Numbers 18:22
Numbers 18:22 in Multiple Translations
No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die.
Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.
And henceforth the children of Israel shall not come nigh the tent of meeting, lest they bear sin, and die.
In future the children of Israel are not to come near the Tent of meeting, so that death may not come to them because of sin.
The Israelites are no longer allowed to approach the Tent of Meeting, or they will commit an offense and die.
Neyther shall the children of Israel any more come neere the Tabernacle of the Congregation, lest they susteine sinne, and die.
'And the sons of Israel come no more near unto the tent of meeting, to bear sin, to die,
Henceforth the children of Israel shall not come near the Tent of Meeting, lest they bear sin, and die.
Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.
That the children of Israel may not approach any more to the tabernacle, nor commit deadly sin,
The other Israelis must not go near that tent. If they go near it, I will consider that their doing that is a sin, and they will die for committing that sin.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 18:22
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 18:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹא
יִקְרְב֥וּ
ע֛וֹד
בְּנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
אֶל
אֹ֣הֶל
מוֹעֵ֑ד
לָ/שֵׂ֥את
חֵ֖טְא
לָ/מֽוּת
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִקְרְב֥וּ
qârab
H7126
to present
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
ע֛וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-ms
מוֹעֵ֑ד
môwʻêd
H4150
meeting
N-ms
לָ/שֵׂ֥את
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
חֵ֖טְא
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
sin
N-ms
לָ/מֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 18:22
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִקְרְב֥וּ
qârab
H7126
"to present"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
ע֛וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
בְּנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
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.
אֹ֣הֶל
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
מוֹעֵ֑ד
môwʻêd
H4150
"meeting"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a meeting or appointed time, often for a sacred season or festival, like the tent of meeting in Exodus. It can also mean an assembly or congregation. In the Bible, it is used to describe the Israelites' gatherings and celebrations.
Definition: : meeting 1) appointed place, appointed time, meeting 1a) appointed time 1a1) appointed time (general) 1a2) sacred season, set feast, appointed season 1b) appointed meeting 1c) appointed place 1d) appointed sign or signal 1e) tent of meeting
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed). See also: Genesis 1:14; Numbers 4:31; Psalms 74:4.
לָ/שֵׂ֥את
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
חֵ֖טְא
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
"sin"
N-ms
Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.
Definition: 1) sin 1a) sin 1b) guilt for sin 1c) punishment for sin Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: fault, [idiom] grievously, offence, (punishment of) sin. See also: Genesis 41:9; 2 Kings 10:29; Psalms 51:7.
לָ/מֽוּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Numbers 18:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 18:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 18:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 18:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 18:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 18:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 18:22
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 18:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 18:22
- Sermons on Numbers 18:22
Context — Offerings for Priests and Levites
20Then the LORD said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites.
21Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting.
22No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die.
23The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. 24For I have given to the Levites as their inheritance the tithe that the Israelites present to the LORD as a contribution. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 22:9 | The priests must keep My charge, lest they bear the guilt and die because they profane it. I am the LORD who sanctifies them. |
| 2 | Numbers 1:51–52 | Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be pitched, the Levites are to set it up. Any outsider who goes near it must be put to death. The Israelites are to camp by their divisions, each man in his own camp and under his own standard. |
| 3 | Numbers 3:38 | Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, before the Tent of Meeting. They were to perform the duties of the sanctuary as a service on behalf of the Israelites; but any outsider who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death. |
| 4 | Numbers 3:10 | So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood; but any outsider who approaches the tabernacle must be put to death.” |
| 5 | Leviticus 20:20 | If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered the nakedness of his uncle. They will bear their sin; they shall die childless. |
| 6 | Numbers 18:7 | But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.” |
Numbers 18:22 Summary
This verse means that God set boundaries to protect the Israelites from coming near the Tent of Meeting, which was a special and sacred place where the Levites served God. If someone came near without permission, they would be in danger of incurring guilt and death, as seen in Numbers 18:22. This teaches us about the importance of respecting God's boundaries and instructions, just as we see in Deuteronomy 12:32, and prioritizing the purity and sanctity of our own hearts and lives, as encouraged in 1 Peter 1:15-16. By respecting these boundaries, we can maintain a healthy and reverent relationship with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Israelites no longer allowed to come near the Tent of Meeting?
The Israelites were no longer allowed to come near the Tent of Meeting because it was a sacred place where the Levites, who were set apart by God, were to perform their duties, as stated in Numbers 18:22, and any unauthorized person who approached would incur guilt and die, highlighting the importance of respecting God's boundaries, as seen in Numbers 18:22 and Leviticus 10:1-3.
What would happen if an Israelite came near the Tent of Meeting?
If an Israelite came near the Tent of Meeting, they would incur guilt and die, as stated in Numbers 18:22, emphasizing the severity of disobedience and the importance of following God's instructions, as also seen in Deuteronomy 17:12-13.
Why was it necessary for the Levites to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting?
The Levites were necessary to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting because they were set apart by God to serve as mediators between Him and the people, and their role was crucial in maintaining the purity and sanctity of the Tent, as highlighted in Numbers 18:21 and Exodus 28:1.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual leadership?
This verse highlights the importance of spiritual leadership, as the Levites were appointed by God to serve as leaders and intermediaries between Him and the people, and their role was essential in maintaining the spiritual well-being of the community, as seen in Numbers 18:20-24 and Hebrews 7:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are the boundaries that God has set in my life, and how can I respect them?
- How can I reverence God's presence in my life, and what are the consequences of not doing so?
- What role do spiritual leaders play in my life, and how can I support and respect them?
- In what ways can I prioritize the purity and sanctity of my own heart and life, just as the Levites prioritized the purity of the Tent of Meeting?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 18:22
Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation,.... To do any part of the priest's office, as to burn incense, as Korah and his company had done; or to do
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 18:22
And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. I have given the children of Levi.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 18:22
i.e. So nigh as to do any act proper to the priests or Levites.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 18:22
Numbers 18:22 Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die.Ver. 22. Neither must the children.] But only God’ s kinsmen, the priests and Levites, as they are called, according to some translations, or his nigh ones. So in the New Testament, others are called God’ s children, God’ s servants, God’ s people: ministers only are called God’ s men.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 18:22
(22) Lest they bear sin and die.—i.e., lest they bring sin upon themselves, the penalty of which they would have to bear. This appears to be the primary meaning of the phrase, from which the secondary meaning, viz., that of bearing sin in the sense of atoning for it, is derived. (Comp. Leviticus 19:17; Leviticus 22:9.)
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 18:22
21–24. The Levites’ dues. These consisted in tithe levied on agricultural produce only (cf. Numbers 18:27; Numbers 18:30). This was similarly assigned to the Levitical priests in the earlier law contained in Deuteronomy 14:22-29; Deuteronomy 26:12-15. But the present regulation is in advance of that in Dt. in that it assigns the tithe to the Levites absolutely. According to Dt. the Levite shared it, in two years out of three, with the offerer and his household, and in the third year with the poor—‘sojourners, widows, and orphans.’ This variety led in post-Biblical times to the imposition of two tithes (cf. Tob 1:7 ff.). In Leviticus 27:30-33, 2 Chronicles 31:6 (which are probably later than the present passage) mention is made of a fresh demand, viz. a tithe on cattle, which is found nowhere else in the O.T. In early days the ‘clergy’ were poor and humble persons who needed support from the charity of the rich.
The contributions paid to them were at first small, and probably variable; the officials at the important sanctuaries, for example, would receive larger dues than those in country villages. But when, after the Exile, the priests and Levites advanced to a high position in the community, their demands gradually increased, until they became the grasping and avaricious rulers that we see in the Ḥ ?asmoneans and the Sadducees. In Hebrews 7:5 the payment of tithes by Israel is part of the argument that the Aaronic priesthood is inferior to that of Christ.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 18:22
22. Bear sin — That is, expiate it, or suffer its penalty, which in this case is death. The Seventy and the Vulgate render it thus: lest they commit a death-bearing sin. See Numbers 4:18, note; James 1:15; 1 John 5:16.
Sermons on Numbers 18:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Order Appointed by God by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of following God's commands in an orderly and timely manner, specifically in presenting offerings and performing services to Him. He highl |