Numbers 8:16

Verse

For 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.

American Standard Version (1901)

For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; instead of all that openeth the womb, even the first-born of all the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me.

Bible in Basic English

For they have been given to me from among the children of Israel; in place of every mother's first son, the first to come to birth in Israel, I have taken them for myself.

Free Bible Version

The Levites have been completely given over to me by the Israelites. I have accepted them as mine in place of all the firstborn sons of the Israelites.

King James (Authorized) Version

For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; instead of such as open every womb, even instead of the firstborn of all the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me.

One Unity Resource Bible

For they are wholly given to me from among the children of Israel [God prevails]; instead of all who open the womb, even the firstborn of all the children of Israel [God prevails], I have taken them to me.

Translation for Translators

They will belong to me. They will work for me as substitutes for the firstborn males of all the Israelis, who also belong to me.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Do this, because they are entirely mine from among the people of Israel. They will take the place of each male child who opens the womb, the firstborn of all the descendants of Israel. I have taken the Levites for myself.

Noah Webster Bible

For they are wholly given to me from among the children of Israel; instead of such as open every womb, even instead of the first-born of all the children of Israel, have I taken them to me.

World English Bible

For they are wholly given to me from among the children of Israel; instead of all who open the womb, even the firstborn of all the children of Israel, I have taken them to me.

Young's Literal Translation

'For they are certainly given to Me out of the midst of the sons of Israel, instead of him who openeth any womb — the first-born of all — from the sons of Israel I have taken them to Myself;

Context

Cleansing the Levites

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.¹⁷For 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.

Summary

In Numbers 8:16, the Levites are set apart from the rest of the Israelites to serve in the Tabernacle and assist the priests. This verse highlights the importance of consecration and dedication to God's service, emphasizing the need for spiritual purity and commitment in ministry. The Levites' role as helpers to the priests symbolizes the support and assistance that believers can provide to spiritual leaders in the church. Ultimately, Numbers 8:16 underscores the significance of serving God wholeheartedly and being willing to fulfill the specific tasks He has assigned to each individual.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel,.... All of them, entirely, and most certainly; or, "given, given" (u), which is repeated for the confirmation of it; or because of their being twice given, first to the Lord by the children of Israel, and then by the Lord to Aaron and his sons, as Chaskuni; though Jarchi interprets it of the different parts of their service they were devoted to, given for bearing and carrying the vessels of the sanctuary, and given for the song, or to be singers in the temple: instead of such as open, every womb, even instead of the firstborn of all the children of Israel have I taken them unto me; See Gill on Num 3:12, and See Gill on Num 3:13. (u) "dati, dati", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus; so Drusius and Ainsworth.