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Numbers 18:5

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Numbers 18:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again.

King James Version KJV

And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.

American Standard Version ASV

And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar; that there be wrath no more upon the children of Israel.

Bible in Basic English BBE

You are to be responsible for the holy place and the altar, so that wrath may never again come on the children of Israel.

Free Bible Version FBV

You are to carry out the responsibilities relating to the sanctuary and the altar, so that my anger will not fall on the Israelites again.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore shall ye keepe the charge of the Sanctuarie, and the charge of the altar: so there shall fall no more wrath vpon the children of Israel.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and ye have kept the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar, and there is no more wrath against the sons of Israel.

World English Bible WEB

“You shall perform the duty of the sanctuary and the duty of the altar, that there be no more wrath on the children of Israel.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Watch ye in the charge of the sanctuary, and in the ministry of the altar: lest indignation rise upon the children of Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

“You are the ones who will do the sacred work inside the Sacred Tent and at the altar. If you obey these instructions, I will not become very angry with the Israeli people again.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 18:5

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 18:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/שְׁמַרְתֶּ֗ם אֵ֚ת מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת הַ/קֹּ֔דֶשׁ וְ/אֵ֖ת מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וְ/לֹֽא יִהְיֶ֥ה ע֛וֹד קֶ֖צֶף עַל בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וּ/שְׁמַרְתֶּ֗ם shâmar H8104 to keep Conj | V-Qal-2mp
אֵ֚ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת mishmereth H4931 charge N-fs
הַ/קֹּ֔דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 Holy Place Art | N-ms
וְ/אֵ֖ת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת mishmereth H4931 charge N-fs
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ mizbêach H4196 altar Art | N-ms
וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ע֛וֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Adv
קֶ֖צֶף qetseph H7110 wrath N-ms
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 son N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 18:5

וּ/שְׁמַרְתֶּ֗ם shâmar H8104 "to keep" Conj | V-Qal-2mp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
אֵ֚ת 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.
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת mishmereth H4931 "charge" N-fs
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
הַ/קֹּ֔דֶשׁ qôdesh H6944 "Holy Place" Art | N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
וְ/אֵ֖ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | 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.
מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת mishmereth H4931 "charge" N-fs
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ mizbêach H4196 "altar" Art | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
וְ/לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
ע֛וֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
קֶ֖צֶף qetseph H7110 "wrath" N-ms
This word can mean a small splinter or twig, but also figuratively describes rage or strife, like the foam on a furious animal's mouth in Job 39:24. It signifies intense emotion or turmoil, often used to convey a sense of urgency or danger. The Bible uses it to describe intense feelings.
Definition: 1) wrath, anger 1a) of God 1b) of man
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: foam, indignation, [idiom] sore, wrath. See also: Numbers 1:53; Esther 1:18; Psalms 38:2.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" N-mp
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Numbers 18:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 27:21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come.
2 Leviticus 24:3 Outside the veil of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps continually before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the generations to come.
3 Numbers 16:46 Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, place fire from the altar in it, and add incense. Go quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, because wrath has come out from the LORD; the plague has begun.”
4 1 Chronicles 9:23 So they and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent.
5 Exodus 30:7–10 And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come. On this altar you must not offer unauthorized incense or a burnt offering or grain offering; nor are you to pour a drink offering on it. Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on the horns of the altar. Throughout your generations he shall make atonement on it annually with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. The altar is most holy to the LORD.”
6 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”
7 Numbers 8:19 And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites, to perform the service for the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting and to make atonement on their behalf, so that no plague will come against the Israelites when they approach the sanctuary.”
8 1 Timothy 3:15 in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
9 Jeremiah 23:15 Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.”
10 Leviticus 10:6 Then Moses said to Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not let your hair become disheveled and do not tear your garments, or else you will die, and the LORD will be angry with the whole congregation. But your brothers, the whole house of Israel, may mourn on account of the fire that the LORD has ignited.

Numbers 18:5 Summary

[This verse reminds us that serving God is a serious responsibility, and that our faithfulness in our duties is important to Him, as seen in Numbers 18:5. Just as the Levites were called to attend to the duties of the sanctuary and altar, we are called to serve God with our whole hearts, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:12-13. By doing so, we can maintain a right relationship with Him and avoid spiritual harm, as warned against in Leviticus 10:1-2. As we seek to serve God, we can trust in His sovereignty and grace to guide and empower us, as promised in Romans 11:6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was it so important for the Levites to attend to the duties of the sanctuary and altar?

The Levites were responsible for maintaining the purity and integrity of the worship space, and their faithful service was crucial to preventing God's wrath from falling on the Israelites, as seen in Numbers 18:5, and to fulfilling the commands given in Exodus 28:1 and Leviticus 8:12-13.

What would happen if the Levites failed to perform their duties?

If the Levites failed to attend to the duties of the sanctuary and altar, God's wrath could fall on the Israelites again, as stated in Numbers 18:5, resulting in severe consequences, as seen in Leviticus 10:1-2 and Numbers 16:35.

How does this verse relate to the role of priests in the Old Testament?

This verse highlights the importance of the priests' role in maintaining the purity of the sanctuary and altar, and serving as intermediaries between God and the people, as described in Hebrews 5:1 and Numbers 3:10.

What can we learn from this verse about our own roles in serving God?

We can learn that our service to God is crucial to maintaining a right relationship with Him, and that faithfulness in our duties is essential to preventing spiritual harm, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:2 and 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can faithfully serve God in my daily life, just as the Levites were called to serve in the sanctuary?
  2. How can I prioritize the purity and integrity of my own heart and life, just as the Levites were responsible for maintaining the purity of the sanctuary?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I may be neglecting my duties to God, and how can I rectify this?
  4. How can I balance my desire to serve God with the need to trust in His sovereignty and grace, as seen in Numbers 18:5 and Romans 11:6?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 18:5

And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary,.... That is, the priests, Aaron and his sons; the high priest was to keep the charge of the most holy place particularly, and do what was to be done in

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 18:5

And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 18:5

Of the sanctuary, i.e. of the holy, and of the most holy, place. Upon the children of Israel, for coming too near the holy place, or for usurping any part of your sacred function, or for any other miscarriage which they may be guilty of through your carelessness or remissness, in which case they shall perish for their error, but their blood will I require at your hands, who should have advised them better, or overruled them.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 18:5

(5, 6) And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary . . . —See Numbers 8:19.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 18:5

5. ye shall keep the charge &c.] It ye includes both priests and Levites, then ‘the sanctuary’ is used in its widest sense to include the tent and the court and everything contained in them, which are to be guarded from the approach of laymen. But on the other hand ye may denote the priests only, and ‘the sanctuary’ will in that case mean everything from which the Levites were debarred; cf. Numbers 18:3; Numbers 18:7.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 18:5

2-5. Thy brethren — The Gershonites and Merarites might serve before the tabernacle, but not within it, nor near the vessels and the altar, lest both they and the priests should die. See Numbers 4:18, note.

Sermons on Numbers 18:5

SermonDescription
T. De Witt Talmage An Atheist Answered by T. De Witt Talmage The preacher delves into the significance of priests in the Bible, highlighting their role as sacred or consecrated individuals who serve deity. While most references to priests in
T. Austin-Sparks Oil for the Light by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the pressing need for a true knowledge and understanding of the Holy Spirit and His work. The speaker highlights that living in the good of t
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 30:7-10 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of priests being the only ones allowed to pray. He warns against the idea that anyone can lead a sinful life and then turn to
George Warnock Camp Spalding - Part 1 by George Warnock In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and worshiping God together. He highlights the need for reconciliation and redemption within the family of God. The
David Wilkerson Christ's Prayer for His Beloved by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the role of Jesus as our High Priest, who intercedes for us before God the Father. He explains that Christ ascended to heaven not for His own glory, but
Charles E. Cowman Rejoice in the Flood by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding joy and triumph in the midst of distress and sadness, emphasizing how God's presence and promises shine brightest in times of trouble. He c
Joe Focht (Genesis) Genesis 1:1-8 by Joe Focht In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of not overlooking the creation account in the Bible. He emphasizes the need to recognize the power and authority of God as the
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