Numbers 18:1
And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּבָנֶ֣יךָ
Thou and thy sons
H1121
וּבָנֶ֣יךָ
Thou and thy sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וּבֵית
house
H1004
וּבֵית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 20
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אָבִ֙יךָ֙
and thy father's
H1
אָבִ֙יךָ֙
and thy father's
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
8 of 20
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אִתָּ֔ךְ
H854
אִתָּ֔ךְ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
תִּשְׂא֖וּ
with thee shall bear
H5375
תִּשְׂא֖וּ
with thee shall bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
10 of 20
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּקְדָּ֑שׁ
of the sanctuary
H4720
הַמִּקְדָּ֑שׁ
of the sanctuary
Strong's:
H4720
Word #:
13 of 20
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
וּבָנֶ֣יךָ
Thou and thy sons
H1121
וּבָנֶ֣יךָ
Thou and thy sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אִתָּ֔ךְ
H854
אִתָּ֔ךְ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
תִּשְׂא֖וּ
with thee shall bear
H5375
תִּשְׂא֖וּ
with thee shall bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
17 of 20
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Exodus 28:38And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD.Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.Hebrews 4:15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Historical Context
The phrase 'bear iniquity' appears throughout Leviticus (e.g., 10:17, 22:9), indicating that priests served as mediators absorbing the consequences of Israel's sin. This anticipates Christ as ultimate High Priest who bore humanity's iniquity completely (Isaiah 53:11, Hebrews 9:28).
Questions for Reflection
- How does spiritual privilege increase rather than decrease your accountability?
- In what ways do you 'bear iniquity' through intercessory or mediatorial service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
After Aaron's rod budded confirming his priesthood, God detailed priestly responsibilities: 'Thou and thy sons... shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary.' This sobering charge meant priests bore responsibility for any failure in maintaining proper worship. Privilege and authority always come with proportional accountability. Those closest to God's holiness bear greatest responsibility for its proper representation.