Numbers 8:19
And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel: that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary.
Original Language Analysis
נְתֻנִ֣ים׀
And I have given
H5414
נְתֻנִ֣ים׀
And I have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 30
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נְתֻנִ֣ים׀
And I have given
H5414
נְתֻנִ֣ים׀
And I have given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
4 of 30
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְּנֵֽי
among the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
among the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 30
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּנֵֽי
among the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
among the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 30
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 30
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לַֽעֲבֹ֞ד
to do
H5647
לַֽעֲבֹ֞ד
to do
Strong's:
H5647
Word #:
10 of 30
to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 30
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵֽי
among the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
among the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 30
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
14 of 30
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
15 of 30
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֔ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
16 of 30
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וּלְכַפֵּ֖ר
and to make an atonement
H3722
וּלְכַפֵּ֖ר
and to make an atonement
Strong's:
H3722
Word #:
17 of 30
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 30
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בְּנֵֽי
among the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
among the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
19 of 30
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
20 of 30
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְלֹ֨א
H3808
וְלֹ֨א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
21 of 30
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִֽהְיֶ֜ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֜ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
22 of 30
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּנֵֽי
among the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
among the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
23 of 30
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
24 of 30
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
נֶ֔גֶף
that there be no plague
H5063
נֶ֔גֶף
that there be no plague
Strong's:
H5063
Word #:
25 of 30
a trip (of the foot); figuratively, an infliction (of disease)
בְּגֶ֥שֶׁת
come nigh
H5066
בְּגֶ֥שֶׁת
come nigh
Strong's:
H5066
Word #:
26 of 30
to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); euphemistically, to lie with a woman; as an enemy, to attack; religious to worship; causati
בְּנֵֽי
among the children
H1121
בְּנֵֽי
among the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
27 of 30
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Numbers 1:53But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.Numbers 16:46And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.
Historical Context
This consecration followed elaborate purification rituals (v.5-18) setting Levites apart for service. The phrase 'make atonement' here refers not to forgiveness of sins (only blood sacrifices accomplished that) but to maintaining proper relationship between holy God and the people. Levites' service in handling sacred objects and maintaining the sanctuary prevented unauthorized approach that would bring divine judgment. The arrangement protected both God's holiness and Israel's safety, demonstrating that worship requires qualified mediators - ultimately fulfilled in Christ, our great High Priest.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you recognize spiritual leaders and your own gifts as God's gracious provision to the church, not achievements to boast about?
- How are you using your spiritual gifts to assist in building up the body and preventing spiritual harm to the congregation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God says: 'I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons... to make an atonement for the children of Israel.' The threefold repetition of 'given' emphasizes divine appointment. Levites served as gifts to help priests fulfill their duties, making 'atonement' (kaphar - covering/reconciliation) through assisting in sacrificial worship. This service prevented plagues when Israelites came near the sanctuary (v.19b). The giving of persons as gifts illustrates Christ's gift of spiritual leaders to the church (Eph 4:11) and ultimately the Spirit's gifting of all believers for ministry (1 Cor 12:4-11). All ministry is God's gift, not human achievement.