Numbers 17:4
Numbers 17:4 in Multiple Translations
Place the staffs in the Tent of Meeting in front of the Testimony, where I meet with you.
And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you.
And thou shalt lay them up in the tent of meeting before the testimony, where I meet with you.
And let them be stored up in the Tent of meeting, in front of the ark of witness where I come to you.
Place the walking sticks in the Tent of Meeting in front of the Testimony where I meet with you.
And thou shalt put them in the Tabernacle of the Congregation, before the Arke of the Testimonie, where I wil declare my selfe to you.
and thou hast placed them in the tent of meeting, before the testimony, where I meet with you.
You shall lay them up in the Tent of Meeting before the covenant, where I meet with you.
And thou shalt lay them in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you.
And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the covenant before the testimony, where I will speak to thee.
Put those sticks inside the Sacred Tent, in front of the sacred chest that has in it the tablets on which the Ten Commandments are written. That is the place where I always talk with you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 17:4
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 17:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקַּ֞ח
אֶלְעָזָ֣ר
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
אֵ֚ת
מַחְתּ֣וֹת
הַ/נְּחֹ֔שֶׁת
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
הִקְרִ֖יבוּ
הַ/שְּׂרֻפִ֑ים
וַֽ/יְרַקְּע֖וּ/ם
צִפּ֥וּי
לַ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
וַ/יִּקַּ֞ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶלְעָזָ֣ר
ʼElʻâzâr
H499
Eleazar
N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
אֵ֚ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַחְתּ֣וֹת
machtâh
H4289
censer
N-fp
הַ/נְּחֹ֔שֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
bronze
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הִקְרִ֖יבוּ
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
הַ/שְּׂרֻפִ֑ים
sâraph
H8313
to burn
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
וַֽ/יְרַקְּע֖וּ/ם
râqaʻ
H7554
to beat
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
צִפּ֥וּי
tsippûwy
H6826
plating
N-ms
לַ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
mizbêach
H4196
altar
Prep | N-ms
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 17:4
וַ/יִּקַּ֞ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶלְעָזָ֣ר
ʼElʻâzâr
H499
"Eleazar"
N-proper
Eleazar means God has helped, and was the name of several Israelites, including a high priest and one of David's warriors.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.42 § Eleazar = "God has helped" 1) the high priest son of Aaron 2) Abinadab's son who cared for the ark 3) the priest who rebuilt and dedicated the restored walls of Jerusalem in time of Ezra 4) one of David's mighty warriors 5) a Levite 6) one of the line of Parosh
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: Eleazar. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 31:51; Nehemiah 12:42.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
אֵ֚ת
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.
מַחְתּ֣וֹת
machtâh
H4289
"censer"
N-fp
A machta was a metal pan used to hold live coals, often used for burning incense in worship. It is translated as 'censer' or 'firepan' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) fire-holder, censer, firepan, snuff dish, tray 1a) snuff-dish 1b) fire-pans 1c) censer
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: censer, firepan, snuffdish. See also: Exodus 25:38; Numbers 16:17; Jeremiah 52:19.
הַ/נְּחֹ֔שֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
"bronze"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to copper or something made of it, like a coin or chain. It can also symbolize something base or impure, as in lust or filthiness. It appears in various KJV translations, including brasen and brass.
Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy) 1b) fetters (of copper or bronze) 1c) copper (as value)
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. See also: Genesis 4:22; 1 Kings 7:38; Psalms 107:16.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
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.
הִקְרִ֖יבוּ
qârab
H7126
"to present"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
הַ/שְּׂרֻפִ֑ים
sâraph
H8313
"to burn"
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to set something on fire, and is used in the Bible to describe burning or kindling flames, like in Psalm 83:14. It can also mean to utterly destroy something. The word is related to fire and burning, and is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to burn 1a) (Qal) to burn 1b) (Niphal) to be burned 1c) (Piel) burner, burning (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be burnt up, be burned Also means: sa.raph (סָרַף "to burn" H5635)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, make a) burn((-ing), up) kindle, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 11:3; 1 Kings 13:2; Psalms 46:10.
וַֽ/יְרַקְּע֖וּ/ם
râqaʻ
H7554
"to beat"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to beat or pound something, like metal, to shape or expand it. It is used to describe the process of making metal plates for the tabernacle in Exodus. The word also implies a sense of passion or strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to beat, stamp, beat out, spread out, stretch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stamp, beat out 1a2) one who beats out (participle) 1b) (Piel) to overlay, beat out (for plating) 1c) (Pual) beaten out (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to make a spreading (of clouds)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: beat, make broad, spread abroad (forth, over, out, into plates), stamp, stretch. See also: Exodus 39:3; Isaiah 40:19; Psalms 136:6.
צִפּ֥וּי
tsippûwy
H6826
"plating"
N-ms
This word refers to covering or overlaying something with metal, like plating. It is used to describe a process of adding a metal layer to an object.
Definition: plating (of metal), metal plating
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: covering, overlaying. See also: Exodus 38:17; Numbers 17:3; Isaiah 30:22.
לַ/מִּזְבֵּֽחַ
mizbêach
H4196
"altar"
Prep | N-ms
An altar is a place of sacrifice, where offerings are made to God, as seen in the Bible's description of the tabernacle and temple. It was a central part of Israel's worship. The altar played a key role in the priestly rituals.
Definition: altar
Usage: Occurs in 338 OT verses. KJV: altar. See also: Genesis 8:20; Leviticus 7:2; 1 Kings 2:28.
Study Notes — Numbers 17:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 17:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 17:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 17:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 17:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 17:4
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 17:4
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 17:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 17:4
- Sermons on Numbers 17:4
Context — Aaron’s Staff Buds
2“Speak to the Israelites and take from them twelve staffs, one from the leader of each tribe. Write each man’s name on his staff,
3and write Aaron’s name on the staff of Levi, because there must be one staff for the head of each tribe.
4Place the staffs in the Tent of Meeting in front of the Testimony, where I meet with you.
5The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid Myself of the constant grumbling of the Israelites against you.” 6So Moses spoke to the Israelites, and each of their leaders gave him a staff—one for each of the leaders of their tribes, twelve staffs in all. And Aaron’s staff was among them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 30:36 | Grind some of it into fine powder and place it in front of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you. |
| 2 | Exodus 29:42–43 | For the generations to come, this burnt offering shall be made regularly at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, where I will meet you to speak with you. I will also meet with the Israelites there, and that place will be consecrated by My glory. |
| 3 | Exodus 25:16–22 | And place inside the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. And you are to construct a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat. Set the mercy seat atop the ark, and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark. And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites. |
| 4 | Numbers 17:7 | Then Moses placed the staffs before the LORD in the Tent of the Testimony. |
| 5 | Exodus 30:6 | Place the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony —before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you. |
Numbers 17:4 Summary
This verse is telling us that God wants us to trust Him to choose our leaders, just like He chose Aaron as the high priest. By placing the staffs in the Tent of Meeting, God is showing us that He is in control and that He will make His choice clear, as seen in Numbers 17:5. This reminds us of the importance of trusting God's sovereignty, as stated in Psalm 103:19, and seeking His guidance in all areas of our lives, including leadership and decision-making, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can have confidence that God is working everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of placing the staffs in the Tent of Meeting?
Placing the staffs in the Tent of Meeting in front of the Testimony signifies that God is the One who chooses and ordains leaders, as seen in Numbers 17:4, and is a reminder of His presence among the Israelites, similar to Exodus 25:22 where God meets with Moses.
Why did God instruct Moses to place the staffs in front of the Testimony?
God instructed Moses to place the staffs in front of the Testimony to demonstrate His divine choice of a leader, as stated in Numbers 17:5, and to put an end to the Israelites' grumbling against Moses, similar to the way God responded to the people's complaints in Exodus 16:7-8.
What does the Tent of Meeting represent in this context?
The Tent of Meeting represents the dwelling place of God among the Israelites, as described in Exodus 33:7-11, and serves as a reminder of God's covenant with His people, as seen in Leviticus 1:1.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty in choosing leaders, as stated in Numbers 17:5, and demonstrates His ability to guide and direct His people, similar to Proverbs 21:1 where it says 'the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord'.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for God to 'meet with you' in the Tent of Meeting, and how can I experience God's presence in my own life?
- How can I apply the principle of God's sovereignty in my own life, especially when it comes to leadership and decision-making?
- What does it say about God's character that He would choose to place the staffs in front of the Testimony, and how can I reflect that character in my own life?
- In what ways can I trust God to guide and direct me, even when I don't understand His plan or purpose, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 17:4
And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation,.... In the most holy place: before the testimony; that is, the ark in which the testimony or the law was; here they were laid as in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 17:4
And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 17:4
Before the testimony, i.e. before the ark of the testimony; either mediately, close by the veil behind which the ark stood; or rather immediately, within the veil in the most holy place, close by the ark, as may be gathered by comparing this place with , and with . I will meet with you, and manifest my mind to you for the ending of this dispute.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 17:4
(4) Where I will meet with you.—Rather, where I meet with you.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 17:4
4. All the staves were placed in front of the ark for that night.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 17:4
Before the testimony - See Numbers 17:10 note.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 17:4
4. Before the testimony — Or, ark of the covenant containing the testimony of Jehovah. Exodus 25:21.
Sermons on Numbers 17:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Altar of God by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having an altar in our lives for prayer and communication with God. It highlights how people have become weary of spiritual matters and dia |
|
Prayer Summit - Part 1 by Gerhard Dutoit by Gerhard Du Toit | This sermon emphasizes the importance of developing intimacy with God through prayer, highlighting the need for a fresh and continual presence of God in our lives. It explores the |
|
|
Repairing the Altar by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a personal altar of prayer in our lives, drawing parallels to historical figures like Queen Victoria and biblical characters like Ab |
|
Span-03 Definition of an Apostolic Church by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the word of God and the authority it carries. He refers to the story of Moses and how God called him to confront Pharaoh and lea |
|
|
K-440 True Reconciliation (1 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of unity within the church. He emphasizes that every detail in the tabernacle, as described in Exodus 25, is significant and r |
|
The Tabernacle #3: Holy of Holies by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the spiritual experience of believers after they have accepted Jesus as their savior. They go through a stage of enlightenment and are adorned |
|
The Testimony of the Lord Is Sure" by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the unchanging and faultless testimony of God to humanity, emphasizing the wisdom and understanding it imparts to those who believe with open hearts. The serm |