Numbers / Chapter 3

Numbers 3

51 verses • Westminster Leningrad Codex

Translator's Introduction

What This Chapter Is About

The Levites are counted separately from the military census — every male from one month old — and assigned as substitutes for Israel's firstborn. The three Levitical clans (Gershon, Kohath, Merari) receive specific camping positions around the tabernacle and distinct duties. A surplus of 273 firstborn beyond the Levite count requires monetary redemption.

What Makes This Chapter Remarkable

The firstborn substitution theology is the theological engine of this chapter. God claims every firstborn based on the tenth plague (v. 13): by sparing Israel's firstborn, He acquired them. The entire tribe of Levi replaces them collectively. The emphatic doubling netunim netunim ('given, given') in verse 9 stresses the totality of this transfer. The one-month census threshold — dramatically lower than the twenty-year military age — reflects a different purpose: these are counted not as soldiers but as sacred substitutes.

Translation Friction

The phrase mille yadam ('filled their hands') in verse 3 is the standard Hebrew idiom for priestly ordination, referring to the literal placing of sacrificial portions into the new priest's hands. We retained the image rather than abstracting it to 'ordained,' since the bodily action is the point. The term zar ('stranger') in verse 10 does not mean foreigner but anyone outside the Aaronic priestly line, including other Levites.

Connections

The toledot ('family record') formula in verse 1 echoes the structural markers throughout Genesis (Genesis 2:4, 5:1, etc.). Nadab and Abihu's death by esh zarah ('unauthorized fire,' v. 4) refers back to Leviticus 10:1-2. The firstborn claim traces to Exodus 13:2, and the redemption price of five shekels per surplus firstborn (v. 47) will reappear in Numbers 18:16.

Numbers 3:1

וְאֵ֛לֶּה תּוֹלְדֹ֥ת אַהֲרֹ֖ן וּמֹשֶׁ֑ה בְּי֗וֹם דִּבֶּ֧ר יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־מֹשֶׁ֖ה בְּהַ֥ר סִינָֽי׃

This is the family record of Aaron and Moses, from the time the LORD spoke with Moses at Mount Sinai.

KJV These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The word toledot ('family record, genealogy') introduces a lineage list, as it does throughout Genesis and elsewhere. Aaron is named before Moses because the priestly line — not prophetic authority — is the subject of this chapter. The phrase beyom dibber ('on the day He spoke') establishes a temporal anchor tying this genealogy to the Sinai revelation.
Numbers 3:2

וְאֵ֛לֶּה שְׁמ֥וֹת בְּֽנֵי־אַהֲרֹ֖ן הַבְּכֹ֣ר׀ נָדָ֑ב וַאֲבִיה֕וּא אֶלְעָזָ֖ר וְאִיתָמָֽר׃

These are the names of Aaron's sons: Nadab the firstborn, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

KJV And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The bekhor ('firstborn') designation for Nadab is significant because his death (v 4) creates a vacancy in priestly succession. All four sons are listed despite only two surviving, preserving the complete genealogical record.
Numbers 3:3

אֵ֗לֶּה שְׁמוֹת֙ בְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֔ן הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים הַמְּשֻׁחִ֑ים אֲשֶׁר־מִלֵּ֥א יָדָ֖ם לְכַהֵֽן׃

These are the names of Aaron's sons, the anointed priests, whose hands were filled to serve in the priesthood.

KJV These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The idiom mille yadam ('filled their hands') is the standard Hebrew expression for priestly ordination — literally the placing of sacrificial portions into the new priest's hands during the consecration ceremony (Exod 29:24). The meshukhim ('anointed ones') confirms their formal installation through the oil-anointing rite.
Numbers 3:4

וַיָּ֣מׇת נָדָ֣ב וַאֲבִיה֣וּא לִפְנֵ֣י יְהֹוָ֡ה בְּֽהַקְרִבָם֩ אֵ֨שׁ זָרָ֜ה לִפְנֵ֤י יְהֹוָה֙ בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר סִינַ֔י וּבָנִ֖ים לֹא־הָי֣וּ לָהֶ֑ם וַיְכַהֵ֤ן אֶלְעָזָר֙ וְאִ֣יתָמָ֔ר עַל־פְּנֵ֖י אַהֲרֹ֥ן אֲבִיהֶֽם׃ {פ}

Nadab and Abihu died in the presence of the LORD when they presented unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Sinai wilderness. They had no sons, so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during their father Aaron's lifetime.

KJV And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The esh zarah ('strange fire, unauthorized fire') refers to the incident in Leviticus 10:1-2 where Nadab and Abihu offered incense not commanded by God. The phrase al-penei Aharon avihem ('in the presence of Aaron their father' — literally 'upon the face of') indicates they served while Aaron still lived, rather than succeeding him after death. The notice that they had no banim ('sons, children') explains why their priestly line ended.
Numbers 3:5

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃

The LORD spoke to Moses:

KJV And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The formulaic vayedabber YHWH el-Mosheh lemor ('and the LORD spoke to Moses, saying') marks a new divine speech unit. This formula occurs over 60 times in Numbers, structuring the book as a series of direct divine commands.
Numbers 3:6

הַקְרֵב֙ אֶת־מַטֵּ֣ה לֵוִ֔י וְהַעֲמַדְתָּ֣ אֹת֔וֹ לִפְנֵ֖י אַהֲרֹ֣ן הַכֹּהֵ֑ן וְשֵׁרְת֖וּ אֹתֽוֹ׃

Bring the tribe of Levi forward and station them before Aaron the priest so they can serve him.

KJV Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The verb haqrev ('bring near, present') is the same root as qorban ('offering'), suggesting the Levites are being presented as a kind of offering. The verb he'emadta ('station, cause to stand') implies formal positioning for duty. Their role is defined as sherethu oto ('serving him') — the Levites assist the priests, not replace them.
Numbers 3:7

וְשָׁמְר֣וּ אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתּ֗וֹ וְאֶת־מִשְׁמֶ֙רֶת֙ כׇּל־הָ֣עֵדָ֔ה לִפְנֵ֖י אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֑ד לַעֲבֹ֖ד אֶת־עֲבֹדַ֥ת הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃

They will carry out his duties and the responsibilities of the entire community at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, performing the work of the Tabernacle.

KJV And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The root sh-m-r appears twice — mishmarto ('his charge') and mishmeret ('the charge of') — emphasizing careful guardianship. The Levites serve a dual function: assisting the priest personally and representing the congregation's obligations. The phrase ohel mo'ed ('Tent of Meeting') designates the place where God meets with Israel.
Numbers 3:8

וְשָׁמְר֗וּ אֶֽת־כׇּל־כְּלֵי֙ אֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד וְאֶת־מִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל לַעֲבֹ֖ד אֶת־עֲבֹדַ֥ת הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃

They will maintain all the equipment of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill the obligations of the Israelites by performing the work of the Tabernacle.

KJV And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The kelei ohel mo'ed ('equipment/vessels of the Tent of Meeting') refers to the physical objects used in worship. The Levites' guardianship (mishmeret) of the Israelites' obligations means they serve as intermediaries — carrying out worship duties on behalf of the non-priestly tribes.
Numbers 3:9

וְנָתַתָּה֙ אֶת־הַלְוִיִּ֔ם לְאַהֲרֹ֖ן וּלְבָנָ֑יו נְתוּנִ֨ם נְתוּנִ֥ם הֵ֙מָּה֙ ל֔וֹ מֵאֵ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

You are to assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons. They are entirely given over to him from among the Israelites.

KJV And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The emphatic doubling netunim netunim ('given, given' — wholly given, completely handed over) uses a Hebrew intensification device: repeating the passive participle to stress totality. The Levites belong to the priests not by personal choice but by divine assignment from the community of Israel.
Numbers 3:10

וְאֶת־אַהֲרֹ֤ן וְאֶת־בָּנָיו֙ תִּפְקֹ֔ד וְשָׁמְר֖וּ אֶת־כְּהֻנָּתָ֑ם וְהַזָּ֥ר הַקָּרֵ֖ב יוּמָֽת׃ {פ}

You are to appoint Aaron and his sons; they will guard their priesthood. Any unauthorized person who approaches will be put to death.

KJV And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The zar ('stranger, outsider') here does not mean a foreigner but anyone not of the Aaronic priestly line — including other Levites. The death penalty (yumat — 'he shall be put to death') for encroaching on priestly functions underscores the holiness boundary separating the priesthood from all others. The verb tifqod ('appoint, install') is related to pequddah ('appointed office').
Numbers 3:11

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃

The LORD spoke to Moses:

KJV And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. This second speech formula introduces the theological rationale for the Levites' role — the firstborn substitution principle (vv 12-13). The repeated formula separates this foundational declaration from the practical instructions in vv 5-10.
Numbers 3:12

וַאֲנִ֞י הִנֵּ֧ה לָקַ֣חְתִּי אֶת־הַלְוִיִּ֗ם מִתּוֹךְ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל תַּ֧חַת כׇּל־בְּכ֛וֹר פֶּ֥טֶר רֶ֖חֶם מִבְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְהָ֥יוּ לִ֖י הַלְוִיִּֽם׃

I have now taken the Levites from among the Israelites as a substitute for every firstborn who opens the womb among the Israelites. The Levites belong to me.

KJV And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The emphatic va'ani hinneh ('and I — look!') stresses God's personal initiative. The phrase takhat kol-bekhor peter rekhem ('in place of every firstborn who opens the womb') explains the substitution theology: originally every firstborn male belonged to God (Exod 13:2), but the entire tribe of Levi now replaces them collectively. Peter rekhem ('opener of the womb') is the technical term for the first child to emerge.
Numbers 3:13

כִּ֣י לִי֮ כׇּל־בְּכוֹר֒ בְּיוֹם֩ הַכֹּתִ֨י כׇל־בְּכ֜וֹר בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֗יִם הִקְדַּ֨שְׁתִּי לִ֤י כׇל־בְּכוֹר֙ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מֵאָדָ֖ם עַד־בְּהֵמָ֑ה לִ֥י יִהְי֖וּ אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃ {פ}

Because every firstborn belongs to me. On the day I struck down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, I consecrated to myself every firstborn in Israel — both human and animal. They are mine. I am the LORD.

KJV Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the LORD.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The claim li kol-bekhor ('to me belongs every firstborn') reaches back to the tenth plague (Exod 12:29). By sparing Israel's firstborn, God acquired a claim over them. The verb hiqdashti ('I consecrated, I set apart as holy') marks them as belonging to the sacred sphere. The closing declaration ani YHWH ('I am the LORD') seals the claim with divine authority — a signature formula appearing throughout Leviticus and Numbers.
Numbers 3:14

וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה בְּמִדְבַּ֥ר סִינַ֖י לֵאמֹֽר׃

The LORD spoke to Moses in the Sinai wilderness:

KJV And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. This third speech formula adds the geographical marker bemidbar Sinai ('in the wilderness of Sinai'), anchoring the census command to a specific location. The Levite census that follows (vv 15-39) differs from the general census in chapter 1 in both age threshold and purpose.
Numbers 3:15

פְּקֹד֙ אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י לֵוִ֔י לְבֵ֥ית אֲבֹתָ֖ם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם כׇּל־זָכָ֛ר מִבֶּן־חֹ֥דֶשׁ וָמַ֖עְלָה תִּפְקְדֵֽם׃

Count the descendants of Levi by their ancestral households and clans. Count every male from one month old and above.

KJV Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Levite census threshold of ben-khodesh ('one month old') is dramatically lower than the twenty-year military census age in chapter 1. This reflects their non-military purpose: they are counted not as soldiers but as substitutes for firstborns, who were claimed from birth. The phrase leveit avotam lemishpekhotam ('by their fathers' households, by their clans') establishes the two-tier organizational structure.
Numbers 3:16

וַיִּפְקֹ֥ד אֹתָ֛ם מֹשֶׁ֖ה עַל־פִּ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צֻוָּֽה׃

Moses counted them according to the LORD's word, exactly as he had been commanded.

KJV And Moses numbered them according to the word of the LORD, as he was commanded.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The phrase al-pi YHWH ('according to the mouth of the LORD' — by the LORD's word) emphasizes that this census was not Moses' initiative but a direct divine order. The passive tsuva ('he was commanded') reinforces Moses' obedient role as executor of God's instructions.
Numbers 3:17

וַיִּֽהְיוּ־אֵ֥לֶּה בְנֵֽי־לֵוִ֖י בִּשְׁמֹתָ֑ם גֵּרְשׁ֕וֹן וּקְהָ֖ת וּמְרָרִֽי׃

These were Levi's sons by name: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

KJV And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The three sons of Levi — Gershon, Qehat, and Merari — establish the three major Levitical divisions. This genealogy matches Genesis 46:11 and Exodus 6:16. Each clan receives a distinct set of responsibilities and camping positions in the verses that follow.
Numbers 3:18

וְאֵ֛לֶּה שְׁמ֥וֹת בְּֽנֵי־גֵרְשׁ֖וֹן לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם לִבְנִ֖י וְשִׁמְעִֽי׃

These are the names of Gershon's sons by their clans: Libni and Shimei.

KJV And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Gershon's two sub-clans — Livni and Shim'i — form the Gershonite division. The name Livni may derive from lavan ('white'), and Shim'i from shama ('to hear'). Each sub-clan became a distinct mishpakhah ('clan, family') within the larger Gershonite branch.
Numbers 3:19

וּבְנֵ֥י קְהָ֖ת לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם עַמְרָ֣ם וְיִצְהָ֔ר חֶבְר֖וֹן וְעֻזִּיאֵֽל׃

The sons of Kohath by their clans: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

KJV And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Kohath has four sub-clans — the largest number of any Levitical branch. Amram is the ancestor of Moses and Aaron (Exod 6:20), making the Kohathites the priestly clan. The four names reflect the Kohathites' prominent role: they are assigned guardianship of the most sacred objects (v 31).
Numbers 3:20

וּבְנֵ֧י מְרָרִ֛י לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם מַחְלִ֣י וּמוּשִׁ֑י אֵ֥לֶּה הֵ֛ם מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת הַלֵּוִ֖י לְבֵ֥ית אֲבֹתָֽם׃

The sons of Merari by their clans: Mahli and Mushi. These are the Levitical clans organized by ancestral households.

KJV And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Merari's two sub-clans — Makhli and Mushi — complete the Levitical structure: 2 + 4 + 2 = 8 sub-clans total. The summary statement elleh hem mishpekhot haLevi ('these are the clans of Levi') closes the genealogical listing before the detailed census and duty assignments begin.
Numbers 3:21

לְגֵ֣רְשׁ֔וֹן מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַלִּבְנִ֔י וּמִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַשִּׁמְעִ֑י אֵ֣לֶּה הֵ֔ם מִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּֽי׃

From Gershon came the clan of the Libnites and the clan of the Shimites. These are the Gershonite clans.

KJV Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The text shifts from listing Gershon's sons (v 18) to naming the clans formed from them. The gentilics haLivni ('the Libnite') and haShim'i ('the Shimite') show the transformation from individual ancestors to established clan identities — a standard pattern in Israelite social organization.
Numbers 3:22

פְּקֻדֵיהֶם֙ בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר כׇּל־זָכָ֔ר מִבֶּן־חֹ֖דֶשׁ וָמָ֑עְלָה פְּקֻ֣דֵיהֶ֔ם שִׁבְעַ֥ת אֲלָפִ֖ים וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֽוֹת׃

Their registered count, tallying every male from one month old and above, came to 7,500.

KJV Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand and five hundred.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Gershonites' total of shiv'at alafim vakhamesh me'ot (7,500) makes them the middle-sized Levitical clan. The repeated pequdeihem ('their counted ones') uses a census-specific term from the root p-q-d ('to attend to, to muster, to count').
Numbers 3:23

מִשְׁפְּחֹ֖ת הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֑י אַחֲרֵ֧י הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן יַחֲנ֖וּ יָֽמָּה׃

The Gershonite clans are to set up camp behind the Tabernacle, on the west side.

KJV The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The camp position akharei hamishkan ('behind the Tabernacle') combined with yamah ('westward') places the Gershonites on the rear side. Since the Tabernacle entrance faced east, 'behind' means west. Each Levitical clan occupies one side, forming a protective inner ring between the Tabernacle and the twelve tribes camped further out.
Numbers 3:24

וּנְשִׂ֥יא בֵֽית־אָ֖ב לַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּ֑י אֶלְיָסָ֖ף בֶּן־לָאֵֽל׃

The leader of the Gershonite ancestral house was Eliasaph son of Lael.

KJV And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The nesi beit-av ('leader of the father's house') designates the clan chief. Elyasaf ben-La'el bears a name meaning 'God has added, son of belonging to God.' This Eliasaph is distinct from the Eliasaph son of Deuel who led Gad's tribe (Num 1:14).
Numbers 3:25

וּמִשְׁמֶ֤רֶת בְּנֵֽי־גֵרְשׁוֹן֙ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן וְהָאֹ֑הֶל מִכְסֵ֕הוּ וּמָסַ֕ךְ פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃

The responsibility of the Gershonites at the Tent of Meeting included the Tabernacle structure itself, the outer tent, its covering, and the screen for the entrance of the Tent of Meeting,

KJV And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Gershonites' assignment covers the fabric elements: the mishkan ('Tabernacle' — the inner curtain layer), the ohel ('tent' — the goat-hair layer over it), the mikhsehu ('its covering' — the upper protective layers), and the masakh ('screen, curtain') at the entrance. These are the soft, textile components as opposed to the solid structural pieces assigned to Merari.
Numbers 3:26

וְקַלְעֵ֣י הֶֽחָצֵ֗ר וְאֶת־מָסַךְ֙ פֶּ֣תַח הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֧ר עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן וְעַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ סָבִ֑יב וְאֵת֙ מֵֽיתָרָ֔יו לְכֹ֖ל עֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃ {ס}

along with the courtyard hangings, the screen for the courtyard entrance surrounding the Tabernacle and the altar, and the ropes — everything related to their maintenance.

KJV And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The qal'ei hekhatser ('hangings of the courtyard') were the linen curtains forming the outer enclosure. The meitarav ('its ropes, cords') held the hangings taut between the pillars. The summary phrase lekhol avodato ('for all its service/maintenance') indicates the Gershonites handled all upkeep of these textile and rope elements.
Numbers 3:27

וְלִקְהָ֗ת מִשְׁפַּ֤חַת הַֽעַמְרָמִי֙ וּמִשְׁפַּ֣חַת הַיִּצְהָרִ֔י וּמִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַֽחֶבְרֹנִ֔י וּמִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הָעׇזִּֽיאֵלִ֑י אֵ֥לֶּה הֵ֖ם מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת הַקְּהָתִֽי׃

From Kohath came the clan of the Amramites, the clan of the Izharites, the clan of the Hebronites, and the clan of the Uzzielites. These are the Kohathite clans.

KJV And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Kohathites' four sub-clans are listed with gentilic forms: ha'Amrami, haYitshari, haKhevroni, and ha'Uzzi'eli. The Amramites included Moses and Aaron's direct descendants but their priestly status was distinct from other Amramites. The Kohathites' four clans made them the most internally diverse Levitical division.
Numbers 3:28

בְּמִסְפַּר֙ כׇּל־זָכָ֔ר מִבֶּן־חֹ֖דֶשׁ וָמָ֑עְלָה שְׁמֹנַ֤ת אֲלָפִים֙ וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מֵא֔וֹת שֹׁמְרֵ֖י מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃

Counting every male from one month old and above, there were 8,600 — the guardians of the holy sanctuary.

KJV In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Kohathites' count of shemonat alafim veshesh me'ot (8,600) makes them the largest Levitical clan. Their designation as shomerei mishmeret haQodesh ('guardians of the charge of the holy place') reflects their assignment to the most sacred objects — the ark, table, lampstand, and altars (v 31).
Numbers 3:29

מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת בְּנֵי־קְהָ֖ת יַחֲנ֑וּ עַ֛ל יֶ֥רֶךְ הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן תֵּימָֽנָה׃

The Kohathite clans are to set up camp on the south side of the Tabernacle.

KJV The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The phrase al yerekh hamishkan teimanah ('on the flank of the Tabernacle southward') uses yerekh ('thigh, side, flank') — a term for the lateral edge of a structure. The southern position places the Kohathites closest to Moses and Aaron, who camped on the east (v 38), reflecting their kinship connection to the priestly family.
Numbers 3:30

וּנְשִׂ֥יא בֵֽית־אָ֖ב לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת הַקְּהָתִ֑י אֱלִיצָפָ֖ן בֶּן־עֻזִּיאֵֽל׃

The leader of the ancestral house for the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan son of Uzziel.

KJV And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Elitsafan ben-Uzzi'el ('God has protected, son of Uzziel') belongs to the youngest of Kohath's four sub-clans. His appointment over the Kohathites despite being from the junior branch may reflect the same divine pattern of choosing the younger over the elder seen throughout Genesis.
Numbers 3:31

וּמִשְׁמַרְתָּ֗ם הָאָרֹ֤ן וְהַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ וְהַמְּנֹרָ֣ה וְהַֽמִּזְבְּחֹ֔ת וּכְלֵ֣י הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְשָׁרְת֖וּ בָּהֶ֑ם וְהַ֨מָּסָ֔ךְ וְכֹ֖ל עֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃

Their responsibility included the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the sacred vessels used in worship, the inner curtain, and all related maintenance.

KJV And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Kohathites guard the most sacred objects: the aron ('ark'), shulkhan ('table' — of showbread), menorah ('lampstand'), mizbakhot ('altars' — plural, both incense and burnt offering), and kelei haQodesh ('sacred vessels'). The masakh ('screen, curtain') here likely refers to the parokhet separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, distinct from the entrance curtain assigned to the Gershonites.
Numbers 3:32

וּנְשִׂיא֙ נְשִׂיאֵ֣י הַלֵּוִ֔י אֶלְעָזָ֖ר בֶּן־אַהֲרֹ֣ן הַכֹּהֵ֑ן פְּקֻדַּ֕ת שֹׁמְרֵ֖י מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃

The chief over all the Levitical leaders was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest, who had oversight of those guarding the sanctuary.

KJV And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The title nesi nesi'ei haLevi ('leader of the leaders of the Levites') makes Eleazar the supreme Levitical administrator — a 'chief of chiefs.' His role as pequddat shomerei mishmeret haQodesh ('the appointed overseer of the sanctuary guardians') placed priestly authority over all Levitical service, maintaining the hierarchy of priest above Levite.
Numbers 3:33

לִמְרָרִ֕י מִשְׁפַּ֙חַת֙ הַמַּחְלִ֔י וּמִשְׁפַּ֖חַת הַמּוּשִׁ֑י אֵ֥לֶּה הֵ֖ם מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת מְרָרִֽי׃

From Merari came the clan of the Mahlites and the clan of the Mushites. These are the Merarite clans.

KJV Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Merari's two sub-clans — Makhli and Mushi — parallel Gershon's two sub-clans. The name Makhli may derive from makhalah ('sickness') or makhol ('dance'), and Mushi possibly from mush ('to depart'). Like the Gershonites, the Merarites are organized into exactly two clan units.
Numbers 3:34

וּפְקֻדֵיהֶם֙ בְּמִסְפַּ֣ר כׇּל־זָכָ֔ר מִבֶּן־חֹ֖דֶשׁ וָמָ֑עְלָה שֵׁ֥שֶׁת אֲלָפִ֖ים וּמָאתָֽיִם׃

Their registered count of every male from one month old and above was 6,200.

KJV And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Merarites' total of sheshet alafim umata'im (6,200) makes them the smallest Levitical clan. The combined Levite total (7,500 + 8,600 + 6,200 = 22,300) slightly exceeds the 22,000 given in verse 39 — a discrepancy that ancient commentators attributed to the 300 Levite firstborns who could not substitute for Israelite firstborns since they themselves required redemption.
Numbers 3:35

וּנְשִׂ֤יא בֵֽית־אָב֙ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣ת מְרָרִ֔י צוּרִיאֵ֖ל בֶּן־אֲבִיחָ֑יִל עַ֣ל יֶ֧רֶךְ הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן יַחֲנ֖וּ צָפֹֽנָה׃

The leader of the Merarite ancestral house was Zuriel son of Abihail. They are to set up camp on the north side of the Tabernacle.

KJV And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Tsuri'el ben-Avikha'il ('my rock is God, son of father of might') leads the Merarites. Their northern camping position (tsafonah — 'northward') completes the Levitical ring: Gershonites west, Kohathites south, Merarites north, with Moses and Aaron on the east (v 38). The north side was considered the most vulnerable in ancient Near Eastern military thinking.
Numbers 3:36

וּפְקֻדַּ֣ת מִשְׁמֶ֘רֶת֮ בְּנֵ֣י מְרָרִי֒ קַרְשֵׁי֙ הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן וּבְרִיחָ֖יו וְעַמֻּדָ֣יו וַאֲדָנָ֑יו וְכׇ֨ל־כֵּלָ֔יו וְכֹ֖ל עֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃

The assigned responsibility of the Merarites included the Tabernacle's frames, crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and everything related to its upkeep,

KJV And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Merarites handle the heavy structural components: qarshei hamishkan ('frames of the Tabernacle' — the acacia-wood boards), berikhav ('its crossbars' — the horizontal stabilizers), ammudav ('its posts, pillars'), and adanav ('its bases, sockets' — the silver foundation pieces). These are the rigid, heavy elements complementing the Gershonites' textile assignments.
Numbers 3:37

וְעַמֻּדֵ֧י הֶחָצֵ֛ר סָבִ֖יב וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֑ם וִיתֵדֹתָ֖ם וּמֵֽיתְרֵיהֶֽם׃

along with the courtyard posts on every side, their bases, their tent pegs, and their ropes.

KJV And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The courtyard components — ammudei hekhatser ('pillars of the courtyard'), adneihem ('their bases'), yetedotam ('their pegs, stakes'), and meitareihem ('their cords, guy-ropes') — represent the outer perimeter framework. The Merarites thus handle all the rigid structural elements from innermost Tabernacle to outermost courtyard fence.
Numbers 3:38

וְהַחֹנִ֣ים לִפְנֵ֣י הַמִּשְׁכָּ֡ן קֵ֣דְמָה לִפְנֵי֩ אֹֽהֶל־מוֹעֵ֨ד׀ מִזְרָ֜חָה מֹשֶׁ֣ה׀ וְאַהֲרֹ֣ן וּבָנָ֗יו שֹֽׁמְרִים֙ מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת הַמִּקְדָּ֔שׁ לְמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְהַזָּ֥ר הַקָּרֵ֖ב יוּמָֽת׃

Those camping in front of the Tabernacle on the east side — facing the entrance of the Tent of Meeting toward the sunrise — were Moses, Aaron, and his sons. They guarded the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites. Any unauthorized person who approached would be put to death.

KJV But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The eastern position (qedmah, mizrakhah — both meaning 'eastward') is the most prestigious: it faces the Tabernacle entrance and is occupied by Moses and Aaron's family rather than a Levitical clan. The double designation emphasizes this prime location. The warning about the zar ('unauthorized person') is repeated from verse 10, framing the entire Levitical camp arrangement with this boundary marker.
Numbers 3:39

כׇּל־פְּקוּדֵ֨י הַלְוִיִּ֜ם אֲשֶׁר֩ פָּקַ֨ד מֹשֶׁ֧ה וְׄאַׄהֲׄרֹ֛ׄןׄ עַל־פִּ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֑ם כׇּל־זָכָר֙ מִבֶּן־חֹ֣דֶשׁ וָמַ֔עְלָה שְׁנַ֥יִם וְעֶשְׂרִ֖ים אָֽלֶף׃ {ס}

The total count of all the Levites whom Moses and Aaron registered at the LORD's command, by their clans — every male from one month old and above — was 22,000.

KJV All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the LORD, throughout their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The grand total of shena'im ve'esrim alef (22,000) is the operative number used for the firstborn exchange in vv 40-51. The Hebrew text has extraordinary punctuation marks (dots) above the letters of Aaron's name — the nequdot, which ancient scribes used to signal textual uncertainty. Some traditions read this as indicating Aaron did not participate in the count, since Levites counted their own tribe and Aaron belonged to it.
Numbers 3:40

וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהֹוָ֜ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֗ה פְּקֹ֨ד כׇּל־בְּכֹ֤ר זָכָר֙ לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל מִבֶּן־חֹ֖דֶשׁ וָמָ֑עְלָה וְשָׂ֕א אֵ֖ת מִסְפַּ֥ר שְׁמֹתָֽם׃

The LORD said to Moses: Count every firstborn male among the Israelites from one month old and above, and compile a roster of their names.

KJV And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The command to count Israelite firstborns initiates the exchange process. The phrase se'a et mispar shemotam ('lift up the number of their names' — compile a roster) uses the same language as the tribal census in Numbers 1:2, establishing a formal registration. The one-month threshold matches the Levite census, making the two counts directly comparable.
Numbers 3:41

וְלָקַחְתָּ֨ אֶת־הַלְוִיִּ֥ם לִי֙ אֲנִ֣י יְהֹוָ֔ה תַּ֥חַת כׇּל־בְּכֹ֖ר בִּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְאֵת֙ בֶּהֱמַ֣ת הַלְוִיִּ֔ם תַּ֣חַת כׇּל־בְּכ֔וֹר בְּבֶהֱמַ֖ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

You are to take the Levites for me — I am the LORD — as a substitute for every firstborn among the Israelites, and the Levites' livestock as a substitute for every firstborn among the Israelites' livestock.

KJV And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the LORD) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The substitution extends to animals: behemat haLevi'im takhat kol-bekhor bebehemat benei Yisra'el ('the livestock of the Levites in place of every firstborn among the livestock of the Israelites'). This parallels the human exchange and shows the comprehensiveness of the substitution principle — both persons and property that belonged to God are transferred. The parenthetical ani YHWH ('I am the LORD') asserts divine authority over this transaction.
Numbers 3:42

וַיִּפְקֹ֣ד מֹשֶׁ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֹת֑וֹ אֶֽת־כׇּל־בְּכ֖וֹר בִּבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

Moses counted all the firstborn among the Israelites, exactly as the LORD had commanded him.

KJV And Moses numbered, as the LORD commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The narrative formula ka'asher tsivah YHWH oto ('just as the LORD commanded him') certifies Moses' compliance. This obedience statement appears frequently in Numbers and Exodus, confirming that the census was executed precisely according to divine instruction rather than human initiative.
Numbers 3:43

וַיְהִי֩ כׇל־בְּכ֨וֹר זָכָ֜ר בְּמִסְפַּ֥ר שֵׁמֹ֛ת מִבֶּן־חֹ֥דֶשׁ וָמַ֖עְלָה לִפְקֻדֵיהֶ֑ם שְׁנַ֤יִם וְעֶשְׂרִים֙ אֶ֔לֶף שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה וְשִׁבְעִ֖ים וּמָאתָֽיִם׃ {פ}

The total of all firstborn males, counted by name from one month old and above, was 22,273.

KJV And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The firstborn total of shena'im ve'esrim elef sheloshah veshiv'im umata'im (22,273) exceeds the Levite total of 22,000 by exactly 273. This surplus creates the mathematical problem resolved in vv 46-51: 273 firstborns have no Levite substitute and must be redeemed with silver instead. The precise number demonstrates the administrative rigor of the census.
Numbers 3:44

וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃

The LORD spoke to Moses:

KJV And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. This speech formula introduces the redemption procedure for the 273 surplus firstborns (vv 45-51). It marks the final divine instruction in the chapter, shifting from census to financial resolution.
Numbers 3:45

קַ֣ח אֶת־הַלְוִיִּ֗ם תַּ֤חַת כׇּל־בְּכוֹר֙ בִּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְאֶת־בֶּהֱמַ֥ת הַלְוִיִּ֖ם תַּ֣חַת בְּהֶמְתָּ֑ם וְהָיוּ־לִ֥י הַלְוִיִּ֖ם אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

Take the Levites as a substitute for all the firstborn among the Israelites, and the Levites' livestock as a substitute for their livestock. The Levites belong to me. I am the LORD.

KJV Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. This verse recapitulates the substitution command from verse 41, confirming the exchange before introducing the exception for the surplus 273. The concluding vehayu-li haLevi'im ani YHWH ('the Levites shall be mine — I am the LORD') reasserts divine ownership using the covenant signature formula.
Numbers 3:46

וְאֵת֙ פְּדוּיֵ֣י הַשְּׁלֹשָׁ֔ה וְהַשִּׁבְעִ֖ים וְהַמָּאתָ֑יִם הָעֹֽדְפִים֙ עַל־הַלְוִיִּ֔ם מִבְּכ֖וֹר בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

As for redeeming the 273 firstborn Israelites who exceed the number of Levites:

KJV And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The peduyei ('redeemed ones') introduces the concept of pidyon — monetary redemption as a substitute when a living substitute is unavailable. The ha'odefim al-haLevi'im ('those exceeding beyond the Levites') identifies the 273 surplus firstborns who have no corresponding Levite to replace them and must therefore be redeemed through payment.
Numbers 3:47

וְלָקַחְתָּ֗ חֲמֵ֧שֶׁת חֲמֵ֛שֶׁת שְׁקָלִ֖ים לַגֻּלְגֹּ֑לֶת בְּשֶׁ֤קֶל הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙ תִּקָּ֔ח עֶשְׂרִ֥ים גֵּרָ֖ה הַשָּֽׁקֶל׃

You are to collect five shekels per person, measured by the sanctuary standard — the shekel being twenty gerahs.

KJV Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The redemption price of khameshet khameshet sheqalim lagulggolet ('five five shekels per head') uses a distributive doubling: five shekels each. This amount (approximately 57 grams of silver per person) becomes the standard pidyon haben ('redemption of the firstborn son') amount still practiced in Judaism. The sheqel haQodesh ('sanctuary shekel') was a standardized weight kept at the sanctuary, and the gerah (1/20 shekel, about 0.57 grams) specifies the exact calibration.
Numbers 3:48

וְנָתַתָּ֣ה הַכֶּ֔סֶף לְאַהֲרֹ֖ן וּלְבָנָ֑יו פְּדוּיֵ֕י הָעֹדְפִ֖ים בָּהֶֽם׃

You are to give the silver to Aaron and his sons as the redemption payment for the surplus firstborns.

KJV And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The kesef ('silver, money') goes to Aaron and his sons — not to the Levites — because the priests represent God's direct claim on the firstborn. The peduyei ha'odefim ('redeemed ones of the surplus') confirms that monetary payment satisfies the divine claim only for those who have no living Levite substitute.
Numbers 3:49

וַיִּקַּ֣ח מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֵ֖ת כֶּ֣סֶף הַפִּדְי֑וֹם מֵאֵת֙ הָעֹ֣דְפִ֔ים עַ֖ל פְּדוּיֵ֥י הַלְוִיִּֽם׃

Moses collected the redemption silver from those who exceeded the number redeemed by the Levites.

KJV And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The kesef hapidyom ('silver of the redemption') is a technical financial term. Moses acts as the intermediary, collecting from the 273 surplus families. The text does not specify how the 273 were selected from among the 22,273 firstborns — rabbinic tradition suggests a lottery was used.
Numbers 3:50

מֵאֵ֗ת בְּכ֛וֹר בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לָקַ֣ח אֶת־הַכָּ֑סֶף חֲמִשָּׁ֨ה וְשִׁשִּׁ֜ים וּשְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֛וֹת וָאֶ֖לֶף בְּשֶׁ֥קֶל הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃

From the firstborn of the Israelites he collected the silver: 1,365 shekels by the sanctuary standard.

KJV Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The total of khamishah veshishim ushelosh me'ot va'elef (1,365) shekels confirms the arithmetic: 273 persons × 5 shekels = 1,365 shekels. This precise accounting (approximately 15.6 kilograms of silver) demonstrates the meticulous financial record-keeping expected in sacred transactions. The besheqel haQodesh ('by the sanctuary shekel') repeats the calibration standard.
Numbers 3:51

וַיִּתֵּ֨ן מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־כֶּ֧סֶף הַפְּדֻיִ֛ם לְאַהֲרֹ֥ן וּלְבָנָ֖יו עַל־פִּ֣י יְהֹוָ֑ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {פ}

Moses gave the redemption silver to Aaron and his sons, in accordance with the LORD's word, exactly as the LORD had commanded Moses.

KJV And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The chapter closes with the fulfillment formula ka'asher tsivah YHWH et-Mosheh ('just as the LORD commanded Moses'), confirming complete compliance. The kesef haPeduyim ('silver of the redeemed ones') was transferred al-pi YHWH ('according to the mouth of the LORD' — by divine instruction) to the priestly family, completing the firstborn-Levite exchange process.
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