Numbers 3:10
Numbers 3:10 in Multiple Translations
So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.”
And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest’s office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall keep their priesthood: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
And give orders that Aaron and his sons are to keep their place as priests; any strange person who comes near is to be put to death.
You are to appoint Aaron and his sons to have the responsibility of the priesthood. Anyone else who tries to act as a priest must be executed.”
And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sonnes to execute their Priestes office: and the stranger that commeth neere, shalbe slayne.
'And Aaron and his sons thou dost appoint, and they have kept their priesthood, and the stranger who cometh near is put to death.'
You shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall keep their priesthood, but the stranger who comes near shall be put to death.”
And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
To Aaron and to his sons, to whom they are delivered by the children of Israel. But thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons over the service of priesthood. The stranger that approacheth to minister, shall be put to death.
Appoint Aaron and his two sons to do the work that priests do. But anyone else who comes close to the Sacred Tent to do that work must be executed.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:10
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 3:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֶת
אַהֲרֹ֤ן
וְ/אֶת
בָּנָי/ו֙
תִּפְקֹ֔ד
וְ/שָׁמְר֖וּ
אֶת
כְּהֻנָּתָ֑/ם
וְ/הַ/זָּ֥ר
הַ/קָּרֵ֖ב
יוּמָֽת
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אַהֲרֹ֤ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
בָּנָי/ו֙
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
תִּפְקֹ֔ד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/שָׁמְר֖וּ
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כְּהֻנָּתָ֑/ם
kᵉhunnâh
H3550
priesthood
N-fs | Suff
וְ/הַ/זָּ֥ר
zûwr
H2114
be a stranger
Conj | Art | Adj
הַ/קָּרֵ֖ב
qârab
H7126
to present
Art | Adj
יוּמָֽת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:10
וְ/אֶת
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.
אַהֲרֹ֤ן
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.
וְ/אֶת
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.
בָּנָי/ו֙
bên
H1121
"son"
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.
תִּפְקֹ֔ד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
וְ/שָׁמְר֖וּ
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
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.
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.
כְּהֻנָּתָ֑/ם
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.
וְ/הַ/זָּ֥ר
zûwr
H2114
"be a stranger"
Conj | Art | Adj
This word has several meanings, including being a stranger or foreigner, like when Abraham lived in Egypt as a foreigner. It can also mean to commit adultery, highlighting the idea of turning aside from what is right and proper, as warned against in Proverbs 5.
Definition: 1) to be strange, be a stranger 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become estranged 1a2) strange, another, stranger, foreigner, an enemy (participle) 1a3) strange woman, prostitute, harlot (meton) 1b) (Niphal) to be estranged 1c) (Hophal) to be a stranger, be one alienated
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange(-r, thing, woman). See also: Exodus 29:33; Proverbs 11:15; Psalms 44:21.
הַ/קָּרֵ֖ב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Art | Adj
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
יוּמָֽת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Numbers 3:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 3:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 3:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 3:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 3:10
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:10
- Sermons on Numbers 3:10
Context — The Duties of the Levites
8They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle.
9Assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they have been given exclusively to him from among the Israelites.
10So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.”
11Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 12“Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 1:51 | Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death. |
| 2 | Numbers 3:38 | Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death. |
| 3 | Romans 12:7 | if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; |
| 4 | Numbers 18:7 | But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.” |
| 5 | Numbers 16:35 | And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense. |
| 6 | Exodus 29:9 | Wrap the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way you are to ordain Aaron and his sons. |
| 7 | Hebrews 8:4 | Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer gifts according to the law. |
| 8 | Numbers 18:3 | And 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. |
| 9 | Acts 6:3–4 | Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” |
| 10 | Numbers 16:40 | just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers. |
Numbers 3:10 Summary
In Numbers 3:10, God tells Moses to appoint Aaron and his sons as priests to take care of the tabernacle and its duties. This was a big responsibility, and only these special priests were allowed to do this work. If anyone else tried to approach the tabernacle, they would be in big trouble. This shows us how much God values holiness and wants us to respect His sacred spaces (as seen in Exodus 25:8 and Hebrews 10:19-22). Just like the priests, we have our own special roles to play in serving God and others, and we should strive to do so with faithfulness and integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'carry out the duties of the priesthood' in Numbers 3:10?
This refers to the sacred responsibilities given to Aaron and his sons as priests, such as offering sacrifices and atoning for the sins of the people, as seen in Leviticus 1:1-7 and Hebrews 5:1-4.
Why was it so important to keep outsiders away from the tabernacle?
The tabernacle was a sacred space where God dwelled among the Israelites, and only those who were properly consecrated and appointed, like the priests and Levites, were allowed to approach it, as stated in Numbers 3:10 and Exodus 30:33.
What is the significance of the warning that 'any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death'?
This warning emphasizes the gravity of violating God's sacred space and the importance of respecting His holiness, as also seen in Numbers 1:51 and Numbers 18:7.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's holiness and the role of the priesthood?
Numbers 3:10 highlights the unique role of the priests in maintaining the purity and holiness of the tabernacle, which reflects God's character and sets an example for the rest of the Israelites, as seen in Leviticus 11:44-45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show respect for God's holiness in my daily life, just as the Israelites did in the tabernacle?
- How can I, like Aaron and his sons, fulfill my own God-given responsibilities with faithfulness and integrity?
- What are some 'sacred spaces' in my life where I need to be more mindful of God's presence and holiness?
- In what ways can I, as a believer, be a 'priest' to those around me, serving and ministering to their spiritual needs?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:10
And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons,.... To the priestly office; this was done before, but is renewed for the confirmation of it, and repeated to put them in mind of it, that they be careful to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:10
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Bring the tribe of Levi near , [ haqªreeb (H7126)] - make approach.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:10
They shall wait, in their own persons, not by the Levites. The stranger, i.e. every one who is of another family than Aaron’ s, yea, though he be a Levite. See 16:40. That cometh nigh, to wit, to execute any part of the priest’ s office.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 3:10
Numbers 3:10 And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest’ s office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.Ver. 10. And the stranger.] Though a Levite, yet if not of Aaron’ s seed. Let this be thought upon by our too bold intruders into the work of the ministry.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 3:10
(10) Thou shalt appoint.—Or, number. The word is the same as that which is used for the numbering of the Israelites generally (Numbers 1:19) and for the numbering of the Levites (Numbers 3:15).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 3:10
Verse 10. Aaron and his sons - shall wait on their priest's office] It was the business of the priests to offer the different sacrifices to God; to consecrate the shew-bread, pour out the libations, burn the incense, sprinkle the blood of the victims, and bless the people. In a word, they were the servants of God alone.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:10
10. keep their priesthood] i.e. perform the duties of their priesthood. LXX. adds ‘and everything about the altar and within the veil’; cf. Numbers 18:7. cometh nigh] approaches the sanctuary to perform a priestly office.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:10
THE LEVITES TO AARON, Numbers 3:5-11.In the performance of the prescribed ritual there were many duties of a semi-sacerdotal nature, and some that were even menial.
Sermons on Numbers 3:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Neccesity Is Laid Upon Me by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spiritual responsibility and how it determines our destiny. He uses the parables of the minas, talents, and the good and f |
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(Gifts) the Gift of Help by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and meeting the needs of others. He shares a personal experience of visiting a pastor's home where he felt burd |
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The Gift of Teaching by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the vital role of the gift of teaching within the church, as outlined by Paul in various scriptures. He highlights that true teaching is empowered by the Hol |
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The Order Appointed by God by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of following God's commands in an orderly and timely manner, specifically in presenting offerings and performing services to Him. He highl |
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Servanthood - Keeping a Pure Heart by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of individuals seeking attention and glory for themselves instead of focusing on praising God. He expresses his frustration with tho |
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Priests of God by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing the priestly calling alongside the apostolic calling, highlighting the need for a deep sense of priestliness that is often lackin |
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Filling That Which Is Filled by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of genuine prayer and the moral poverty he sees in pulpit prayers in America. He emphasizes that success in preaching should |