Numbers 3:15
Numbers 3:15 in Multiple Translations
“Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.”
Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.
Number the children of Levi by their fathers’ houses, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.
Let all the children of Levi be numbered by their families and their fathers' houses; let every male of a month old and over be numbered.
“Register the Levites by their father's line and family. Count every male aged one month or older.”
Nomber the children of Leui after the houses of their fathers, in their families: euery male from a moneth olde and aboue shalt thou nomber.
'Number the sons of Levi by the house of their fathers, by their families; every male from a son of a month and upward thou dost number them.'
“Count the children of Levi by their fathers’ houses, by their families. You shall count every male from a month old and upward.”
Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.
Number the sons of Levi by the houses of their fathers and their families, every male from one month and upward.
“Count the male members of the tribe of Levi. Write down their names and the names of their clans and family groups. Count all the males who are at least one month old.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:15
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 3:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פְּקֹד֙
אֶת
בְּנֵ֣י
לֵוִ֔י
לְ/בֵ֥ית
אֲבֹתָ֖/ם
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑/ם
כָּל
זָכָ֛ר
מִ/בֶּן
חֹ֥דֶשׁ
וָ/מַ֖עְלָ/ה
תִּפְקְדֵֽ/ם
פְּקֹד֙
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
לֵוִ֔י
Lêvîy
H3878
Levi
N-proper
לְ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
אֲבֹתָ֖/ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑/ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Prep | N-fp | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
זָכָ֛ר
zâkâr
H2145
male
Adj
מִ/בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-ms
חֹ֥דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
month
N-ms
וָ/מַ֖עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Conj | Adv | Suff
תִּפְקְדֵֽ/ם
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:15
פְּקֹד֙
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Qal-Impv-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.
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.
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.
לֵוִ֔י
Lêvîy
H3878
"Levi"
N-proper
Levi was a son of Jacob and Leah, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. He was a brother of Reuben, Simeon, and Judah, and the father of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi's name is significant in the tribe of Levi.
Definition: A man of 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) § Levi = "joined to" the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah and progenitor of tribe of Levites
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: Levi. See also H3879 (לֵוִי), H3881 (לֵוִיִּי). See also: Genesis 29:34; Deuteronomy 27:12; Psalms 135:20.
לְ/בֵ֥ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | 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.
אֲבֹתָ֖/ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | 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.
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑/ם
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
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.
זָכָ֛ר
zâkâr
H2145
"male"
Adj
This word means male, referring to men or male animals, emphasizing their importance. It is used in the Bible to distinguish between males and females. The word is often translated as 'him' or 'male' in English.
Definition: 1) male (of humans and animals) adj 2) male (of humans)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] him, male, man(child, -kind). See also: Genesis 1:27; Numbers 3:22; Isaiah 66:7.
מִ/בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-ms
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.
חֹ֥דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
N-ms
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
וָ/מַ֖עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Conj | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
תִּפְקְדֵֽ/ם
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 3:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 3:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 3:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 3:15
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:15
- Sermons on Numbers 3:15
Context — The Numbering of the Levites
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,
15“Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.”
16So Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he had been commanded. 17These were the sons of Levi by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 26:62 | The registration of the Levites totaled 23,000, every male a month old or more; they were not numbered among the other Israelites, because no inheritance was given to them among the Israelites. |
| 2 | Mark 10:14 | But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. |
| 3 | 2 Timothy 3:15 | From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. |
| 4 | Numbers 18:15–16 | The firstborn of every womb, whether man or beast, that is offered to the LORD belongs to you. But you must surely redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. You are to pay the redemption price for a month-old male according to your valuation: five shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel, which is twenty gerahs. |
| 5 | Numbers 3:28 | The number of all the males a month old or more was 8,600. They were responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. |
| 6 | Numbers 1:47 | The Levites, however, were not numbered along with them by the tribe of their fathers. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 2:2 | “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem that this is what the LORD says: ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. |
| 8 | Numbers 3:34 | The number of all the males a month old or more was 6,200. |
| 9 | Numbers 3:39–40 | The total number of Levites that Moses and Aaron counted by their clans at the LORD’s command, including all the males a month old or more, was 22,000. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 31:3 | The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion. |
Numbers 3:15 Summary
In Numbers 3:15, the Lord is instructing Moses to count the Levites, who are being set apart to serve Him. This means that the Levites are being chosen to do special work for the Lord, like helping with the tabernacle and teaching the people about God's laws (as seen in Deuteronomy 33:10). The Lord wants us to follow His instructions carefully, just like Moses did, and to be willing to serve Him with our whole hearts (as referenced in Deuteronomy 10:12-13). By following the Lord's instructions and being willing to serve Him, we can show our love and respect for Him, just like the Levites did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Levites being numbered in Numbers 3:15?
The Levites were being numbered because they were to serve as substitutes for the firstborn of the other tribes, as seen in Numbers 3:12-13, where the Lord says that the firstborn are His, and He consecrated the Levites to Himself.
What is the significance of counting every male a month old or more in this verse?
Counting every male a month old or more was significant because it showed that the Levites were being set apart for service to the Lord, just like the firstborn of the other tribes, as referenced in Exodus 13:2 and Exodus 13:12, where the firstborn of both men and animals are consecrated to the Lord.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of the Israelites in the wilderness?
This verse is part of the story of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, where the Lord is establishing the Levites as His servants, as seen in Numbers 3:5-10, and preparing them for their roles in the tabernacle and in the community, as referenced in Exodus 40:12-16 and Leviticus 8:1-36.
What can we learn from the Lord's specific instructions to Moses in this verse?
We can learn that the Lord is a God of order and detail, as seen in other verses like Exodus 25:1-9, where He gives specific instructions for the building of the tabernacle, and that He desires His people to follow His instructions carefully, as referenced in Deuteronomy 12:32 and Proverbs 30:6.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to be 'set apart' for service to the Lord, and how can I apply this concept in my own life?
- How do I respond to the Lord's call to serve Him, and what are some ways that I can demonstrate my willingness to follow His instructions?
- What are some ways that I can show reverence and respect for the Lord's authority, as seen in the way that Moses followed the Lord's instructions in this verse?
- How can I balance the need for order and detail in my life with the need for flexibility and adaptability, as seen in the Lord's instructions to Moses in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:15
Number the children of Levi,.... Who were left out of the general muster of the children of Israel, but now were to be numbered alone, and in a different manner, and for, a different purpose, the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:15
And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, Number the children of Levi.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:15
From a month old, because at that time the first-born, in whose stead the Levites came, , were offered to God, , and to be redeemed, . And from that time the Levites were consecrated to God, and were as soon as they were capable,’ to be instructed in their work. Elsewhere they are numbered from twenty-five years old, when they were entered as novices to part of their work, ; and from thirty years old, when they were completely admitted to their whole office.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 3:15
(15) From a month old and upward . . . —The males of the other tribes had been numbered “from twenty years old and upward” (Numbers 1:3). The firstborn males, however, among all the children of Israel, in whose place the Levites were taken, wer-directed to be numbered “from a month old and upward” (Numbers 3:40; Numbers 3:43); and this was the age afterwards fixed for their redemption (Numbers 18:16).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 3:15
Verse 15. A month old and upward] The males of all the other tribes were numbered, from twenty years and upward; had the Levites been numbered in this way, they would not have been nearly equal in number to the firstborn of the twelve tribes. Add to this, that as there must have been first-born of all ages in the other tribes, it was necessary that the Levites, who were to be their substitutes, should be also of all ages; and it appears to have been on this ground, at least partly, that the Levites were numbered from four weeks old and upward.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:15
15. from, a month old] to correspond with the firstborn (see Numbers 3:40).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:15
15. After the house of their fathers — Their mothers might have married into other tribes, and borne sons who were counted in those tribes.
Sermons on Numbers 3:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Hebrews - Part 3): Godhead of the Eternal Son by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the overwhelming nature of certain biblical texts, particularly John 14:1 and John 3:16. He compares the experience of preaching on these t |
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Road to Reality - Bridge of Hope- Mark 9 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a powerful encounter with a young girl in desperate need. The girl approached him, explaining that her father had died, her mother was sick, an |
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(Godly Home) Part 3 - the Eternal Value of a Child by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in the relationship between parents and their children. He shares a story of a couple seeking |
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The Wonder by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the loss of wonder and imagination in children as they grow older. He mentions how children are full of curiosity and imagination, but as the |
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Choose to Serve, Part Two by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a church in Nagpur that started with a school and now has over 400 baptized believers. The speaker emphasizes the importa |
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Bridge of Hope Maranatha by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his impoverished childhood and the struggles his family faced. He talks about his mother's death and the desperation they |
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Bridge of Hope Discussion, Part Two by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of hearing the voice of Jesus and being reminded of the desire to find Him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of embrac |