Numbers 4:17

← Numbers 4:16 Numbers 4:18 →

Numbers 4:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

King James Version KJV

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord told Moses and Aaron,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the Lord spake vnto Moses and to Aaron, saying,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

World English Bible WEB

The LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying:

Translation for Translators T4T

“Then Yahweh said to Aaron and Moses/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 4:17

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 4:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה אֶל מֹשֶׁ֥ה וְ/אֶֽל אַהֲרֹ֖ן לֵ/אמֹֽר

וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

מֹשֶׁ֥ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

וְ/אֶֽל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep

אַהֲרֹ֖ן ʼAhărôwn H175 Aaron N-proper

לֵ/אמֹֽר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

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 4:17

וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר 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.

יְהוָ֔ה 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.

וְ/אֶֽל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep

אַהֲרֹ֖ן 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.

לֵ/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 4:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Numbers 4:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:17
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:17

Context — The Duties of the Kohathites

15When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting. 16Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.”

17Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,

18“Do not allow the Kohathite tribal clans to be cut off from among the Levites. 19In order that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things, do this for them: Aaron and his sons are to go in and assign each man his task and what he is to carry.

Numbers 4:17 Summary

In Numbers 4:17, the Lord speaks directly to Moses and Aaron, showing the importance of their leadership roles in the Israelite community. This verse reminds us that God is a personal God who communicates with His people, as seen in Exodus 33:11 where God speaks face to face with Moses. Just like Moses and Aaron, we need to listen to God's voice and follow His instructions, as encouraged in Psalm 119:105, to fulfill our responsibilities and live according to His will. By doing so, we can experience God's guidance and care in our lives, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Lord speaking to Moses and Aaron in Numbers 4:17?

The Lord speaking to Moses and Aaron in Numbers 4:17 signifies the importance of their roles as leaders in the Israelite community, as seen in Exodus 4:14-16 where God appoints them to lead His people, and highlights the need for direct communication and guidance from God in their responsibilities.

Why is it important for the Lord to address both Moses and Aaron in this verse?

The Lord addressing both Moses and Aaron in Numbers 4:17 emphasizes the shared responsibility and authority they have in the Israelite community, as established in Numbers 3:1-10, and prepares them for the specific instructions that follow in Numbers 4:18-19.

How does this verse relate to the overall context of Numbers 4?

Numbers 4:17 is a pivotal verse in the context of Numbers 4, as it transitions from the description of the Kohathites' duties in Numbers 4:15-16 to the Lord's specific instructions for their protection and assignment in Numbers 4:18-19, highlighting God's care for the details of His tabernacle and the lives of those who serve Him.

What does this verse teach us about God's leadership and communication style?

This verse teaches us that God is a personal and direct communicator, as seen in His interactions with Moses and Aaron throughout the book of Numbers, and that He values the roles and responsibilities of leaders in His community, as emphasized in Numbers 27:18-23.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God speaks to us today, and how can we be more attentive to His voice?
How do Moses and Aaron's roles in the Israelite community inform our understanding of leadership and teamwork in the church?
What are some ways that we can apply the principle of shared responsibility and authority in our own lives and relationships?
How can we balance the need for direct communication from God with the importance of following established authority and leadership in our lives?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:17

And the Lord spake unto Moses, and unto Aaron,.... And gave them a very solemn and awful charge about this affair of the Kohathites, it being a very hazardous one they were employed in: saying; as follows.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:17

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Cut ye not off ... - a solemn admonition to Moses and Aaron to beware, lest, by any negligence on their part, disorder and improprieties should

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:17

1–20. The Kohathites and their duties.