Numbers 8:3
Numbers 8:3 in Multiple Translations
And Aaron did so; he set up the lamps facing toward the front of the lampstand, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.
And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof so as to give light in front of the candlestick, as Jehovah commanded Moses.
And Aaron did so; he put the lights in their places so that they gave light in front of the support, as the Lord gave orders to Moses.
So that's what Aaron did. He placed the lamps facing towards the front of the lampstand, as the Lord had ordered Moses.
And Aaron did so, lighting the lampes thereof towarde ye forefront of the Candlesticke, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
And Aaron doth so; over-against the face of the candlestick he hath caused its lights to go up, as Jehovah hath commanded Moses.
Aaron did so. He lit its lamps to light the area in front of the lamp stand, as the LORD commanded Moses.
And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps of it over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.
And Aaron did so, and he put the lamps upon the candlestick, as the Lord had commanded Moses.
So Moses/I told him what Yahweh said, and he did that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 8:3
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 8:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֤עַשׂ
כֵּן֙
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
אֶל
מוּל֙
פְּנֵ֣י
הַ/מְּנוֹרָ֔ה
הֶעֱלָ֖ה
נֵרֹתֶ֑י/הָ
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
צִוָּ֥ה
יְהוָ֖ה
אֶת
מֹשֶֽׁה
וַ/יַּ֤עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כֵּן֙
kên
H3651
right
Part
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מוּל֙
mûwl
H4136
opposite
Prep
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
הַ/מְּנוֹרָ֔ה
mᵉnôwrâh
H4501
lampstand
Art | N-fs
הֶעֱלָ֖ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
נֵרֹתֶ֑י/הָ
nîyr
H5216
lamp
N-mp | Suff
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מֹשֶֽׁה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
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 8:3
וַ/יַּ֤עַשׂ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
כֵּן֙
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
אַהֲרֹ֔ן
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.
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.
מוּל֙
mûwl
H4136
"opposite"
Prep
This word means opposite or in front of, often used to describe location or direction. In Exodus 14:2, the Israelites camped in front of Pi-ha-hiroth, facing the sea. It provides a sense of spatial awareness and orientation in biblical contexts.
Definition: 1) front 1a) front 1b) in the opposite direction prep 2) in front of 2a) in front of 2b) (with prefix) 2b1) towards the front of, to the front of, on the front of 2b2) from the front of, off the front of, close in front of, on the forefront of
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, (fore-) front, from, (God-) ward, toward, with. See also: Exodus 18:19; Deuteronomy 11:30; Micah 2:8.
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
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.
הַ/מְּנוֹרָ֔ה
mᵉnôwrâh
H4501
"lampstand"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for lampstand, often translated as candlestick, refers to a chandelier or lamp stand, like those found in the Temple. It appears in Exodus 25:31 and 37:17. In the Bible, lampstands symbolize God's presence.
Definition: lamp stand
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: candlestick. See also: Exodus 25:31; Exodus 40:24; Jeremiah 52:19.
הֶעֱלָ֖ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
נֵרֹתֶ֑י/הָ
nîyr
H5216
"lamp"
N-mp | Suff
A lamp is a device that holds a flame, providing light. In the Bible, it's often used to symbolize guidance or spiritual light. The word can also refer to the light itself, rather than just the lamp.
Definition: lamp Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: candle, lamp, light. See also: Exodus 25:37; 1 Chronicles 28:15; Psalms 18:29.
כַּֽ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
יְהוָ֖ה
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.
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.
מֹשֶֽׁה
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 8:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Lampstand
1Then the LORD said to Moses,
2“Speak to Aaron and tell him: ‘When you set up the seven lamps, they are to light the area in front of the lampstand.’”
3And Aaron did so; he set up the lamps facing toward the front of the lampstand, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
4This is how the lampstand was constructed: it was made of hammered gold from its base to its blossoms, fashioned according to the pattern the LORD had shown Moses. 5Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,Numbers 8:3 Summary
This verse shows us that Aaron obeyed God's instructions to set up the lamps on the lampstand, which was a symbol of God's presence and guidance. By following God's commands, Aaron demonstrated his trust and reverence for God, as seen in Numbers 8:3 and Exodus 25:31-40. Just like Aaron, we can show our love and obedience to God by carefully following His instructions in our own lives, as described in John 14:15 and Matthew 22:37-40. This helps us to shine the light of God's presence in our daily lives and to worship Him with reverence and attention to detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was it important for Aaron to follow the Lord's instructions exactly when setting up the lamps?
Following the Lord's instructions exactly was crucial because it demonstrated obedience and reverence for God's commands, as seen in Numbers 8:3 and Deuteronomy 12:32. This also ensured that the lampstand functioned as a symbol of God's presence and guidance, as described in Exodus 25:31-40.
What can we learn from Aaron's obedience in this verse?
Aaron's obedience teaches us the importance of trusting and following God's instructions, even when we may not fully understand the purpose or reasoning behind them, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Hebrews 11:8.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of worship in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of order and reverence in worship, as God is a God of order and beauty, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:40 and Psalm 96:9. The careful setup of the lamps reflects the attention to detail and reverence that should characterize our worship.
What does the lampstand represent in the context of Numbers 8:3?
The lampstand represents the light of God's presence and guidance, as described in Exodus 25:31-40 and Revelation 1:20, and its setup and maintenance symbolize the care and attention that God's people should give to their worship and relationship with Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more intentional about following God's instructions, just like Aaron did with the lampstand?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and obedience in my relationship with God, as demonstrated by Aaron's actions in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can reflect the light of God's presence in my daily life, just as the lampstand was meant to shine its light in the tabernacle?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of careful attention to detail in my own worship and service to God, as seen in the setup of the lamps?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 8:3
And Aaron did so, he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick,.... As God had taken up his residence in the most holy place, as appears by the voice speaking from off the mercy seat,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 8:3
And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 8:3
Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.Ver. 3. He lighted the lamps.] This candlestick, on the south side of the tabernacle, over against the table, figured the law of God shining in his Church; and the lighting of one lamp from another, showed the opening of one text by another. The Rabbins have a saying, Nulla est obiectio in lege quae non habet solutionem in latere; i.e., there is not any doubt in the law, but may be resolved in the context.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 8:3
(3) He lighted.—Better, he set up.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 8:3
1–4. The Lampstand The golden lampstand (not ‘candlestick’ E.VV. [Note: .VV. The English Versions, i.e. Authorised and Revised.] ) stood in the Holy Place, on the south side, i.e. on the left of one entering from the court. It was the only source of light in the Tabernacle, the Holy of Holies being in darkness. The religious conceptions attaching to it in the time of the writer may be seen from Zechariah 4:1-6 a, Zechariah 4:10b – Zechariah 4:14. The full description of the lampstand is given in Exodus 25:31-40.