Numbers 1:47

47 Soothly the deacons in the lineage of their families were not numbered with them. (But the Levites, in the tribe of their families, were not listed with them.)

Numbers 1:47 Meaning and Commentary

Numbers 1:47

But the Levites
The tribe of Levi were excepted from this muster, they being employed in a kind of warfare, and therefore not to be engaged in another:

after the tribe of their fathers, were not numbered among them:
the rest of the tribes; the reason follows.

Numbers 1:47 In-Context

45 And all men of the sons of Israel, by their houses, and families, from twenty years and above, that might go forth to battles, (And all the men of the Israelites, by their houses, and families, from twenty years of age and older, who could go forth to battle,)

46 were all together six hundred thousand and three thousand men, and five hundred and fifty. (were altogether six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men.)

47 Soothly the deacons in the lineage of their families were not numbered with them. (But the Levites, in the tribe of their families, were not listed with them.)

48 And the Lord spake to Moses, and said, (For the Lord spoke to Moses, and said,)

49 Do not thou number the lineage of Levi, neither set thou the sum of them with the sons of Israel; (Do not thou list, or register, the tribe of Levi, nor take thou the sum of them among the Israelites;)