Numbers Chapter 8 · Verse 15
And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them for an offering.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַֽחֲרֵי
And after
H310
וְאַֽחֲרֵי
And after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
כֵן֙
H3651
כֵן֙
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לַֽעֲבֹ֖ד
to do the service
H5647
לַֽעֲבֹ֖ד
to do the service
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
5 of 13
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
7 of 13
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וְטִֽהַרְתָּ֣
and thou shalt cleanse
H2891
וְטִֽהַרְתָּ֣
and thou shalt cleanse
Strong's:
H2891
Word #:
9 of 13
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
אֹתָ֔ם
H853
אֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְהֵֽנַפְתָּ֥
them and offer
H5130
וְהֵֽנַפְתָּ֥
them and offer
Strong's:
H5130
Word #:
11 of 13
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
Historical Context
The cleansing ritual (described in Numbers 8:5-14) included sprinkling with 'sin water,' full-body shaving, and washing clothes—a thorough purification preparing the Levites for lifelong tabernacle service beginning at age 25 (8:24).
Questions for Reflection
- What 'cleansing' must precede your service to God, and how do you maintain spiritual purity?
- How does the principle 'cleansing before service' expose the danger of religious activity divorced from heart transformation?
- In what ways does your ministry flow from prior consecration rather than mere duty or obligation?
Analysis & Commentary
After that shall the Levites go in to do the service (אַחֲרֵי־כֵן יָבֹאוּ הַלְוִיִּם, acharei-khen yavo'u)—the temporal marker 'after that' is critical. Service follows consecration; work follows worship; ministry follows cleansing. The sequence is inviolable: thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them must precede tabernacle service. The verb טָהֵר (taher, 'to cleanse/purify') connects to the water of purification (v.7) and shaving ritual (v.7).
This principle extends beyond Levitical service to all Christian ministry: effective service flows from purified hearts. Jesus insisted his disciples needed washing (John 13:8) before they could serve. The order cannot be reversed—external religious activity without prior inward cleansing produces hypocrisy, not holiness.