Numbers 8:12
Numbers 8:12 in Multiple Translations
And the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and offer to the LORD one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites.
And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites.
And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and offer thou the one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, unto Jehovah, to make atonement for the Levites.
And the Levites are to put their hands on the heads of the oxen, and one of the oxen is to be offered for a sin-offering and the other for a burned offering to the Lord to take away the sin of the Levites.
The Levites are to place their hands on the heads of the bulls. One is to be sacrificed as a sin offering to the Lord, and the other as a burnt offering to set the Levites right with the Lord.
And the Leuites shall put their handes vpon the heades of the bullockes, and make thou the one a sinne offring, and the other a burnt offring vnto the Lord, that thou mayest make an atonement for the Leuites.
'And the Levites lay their hands on the head of the bullocks, and make thou the one a sin-offering, and the one a burnt-offering to Jehovah, to atone for the Levites,
“The Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites.
And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, to the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites.
The Levites also shall put their hands upon the heads of the oxen, of which thou shalt sacrifice one for sin, and the other for a holocaust to the Lord, to pray for them.
“After that, the descendants of Levi must place their hands on the heads of the two bulls. Then the bulls will be killed and burned on the altar. One will be an offering to enable me to forgive them for the sins they have committed, and the other will be completely burned to please me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 8:12
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 8:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּם֙
יִסְמְכ֣וּ
אֶת
יְדֵי/הֶ֔ם
עַ֖ל
רֹ֣אשׁ
הַ/פָּרִ֑ים
וַ֠/עֲשֵׂה
אֶת
הָ/אֶחָ֨ד
חַטָּ֜את
וְ/אֶת
הָ/אֶחָ֤ד
עֹלָה֙
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
לְ/כַפֵּ֖ר
עַל
הַ/לְוִיִּֽם
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּם֙
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
יִסְמְכ֣וּ
çâmak
H5564
to support
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְדֵי/הֶ֔ם
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms
הַ/פָּרִ֑ים
par
H6499
bullock
Art | N-mp
וַ֠/עֲשֵׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/אֶחָ֨ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
חַטָּ֜את
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
sin
N-fs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הָ/אֶחָ֤ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Art | Adj
עֹלָה֙
ʻôlâh
H5930
burnt offering
N-fs
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
לְ/כַפֵּ֖ר
kâphar
H3722
to atone
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
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 8:12
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּם֙
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Conj | 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.
יִסְמְכ֣וּ
çâmak
H5564
"to support"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To support or lean on something, like a person or object, as seen in the Bible where God upholds his people. It means to hold something up or stand firm. This concept appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to lean, lay, rest, support, put, uphold, lean upon 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lean or lay upon, rest upon, lean against 1a2) to support, uphold, sustain 1b) (Niphal) to support or brace oneself 1c) (Piel) to sustain, refresh, revive
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: bear up, establish, (up-) hold, lay, lean, lie hard, put, rest self, set self, stand fast, stay (self), sustain. See also: Genesis 27:37; Judges 16:29; Psalms 3:6.
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.
יְדֵי/הֶ֔ם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
עַ֖ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הַ/פָּרִ֑ים
par
H6499
"bullock"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word means a young bull or ox, often used as a sacrifice in the Bible. In Exodus, a bullock is used as an offering to God. The word describes a strong and powerful animal.
Definition: young bull, steer, bullock
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] young) bull(-ock), calf, ox. See also: Genesis 32:16; Numbers 28:20; Psalms 22:13.
וַ֠/עֲשֵׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
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.
הָ/אֶחָ֨ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
חַטָּ֜את
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2403
"sin"
N-fs
This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.
Definition: sin, sinful thing
Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.
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.
הָ/אֶחָ֤ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
עֹלָה֙
ʻôlâh
H5930
"burnt offering"
N-fs
This word refers to a step or stairs, often used to describe the ascent to the altar for a burnt offering. In the Bible, it can also mean a holocaust or sacrifice, like in Leviticus.
Definition: whole burnt offering Aramaic equivalent: a.lah (עֲלָת "burnt offering" H5928)
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also H5766 (עֶוֶל). See also: Genesis 8:20; Numbers 15:5; 2 Chronicles 29:7.
לַֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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.
לְ/כַפֵּ֖ר
kâphar
H3722
"to atone"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To cover means to coat or cover something, like when the ark was covered with pitch to protect it. This word is also used figuratively to describe making amends or forgiving someone, like in a sacrifice or atonement.
Definition: 1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate 1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for 1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be covered over 1b2) to be atoned for 1c) (Hithpael) to be covered
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation). See also: Genesis 6:14; Leviticus 16:32; Psalms 65:4.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
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.
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 8:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 8:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 8:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 8:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 8:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 8:12
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 8:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 8:12
- Sermons on Numbers 8:12
Context — Cleansing the Levites
10You are to present the Levites before the LORD and have the Israelites lay their hands upon them.
11Aaron is to present the Levites before the LORD as a wave offering from the sons of Israel, so that they may perform the service of the LORD.
12And the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and offer to the LORD one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites.
13You are to have the Levites stand before Aaron and his sons and then present them before the LORD as a wave offering. 14In this way you shall separate the Levites from the rest of the Israelites, and the Levites will belong to Me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 10:4–10 | because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sin offerings You took no delight. Then I said, ‘Here I am, it is written about Me in the scroll: I have come to do Your will, O God.’” In the passage above He says, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor did You delight in them” (although they are offered according to the law). Then He adds, “Here I am, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. |
| 2 | Exodus 29:10 | You are to present the bull at the front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head. |
| 3 | Leviticus 1:4 | He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. |
| 4 | Leviticus 8:14 | Moses then brought the bull near for the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. |
| 5 | Hebrews 9:22 | According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. |
| 6 | Numbers 8:8 | Then have them take a young bull with its grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil, and you are to take a second young bull for a sin offering. |
| 7 | Leviticus 16:16–19 | So he shall make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting which abides among them, because it is surrounded by their impurities. No one may be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Most Holy Place until he leaves, after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel. Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD and make atonement for it. He is to take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on all the horns of the altar. He is to sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse it and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites. |
| 8 | Leviticus 14:22 | and two turtledoves or two young pigeons, whichever he can afford, one to be a sin offering and the other a burnt offering. |
| 9 | Leviticus 4:20 | He shall offer this bull just as he did the bull for the sin offering; in this way the priest will make atonement on their behalf, and they will be forgiven. |
| 10 | Leviticus 9:7 | Then Moses said to Aaron, “Approach the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering to make atonement for yourself and for the people. And sacrifice the people’s offering to make atonement for them, as the LORD has commanded.” |
Numbers 8:12 Summary
[The Levites, who were chosen by God to serve Him, still needed to make atonement for their sins, just like we do, as seen in Romans 3:23. This verse shows that God wants us to be holy and pure, and that He provides a way for us to be cleansed from our sins through substitutionary atonement, as described in Leviticus 16:20 and Hebrews 10:10. By laying their hands on the heads of the bulls, the Levites were able to transfer their sins to the animals, which were then offered to God as a sin offering and a burnt offering. This teaches us that we need to acknowledge our sins and seek God's forgiveness, just like the Levites did, and that God provides a way for us to be forgiven and cleansed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as seen in 1 John 1:8-9.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Levites need to make atonement for themselves in Numbers 8:12?
The Levites, like all humans, were sinful and needed atonement to be made holy before God, as seen in Leviticus 16:20 and Hebrews 10:10, which highlights the need for purification and consecration before serving the Lord.
What is the significance of laying hands on the heads of the bulls in Numbers 8:12?
Laying hands on the heads of the bulls signified the transfer of sin and guilt to the animals, which were then offered to the Lord as a sin offering and a burnt offering, as described in Leviticus 1:4 and 4:4, demonstrating the importance of substitutionary atonement.
How does this verse relate to the concept of priestly consecration in the Bible?
The consecration of the Levites in Numbers 8:12 is similar to the consecration of priests in Exodus 29:1-37, where they were set apart for service to the Lord, and is also reflected in the New Testament concept of believers being a royal priesthood, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9-10.
What can we learn from the Levites' need for atonement in Numbers 8:12?
The fact that the Levites, who were set apart for God's service, still needed atonement emphasizes the universal need for redemption and purification, as stated in Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8-9, and points to the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of sin and the need for atonement in our own lives?
- How can we, like the Levites, be set apart for God's service and purpose, and what does this entail?
- In what ways can we apply the principle of substitutionary atonement, as seen in Numbers 8:12, to our own lives and relationships with God and others?
- What does the concept of making atonement for the Levites teach us about God's desire for holiness and purity in those who serve Him?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 8:12
And the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bullocks,.... Or "on the head" (s); on the head of everyone of them, as Aben Ezra, thereby, as it were, transferring their sins to them, for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 8:12
And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the LORD for an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the LORD.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 8:12
Upon the heads of the bullocks; to signify, that they were offered by them and for them. See ,19 Leviticus 1:4 3:2 4:4.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 8:12
Numbers 8:12 And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one [for] a sin offering, and the other [for] a burnt offering, unto the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites.Ver. 12. The one for a sin offering.] The sin offering for actual sin; the burnt offering for original.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 8:12
12. For the sin-offering and burnt-offering see on Numbers 4:11.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 8:12
12. The Levites shall lay their hands — This imposition of hands differs from that in Numbers 8:10, inasmuch as it symbolically transfers guilt, (see Leviticus 1:4, note,) which is implied in an atonement.
Sermons on Numbers 8:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Marriage- the Picture of Christ and His Church by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the profound mystery of Christ-centered relationships, highlighting how earthly marriages are a reflection of the eternal relationship between Christ and the |
|
He Is Able (2 of 2) - 1955 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher recounts a story about a criminal named Connell who was sentenced to death. The preacher, Philip Dodridge, tried his best to save Connell by using all |
|
Drawing Near or Drawing Back? by David Guzik | David Guzik emphasizes the choice between drawing near to God or drawing back, as presented in Hebrews chapter 10. He addresses the discouragement faced by early Christians, urging |
|
The First Believer by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the events of the first Easter morning as described in John chapter 20. He emphasizes that Jesus was committed to teaching his disciples abou |
|
He Claimed Our Sins as His Own (Part 1) by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about two brothers. One brother commits a crime and asks for help from the other brother. The guilty brother gives his stained clothes to |
|
Restoring Broken Trust, Joseph & Mary by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the beginning of God's redemptive plan, which starts with a sex scandal involving Joseph and Mary. Joseph is troubled and disillusioned by Mar |
|
God Has a Ministry for You by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and efficacy of the blood of Jesus in cleansing sinners. He encourages the congregation to think of God and have patience in their |