Numbers 1:48
Numbers 1:48 in Multiple Translations
For the LORD had said to Moses:
For the LORD had spoken unto Moses, saying,
For Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
For the Lord said to Moses,
This was because the Lord had told Moses,
For the Lord had spoken vnto Moses, and said,
seeing Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying,
For the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
For the LORD had spoken to Moses, saying,
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
because Yahweh had said to Moses/me,
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 1:48
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 1:48 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
יְהוָ֖ה
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
לֵּ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
לֵּ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 1:48
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
לֵּ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Numbers 1:48
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Exemption of the Levites
46And all those counted totaled 603,550.
47The Levites, however, were not numbered along with them by the tribe of their fathers.
48For the LORD had said to Moses:
49“Do not number the tribe of Levi in the census with the other Israelites. 50Instead, you are to appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, all its furnishings, and everything in it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its articles, care for it, and camp around it.Numbers 1:48 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God has a special plan for each person and group, and that He gives specific instructions to those who are willing to listen, as seen in Numbers 1:48 and Exodus 25:22. By following God's commands, we can trust in His provision and guidance, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness, and just as Jesus taught His disciples to do in John 14:15. God's instructions are always for our good, and by obeying Him, we can experience His love and care in our lives, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Moses to exclude the Levites from the census?
God had a special purpose for the Levites, setting them apart to serve Him and care for the tabernacle, as seen in Numbers 1:50 and Numbers 3:6-10, similar to the way Jesus later set apart His disciples for special service, as in Luke 9:1-2.
What is the significance of the phrase 'For the LORD had said to Moses'?
This phrase emphasizes God's direct communication with Moses, highlighting the importance of obeying God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:10 and Hebrews 1:1-2, where God spoke to His people through prophets and His Son.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Numbers 1?
This verse explains the exception to the census, highlighting God's special instructions for the Levites, which is a key part of the book of Numbers, focusing on God's guidance and provision for His people, as seen in Numbers 9:23 and Exodus 40:38.
What can we learn from God's specific instructions to Moses about the Levites?
We learn that God has a plan for each person and group, and that obedience to His commands is crucial, as seen in Joshua 1:7-8 and Matthew 28:20, where God's people are called to follow His instructions and trust in His provision.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways God has set me apart for special service, and how can I respond in obedience to His call?
- How do I prioritize my relationship with God, making sure to listen to and follow His instructions, just as Moses did?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's provision and guidance, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness?
- How can I apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in my daily life, just as the Levites did in their service to God?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 1:48
For the Lord had spoken unto Moses,.... Not to number the Levites, when he gave him the orders to number the rest of the tribes: this is observed, lest it should be thought that this was what Moses
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 1:48
But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them. But the Levites ... were not numbered. They were obliged to keep a register of their own.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 1:48
(48) For the Lord had spoken . . . —Better, And the Lord spake . . . (Numbers 3:1; Numbers 3:5-6; Numbers 3:14-15). It is true that the Levites were not included in the earlier numbering, and consequently that they must have been exempted by divine direction. It does not appear, however, that there is a reference to any previous command respecting the Levites, or that the specific destination of the Levites had been previously declared.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 1:48
48. For the Lord spake] And Jehovah spake. The rendering of the R.V., which is quite inadmissible, conceals the difficulty that the command not to number the Levites follows the statement that they were not numbered. Some transposition, the extent of which is uncertain, has taken place; or perhaps Numbers 1:47 is a gloss.