Numbers 3:32
Numbers 3:32 in Multiple Translations
The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.
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.
And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be prince of the princes of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.
Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, will be head over all the Levites and overseer of those responsible for the care of the holy place.
The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest. He was in charge of those responsible for serving in the sanctuary.
And Eleazar the sonne of Aaron the Priest shalbe chiefe captaine of the Leuites, hauing the ouersight of them that haue the charge of the Sanctuarie.
And [to] the prince of the princes of the Levites, Eleazar son of Aaron the priest, [is] the oversight of the keepers of the charge of the sanctuary.
Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be prince of the princes of the Levites, with the oversight of those who keep the requirements of the sanctuary.
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.
And the prince of the princes of the Levites, Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, shall be over them that watch for the guard of the sanctuary.
Aaron’s son Eleazar was the leader of all the male descendants of Levi. He supervised all the work that was done at the Sacred Tent.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:32
BAB
Word Study
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Numbers 3:32 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/נְשִׂיא֙
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
הַ/לֵּוִ֔י
אֶלְעָזָ֖ר
בֶּן
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן
פְּקֻדַּ֕ת
שֹׁמְרֵ֖י
מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
הַ/קֹּֽדֶשׁ
וּ/נְשִׂיא֙
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
Conj | N-ms
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
N-mp
הַ/לֵּוִ֔י
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmsa
אֶלְעָזָ֖ר
ʼElʻâzâr
H499
Eleazar
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵ֑ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
פְּקֻדַּ֕ת
pᵉquddâh
H6486
punishment
N-fs
שֹׁמְרֵ֖י
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
charge
N-fs
הַ/קֹּֽדֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:32
וּ/נְשִׂיא֙
nâsîyʼ
H5387
"leader"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י
nâsîyʼ
H5387
"leader"
N-mp
This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.
הַ/לֵּוִ֔י
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmsa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
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.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
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.
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
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/כֹּהֵ֑ן
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.
פְּקֻדַּ֕ת
pᵉquddâh
H6486
"punishment"
N-fs
This noun refers to a visitation, which can be an official oversight, care, or punishment. It is used in different contexts, including mustering, storing, or meting out punishment. The KJV translates it as account, charge, or oversight, among other words.
Definition: 1) oversight, care, custody, mustering, visitation, store 1a) visitation, punishment 1b) oversight, charge, office, overseer, class of officers 1c) mustering 1d) store
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: account, (that have the) charge, custody, that which...laid up, numbers, office(-r), ordering, oversight, [phrase] prison, reckoning, visitation. See also: Numbers 3:32; Isaiah 10:3; Psalms 109:8.
שֹׁמְרֵ֖י
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
N-fs
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
הַ/קֹּֽדֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
Art | N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
Study Notes — Numbers 3:32
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Kohathites
30and the leader of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan son of Uzziel.
31Their duties were the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain—all the service for these items.
32The chief of the leaders of the Levites was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest; he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary.
33From Merari came the clans of the Mahlites and Mushites; these were the Merarite clans. 34The number of all the males a month old or more was 6,200.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 4:27 | All the service of the Gershonites—all their transport duties and other work—is to be done at the direction of Aaron and his sons; you are to assign to them all that they are responsible to carry. |
| 2 | Numbers 4:16 | Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.” |
| 3 | Numbers 20:25–28 | Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor. Remove Aaron’s priestly garments and put them on his son Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and will die there.” So Moses did as the LORD had commanded, and they climbed Mount Hor in the sight of the whole congregation. After Moses had removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 9:14–20 | From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, a descendant of Merari; Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph; Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites. These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD. In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar had been in charge of the gatekeepers, and the LORD was with him. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 25:18 | The captain of the guard also took away Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the priest of second rank, and the three doorkeepers. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 26:20–24 | Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. From the descendants of Ladan, who were Gershonites through Ladan and heads of the families of Ladan the Gershonite, were Jehieli, the sons of Jehieli, Zetham, and his brother Joel. They were in charge of the treasuries of the house of the LORD. From the Amramites, the Izharites, the Hebronites, and the Uzzielites: Shebuel, a descendant of Gershom son of Moses, was the officer in charge of the treasuries. |
Numbers 3:32 Summary
[Numbers 3:32 tells us that Eleazar son of Aaron the priest was the chief of the leaders of the Levites, and he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary. This means that Eleazar was in charge of making sure that the people taking care of the tabernacle and its furnishings were doing their jobs correctly, as described in Exodus 25:8-9. The sanctuary was a special place where God dwelled among His people, and the duties performed there were essential to the worship and service of the Lord, as seen in Leviticus 1:1-7. By overseeing these duties, Eleazar helped to ensure that the sanctuary was treated with the respect and reverence due to God's presence, and we can learn from his example about the importance of serving God with reverence and respect, as described in Hebrews 13:10-12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Eleazar son of Aaron the priest and what was his role?
Eleazar son of Aaron the priest was the chief of the leaders of the Levites, and he oversaw those responsible for the duties of the sanctuary, as seen in Numbers 3:32. This role was significant, as the Levites were responsible for the care and maintenance of the tabernacle and its furnishings, as described in Exodus 25:8-9 and Numbers 18:1-7.
What were the duties of the sanctuary that Eleazar oversaw?
The duties of the sanctuary included the care and maintenance of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used with them, and the curtain, as listed in Numbers 3:31. These duties were crucial to the worship and service of the Lord, as described in Leviticus 1:1-7 and Hebrews 13:10-12.
Why was it important for Eleazar to oversee the duties of the sanctuary?
It was important for Eleazar to oversee the duties of the sanctuary because the sanctuary was the place where God dwelled among His people, and the duties performed there were essential to the worship and service of the Lord, as seen in Exodus 29:43-46 and Psalm 77:13. By overseeing these duties, Eleazar helped to ensure that the sanctuary was treated with the respect and reverence due to God's presence.
What can we learn from Eleazar's role in the Old Testament about our own role in serving God?
We can learn from Eleazar's role that our service to God is not just about individual actions, but also about our role within the larger community of believers, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and Ephesians 4:11-16. By working together and using our gifts and abilities to serve God, we can help to maintain the unity and purity of the church, just as Eleazar helped to maintain the purity and order of the sanctuary.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can serve God in my own life, and how can I work together with other believers to maintain the unity and purity of the church?
- How can I ensure that my service to God is done with reverence and respect, and that I am treating God's presence in my life with the honor due to Him?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more mindful of God's presence and more intentional about serving Him, and how can I make changes to prioritize my relationship with God?
- How can I balance my individual role in serving God with my role within the larger community of believers, and what are some ways that I can work together with others to serve God more effectively?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:32
And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest,.... Who was of the first of these families, the Amramites: [shall be] chief over the chief of the Levites; over the three chiefs of the three houses of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:32
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:32
Eleazar shall be chief, next under the high priest; whence he is called the second priest, ; and in case of the high priest’ s absence by sickness or other necessary occasions, he was to perform his work, ; and he had a superiority over all the rest of the priests and Levites. Over the chief of the Levites, i.e. over those three persons, who were each the chief of their several families; of whom see here, ,31,35.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 3:32
(32) And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest . . . —In virtue, as it should seem, of the descent of Moses and Aaron from Kohath, the Kohathites had the most honourable portion of the service of the Tabernacle assigned to them; and hence, as the priests belonged to the Amramites, one of the four families of the Kohathites, Eleazar, the eldest surviving son of Aaron, was chosen to have the oversight over the whole body of the Levites.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:32
32. Eleazar was himself a Kohathite through his father Aaron and his grandfather Amram (Exodus 6:18; Exodus 6:20; Exodus 6:23).