Leviticus 24:3 kjv

Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: it shall be a statute for ever in your generations.

Leviticus 24:3 nkjv

Outside the veil of the Testimony, in the tabernacle of meeting, Aaron shall be in charge of it from evening until morning before the LORD continually; it shall be a statute forever in your generations.

Leviticus 24:3 niv

Outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law in the tent of meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening till morning, continually. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.

Leviticus 24:3 esv

Outside the veil of the testimony, in the tent of meeting, Aaron shall arrange it from evening to morning before the LORD regularly. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.

Leviticus 24:3 nlt

This is the lampstand that stands in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron must keep the lamps burning in the LORD's presence all night. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation.

Leviticus 24 verses

Leviticus 24 3 Meaning

Leviticus 24:3 mandates the perpetual burning of the lamps of the Tabernacle's menorah, specifically "outside the veil of the testimony," meaning within the Holy Place, before the Holy of Holies. It explicitly places this duty upon Aaron, the High Priest, requiring him to maintain the lamps from evening until morning without fail. This commandment is declared a perpetual statute, enduring "throughout your generations," underscoring its timeless and inherited significance for Israel's worship and connection with God.

Leviticus 24 3 Context

Leviticus chapter 24 details instructions regarding sacred provisions for the Tabernacle and specific judicial laws. Verse 3 follows the command in verse 2 to supply pure olive oil for the lampstand's continuous burning. These instructions for the Tabernacle's upkeep form part of a broader section of Leviticus dealing with priestly duties and holy observances that ensure God's holy presence can dwell among His people. Historically, this command highlights Israel's unique relationship with the unseen God, who required continuous ritual service and presence in His dwelling, contrasting sharply with the sporadic or often appeasement-based rituals of surrounding pagan nations whose deities might be seen as requiring sleep or not needing constant presence. The perpetual light signifies a God who is ever-present and never slumbers, overseeing His people and their service, ensuring His glory continually illuminates His sanctuary.

Leviticus 24 3 Word analysis

• Outside: The Hebrew liphne (לִפְנֵי) means "before" or "in the presence of," indicating not merely spatial proximity but facing or presenting something. Here, it refers to the location of the menorah in the Holy Place, directly facing the veil.
• the veil: The Hebrew hapParoKhet (הַפָּרֹכֶת) is the thick, elaborate curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. It marked the boundary of God's most intense presence.
• of the testimony: The Hebrew ha'Edut (הָעֵדֻת) refers to the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. These tablets served as a perpetual "testimony" or witness to God's covenant and law given to Israel.
• in the tent: The Hebrew b'Ohel (בְּאֹהֶל) refers to the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God manifested His presence among the Israelites.
• of meeting: The Hebrew Mo'ed (מוֹעֵד) implies an "appointed place" or "appointed time." The Tent of Meeting was the designated place where God would "meet" with Moses and, by extension, His people.
• Aaron: Refers to Aaron, the first High Priest, symbolizing the continuity of the priestly line responsible for these duties. His specific role underscores the meticulous nature of Tabernacle service.
• shall arrange it: The Hebrew verb ya'arokh (יַעֲרֹךְ) means "to set in order," "prepare," or "arrange." It emphasizes the careful, diligent, and skilled work required of the priests to trim the wicks, add oil, and ensure the lamps burn properly. The "it" implicitly refers to the lamps/lampstand mentioned in the preceding verse.
• from evening: The Hebrew me'Erev (מֵעֶרֶב) marks the start of the nocturnal period.
• to morning: The Hebrew ad Boqer (עַד בֹּקֶר) marks the end of the nocturnal period. This signifies a continuous, all-night burning, highlighting the necessity of constant illumination in the sanctuary during hours of darkness.
• before the LORD: The Hebrew lifne Yahweh (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה) signifies the sacred nature of the act—it is performed in God's divine presence and for His approval.
• continually: The Hebrew tamid (תָּמִיד) means "regularly," "continually," "perpetually." This term underscores the non-stop, unbroken nature of the lamp's burning and the priest's service.
• it shall be: A declarative statement, establishing the nature of the command.
• a statute: The Hebrew Chukkat (חֻקַּת) denotes an enduring ordinance, a fixed and unalterable decree.
• forever: The Hebrew Olam (עוֹלָם) means "perpetually," "for an indefinite time," or "eternal." Combined with "statute," it conveys the lasting, generations-spanning nature of the command.
• throughout your generations: The Hebrew l'DoroteyKhem (לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם) means "for your descendants" or "from generation to generation." This emphasizes the hereditary and unbroken commitment required from all future generations of Israel concerning this sacred duty.

Words-group analysis:

• "Outside the veil of the testimony, in the tent of meeting": This precise locational phrasing not only places the menorah in the Holy Place but also symbolically links the light to the divine presence. The veil of testimony points to God's revelatory Word, suggesting that true light and guidance flow from the truth of God's covenant. The Tent of Meeting emphasizes that this light enables and facilitates the divine-human encounter.
• "Aaron shall arrange it from evening to morning before the LORD continually": This segment stresses the priestly responsibility (Aaron), the specific time (night), the diligent effort (arrange it), and the perpetual nature (continually). It portrays an active, continuous, and vigilant priestly service directly in the divine presence. This nightly vigil was critical for maintaining the symbolic light, ensuring the Tabernacle was never in darkness during the appointed times.
• "it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations": This phrase conveys the immutable and eternal character of the commandment. It highlights the divine establishment of this duty as an everlasting ordinance, transcending temporary circumstances and binding all successive generations of Israel to this form of worship and priestly care. It signifies that God's requirements for maintaining His presence are foundational and permanent for His people.

Leviticus 24 3 Bonus section

The ritual of lighting and maintaining the lamps points to the reality that spiritual light requires continuous nurturing. Just as the lamps needed pure oil (from the previous verse, Lev 24:2) and priestly attention, so too do believers require the Spirit's anointing and faithful diligence to shine for God. This command serves as a type of polemic against contemporary ancient Near Eastern religions which might have gods that 'sleep' or require light as a magical ward against chaos. The Israelite understanding is that the light in the Tabernacle is a response to God's command and reflects His nature as constant and sovereign, not a means to awaken or protect Him. It is part of creating a consecrated space where a holy God dwells among an unholy people, demonstrating that His holy presence is constantly maintained and visible through human, priestly stewardship. The tamid (continually) aspect found in this verse and others (e.g., incense offerings, daily sacrifice) signifies the rhythm of worship in Israel—a consistent, unwavering devotion.

Leviticus 24 3 Commentary

Leviticus 24:3 serves as a profound injunction for continuous devotion and vigilance in divine service. The command for the menorah to burn perpetually from evening to morning within the sacred space underscores that God's presence and guidance are needed throughout all seasons, particularly in the "darkness" of night. The light represents God's glory, His guiding truth (Psa 119:105), and His unceasing watchfulness over His people (Psa 121:3-4). This contrasts with pagan practices that involved deities requiring sleep; here, God's dwelling is always illuminated because He never slumbers nor sleeps. The High Priest Aaron's responsibility highlights the specific, essential role of those appointed to minister before God. This daily, meticulous task reflects the spiritual discipline and attentiveness required in maintaining a relationship with the Holy One. Ultimately, this perpetual light foreshadows Christ, who is the "Light of the World" (Jn 8:12) and our true High Priest, continually interceding for us (Heb 7:24-25) and bringing constant illumination to our lives. As believers, we are called to reflect this light, shining in a dark world (Matt 5:14-16), a continuous act of service that mirrors the perpetual care of the ancient lamps.