Numbers 3:6 kjv
Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.
Numbers 3:6 nkjv
"Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may serve him.
Numbers 3:6 niv
"Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.
Numbers 3:6 esv
"Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him.
Numbers 3:6 nlt
"Call forward the tribe of Levi, and present them to Aaron the priest to serve as his assistants.
Numbers 3 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ex 28:1 | Then bring near to yourself Aaron your brother, and his sons with him... to minister to me as priests. | Aaron's initial calling to the priesthood. |
| Ex 32:26-29 | Then Moses stood... All who are for the Lord, come to me!... Levites rallied to him. | Levites' loyalty leading to their unique service. |
| Num 1:49-50 | ...you shall not number the tribe of Levi... but appoint them over the tabernacle. | Distinction of Levites from military census, their sacred role. |
| Num 3:9 | You shall give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are wholly given to him from the people of Israel. | Levites as a divine gift to the priests for assistance. |
| Num 8:16-19 | For they are wholly given to me... I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron... to make atonement. | Dedication of Levites as substitute for firstborn, for service. |
| Num 10:17 | And the tabernacle was taken down, and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari, who carried the tabernacle, set out. | Levites' duty in dismantling/transporting the Tabernacle. |
| Num 16:9-10 | Is it too small a thing for you... that you seek the priesthood also? | Korah's rebellion warns against usurping Levitical/priestly roles. |
| Num 18:1 | The Lord said to Aaron, "You and your sons... shall bear the iniquity connected with the sanctuary..." | Aaron and sons bear primary responsibility for priestly duties. |
| Deut 10:8 | At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark... to stand before the Lord to minister to him... | Confirms unique Levitical functions, specifically carrying the Ark. |
| 1 Chr 23:27-32 | For David's last words were concerning the Levites... whose duty was to assist the sons of Aaron. | Organization of Levites under David for Temple service. |
| 2 Chr 29:11 | My sons, do not now be negligent, for the Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him... | Hezekiah reiterates the call to Levites for sanctuary service. |
| Rom 12:4-5 | For as in one body we have many members... we are one body in Christ and individually members one of another. | Diverse functions and unity in the body of Christ. |
| 1 Cor 12:27 | Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. | Every believer has a unique function in Christ's body. |
| Eph 4:11-12 | And he gave the apostles, the prophets... to equip the saints for the work of ministry... | Leadership for equipping the church for service and ministry. |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood... | Believers as a spiritual house and a holy priesthood. |
| 1 Pet 2:9 | But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession... | Universal priesthood of all believers. |
| Heb 4:14 | Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God... | Jesus as the ultimate High Priest. |
| Heb 7:11-12 | If perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood... what further need would there have been for another priest... after the order of Melchizedek? | Superiority of Christ's priesthood over Levitical. |
| Heb 8:1-2 | We have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places... | Christ's heavenly ministry and superior Tabernacle. |
| Rev 1:5b-6 | ...To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father... | Believers as priests in the new covenant, freed by Christ. |
Numbers 3 verses
Numbers 3 6 Meaning
This verse delineates the initial divine command concerning the role of the tribe of Levi, specifically appointing them to serve under Aaron, the High Priest. It establishes their unique position as dedicated assistants for the sacred duties of the Tabernacle, emphasizing order, distinction, and support within Israel's worship system.
Numbers 3 6 Context
Numbers chapter 3 introduces the special census and role of the Levites, following the general census of the other Israelite tribes for military service (Numbers 1). Unlike the other tribes, the Levites were dedicated to the service of the Tabernacle and its priesthood. This specific verse, Numbers 3:6, is a direct command from the Lord to Moses, outlining the immediate action of presenting the Levites before Aaron the High Priest. It signifies their formal induction into service, setting the stage for the detailed enumeration of their responsibilities and positions around the Tabernacle in the subsequent verses and chapters. The historical context is the wilderness journey of Israel, where God is establishing the intricate framework of His covenant worship and national identity.
Numbers 3 6 Word analysis
- Bring (הַקְרֵב - haqrēv): A strong imperative command, "cause to draw near" or "present." It denotes a formal, deliberate act of dedication and setting apart for a sacred purpose, implying divine authorization and solemnity. This is not a casual approach but a commanded presentation into consecrated service.
- the tribe of Levi (אֶת־מַטֵּה לֵוִי - et-matteh Lēvī):
- tribe (מַטֵּה - matteh): Refers to the lineage, branch, or entire collective of descendants from Levi. It highlights their corporate identity as distinct from other tribal units, specifically chosen by God.
- Levi (לֵוִי - Lēvī): Meaning "joined" or "attached." This is a significant play on words, as the Levites were "joined" or "attached" to the service of God and to the priestly family of Aaron.
- and set them (וְהַעֲמַדְתָּ - veha`amadeta): Another causative verb, "make them stand" or "cause them to be established." This emphasizes their formal appointment to a fixed and permanent position. It implies authority, public declaration, and stability in their designated role.
- before Aaron (לִפְנֵי אַהֲרֹן - lifnei Aharon):
- before (לִפְנֵי - lifnei): Literally "to the face of" or "in the presence of." This signifies direct visual proximity, public acknowledgment, and submission to authority. Their service is to be carried out under Aaron's oversight and direction.
- Aaron (אַהֲרֹן - Aharon): The first High Priest of Israel, Moses' brother. His role as the divinely appointed mediator underscores that the Levites serve under the highest human authority in the Tabernacle.
- the priest (הַכֹּהֵן - haKohen): Designates Aaron's sacred office. The term "Kohen" refers to one consecrated for sacred rites and mediating before God. This emphasizes that the Levites minister to Aaron not just as an individual, but as the incumbent of the priestly office established by God.
- that they may minister to him (וְשֵׁרְתוּ אֹתוֹ - vešēreṯū ʾōtō):
- minister (וְשֵׁרְתוּ - vešēreṯū): To serve, attend to, or provide assistance. This Hebrew word describes personal service, often specifically associated with divine worship. It highlights the practical, active, and devoted nature of the Levites' duties, which primarily involved supporting the priests in the Tabernacle's operation.
- to him (אֹתוֹ - ʾōtō): Clearly identifies Aaron, the priest, as the immediate object of their service. Their ministry is supportive of the Aaronic priesthood.
Numbers 3 6 Bonus section
- Distinct, Not Inferior: While the Levites were subordinate to the priests, their service was not inferior in value but distinct in function. Their duties were vital for maintaining the Tabernacle's holiness and operability, demonstrating that all roles within God's divine structure are necessary and honorable.
- Foreshadowing of Ministry: The Levitical model, with specific roles serving under designated leadership, provides a template for organized service within God's people. In the New Covenant, while all believers are a "royal priesthood," the concept of diverse gifts and ministries (e.g., apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers in Eph 4:11) reflects this principle of differentiated, divinely appointed service for the building up of the body of Christ.
- Prevention of Profanation: The careful delineation of Levitical roles around the Tabernacle (carrying components, setting up, guarding) was critical to prevent unauthorized access or mishandling of holy things, which could result in divine wrath upon the congregation. Their service was a protective measure for both the sanctuary and the people.
Numbers 3 6 Commentary
Numbers 3:6 articulates a crucial command in the establishment of the Levitical ministry, clearly defining its structure and purpose. God commands Moses to "bring near" and "set" the entire tribe of Levi "before Aaron the priest." This indicates a divine act of consecration and commissioning, positioning the Levites specifically as assistants to the High Priest. Their purpose is unambiguous: "that they may minister to him." This precise delegation ensures that Aaron and his priestly sons can focus on their unique duties of offering sacrifices, burning incense, and performing atonement, while the Levites manage the logistical, structural, and custodial aspects of the Tabernacle.
This arrangement underscores the divine order and sanctity of God's dwelling place. The Levites' service, though distinct from the high priesthood, was equally divine in its appointment and essential for maintaining the purity and function of the sanctuary. It establishes a system of delegated responsibilities within the religious sphere, where roles are defined by God, not by human ambition. This clear boundary also serves as a polemic against any attempt to usurp the sacred duties reserved for the Aaronic priesthood, as seen in the later rebellion of Korah. The principle of appointed and differentiated service for the glory of God within His established framework remains a timeless lesson, pointing forward to the diverse gifts and ministries within the Body of Christ in the New Covenant.