Numbers 3:9
And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
נְתוּנִ֥ם
And thou shalt give
H5414
נְתוּנִ֥ם
And thou shalt give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֥י
and to his sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
and to his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
נְתוּנִ֥ם
And thou shalt give
H5414
נְתוּנִ֥ם
And thou shalt give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
נְתוּנִ֥ם
And thou shalt give
H5414
נְתוּנִ֥ם
And thou shalt give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מֵאֵ֖ת
H854
מֵאֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
Historical Context
The Levites replaced Israel's firstborn in God's service (Numbers 3:11-13), being consecrated as substitutes. This made the entire tribe 'given' to God in place of individuals from each tribe, allowing the firstborn to return to their families while the Levites served permanently.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the double giving of the Levites (to God and to Aaron) illustrate that Christian service is ultimately to God even when practically serving people?
- What does the Levites' complete dedication teach us about wholehearted service versus half-hearted or divided commitment?
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Analysis & Commentary
The description of Levites as 'wholly given unto him from among the children of Israel' uses the Hebrew nethunim nethunim (literally 'given, given'), a double emphasis demonstrating complete dedication. The Levites were given first to God (consecrated for His service) and then given to Aaron (to assist in priestly duties). This double giving illustrates that all Christian service ultimately flows to God while practically serving His appointed leaders and His people.