Numbers 1:50

⁴⁸ For the LORD had said to Moses:

⁴⁹ “Do not number the tribe of Levi in the census with the other Israelites.

Instead, you are to appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, all its furnishings, and everything in it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its articles, care for it, and camp around it.

⁵¹ Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death.

⁵² The Israelites are to camp by their divisions, each man in his own camp and under his own standard.

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB: Instead, you are to appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, all its furnishings, and everything in it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its articles, care for it, and camp around it.
KJV: But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.
WEB: but appoint the Levites over the Tabernacle of the Testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; and they shall take care of it, and shall encamp around it.
ASV: but appoint thou the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony, and over all the furniture thereof, and over all that belongeth to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the furniture thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.
DARBY: But thou, appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all its vessels; and they shall serve it, and round about the tabernacle shall they encamp;
BLB: And you shall appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all things that belong to it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall attend to it, and around the tabernacle they shall camp.

ÅB: Men du skal sette levittene over vitnesbyrdets tabernakel og over alle dets redskaper og over alt som hører til; de skal bære tabernaklet og alle dets redskaper, og de skal tjene ved tabernaklet og leire seg rundt omkring det.
OTB: I stedet skal du utnevne levittene over vitnesbyrdets tabernakel, over alle dets innredninger og alt som hører til det. De skal bære tabernaklet og alle dets innredninger; de skal ta seg av det og slå leir rundt det.
B1930: Men du skal sette levittene over vidnesbyrdets tabernakel og over alle dets redskaper og over alt som hører til; de skal bære tabernaklet og alle dets redskaper, og de skal tjene ved tabernaklet og leire sig rundt omkring det.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

Exodus 38:21
This is the inventory for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the Testimony, as recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
Read in context
Exodus 31:18
When the LORD had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.
Read in context
Numbers 4:15
When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting.
Read in context
Nehemiah 13:22
Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this as well, O my God, and show me mercy according to Your abundant loving devotion.
Read in context
Numbers 3:23–38
The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle,
Read in context
Exodus 32:26–29
So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him.
Read in context
Nehemiah 13:10–13
I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields.
Read in context
Numbers 20:11
Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink.
Read in context