Numbers 8:14
Numbers 8:14 in Multiple Translations
In this way you shall separate the Levites from the rest of the Israelites, and the Levites will belong to Me.
Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine.
Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine.
So you are to make the Levites separate from the children of Israel, and the Levites will be mine.
This is how you are to separate the Levites from the rest of the Israelites, and the Levites will belong to me.
Thus thou shalt separate the Leuites from among the children of Israel, and the Leuites shall be mine.
and thou hast separated the Levites from the midst of the sons of Israel, and the Levites have become Mine;
Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine.
Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine.
And shalt separate them from the midst of the children of Israel, to be mine.
This ritual will show that the descendants of Levi are set apart from the other Israelis and that they belong to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 8:14
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 8:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הִבְדַּלְתָּ֙
אֶת
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
מִ/תּ֖וֹךְ
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וְ/הָ֥יוּ
לִ֖/י
הַ/לְוִיִּֽם
וְ/הִבְדַּלְתָּ֙
bâdal
H914
to separate
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
מִ/תּ֖וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
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
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 8:14
וְ/הִבְדַּלְתָּ֙
bâdal
H914
"to separate"
Conj | V-Hiphil-2ms
This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 56:3.
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/לְוִיִּ֔ם
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/תּ֖וֹךְ
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
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.
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.
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 8:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Cleansing the Levites
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.
15After you have cleansed them and presented them as a wave offering, they may come to serve at the Tent of Meeting. 16For 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Malachi 3:17 | “They will be Mine,” says the LORD of Hosts, “on the day when I prepare My treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him. |
| 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 | Numbers 6:2 | “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the LORD, |
| 5 | Numbers 16:9–10 | Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well. |
| 6 | Numbers 8:17 | For every firstborn male in Israel is Mine, both man and beast. I set them apart for Myself on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 10:8 | At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. |
| 8 | Romans 1:1 | Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— |
| 9 | Numbers 3:12 | “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, |
| 10 | Hebrews 7:26 | Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. |
Numbers 8:14 Summary
This verse is talking about how the Levites, a group of people who helped the priests, were set apart to serve God. It means they were chosen to do special work for the Lord, and they didn't do ordinary jobs like other people (Numbers 3:12). The Levites were like a special team that helped the priests take care of the Tabernacle, and they were dedicated to God's service (Exodus 32:26). Just like the Levites, we can also be set apart to serve God and live for Him, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 6:20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the Levites to be separated from the rest of the Israelites?
This separation signifies the Levites' unique role in serving the Lord, as stated in Numbers 8:14, and is a reminder of their special consecration to God, as seen in Numbers 3:12 and Exodus 32:26.
Why did the Levites need to be presented as a wave offering to the Lord?
The wave offering was a symbol of dedication and surrender to God, as seen in Leviticus 7:30 and Exodus 29:24, and was necessary for the Levites to be set apart for their sacred duties.
What does it mean for the Levites to 'belong to' the Lord?
This phrase emphasizes the Levites' exclusive devotion to God's service, as stated in Numbers 8:14, and is reminiscent of the Lord's declaration in Exodus 19:5 that the Israelites would be His treasured possession if they obeyed His voice.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of priesthood in the Bible?
This verse highlights the Levites' role as mediators between God and the people, a theme that is developed further in the New Testament with the priesthood of all believers, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 1:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like the Levites, can be set apart for God's service in my daily life?
- How can I practically dedicate myself to the Lord, just as the Levites were dedicated through the wave offering?
- In what ways can I surrender my own desires and ambitions to God, just as the Levites surrendered themselves to His service?
- What does it mean for me to 'belong to' the Lord, and how can I live out this reality in my relationships and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 8:14
Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel,.... By sprinkling the water of purification upon them; by offering sacrifices for them; by presenting them before the Lord,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 8:14
Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 8:14
5–26. The Levites Numbers 8:5-22. Their purification and dedication, Numbers 8:23-26. The age of service. The passage is an expansion of Num 3:5-13, with the addition of the rite of purification. The Levites are inferior to the priests, and are therefore merely cleansed from the ceremonial pollution of ordinary life, while the priests receive something higher, an actual quality which the Hebrews called ‘holiness,’ i.e. not moral excellence, but separation, exclusiveness (Exodus 29, Leviticus 8).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 8:14
THE OF THE LEVITES, Numbers 8:5-22.Already have Aaron and his sons, the purely sacerdotal family of the tribe of Levi, been anointed and inducted into their sacred office.
Sermons on Numbers 8:14
| Sermon | Description | |
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Joshua Chapter 12 Inheritance the Inheritance of the Levites, or All in God and God in All by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of the Levites' inheritance in Joshua Chapter 12, illustrating that they represent the principles of redemption, separation, dedication, an |
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Inheritance the Inheritance of the Levites, or All in God and God in All by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of the Levites' inheritance, illustrating that true consecration involves redemption, separation, dedication, and service to God. He explai |
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Five Rules for Holy Living by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of praising and blessing the Lord. He highlights various elements of creation such as water, sun, moon, stars, wind, heat, fi |
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(Through the Bible) Malachi by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of giving and receiving in accordance with a divine spiritual law. He compares it to the natural laws that govern our universe, s |
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God's Special Treasure by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the concept of believers being treasured by God, likened to jewels in His sight. It explores the idea of God valuing His children so much that He considers t |
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Our Great Hight Priest by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the imperfections and struggles of our lives, comparing them to a car that is broken and failing. Despite our flaws, the preacher emphasize |
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Evangelism 02 We Do Not Well by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of salvation with others. He encourages the audience to take seriously the responsibility of witnessing |