and their duties shall be under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.…
Cross References Exodus 18:25-26So Moses chose capable men from all Israel and made them heads over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. / And they judged the people at all times; they would bring the difficult cases to Moses, but any minor issue they would judge themselves.
1 Chronicles 23:28-32but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, / as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. / They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. ...
1 Corinthians 12:4-6There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. / There are different ministries, but the same Lord. / There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people.
1 Corinthians 12:28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
1 Peter 4:10-11As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. / If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
Romans 12:4-8Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, / so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. / We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; ...
Ephesians 4:11-12And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,
1 Corinthians 14:40But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.
1 Timothy 3:15in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Hebrews 13:17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
1 Chronicles 6:48-49Their fellow Levites were assigned to every kind of service of the tabernacle, the house of God. / But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.
2 Chronicles 8:14In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.
Nehemiah 12:44-45And 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.
1 Chronicles 9:28-32Some of them were in charge of the articles used in worship, to count them whenever they were brought in or taken out. / Others were put in charge of the furnishings and other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the fine flour, wine, oil, frankincense, and spices. / And some of the sons of the priests mixed the spices. ...
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.
Luke 1:70
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 1 Corinthians 11:2
Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. Jump to Previous Aaron Appoint Appointment Assign Burden Burdens Carry Carrying Charge Command Commandment Direction Duty Gershonite Gershonites Mouth Performed Responsibilities Responsibility Service Whether Word WorkJump to Next Aaron Appoint Appointment Assign Burden Burdens Carry Carrying Charge Command Commandment Direction Duty Gershonite Gershonites Mouth Performed Responsibilities Responsibility Service Whether Word WorkNumbers 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 MeraritesAll the service of the GershonitesThe Gershonites were one of the 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. This highlights the importance of each tribe and family in the community, emphasizing the need for order and structure in worship. all their transport duties and other work
The Gershonites were responsible for carrying the curtains, coverings, and hangings of the Tabernacle. This task required careful attention to detail and reverence, as these items were considered holy. The division of labor among the Levites ensured that the Tabernacle could be moved efficiently and with respect for its sacredness. is to be done at the direction of Aaron and his sons
Aaron and his sons, as priests, held the highest religious authority among the Israelites. Their oversight ensured that the service of the Gershonites was conducted according to God's commands. This reflects the biblical principle of leadership and accountability within the community of faith, where spiritual leaders guide and direct the work of others. you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry
This phrase underscores the importance of clear roles and responsibilities within the community. Each family had specific duties, and the Gershonites were entrusted with particular items of the Tabernacle. This division of labor not only facilitated the practical aspects of worship but also symbolized the unity and diversity of the body of believers, each contributing to the whole. Persons / Places / Events 1. GershonitesA Levitical family descended from Gershon, the son of Levi. They were responsible for the care and transport of the tabernacle's curtains and coverings. 2. AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He and his sons were responsible for overseeing the duties of the Levites, including the Gershonites. 3. Sons of AaronThe descendants of Aaron who served as priests. They played a crucial role in the religious leadership and rituals of Israel. 4. TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. It was central to their worship and community life. 5. Wilderness JourneyThe period when the Israelites traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, during which the tabernacle was constructed and maintained. Teaching Points Obedience and OrderThe Gershonites' duties were assigned by divine command through Aaron and his sons, emphasizing the importance of obedience and order in serving God. Role of LeadershipAaron and his sons exemplify spiritual leadership, guiding and directing the service of others in accordance with God's instructions. Community and CooperationThe division of labor among the Levites illustrates the necessity of community and cooperation in fulfilling God's purposes. Faithfulness in ServiceThe Gershonites' faithful execution of their duties, though seemingly mundane, was vital to the worship and spiritual life of Israel. Symbolism of the TabernacleThe tabernacle represents God's presence among His people, and the meticulous care for its components reflects the reverence due to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 4:27?
2. How does Numbers 4:27 emphasize obedience to God’s appointed leadership?
3. What roles are assigned to the Gershonites under Eleazar's supervision in Numbers 4:27?
4. How does Numbers 4:27 reflect God's order and structure in ministry?
5. How can we apply the principle of delegated authority from Numbers 4:27 today?
6. What other scriptures highlight the importance of following God-ordained leadership?
7. What does Numbers 4:27 reveal about the roles of the Levites in Israelite society?
8. How does Numbers 4:27 reflect the importance of obedience in religious duties?
9. Why is the supervision of Eleazar and Ithamar significant in Numbers 4:27?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 4?
11. Who was Ithamar in the Bible?
12. What rationale is given for excluding Levites from the census in Numbers 1:47-53, and how does this affect the overall population count?
13. How does the ritual laying on of hands in Numbers 8:10 align or conflict with other priestly consecration rites in the Torah?
14. What is the biblical perspective on snakes?What Does Numbers 4:27 Mean All the service of the GershonitesThe tribe of Levi was set apart for tabernacle ministry, and within it the family of Gershon received a specific role (Numbers 3:17, 25). “All the service” tells us nothing was left to chance; every task, great or small, counted as an act of worship. Like the instructions about the priests’ garments in Exodus 28:2–3, God shows that details matter because He is holy. • Service is sacred—being born a Gershonite automatically placed a man into holy work, just as believers today are “a chosen people” with priestly duties (1 Peter 2:9). • No Gershonite could opt out; obedience was the only faithful response (John 14:15).
—all their transport duties and other work—Gershon’s clan was responsible for the soft furnishings of the tabernacle—the curtains, coverings, and hangings (Numbers 4:24–26). God even assigned them two wagons for this purpose (Numbers 7:7). • Transport duties were seasonal, tied to Israel’s journeys (Numbers 10:17); yet they were essential, for without the curtains there was no tabernacle to set up. • “Other work” reminds us that God never divides life into sacred and secular; every chore done in obedience becomes worship (Colossians 3:23).
is to be done at the direction of Aaron and his sons;Although Gershonites carried holy things, they did so under priestly oversight. The high priest Aaron—and later the line of Eleazar and Ithamar (Numbers 4:28)—ensured nothing violated God’s pattern. • Authority protects: delegated leadership kept the camp orderly (1 Corinthians 14:40). • Submission models Christ, who said, “I do only what I see the Father doing” (John 5:19). The Gershonites mirrored that attitude.
you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry.Moses, as the mediator (Deuteronomy 34:10), personally distributed each load. No one chose his own burden; each received what best suited his strength and calling, echoing Romans 12:4–6 where gifts differ yet complement one another. • Specific loads prevented envy or neglect; comparison disappears when every assignment comes from God (John 21:22). • Faithfulness, not size of task, measures success (Matthew 25:21).
summaryNumbers 4:27 teaches that God values order, obedience, and shared responsibility. By directing every detail—what is carried, who carries it, and under whose authority—He protects His holiness and blesses His people. The passage calls today’s believers to embrace their God-given roles, work under spiritual authority, and serve wholeheartedly, trusting that every assignment—large or small—advances His redemptive plan.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Allכָּל־ (kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, everythe serviceעֲבֹדַת֙ (‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5656: Work of any kindof the Gershonites—וּבָנָ֜יו (ū·ḇā·nāw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A sonallלְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, everytheir transport dutiesמַשָּׂאָ֔ם (maś·śā·’ām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4853: A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desireandוּלְכֹ֖ל (ū·lə·ḵōl)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, everyother work—עֲבֹדָתָ֑ם (‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯām)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5656: Work of any kindis to be done atעַל־ (‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, againstthe directionפִּי֩ (pî)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according toof Aaronאַהֲרֹ֨ן (’a·hă·rōn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosesand his sons;בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A sonyou are to assignוּפְקַדְתֶּ֤ם (ū·p̄ə·qaḏ·tem)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposittoעֲלֵהֶם֙ (‘ă·lê·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, againstthem allכָּל־ (kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, everythat they are responsibleבְּמִשְׁמֶ֔רֶת (bə·miš·me·reṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4931: A guard, watch, charge, functionto carry.מַשָּׂאָֽם׃ (maś·śā·’ām)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4853: A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire
Links Numbers 4:27 NIVNumbers 4:27 NLTNumbers 4:27 ESVNumbers 4:27 NASBNumbers 4:27 KJV
Numbers 4:27 BibleApps.comNumbers 4:27 Biblia ParalelaNumbers 4:27 Chinese BibleNumbers 4:27 French BibleNumbers 4:27 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Numbers 4:27 At the commandment of Aaron and his (Nu Num.) |
