Numbers 3:30
And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
Original Language Analysis
וּנְשִׂ֥יא
And the chief
H5387
וּנְשִׂ֥יא
And the chief
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בֵֽית
of the house
H1004
בֵֽית
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
2 of 8
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אָ֖ב
of the father
H1
אָ֖ב
of the father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
3 of 8
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
of the families
H4940
לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת
of the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
4 of 8
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הַקְּהָתִ֑י
of the Kohathites
H6956
הַקְּהָתִ֑י
of the Kohathites
Strong's:
H6956
Word #:
5 of 8
a kohathite (collectively) or descendants of kehath
Historical Context
Elizaphan son of Uzziel was Moses' cousin (Exodus 6:18-22). His appointment shows that Israelite leadership came through family lineage under the Mosaic covenant, but always required divine confirmation. Later, Elizaphan's descendants included Heman the singer (1 Chronicles 6:33) and leaders in Hezekiah's reforms (2 Chronicles 29:13).
Questions for Reflection
- What qualities make someone qualified for spiritual leadership according to Scripture?
- How does God-ordained authority differ from worldly leadership structures?
- Why does God often work through family lines in redemptive history?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Elizaphan (meaning 'God has protected') as chief of the Kohathite families demonstrates that leadership in sacred service requires divine appointment and protection. The Hebrew nasi (prince/leader) indicates authority derived from God, not popular election. His title 'prince of the house of the father' shows patriarchal structure under divine ordering. This becomes the pattern for church eldership—appointed by God through recognized spiritual qualifications, not democratic process (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5).