Numbers 8:21
And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽתְחַטְּא֣וּ
were purified
H2398
וַיִּֽתְחַטְּא֣וּ
were purified
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
וַֽיְכַבְּסוּ֙
and they washed
H3526
וַֽיְכַבְּסוּ֙
and they washed
Strong's:
H3526
Word #:
3 of 14
to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the fulling process) or figurative
וַיָּ֨נֶף
offered
H5130
וַיָּ֨נֶף
offered
Strong's:
H5130
Word #:
5 of 14
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
אֹתָ֛ם
H853
אֹתָ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תְּנוּפָ֖ה
them as an offering
H8573
תְּנוּפָ֖ה
them as an offering
Strong's:
H8573
Word #:
8 of 14
a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Numbers 8:7And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.Numbers 19:19And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even.Numbers 8:15And 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.
Historical Context
Wave offerings typically involved priests moving sacrificial portions in prescribed patterns before the altar. Applying this ritual to human beings (Numbers 8:11-15) was unique to Levitical consecration, emphasizing their sacred status as God's possession rather than common Israelites.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the combination of ceremonial cleansing and clothing washing illustrate the comprehensive nature of sanctification?
- What does it mean to be 'offered' to God as a living person rather than remaining in self-directed living?
- How does Aaron's mediatorial presentation of Levites point forward to Christ's high-priestly ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes—The dual purification (חָטָא chata, ceremonial cleansing) and washing (כָּבַס kabas, laundering garments) symbolizes both inward and outward sanctification. Ancient Near Eastern priestly service universally required ritual purity, but Israel's standards uniquely emphasized moral transformation alongside ceremonial cleanliness.
Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD—The wave offering (תְּנוּפָה tenuphah) of living persons (not animals) dramatically pictures the Levites' total dedication to God's service. Aaron's mediatorial role prefigures Christ's presentation of believers as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1), holy and acceptable to God.