Numbers 3:36 Meaning and Explanation
“And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Merarites are responsible for the tabernacle's boards, bars, pillars, sockets, and all related equipment.
The Context of Numbers 3:36
Defining the Merarites' responsibility for the tabernacle's structural components.
What Does Numbers 3:36 Mean?
The Merarites' charge focuses on the tabernacle's structural framework. The boards (acacia wood walls), bars (cross-supports), pillars (vertical supports), and sockets (bases) comprise the basic construction. These components allow the tabernacle to be assembled and disassembled as Israel travels.
The Merarites are the logistics specialists of the Levites. Their work enables portability and stability. Without careful maintenance and proper transport of these foundational elements, the entire sanctuary would collapse or become unusable. Their labor, though less visible than the priests' duties, is absolutely essential.
Numbers 3:36 in the Original Language
mishmereth (מִשְׁמֶרֶת), 'charge' — custody and responsible guardianship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 3:36
What does Numbers 3:36 mean?
The Merarites are responsible for the tabernacle's boards, bars, pillars, sockets, and all related equipment.
What is the context of Numbers 3:36?
Defining the Merarites' responsibility for the tabernacle's structural components.