Numbers 3:12

Numbers 3:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“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,

King James Version KJV

And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;

American Standard Version ASV

And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the first-born that openeth the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine:

Bible in Basic English BBE

See, I have taken the Levites out of the children of Israel to be mine in place of the first sons of the children of Israel;

Free Bible Version FBV

“I've taken the Levites from the Israelites in place of every one of their firstborn. The Levites belong to me

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Beholde, I haue euen taken the Leuites from among the childre of Israel: for al the first borne that openeth the matrice among the children of Israel, and the Leuites shalbe mine,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'And I, lo, I have taken the Levites from the midst of the sons of Israel instead of every first-born opening a womb among the sons of Israel, and the Levites have been Mine;

World English Bible WEB

“Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel, instead of all the first-born that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

I have taken the Levites from the children of Israel, for every firstborn that openeth the womb among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine.

Translation for Translators T4T

“Note that from all the Israelis, I have chosen the men of the tribe of Levi to take the places of all the firstborn sons of the Israeli people. The male descendants of Levi belong to me,

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.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:12

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 3:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/אֲנִ֞י הִנֵּ֧ה לָקַ֣חְתִּי אֶת הַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם מִ/תּוֹךְ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל תַּ֧חַת כָּל בְּכ֛וֹר פֶּ֥טֶר רֶ֖חֶם מִ/בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְ/הָ֥יוּ לִ֖/י הַ/לְוִיִּֽם

וַ/אֲנִ֞י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron

הִנֵּ֧ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part

לָקַ֣חְתִּי lâqach H3947 to take V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Art | Ngmpa

מִ/תּוֹךְ֙ tâvek H8432 midst Prep | N-ms

בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

תַּ֧חַת tachath H8478 underneath Prep

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

בְּכ֛וֹר bᵉkôwr H1060 firstborn N-ms

פֶּ֥טֶר peṭer H6363 firstborn N-ms

רֶ֖חֶם rechem H7358 womb N-ms

מִ/בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

וְ/הָ֥יוּ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3cp

לִ֖/י Prep | Suff

הַ/לְוִיִּֽם Lêvîyîy H3881 Levi Art | Ngmpa

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:12

וַ/אֲנִ֞י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

הִנֵּ֧ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

לָקַ֣חְתִּי lâqach H3947 "to take" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

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.

הַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם Lêvîyîy H3881 "Levi" Art | Ngmpa

A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.

Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service

Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.

מִ/תּוֹךְ֙ tâvek H8432 "midst" Prep | N-ms

This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.

Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)

Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.

בְּנֵ֣י 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.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 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.

תַּ֧חַת tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep

This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.

Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

בְּכ֛וֹר bᵉkôwr H1060 "firstborn" N-ms

In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.

Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.

פֶּ֥טֶר peṭer H6363 "firstborn" N-ms

The firstborn is the first child born to a family, like the firstling of an animal. In the Bible, the firstborn held a special place and received special privileges. The firstborn son typically inherited the majority of the family's property.

Definition: firstborn, firstling, that which separates or first opens Also means: pit.rah (פִּטְרָה "firstborn" H6363B)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: firstling, openeth, such as open. See also: Exodus 13:2; Exodus 34:20; Ezekiel 20:26.

רֶ֖חֶם rechem H7358 "womb" N-ms

This Hebrew word means womb, referring to the place where a fetus grows. It is translated as matrix or womb in the KJV, symbolizing birth and new life. It is a significant concept in biblical culture.

Definition: 1) womb 1a) womb 1b) womb-man, woman-slave, woman, two women

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: matrix, womb. See also: Genesis 20:18; 1 Samuel 1:6; Psalms 22:11.

מִ/בְּנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

Definition: : child/son

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

וְ/הָ֥יוּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3cp

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.

לִ֖/י "" Prep | Suff

הַ/לְוִיִּֽם Lêvîyîy H3881 "Levi" Art | Ngmpa

A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.

Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.

Study Notes — Numbers 3:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 3:12 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 3:12
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:12
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:12
Sermons on Numbers 3:12

Context — The Duties of the Levites

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,

13for all the firstborn are Mine. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They are Mine; I am the LORD.” 14Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, saying,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 3:41	You are to take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites.”
2	Numbers 8:16	For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel.
3	Numbers 18:6	Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting.
4	Exodus 13:2	“Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.”
5	Numbers 8:18	But I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel.
6	Numbers 3:45	“Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD.

Numbers 3:12 Summary

This verse means that God has chosen the Levites to serve Him in a special way, and that they are set apart from the rest of the Israelites. This is because God had already claimed the firstborn of every Israelite family as His own, as seen in Exodus 13:2. Just like the Levites, we are also called to be set apart for God's service and to acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9. By understanding this verse, we can gain a deeper appreciation for God's plan of redemption and His desire to have a personal relationship with each of us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Levites being taken in place of every firstborn Israelite?

The Levites were chosen by God to serve as priests and assistants to the priests, and they were taken in place of every firstborn Israelite as a reminder of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 13:2 and Exodus 13:12-15.

Why did God say the Levites belong to Him?

God said the Levites belong to Him because He had set them apart for His service, just as He had set apart the firstborn of every Israelite family, as mentioned in Numbers 3:13 and Exodus 13:2.

How does this verse relate to the concept of redemption?

This verse relates to the concept of redemption because it shows how God redeemed the firstborn Israelites by taking the Levites as their substitutes, which is a picture of how Jesus Christ would later redeem all people through His sacrifice, as seen in Galatians 3:13 and Titus 2:14.

What can we learn from God's statement that the Levites are His?

We can learn from God's statement that the Levites are His that God is a God who claims ownership and sovereignty over all things, and that those who are called to serve Him are set apart for His purposes, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean for the Levites to be 'taken in place of every firstborn Israelite', and how does this relate to my own life and relationship with God?
In what ways can I, like the Levites, be set apart for God's service and purposes?
How does the concept of substitution, as seen in this verse, relate to the gospel and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
What are some ways that I can acknowledge and honor God's sovereignty and ownership over my life, just as the Levites were set apart for His service?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:12

And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel,.... Separated them from others, and set them apart for the service of the sanctuary; this was his own act and deed, and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:12

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I have taken the Levites ... The consecration of this tribe did not originate in the legislative wisdom of Moses, but in the special appointment of God, who

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:12

Instead of all the first-born, who were God’ s propriety by right of redemption, , and to whom the administration of holy things was formerly committed, which now was taken away from them, either because they had forfeited this privilege by joining with the rest of their brethren in the idolatrous worship of the calf, or because they were to be mainly concerned in the distribution and management of the inheritances which now they were going to possess, and therefore could not be at leisure to attend upon the service of the sanctuary; which made it fit that this work should be committed to other hands. And God would not commit it to some other persons in each tribe, which might be an occasion of idolatry, confusion, division, and contempt of sacred things, but to one distinct tribe, which might be entirely devoted to that service, and particularly to the tribe of Levi; partly, out of his respect to Moses and Aaron, branches of this tribe; partly, as a recompence of their zeal for God and against idolaters; see ,29 Deuteronomy 33:9; and partly, because it was the smallest of the tribes, and therefore most likely to find both employment in and maintenance for the work.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 3:12

Verse 12. I have taken the Levites - instead of all the first-born] The Levites are taken for the service of the sanctuary in place of the first-born. The first-born were dedicated to God in commemoration of his slaying the first-born of the Egyptians, and preserving those of the Israelites. Even the cattle of the Levites were taken in place of the first-born of the cattle of the rest of the tribes. See Numbers 3:45. Several reasons have been assigned why God should give this honour to the tribe of Levi in preference to all the others, but they do not seem to me to be conclusive. Their zeal in destroying those who had corrupted the worship of God in the business of the golden calf, Exodus 32:28, has been thought a sufficient reason. A better reason is, that this was the smallest tribe, and they were quite enough for the service. To have had a more numerous tribe at this time would have been very inconvenient. Aaron, says Mr. Ainsworth, being in his priesthood a type of Christ, all these rites are fulfilled in him. For unto Christ God gave children, Hebrews 2:13. And they are a congregation of first-born, whose names are written in heaven, Hebrews 12:23, being of God's own will begotten by the word of truth, that they should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures, James 1:18, to whom he also gives the first-fruits of his Spirit, Romans 8:23. These wait on and follow the Lamb, being first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb, Revelation 14:4; and Christ hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father, that we may serve him day and night in his temple, Revelation 1:6; Revelation 7:15.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:12

12. All male first-born of men and animals are sacred to God, i.e. they must be sacrificed. In very primitive ages it is probable that this custom actually prevailed (cf. Genesis 22, 2 Kings 3:27, Micah 6:7), but the Israelite practice of redeeming human first-born by an equivalent in money or animals must have arisen at an early date. The practice of offering the firstborn is enjoined in J E , Numbers 13:11-33 [Note: J, however, differs from P in dating the offering of first-born not from the Exodus but from the entrance into Canaan.] , Numbers 34:19 f. ), Numbers 18:15 f. , and the redemption is to be by a money payment. But at this point, in P , a different form of redemption is commanded, i.e. the handing over of the Levites for service. This subject is resumed in Numbers 3:40-51, where it is explained that the Levites were substituted only for those firstborn who were more than a month old at the time.

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:12

12. Openeth the matrix — Or womb. “This expression is generally employed in cases in which a common term is required to designate the firstborn of both man and beast, (Exodus 13:2; Exodus 13:12-15;

Sermons on Numbers 3:12

	Sermon	Description
	Redemption: Grace and Love by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of meeting God's needs through love and grace. He uses the example of the Israelites building the Tabernacle to illustrate th
	Go Forward by G.W. North	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of leaders taking initiative and leading by example. He uses the story of Moses leading the Israelites through the Red Sea as
	Luke 2:21-32. the Song of Simeon. by Favell Lee Mortimer	Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the significance of Jesus' presentation at the temple, emphasizing how Jesus, as the firstborn Son, was brought to the Lord as a holy and unblemishe

← Numbers 3:11 Numbers 3:13 →