Numbers 18:1
Numbers 18:1 in Multiple Translations
So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood.
And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father’s house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.
And Jehovah said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy fathers’ house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary; and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.
And the Lord said to Aaron, You and your sons and your father's family are to be responsible for all wrongdoing in relation to the holy place: and you and your sons are to be responsible for the errors which come about in your work as priests.
The Lord told Aaron, “You and your sons and the other Levites bear the responsibility for sins relating to the sanctuary. You and your sons alone bear the responsibility for sins relating to your priesthood.
And the Lord sayd vnto Aaron, Thou, and thy sonnes and thy fathers house with thee, shall beare the iniquitie of the Sanctuarie: both thou and thy sonnes with thee shall beare the iniquitie of your Priestes office.
And Jehovah saith unto Aaron, 'Thou, and thy sons, and the house of thy father with thee, do bear the iniquity of the sanctuary; and thou, and thy sons with thee, do bear the iniquity of your priesthood;
The LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your fathers’ house with you shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary; and you and your sons with you shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.
And the LORD said to Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.
And the Lord said to Aaron: Thou, and thy sons, and thy father’s house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the sins of your priesthood.
Yahweh said to Aaron, “You and your sons and the other members of your father’s family are the ones ◄who will be punished/whom I will punish► if anything bad happens to the things inside the Sacred Tent. But only you and your sons will be punished if the priests do something bad.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 18:1
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 18:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
יְהוָה֙
אֶֽל
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
אַתָּ֗ה
וּ/בָנֶ֤י/ךָ
וּ/בֵית
אָבִ֨י/ךָ֙
אִתָּ֔/ךְ
תִּשְׂא֖וּ
אֶת
עֲוֺ֣ן
הַ/מִּקְדָּ֑שׁ
וְ/אַתָּה֙
וּ/בָנֶ֣י/ךָ
אִתָּ֔/ךְ
תִּשְׂא֖וּ
אֶת
עֲוֺ֥ן
כְּהֻנַּתְ/כֶֽם
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
אַתָּ֗ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וּ/בָנֶ֤י/ךָ
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וּ/בֵית
bayith
H1004
place
Conj | N-ms
אָבִ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
אִתָּ֔/ךְ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
תִּשְׂא֖וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֲוֺ֣ן
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cs
הַ/מִּקְדָּ֑שׁ
miqdâsh
H4720
sanctuary
Art | N-ms
וְ/אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
וּ/בָנֶ֣י/ךָ
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp | Suff
אִתָּ֔/ךְ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
תִּשְׂא֖וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֲוֺ֥ן
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cs
כְּהֻנַּתְ/כֶֽם
kᵉhunnâh
H3550
priesthood
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 18:1
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
יְהוָה֙
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.
אֶֽל
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.
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
אַתָּ֗ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וּ/בָנֶ֤י/ךָ
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וּ/בֵית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָבִ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
אִתָּ֔/ךְ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
תִּשְׂא֖וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֲוֺ֣ן
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
הַ/מִּקְדָּ֑שׁ
miqdâsh
H4720
"sanctuary"
Art | N-ms
A sanctuary or holy place, like a temple or palace, set apart for God or idols, a sacred space.
Definition: 1) sacred place, sanctuary, holy place 1a) sanctuary 1a1) of the temple 1a2) of the tabernacle 1a3) of Ezekiel's temple 1a4) of Jehovah
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: chapel, hallowed part, holy place, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 15:17; Lamentations 1:10; Psalms 68:36.
וְ/אַתָּה֙
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וּ/בָנֶ֣י/ךָ
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אִתָּ֔/ךְ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
תִּשְׂא֖וּ
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֲוֺ֥ן
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
כְּהֻנַּתְ/כֶֽם
kᵉhunnâh
H3550
"priesthood"
N-fs | Suff
The priesthood refers to the office or position of a priest, like the Levitical priesthood in the Old Testament. It involves serving God and leading others in worship. The Bible describes the responsibilities and duties of the priesthood in the book of Leviticus.
Definition: priesthood
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: priesthood, priest's office. See also: Exodus 29:9; Numbers 25:13; Nehemiah 13:29.
Study Notes — Numbers 18:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 18:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 18:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 18:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 18:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 18:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 18:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 18:1
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 18:1
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 18:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 18:1
- Sermons on Numbers 18:1
Context — Duties of Priests and Levites
1So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood.
2But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. 3And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 28:38 | And it will be worn on Aaron’s forehead, so that he may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrate with regard to all their holy gifts. It shall always be on his forehead, so that they may be acceptable before the LORD. |
| 2 | Hebrews 13:17 | Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:24 | He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.” |
| 4 | Acts 20:26–27 | Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 3:18–19 | If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself. |
| 6 | Hebrews 4:15 | For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. |
| 7 | Numbers 17:3 | and write Aaron’s name on the staff of Levi, because there must be one staff for the head of each tribe. |
| 8 | Numbers 17:7 | Then Moses placed the staffs before the LORD in the Tent of the Testimony. |
| 9 | Numbers 18:22–23 | No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. |
| 10 | Numbers 14:34 | In keeping with the forty days you spied out the land, you shall bear your guilt forty years—a year for each day—and you will experience My alienation. |
Numbers 18:1 Summary
[This verse is talking about the responsibility that Aaron and his family had as priests to take care of the sanctuary and to make atonement for the sins of the people, as seen in Numbers 18:1 and Leviticus 4:3. They had to be careful to follow God's instructions and to maintain the purity and integrity of the priestly office. This is similar to how Jesus Christ, our High Priest, makes atonement for our sins, as seen in Hebrews 2:17 and 5:1-4. As followers of Jesus, we can learn from this verse the importance of taking responsibility for our own spiritual lives and for making atonement for our own sins, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Romans 3:25.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary?
To bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary means that Aaron and his family, as well as the Levites, were responsible for making atonement for any sins committed by the people of Israel in relation to the sanctuary, as seen in Leviticus 4:3 and Numbers 18:1. This responsibility included offering sacrifices and prayers to God on behalf of the people.
Why were Aaron and his sons alone responsible for bearing the iniquity involving their priesthood?
Aaron and his sons were alone responsible for bearing the iniquity involving their priesthood because they were the ones who had been ordained by God to serve as priests, as stated in Exodus 28:1 and Numbers 18:1. This meant that they had a unique role and responsibility before God to maintain the purity and integrity of the priestly office.
How does this verse relate to the concept of priestly responsibility in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of priestly responsibility in the Bible, as seen in Hebrews 5:1-4, where the author notes that priests are appointed to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. In Numbers 18:1, we see that Aaron and his family were given this responsibility, and that they were to bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary and their priesthood.
What does this verse teach us about the importance of accountability in spiritual leadership?
This verse teaches us that spiritual leaders, like Aaron and his family, are held to a higher standard of accountability before God, as seen in James 3:1 and 1 Peter 5:2-3. They are responsible for maintaining the purity and integrity of their office, and for making atonement for any sins committed by those under their care.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, as a follower of Jesus Christ, can bear the iniquity of those around me, and how can I make atonement for their sins through prayer and intercession?
- How can I, like Aaron and his family, take seriously my responsibility to maintain the purity and integrity of my own spiritual life, and to make atonement for my own sins?
- What does it mean for me to 'bear the iniquity' of those around me, and how can I do this in a way that is pleasing to God?
- How can I balance the need for accountability in spiritual leadership with the need for compassion and mercy, as seen in Matthew 9:36 and Hebrews 4:15-16?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 18:1
And the Lord spake unto Aaron,.... As the things spoken were such as concerned Aaron, he might be only and immediately spoken unto: thou, and thy sons, and thy father's house with thee; meaning both
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 18:1
And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood. The Lord said unto Aaron.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 18:1
NUMBERS CHAPTER 18 God showing to Aaron, his sons, and the Levites their office, ; appointeth to Aaron and his sons their maintenance, ; and also to the Levites, . He commandeth them by Moses to give tenths of their tenths to the chief priests, . The iniquity of the sanctuary, i.e. shall suffer the punishment of all the usurpations or pollutions of the sanctuary, or the holy things, by the Levites or any of the people, because you have authority and power from me to keep them all within their bounds, and I expect you use it to that cud. Thus the people are in good measure secured against their fears expressed ,13. Also they are informed that Aaron’ s high dignity was attended with great burdens, having not only his own, but the people’ s sins to answer for; and therefore they had no such reason to envy him as they might think, if the benefits and encumbrances and dangers were equally considered. Of your priesthood, i.e. of all the errors committed by yourselves, or by you permitted in others in things belonging to your priesthood.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 18:1
Numbers 18:1 And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father’ s house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.Ver. 1. Shall bear the iniquity,] i.e., The punishment of whatsoever iniquity is done in the sanctuary. Sin and punishment come under one name, as being tied together with chains of adamant: where the one dines, the other will sup; where the one is in the saddle, the other will be upon the crupper. Nemo crimen gerit in pectore qui non idem Nemesin in tergo. Sin doth as naturally draw and suck judgments to it, as the loadstone doth iron, or turpentine fire. The iniquity of your priesthood.] Priests then are not angels, free from sin, as that Popish expositures dreamed, and drew from Exodus 30:31-32. Cajetan confesseth of the Popish prelates, that whereas by their places they should have been the salt of the earth, they had lost their savour, and were good for little else but looking after the rites and revenues of the Church. John Huss complains of the priests of his age, that Multa quae illi ordinem dicunt, omnium rerum in Christianismo confusionem pariunt, Many things that they call order, bring all into confusion. Non arbitror inter sacerdotes multos esse qui salvi fiant, I believe few of our priests will be saved, saith Chrysostom, of those of his time. And "from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land"; saith Jeremiah.
Comment. in Matt. Bellum Hussiticum, p. 9. Hom., 3. in Act.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 18:1
XVIII.(1) Shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary . . . —It must be remembered that the iniquity of the sanctuary, and the iniquity of the priesthood, extended not only to the defilement of the sanctuary by the transgressions of priests and people (Leviticus 16:11; Leviticus 16:15-16), but also to its defilement by the imperfections connected with the services of the priests and the offerings of the people (Exodus 28:38).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 18:1
CHAPTER XVIII The priests are to bear the iniquity of the sanctuary, 1. The Levites to minister to the priests, and have charge of the tabernacle, 2-4. The priests alone to have the charge of the sanctuary, c., no stranger to come nigh on pain of death, 5-7 The portion allowed for their maintenance, 8. They shall have every meat-offering and they shall eat them in the holy place, 9, 10. The wave-offerings, 11. The first-fruits of the oil, wine, and wheat, and whatever is first ripe, and every devoted thing, 12-14; also, all the first-born of men and beasts, 15-18; and heave-offerings, 19. The priests shall have no inheritance, 20. The Levites shall have no inheritance, but shall have the tenth of the produce in Israel, 21-24, of which they are to give a tenth to the priests, taken from the best parts, 25-30. NOTES ON CHAP. XVIII Verse 1.
Thou and thy sons - shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary, c.] That is, They must be answerable for its legal pollutions, and must make the necessary atonements and expiations. By this they must feel that though they had got a high and important office confirmed to them by a miraculous interference, yet it was a place of the highest responsibility and that they must not be high-minded, but fear.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 18:1
1–7. The duties of priests and Levites. The priests are to have charge of the sanctuary, and the Levites are to help them; the latter, however, may not come into contact with the sacred utensils or the altar. No layman may approach on pain of death. The subject has already been treated in Numbers 1:50-53, Numbers 3:5-10; Numbers 3:38; and the principle of the disabilities of laymen has been illustrated in ch. 14.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 18:1
The iniquity of the sanctuary - i. e. the guilt of the offences which an erring people would be continually committing against the majesty of God, when brought into contact, through the ordinances,
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 18:1
THE OF THE TRIBE, Numbers 18:1-7. 1. Thou and thy father’s house — High rank and privilege are thus made to bear increased responsibilities.
Sermons on Numbers 18:1
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Humanity of Jesus by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing the truth to be set free from bondage, highlighting how ignorance can lead to slavery. It discusses the significance of learning fr |
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Dating Sermon by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the issue of young men in today's society, referring to them as "mall waifs" who spend their time playing video games and hanging out at malls |
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Fruitbearing by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit in the Christian life. They share a story about a woman who kept a secret and was consumed by guilt. The spea |
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Grumbling and Complaining - Part 1 by Keith Green | Keith Green addresses the dangers of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing how such attitudes anger God and burden spiritual leaders. He highlights the contrast between the Old an |
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Submission and Authority (Luke 7:8) by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the Centurion servant and highlights the devastating effects of sin in the life of a believer. The preacher emphasizes the impo |
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Are You Destroying the Church by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the critical importance of unity within the church, warning against the destructive nature of division and gossip. He reflects on biblical examples of God's |
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(Basics) 71. Submission to Authority by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of submitting to authority as instructed in the Bible. He references Romans 13:1, which states that all souls should be subje |