Numbers 3:40
Numbers 3:40 in Multiple Translations
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names.
¶ 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.
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Number all the first-born males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.
And the Lord said to Moses, Let all the first male children be numbered, and take the number of their names.
The Lord told Moses, “Conduct a census of all the firstborn Israelite males aged one month or older, and register their names.
And the Lord said vnto Moses, Nomber all the first borne that are Males among the children of Israel, from a moneth old and aboue, and take the nomber of their names.
And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Number every first-born male of the sons of Israel from a son of a month and upward, and take up the number of their names;
The LORD said to Moses, “Count all the firstborn males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.
And the LORD said to Moses, number all the first-born of the males of the children of Israel, from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.
And the Lord said to Moses: Number the firstborn of the male sex of the children of Israel, from one month and upward, and thou shalt take the sum of them.
Then Yahweh said to Moses/me, “Now count all the other firstborn males in Israel who are at least one month old, and write down their names.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 3:40
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Numbers 3:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 3:40
Study Notes — Numbers 3:40
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 3:40 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:40
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:40
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:40
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:40
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:40
- Sermons on Numbers 3:40
Context — The Redemption of the Firstborn
40Then the LORD said to Moses, “Number every firstborn male of the Israelites a month old or more, and list their names.
41You are to take the Levites for Me—I am the LORD—in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites.” 42So Moses numbered all the firstborn of the Israelites, as the LORD had commanded him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 3:15 | “Number the Levites by their families and clans. You are to count every male a month old or more.” |
| 2 | Luke 10:20 | Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” |
| 3 | Psalms 87:6 | The LORD will record in the register of the peoples: “This one was born in Zion.” Selah |
| 4 | Revelation 3:5 | Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels. |
| 5 | Numbers 3:45 | “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites belong to Me; I am the LORD. |
| 6 | Exodus 32:26–29 | So Moses stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. He told them, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each of you men is to fasten his sword to his side, go back and forth through the camp from gate to gate, and slay his brother, his friend, and his neighbor.’” The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people fell dead. Afterward, Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for service to the LORD, since each man went against his son and his brother; so the LORD has bestowed a blessing on you this day.” |
| 7 | Hebrews 12:23 | in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, |
| 8 | Numbers 3:12 | “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel in place of every firstborn Israelite from the womb. The Levites belong to Me, |
| 9 | Revelation 14:4 | These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. |
| 10 | Philippians 4:3 | Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. |
Numbers 3:40 Summary
In Numbers 3:40, God instructs Moses to count every firstborn male of the Israelites who is a month old or more. This is because these firstborn males were special to God and were meant to serve Him. As we see in Exodus 13:2, the firstborn males were dedicated to God, and in Numbers 3:41, the Levites took their place. Just like the Israelites, we can dedicate our lives to serving God and trust in His sovereignty and provision (Romans 12:1-2, Psalm 37:3-7).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Moses to number every firstborn male of the Israelites in Numbers 3:40?
God instructed Moses to do this to remind the Israelites of their covenant with Him and to prepare for the redemption of the firstborn males, as seen in Exodus 13:2 and Numbers 3:41.
What is the significance of the age 'a month old or more' in this verse?
The age 'a month old or more' is significant because it marks the time when a child was considered viable and a part of the community, similar to the dedication of Samuel in 1 Samuel 1:22-24.
How does this verse relate to the concept of the Levites as substitutes for the firstborn of Israel?
This verse is a precursor to Numbers 3:41, where God instructs Moses to take the Levites as substitutes for the firstborn of Israel, highlighting the special role of the Levites in the covenant community, as also seen in Numbers 8:16-18.
What can we learn about God's character from this verse?
From this verse, we can learn about God's attention to detail and His desire to be intimately involved in the lives of His people, as seen in other verses like Psalm 139:1-6 and Matthew 10:30.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can dedicate my life to God's service, just as the firstborn males of Israel were dedicated to Him?
- How can I apply the principle of substitution, as seen in the Levites substituting for the firstborn of Israel, to my own life and relationship with God?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty and provision in my life, just as the Israelites trusted God to provide for them through the Levites?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to surrender to God's will, just as the Israelites surrendered their firstborn males to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 3:40
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 3:40
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 3:40
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 3:40
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 3:40
Sermons on Numbers 3:40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Faith Illustrated by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the grandest action of a Christian's life, which is entrusting their eternal interests to Christ. The justification for this act of trust is e |
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I Will Work a Work Not Believed by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Habakkuk in the Bible. The prophet Habakkuk is in despair as he sees the wickedness and injustice in the world, and he wonders w |
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All Prayer by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and spending quality time in prayer. He shares a personal story of a friend who dedicated hours to pray |
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The Whole Armour of God - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses various aspects of the Christian life, including witnessing, worship, and warfare. He emphasizes the importance of fathers in the household, h |
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Martha and Mary by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a strong inner life and a deep connection with God. He uses the example of Mary and Martha to illustrate this point |
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The 6th Vision: The Great White Throne by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the vision of the sixth one, where Jesus is seen riding a white horse and leading his army in the battle of Armageddon. Through the sword tha |
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Biblical Eldership - Lesson 2 by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of leadership within the church. He references Hebrews 13:7 and 13:17, which emphasize the need to remember and imitate those |





