Numbers 3 30

Numbers 3:30 kjv

And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.

Numbers 3:30 nkjv

And the leader of the fathers' house of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.

Numbers 3:30 niv

The leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan son of Uzziel.

Numbers 3:30 esv

with Elizaphan the son of Uzziel as chief of the fathers' house of the clans of the Kohathites.

Numbers 3:30 nlt

The leader of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan son of Uzziel.

Numbers 3 verses

Numbers 3 30 Meaning

Numbers 3:30 identifies Elizaphan, the son of Uzziel, as the appointed chief or leader of the family divisions within the Kohathite clan of the Levites. This designation establishes a crucial hierarchical structure for the sacred service of the Tabernacle, ensuring order and responsibility for specific duties, particularly the handling of the most holy items. It underscores God's meticulous organization of His people and their worship.

Numbers 3 30 Context

Numbers chapter 3 details the census and organization of the Levites, who were uniquely chosen for the sacred service of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. After identifying the lineage of Aaron's sons for the priesthood (Num 3:1-4), the chapter shifts to the broader Levite tribe. God appointed the Levites as a substitute for the firstborn of Israel and gave them to Aaron and his sons to assist in Tabernacle duties (Num 3:5-13). The chapter then proceeds to number the three main Levite clans – Gershon, Kohath, and Merari – specifying their assigned areas of responsibility around the Tabernacle and their distinct duties in its dismantling, transport, and reassembly. Numbers 3:30 is embedded within the section describing the Kohathites (Num 3:27-32), identifying their camp location (south of the Tabernacle), their precise responsibilities for the most holy furnishings (ark, table, lampstand, altars, etc.), and their divinely appointed leader. This detailed organization underscored God's demand for order and proper protocol in approaching Him and His sanctuary.

Numbers 3 30 Word analysis

• And the chief (וְנָשִׂיא - ve-nasi):

  • Nasi often denotes a "prince," "leader," "captain," or "chief." It carries the weight of an appointed, authoritative head.
  • This term signifies a specific role of authority within the established divine structure.
  • It's not merely a popular choice but a designated position.

• of the house of the father (בֵּית־אָב - beit-av):

  • Literally "house of a father." This term refers to a primary patriarchal family unit or subdivision within a larger clan or tribe.
  • It denotes a direct ancestral line from a common male progenitor.
  • In Israelite society, these "houses" formed the foundational building blocks of the tribal structure, emphasizing lineage and heritage.

• of the families (הַמִּשְׁפְּחֹת - ha-mishpachot):

  • Mishpachot refers to larger clan groups or extended families, often encompassing several "houses of fathers."
  • This shows the leadership extended over various kinship groups comprising the Kohathite lineage.
  • It highlights the comprehensive nature of Elizaphan's oversight within the clan.

• of the Kohathites (הַקְּהָתִי - ha-Qehati):

  • Descendants of Kohath, one of Levi's three sons (Gen 46:11; Exod 6:16).
  • They were assigned the highly significant and perilous task of carrying the innermost and holiest components of the Tabernacle: the Ark of the Covenant, the table of showbread, the menorah, and the altars (Num 3:31; 4:1-15).
  • This clan included Moses and Aaron (Exod 6:18-20), highlighting their proximity to the priesthood.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • The chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites: This extensive phrase emphasizes the meticulous specificity of God's organization. It's not merely a "general chief" but one meticulously placed over a defined family lineage and its sub-divisions within a major tribal branch. This precision reinforces the divine order and accountability central to the Tabernacle service. It contrasts with self-appointed authority by establishing clear, God-ordained roles.
  • was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel: This precise identification ensures no ambiguity regarding who held this crucial leadership role.
    • Elizaphan (אֱלִיצָפָן - Elitzaphan): Meaning "My God has hidden" or "My God has protected." The name itself could be seen as an indication of God's hand in his appointment and His protection over this specific, responsible role, considering the holiness and danger associated with handling the sacred articles of the Tabernacle.
    • Uzziel (עֻזִּיאֵל - Uzziel): Meaning "My strength is God" or "God is my strength." Uzziel was one of Kohath's four sons (Exod 6:18), making Elizaphan a grandson of Kohath. This further solidifies the familial and divinely-ordained line of succession and responsibility, grounding the leader's authority in his ancestral connection to Levi and Kohath.

Numbers 3 30 Bonus section

The specific naming of Elizaphan and Uzziel in Numbers 3:30, alongside the detailed enumeration of duties throughout Numbers 3 and 4, serves several crucial purposes beyond mere record-keeping. Firstly, it established an undeniable divine mandate for authority. Any challenge to Elizaphan's leadership was, by extension, a challenge to God's chosen structure. This is clearly demonstrated in the Korahite rebellion (Num 16), where Korah, a fellow Kohathite but not from Uzziel's line of specific leadership, challenged Aaron and Moses, ultimately being judged by God for usurping appointed roles. This event dramatically underscores the solemnity and fixed nature of these assignments. Secondly, the explicit naming reinforces accountability. With specific individuals identified for specific leadership roles over distinct tasks, there was no ambiguity regarding who was responsible for ensuring adherence to the sacred protocol, thus preventing chaos and maintaining holiness in their approach to God.

Numbers 3 30 Commentary

Numbers 3:30 serves as a succinct, yet potent, declaration of divinely appointed order within ancient Israel's spiritual and practical life. It reveals that leadership in God's service is not a casual matter but is specifically ordained and highly structured. Elizaphan's identification as chief of the Kohathite "families of the house of the father" illustrates a meticulously hierarchical system, reflecting God's nature as a God of order and not confusion. This verse specifically highlights the critical role of the Kohathites, whose heavy burden included carrying the most holy and therefore most dangerous elements of the Tabernacle. Elizaphan, as their chief, bore the immense responsibility of ensuring these tasks were executed precisely according to God's commands, thereby safeguarding both the holiness of God's presence and the lives of those ministering. His leadership was crucial for coordinating hundreds of men in this sensitive work, upholding the sanctity and operational integrity of the entire Tabernacle system. This divine assignment of roles anticipates the broader New Testament principle that within the Body of Christ, God provides diverse gifts and leadership functions to ensure the smooth operation and health of the community (Rom 12:4-8; 1 Cor 12:4-31).