Numbers 3:2
Numbers 3:2 in Multiple Translations
These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, then Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
And these are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the first-born, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the oldest, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
The names of the sons of Aaron were: Nadab (firstborn), Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
So these are the names of the sonnes of Aaron, Nadab the first borne, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
And these [are] the names of the sons of Aaron: the first-born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar;
These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the first-born, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
And these the names of the sons of Aaron: his firstborn Nadab, then Abiu, and Eleazar, and Ithamar.
Aaron’s four sons were Nadab the oldest, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:2
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 3:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵ֛לֶּה
שְׁמ֥וֹת
בְּֽנֵי
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
הַ/בְּכ֣וֹר
נָדָ֑ב
וַ/אֲבִיה֕וּא
אֶלְעָזָ֖ר
וְ/אִיתָמָֽר
וְ/אֵ֛לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Conj | Pron
שְׁמ֥וֹת
shêm
H8034
name
N-mp
בְּֽנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
הַ/בְּכ֣וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
Art | N-ms
נָדָ֑ב
Nâdâb
H5070
Nadab
N-proper
וַ/אֲבִיה֕וּא
ʼĂbîyhûwʼ
H30
Abihu
Conj | N-proper
אֶלְעָזָ֖ר
ʼElʻâzâr
H499
Eleazar
N-proper
וְ/אִיתָמָֽר
ʼÎythâmâr
H385
Ithamar
Conj | 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 3:2
וְ/אֵ֛לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
שְׁמ֥וֹת
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-mp
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
בְּֽנֵי
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.
אַהֲרֹ֖ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
הַ/בְּכ֣וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
נָדָ֑ב
Nâdâb
H5070
"Nadab"
N-proper
Nadab was the name of several Israelites, including the son of Aaron who was struck dead by God. The name means 'generous' and is mentioned in the books of Chronicles and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.8.30; son of: Abiel (H0022) and Maacah (H4601N); brother of: Kish (H7027), Ner (H5369), Abdon (H5658J), Zur (H6698I), Baal (H1168B), Gedor (H1446I), Ahio (H0283I), Zecher (H2144) and Mikloth (H4732) § Nadab = "generous" 1) eldest son of Aaron by Elisheba; struck dead before the sanctuary in the wilderness for kindling the censers with strange fire 2) son of king Jeroboam I of the northern kingdom of Israel and king of Israel for 2 years before being slain by Baasha 3) a Jerahmeelite, son of Shammai, of the tribe of Judah 4) a son of Gibeon of the tribe of Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Nadab. See also: Exodus 6:23; 1 Kings 15:25; 1 Chronicles 24:2.
וַ/אֲבִיה֕וּא
ʼĂbîyhûwʼ
H30
"Abihu"
Conj | N-proper
Abihu was a son of Aaron, a priest in the Bible. His name means 'he is my father'. Abihu made a mistake by offering wrong sacrifices to God and was punished. He's mentioned in Exodus 6:23.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.23; son of: Aaron (H0175) and Elisheba (H0472); brother of: Nadab (H5070), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) § Abihu = "he is (my) father" a son of Aaron destroyed for sacrificing strange fire to God
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Abihu. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 3:4; 1 Chronicles 24:2.
אֶלְעָזָ֖ר
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.
וְ/אִיתָמָֽר
ʼÎythâmâr
H385
"Ithamar"
Conj | N-proper
Ithamar was a son of Aaron, a leader in the tribe of Levi, first mentioned in Exodus 6:23. He was the youngest of four brothers, including Nadab, Abihu, and Eleazar. His name means 'coast of palms'.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.23; son of: Aaron (H0175) and Elisheba (H0472); brother of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030) and Eleazar (H0499) § Ithamar = "coast of palms" fourth and youngest son of Aaron
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Ithamar. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 7:8; Ezra 8:2.
Study Notes — Numbers 3:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Sons of Aaron
1This is the account of Aaron and Moses at the time the LORD spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai.
2These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, then Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
3These were Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. 4Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 6:23 | And Aaron married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab and sister of Nahshon, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. |
| 2 | Numbers 26:60 | Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar were born to Aaron, |
| 3 | Exodus 28:1 | “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 24:1 | These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 6:3 | The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. |
Numbers 3:2 Summary
[This verse is about the sons of Aaron, who were chosen by God to be priests and help the people worship Him, similar to the way Jesus is our High Priest, as seen in Hebrews 4:14-16. The names of Aaron's sons are listed to show that they were special and had important jobs to do. Just like Aaron's sons, we can all be part of God's plan and serve Him in our own ways, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. By following God's instructions and being faithful, we can honor Him and bring joy to those around us, just like Eleazar and Ithamar did after their brothers' mistake, as described in Numbers 3:4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the names of Aaron's sons listed in this verse?
The names of Aaron's sons are listed to introduce the next generation of spiritual leaders in Israel, as seen in Numbers 3:2, and to highlight their importance in the priestly lineage, similar to the way Jesus' genealogy is listed in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 1:1-17.
What is the significance of Nadab being called the 'firstborn' in this verse?
Nadab being called the 'firstborn' indicates his birth order and potential position of leadership, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:15-17, where the firstborn son typically received a double portion of the inheritance and special privileges.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of the Israelites in the wilderness?
This verse is part of the narrative of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, where God is establishing the priesthood and the tabernacle, as described in Exodus 25-31 and Leviticus 8-10, to facilitate worship and atonement for the people.
What can we learn about God's character from the way He interacts with Aaron's sons in this verse?
From this verse and the surrounding context, we can see that God is a God of order and appointment, as He ordains specific individuals for specific roles, such as Aaron and his sons, as seen in Numbers 3:1-4 and Hebrews 5:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to be part of a spiritual lineage, and how can I honor those who have come before me in the faith?
- How can I apply the principles of leadership and responsibility seen in Aaron's sons to my own life and relationships?
- In what ways can I, like Aaron's sons, be set apart for God's special purposes and service, as described in Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:9-10?
- What are some ways I can learn from the examples of Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, both positively and negatively, to grow in my own faith and obedience to God?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:2
And these [are] the names of the sons of Aaron,.... The Targum of Jonathan adds, disciples of Moses, the master of the Israelites; none of the posterity of Moses being expressly, named; Jarchi
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:2
And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. These are the names. All the sons of Aaron, four in number, were consecrated to minister in the priest's office.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:2
1–4. The generations of Aaron.
Sermons on Numbers 3:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(K-Char-03) Strange Fire by Art Katz | In this sermon transcript, T. Austin Sparks discusses the concept of false life and false fire. He emphasizes the difference between spiritual eternal life and soul life, stating t |
|
A Touch From God - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call to come up and come out, using Moses as an example of someone who drew near to God and pursued a life of prayer. I |
|
(Exodus) Exodus 28:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of seeing God in everything, including the instructions given in the Bible. The speaker compares the Bible to a picture book, |
|
The Cost of Worship by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the humility and simplicity of Jesus Christ. He compares Jesus to the apostle Paul, who often said "finally" but continued to write more cha |
|
Aaron & His Sons: The Holy Priesthood by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the qualities of a man after God's own heart. He emphasizes the importance of being what God wants us to be, a man in Christ, in order for God |
|
Money, Mules and Travel by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the lost and sharing the message of salvation. He highlights that the purpose of the church is to bring pe |
|
The Call of Samuel by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the spiritual decline of the nation of Israel and God's search for a leader to bring about a spiritual renewal. He highlights the story |