Numbers 8:21
Numbers 8:21 in Multiple Translations
The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes, and Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the LORD. Aaron also made atonement for them to cleanse them.
And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them.
And the Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes: and Aaron offered them for a wave-offering before Jehovah; and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them.
And the Levites were made clean from sin, and their clothing was washed, and Aaron gave them for a wave offering before the Lord; and Aaron took away their sin and made them clean.
The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes. Then Aaron presented them as a wave offering to the Lord. Aaron also presented the sacrifice to make them right with the Lord so they would be clean.
So the Leuites were purified, and washed their clothes, and Aaron offred them as a shake offring before the Lord, and Aaron made an atonement for them, to purifie them.
And the Levites cleanse themselves, and wash their garments, and Aaron waveth them a wave-offering before Jehovah, and Aaron maketh atonement for them to cleanse them,
The Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them for a wave offering before the LORD and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them.
And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them.
And they were purified, and washed their garments. And Aaron lifted them up in the sight of the Lard, and prayed for them,
The descendants of Levi sprinkled themselves with water to symbolize that they had been freed/cleansed from the guilt of their sins, and they washed their clothes. Then Aaron brought them to the altar to present them to Yahweh, and he offered sacrifices to cleanse them from the guilt of their sins and cause them to become acceptable to Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 8:21
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Word Study
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Numbers 8:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּֽתְחַטְּא֣וּ
הַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם
וַֽ/יְכַבְּסוּ֙
בִּגְדֵי/הֶ֔ם
וַ/יָּ֨נֶף
אַהֲרֹ֥ן
אֹתָ֛/ם
תְּנוּפָ֖ה
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
וַ/יְכַפֵּ֧ר
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
לְ/טַהֲרָֽ/ם
וַ/יִּֽתְחַטְּא֣וּ
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
וַֽ/יְכַבְּסוּ֙
kâbaç
H3526
to wash
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
בִּגְדֵי/הֶ֔ם
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יָּ֨נֶף
nûwph
H5130
to sprinkle
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַהֲרֹ֥ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
אֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
תְּנוּפָ֖ה
tᵉnûwphâh
H8573
wave offering
N-fs
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יְכַפֵּ֧ר
kâphar
H3722
to atone
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
לְ/טַהֲרָֽ/ם
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 8:21
וַ/יִּֽתְחַטְּא֣וּ
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
הַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם
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.
וַֽ/יְכַבְּסוּ֙
kâbaç
H3526
"to wash"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
To wash means to clean something, often by trampling or stamping on it with the feet, as seen in the process of washing clothes.
Definition: 1) to wash (by treading), be washed, perform the work of a fuller 1a) (Qal) washer, fuller, treader (participle) 1b) (Piel) to wash (garments, person) 1c) (Pual) to be washed 1d) (Hothpael) to be washed out
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: fuller, wash(-ing). See also: Genesis 49:11; Leviticus 15:21; Psalms 51:4.
בִּגְדֵי/הֶ֔ם
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
וַ/יָּ֨נֶף
nûwph
H5130
"to sprinkle"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To wave means to move something back and forth, like waving a hand or an offering to God, as described in the book of Leviticus. It can also mean to sprinkle or shake something, like sprinkling water for purification.
Definition: 1) to sprinkle 1a) (Qal) to besprinkle, sprinkle
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: lift up, move, offer, perfume, send, shake, sift, strike, wave. See also: Exodus 20:25; Numbers 8:11; Psalms 68:10.
אַהֲרֹ֥ן
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.
אֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
תְּנוּפָ֖ה
tᵉnûwphâh
H8573
"wave offering"
N-fs
In the Bible, this term describes a specific type of offering, where a portion of the sacrifice is waved before God, as seen in Leviticus. It symbolizes the dedication of the offering to God and is often associated with thanksgiving and celebration.
Definition: 1) swinging, waving, wave offering, offering 1a) a swinging, brandishing 1a1) of God's hand, weapons 1b) waving, wave-offering (technical term of sacrifice) 1c) offering (of gold or brass)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: offering, shaking, wave (offering). See also: Exodus 29:24; Leviticus 14:21; Isaiah 19:16.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֑ה
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.
וַ/יְכַפֵּ֧ר
kâphar
H3722
"to atone"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
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.
לְ/טַהֲרָֽ/ם
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.
Study Notes — Numbers 8:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 8:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 8:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 8:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 8:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 8:21
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 8:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 8:21
- Sermons on Numbers 8:21
Context — Cleansing the Levites
19And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites, to perform the service for the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting and to make atonement on their behalf, so that no plague will come against the Israelites when they approach the sanctuary.”
20So Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel did with the Levites everything that the LORD had commanded Moses they should do.
21The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes, and Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the LORD. Aaron also made atonement for them to cleanse them.
22After that, the Levites came to perform their service at the Tent of Meeting in the presence of Aaron and his sons. Thus they did with the Levites just as the LORD had commanded Moses. 23And the LORD said to Moses,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 8:7 | This is what you must do to cleanse them: Sprinkle them with the water of purification. Have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves. |
| 2 | Numbers 19:19 | The man who is ceremonially clean is to sprinkle the unclean person on the third day and on the seventh day. After he purifies the unclean person on the seventh day, the one being cleansed must wash his clothes and bathe in water, and that evening he will be clean. |
| 3 | Numbers 8:15 | After you have cleansed them and presented them as a wave offering, they may come to serve at the Tent of Meeting. |
| 4 | Numbers 8:11–13 | Aaron 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. 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. You are to have the Levites stand before Aaron and his sons and then present them before the LORD as a wave offering. |
| 5 | Numbers 19:12 | He must purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean. |
| 6 | 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, |
Numbers 8:21 Summary
The Levites, who were chosen by God to serve in the Tent of Meeting, needed to be purified and cleansed from any sin or uncleanness before they could start their service, as seen in Numbers 8:21. They did this by washing their clothes and presenting themselves as a wave offering to the Lord, similar to the dedication of the priests in Exodus 29:1-9. Aaron, the high priest, also made atonement for them to ensure their cleansing, as mentioned in Leviticus 16:20-22. This reminds us that, just like the Levites, we need to be cleansed from our sins and dedicated to God's service, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 7:1, and that we can come to God for forgiveness and purification, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Psalm 51:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Levites need to purify themselves and wash their clothes?
The Levites needed to purify themselves and wash their clothes to be ceremonially clean before presenting themselves as a wave offering to the Lord, as seen in Numbers 8:21, and to prevent any uncleanness from affecting their service, as mentioned in Leviticus 15:31.
What is the significance of Aaron presenting the Levites as a wave offering before the Lord?
Aaron presenting the Levites as a wave offering before the Lord symbolized their dedication to God's service, as seen in Numbers 8:11-13, and set them apart for their role in the Tent of Meeting, as mentioned in Exodus 29:24.
How did Aaron make atonement for the Levites to cleanse them?
Aaron made atonement for the Levites by offering sacrifices on their behalf, as seen in Leviticus 9:7, and by praying for their cleansing, as mentioned in Numbers 8:21, to purify them from any sin or uncleanness, similar to the atonement made for the people in Leviticus 16:20-22.
What is the relationship between the Levites' purification and their service at the Tent of Meeting?
The Levites' purification was necessary for them to begin their service at the Tent of Meeting, as seen in Numbers 8:22, and to ensure that they could serve the Lord and the people without any uncleanness or sin, as mentioned in Numbers 8:19 and Deuteronomy 23:14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can dedicate myself to God's service, just like the Levites were dedicated in Numbers 8:21?
- How can I ensure that I am ceremonially clean before coming into God's presence, as seen in Psalm 24:3-4?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be cleansed from sin or uncleanness, and how can I seek God's forgiveness and purification, as seen in 1 John 1:9?
- How can I, like Aaron, intercede for others and pray for their cleansing and purification, as seen in Numbers 8:21 and Romans 8:34?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 8:21
And the Levites were purified,.... From sin, by the sprinkling of the sin water, or water of purification on them, Numbers 8:7; and they washed their clothes; that they might have no defilement about
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 8:21
And Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel, did to the Levites according unto all that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so did the children of Israel unto them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 8:21
The Levites were purified by washing and sprinkling and sacrifices. See , &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 8:21
Verse 21. And Aaron made an atonement for them] Though the Levites had been most solemnly consecrated to the Lord's service, and though all legal washings and purifications were duly performed on the occasion, yet they could not approach God till an atonement had been made for them. How strange is it, after all these significations, of the will and purpose of God relative to man, that any priest or any people will attempt to draw nigh to God without an atonement! As sure as God hath spoken it, there is no entrance into the holiest but through the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:19-20.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 8:21
21. purified themselves from sin] lit. ‘unsinned themselves.’ See on Numbers 31:19.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 8:21
21. Aaron offered them — As a wave offering, by marching them to and fro before the altar.
Sermons on Numbers 8:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Proof of This Custom Only From the Talmuds. by John Gill | John Gill discusses the origins and evidence of the Jewish custom of receiving proselytes through baptism or dipping, emphasizing that this practice is primarily documented in the |