Numbers 6 23

Numbers 6:23 kjv

Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them,

Numbers 6:23 nkjv

"Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:

Numbers 6:23 niv

"Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

Numbers 6:23 esv

"Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,

Numbers 6:23 nlt

"Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:

Numbers 6 verses

Numbers 6 23 Meaning

Numbers 6:23 introduces the divine command given by God to Moses, instructing him to direct Aaron and his sons, the priests, to pronounce a specific blessing upon the people of Israel. This verse serves as the preamble to what is known as the Priestly Blessing or Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26), emphasizing God's initiative in desiring to bless His people and designating His appointed mediators for this sacred task. It highlights the divine origin of the blessing and the authoritative role of the priesthood in conveying it.

Numbers 6 23 Context

Numbers chapter 6 concludes a section detailing laws of separation and dedication, notably the Nazirite vow (vv. 1-21). Following these instructions regarding holiness and purity, God immediately provides the means by which His presence and favor would be mediated to His people through the priests. This juxtaposition highlights the balance between Israel's responsibility to live in holiness and God's consistent desire to bless them. Historically, the chapter fits within the narrative of Israel's journey in the wilderness after the Tabernacle's erection, as God continues to establish laws and patterns for His people's worship, social order, and interaction with Him. The command in Numbers 6:23 establishes the official, divinely-instituted liturgy for the Aaronic priesthood to bless the community, signifying God's covenant faithfulness and protective presence over His consecrated nation. It underpins the vital role of the priest as a designated intermediary for the flow of divine grace to the congregation.

Numbers 6 23 Word analysis

• "Speak" (Heb. daber, דַבֵּר):

  • This is an imperative verb, a direct command from God to Moses.
  • It signifies divine authority and the necessity of immediate action. It's not a suggestion but a binding instruction.
  • Points to the verbal, active transmission of God's will.

• "to Aaron and his sons" (Heb. el Aharon ve'el banav, אֶל אַהֲרֹן וְאֶל־בָּנָיו):

  • Designates the specific recipients of the instruction and the exclusive agents for pronouncing this blessing.
  • Emphasizes the established Levitical priesthood as the chosen conduit for mediating divine favor. This role is hereditary and unique.
  • This excludes any other individual or unauthorized person from pronouncing this particular sacred blessing.

• "saying" (Heb. le'mor, לֵאמֹר):

  • Literally "to say," functioning as a direct discourse marker.
  • Indicates that the following words (the blessing itself in vv. 24-26) are to be spoken verbatim, without alteration.
  • Underlines the precise, unchangeable nature of the divine instruction to be delivered.

• "Thus" (Heb. koh, כֹּה):

  • An adverb meaning "so," "in this manner," "thusly."
  • It is crucial as it refers specifically to the exact formula presented in the subsequent verses (6:24-26).
  • Reiterates the imperative for precision and adherence to God's exact words; the priests are not to improvise or invent their own blessing. It signifies the divine authorship and pre-determined nature of the blessing's content.

• "you shall bless" (Heb. tevarakhun, תְּבָרְכוּ):

  • From the root barakh (בָּרַךְ), meaning "to bless," "to kneel," "to praise," "to invoke prosperity."
  • In this context, it refers to the act of invoking God's divine favor, protection, and provision upon the people.
  • The blessing is not generated by the priests but is a pronouncement that channels God's inherent power and goodness. The "you" is plural, addressing Aaron and his sons collectively.

• "the people of Israel" (Heb. et bene Yisrael, אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל):

  • "Sons of Israel" or "children of Israel."
  • Designates the specific beneficiaries of God's covenant love and the object of the blessing.
  • Highlights the corporate identity and the communal aspect of the blessing—it is for the entire nation chosen by God.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying": This phrase emphasizes the hierarchical transmission of divine command and the established authority of the priesthood. It underlines God's intentional order for ministry and the mediation of His blessings. It is a divine delegation of authority, not merely an suggestion.
  • "Thus you shall bless": This potent instruction signifies that the blessing's power lies not in the pronouncer, but in the prescribed divine formula ("Thus") and the ultimate Source (God, who truly "shall bless"). The priests are conduits, not originators of the blessing. It guarantees the authenticity and efficacy of the blessing when pronounced according to divine instruction.
  • "bless the people of Israel": This clarifies the purpose and beneficiary of this specific act of worship. It's a demonstration of God's unwavering care and covenant commitment to His chosen nation, assuring them of His desire for their well-being and prosperity in the fullest sense.

Numbers 6 23 Bonus section

The command in Numbers 6:23 establishes a model for the faithful execution of religious duties: exact obedience to God's specific instructions. The "Thus" (כֹּה) points to the sanctity of the divine liturgy; no additions, subtractions, or modifications are permitted. This principle is foundational for upholding the integrity of divine revelation and worship in all ages. The emphasis on Aaron and his sons highlights the importance of God-ordained authority in sacred service. The blessing itself serves as a prefigurement of the ultimate blessing found in Jesus Christ, through whom all nations are blessed (Gal 3:14), and by whom the "peace" of the Aaronic blessing is fully embodied (Eph 2:14-18). It implies that blessing is not a one-time event, but an ongoing divine bestowal of favor and protection.

Numbers 6 23 Commentary

Numbers 6:23 is not just an administrative directive but a profound theological statement. It marks the institution of a formalized, sacred liturgy—the Aaronic Blessing—through which God Himself committed to making His presence and favor known to His covenant people. This verse reveals God's deep desire to bless His people, providing a direct channel for divine grace, protection, and peace. It underscores the unique role of the priesthood, appointed by God to stand as mediators, whose words of blessing, uttered in obedience to the divine command, were a tangible sign of God's ongoing interaction with Israel. The precise instruction to bless "thus" ensures that the blessing's power stems from God's word and His covenant promise, rather than the priest's personal charisma or efficacy. This prevented any misconception of the blessing being a magical incantation or a humanly devised ritual. It was a divine word, delivered by divine agents, to a divine people, ensuring divine results. In practical usage, this concept highlights that true blessings come from God and often flow through obedient vessels of faith, whether ancient priests or New Testament ministers, always returning to God as the ultimate source of all goodness.