Numbers 3:5
Numbers 3:5 in Multiple Translations
Then the LORD said to Moses,
¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
And Jehovah spake unto Moses, saying,
And the Lord said to Moses,
The Lord told Moses,
Then the Lord spake vnto Moses, saying,
And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying,
The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
Then Yahweh said to Moses/me,
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:5
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 3:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
יְהוָ֖ה
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
לֵּ/אמֹֽר
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
לֵּ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:5
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מֹשֶׁ֥ה
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
לֵּ/אמֹֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Numbers 3:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Duties of the Levites
3These were Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.
4Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.
5Then the LORD said to Moses,
6“Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. 7They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle.Numbers 3:5 Summary
In Numbers 3:5, God speaks directly to Moses, giving him instructions for the organization of the Israelite priesthood and the role of the Levites. This verse reminds us that God is a personal and communicative God who desires to guide and direct us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Psalm 32:8-11. Just as the Levites were called to assist the priests, we are called to support and serve one another in our spiritual journeys, as encouraged in Galatians 5:13 and 1 Peter 4:10. By listening to God's voice and following His instructions, we can experience His presence and guidance in our lives, as promised in Isaiah 30:21 and Matthew 4:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Numbers 3:5, and why is it significant?
Numbers 3:5 is part of a larger narrative about the organization of the Israelite priesthood and the role of the Levites, as seen in Numbers 3:1-10, and is significant because it highlights God's direct communication with Moses, similar to what is seen in Exodus 3:4 and Deuteronomy 5:24.
How does Numbers 3:5 relate to the story of Nadab and Abihu in Numbers 3:4?
The story of Nadab and Abihu's death in Numbers 3:4 serves as a backdrop to Numbers 3:5, emphasizing the importance of following God's instructions, as seen in Leviticus 10:1-3, and the need for the Levites to assist the priests, as mentioned in Numbers 3:6-7.
What can we learn from God's direct communication with Moses in Numbers 3:5?
Numbers 3:5 shows that God is a personal and communicative God, who speaks to His people through leaders like Moses, as seen in Numbers 12:2 and Deuteronomy 34:10-12, and this serves as a model for our own relationship with Him, as encouraged in Jeremiah 33:3 and Psalm 119:145.
How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey?
Numbers 3:5 is part of the Israelites' journey in the Wilderness of Sinai, where God is giving instructions for the organization of the tabernacle and the priesthood, as seen in Exodus 19:1-25 and Numbers 1:1-54, and this verse highlights God's ongoing guidance and direction for His people, as promised in Isaiah 58:11 and Matthew 28:20.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for God to 'say' something to us, and how can we be attentive to His voice in our lives, as encouraged in Psalm 85:8 and 1 Samuel 3:10?
- How can we, like the Levites, assist and support those in spiritual leadership over us, as seen in Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13?
- What are some ways we can respond to God's instructions and guidance in our own lives, as seen in Psalm 119:1-8 and Proverbs 3:1-12?
- How can we balance the need for structure and organization in our spiritual lives with the need for personal relationship and intimacy with God, as seen in John 15:1-17 and Ephesians 4:1-16?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:5
And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... After he had given him the order for the numbering the children of Israel, and for the manner of their encampment and journeying: saying; as follows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:5
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Bring the tribe of Levi near , [ haqªreeb (H7126)] - make approach.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:5
5–10. The appointment of the Levites as an inferior, though sacred, body of priests’ servants.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:5
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.