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Numbers 4:13

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Numbers 4:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then they shall remove the ashes from the bronze altar, spread a purple cloth over it,

King James Version KJV

And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

American Standard Version ASV

And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And they are to take away the burned waste from the altar, and put a purple cloth on it;

Free Bible Version FBV

Have them clean the ashes from the bronze altar and spread a purple cloth over it,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth vpon it,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and have removed the ashes of the altar, and have spread over it a garment of purple;

World English Bible WEB

“They shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth on it.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth upon it:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

They shall cleanse the altar also from the ashes, and shall wrap it up in a purple cloth,

Translation for Translators T4T

“Then they must remove the ashes from the altar on which they have burned sacrifices. Then they must cover the altar with a purple cloth.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 4:13

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 4:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/דִשְּׁנ֖וּ אֶת הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וּ/פָרְשׂ֣וּ עָלָ֔י/ו בֶּ֖גֶד אַרְגָּמָֽן
וְ/דִשְּׁנ֖וּ dâshên H1878 to prosper Conj | V-Piel-3cp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ mizbêach H4196 altar Art | N-ms
וּ/פָרְשׂ֣וּ pâras H6566 to spread Conj | V-Qal-3cp
עָלָ֔י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
בֶּ֖גֶד beged H899 treachery N-ms
אַרְגָּמָֽן ʼargâmân H713 purple N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 4:13

וְ/דִשְּׁנ֖וּ dâshên H1878 "to prosper" Conj | V-Piel-3cp
To prosper or be fat is the meaning of this word, which can also mean to anoint or satisfy. It is often used to describe God's blessing and prosperity.
Definition: 1) to be fat, grow fat, become fat, become prosperous, anoint 1a) (Qal) of prosperity (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make fat, anoint 1b2) to find fat (of offering-acceptable) 1b3) to take away ashes (from altar) 1c) (Pual) to be made fat 1d) (Hothpael) to fatten oneself (of Jehovah's sword)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: accept, anoint, take away the (receive) ashes (from), make (wax) fat. See also: Exodus 27:3; Proverbs 11:25; Psalms 20:4.
אֶת 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.
הַ/מִּזְבֵּ֑חַ mizbêach H4196 "altar" Art | 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.
וּ/פָרְשׂ֣וּ pâras H6566 "to spread" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
עָלָ֔י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בֶּ֖גֶד beged H899 "treachery" N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
אַרְגָּמָֽן ʼargâmân H713 "purple" N-ms
The Hebrew word for purple, describing the color or dyed fabric, is used in the Bible to describe royal garments, like those worn by King Solomon. In Exodus 28:5, it is used to describe the priestly robes. The color symbolized wealth and power.
Definition: purple, red-purple
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: purple. See also: Exodus 25:4; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:22.

Study Notes — Numbers 4:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Leviticus 6:12–13 The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.
2 Exodus 39:1 From the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn they made specially woven garments for ministry in the sanctuary, as well as the holy garments for Aaron, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
3 Exodus 39:41 and the woven garments for ministering in the sanctuary, both the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons to serve as priests.
4 Exodus 27:1–8 “You are to build an altar of acacia wood. The altar must be square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high. Make a horn on each of its four corners, so that the horns are of one piece, and overlay it with bronze. Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its sprinkling bowls, its meat forks, and its firepans. Construct for it a grate of bronze mesh, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the mesh. Set the grate beneath the ledge of the altar, so that the mesh comes halfway up the altar. Additionally, make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze. The poles are to be inserted into the rings so that the poles are on two sides of the altar when it is carried. Construct the altar with boards so that it is hollow. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.
5 Numbers 4:11–12 Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles. They are to take all the utensils for serving in the sanctuary, place them in a blue cloth, cover them with fine leather, and put them on the carrying frame.
6 Numbers 4:6–9 They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a solid blue cloth over it, and insert its poles. Over the table of the Presence they are to spread a blue cloth and place the plates and cups on it, along with the bowls and pitchers for the drink offering. The regular bread offering is to remain on it. And they shall spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover them with fine leather, and insert the poles. They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand used for light, together with its lamps, wick trimmers, and trays, as well as the jars of oil with which to supply it.

Numbers 4:13 Summary

[The verse Numbers 4:13 talks about the priests removing ashes from the bronze altar and covering it with a purple cloth. This was an important step in preparing the altar for transport, and it shows us the importance of reverence and respect in our worship. Just like the priests cleaned and covered the altar, we need to make sure our hearts are clean and ready to worship God, as seen in Psalm 24:3-4. By doing so, we can offer our lives as a living sacrifice to God, just as the priests offered sacrifices on the altar.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of removing ashes from the bronze altar in Numbers 4:13?

Removing ashes from the bronze altar was a crucial step in preparing the altar for transport, as it ensured the altar remained clean and free from residue, much like the cleansing of our hearts through confession and repentance, as seen in Psalm 51:7 and 1 John 1:9.

Why was a purple cloth spread over the bronze altar?

The purple cloth signified royalty and honor, and by covering the altar with it, the priests demonstrated reverence and respect for the sacred space where God met with His people, similar to the reverence shown in Exodus 40:34-35 when the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

How does the attention to detail in Numbers 4:13 relate to our worship today?

The meticulous care taken by the priests in preparing the altar for transport serves as a reminder of the importance of reverence and attention to detail in our own worship, as we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as stated in Romans 12:1-2.

What can we learn from the bronze altar's role in the Israelites' worship?

The bronze altar, where sacrifices were made to atone for sin, points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, as described in Hebrews 13:10-12, and reminds us of the significance of the cross in our worship and daily lives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to 'remove ashes' and start anew, just as the priests removed ashes from the bronze altar?
  2. How can I demonstrate reverence and respect for God in my daily worship, just as the priests spread a purple cloth over the altar?
  3. What are some ways I can apply the principle of attention to detail in my own spiritual life, just as the priests carefully prepared the altar for transport?
  4. How does the concept of sacrifice and atonement, represented by the bronze altar, impact my understanding of God's love and forgiveness?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 4:13

And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 4:13

This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things: This shall be the service ... The Kohathites are mentioned first, from their close

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 4:13

From the altar of burnt-offerings; whereby it may seem probable, though it be denied by most, that they did offer some sacrifices in the wilderness, though it may not be so frequently nor orderly as afterwards they did. Whence else were these ashes? And there are some undeniable instances of their sacrificing there, as 24:4 Numbers 7, &c.; from which it seems rational to conclude that they did offer sacrifices at other times, though not so constantly and diligently as they did in Canaan. And for the argument against it from , that may be easily dissolved, as we shall there see, if the Lord please. Moreover the taking away of the ashes only doth sufficiently imply that the fire was preserved, which as it came down from heaven, Leviticus 9, so it was by God’ s command to be continually fed and kept burning, and therefore doubtless was put into some vessel, which might be either fastened to the altar and put within this covering, or carried by some person appointed thereunto.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 4:13

Numbers 4:13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:Ver. 13. The ashes from the altar.] The fire from heaven was also carefully kept alive, though nothing be here said of it.

Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 4:13

(13) And they shall take away the ashes from the altar.—In Exodus 27:3 we find a direction to make pans for removing the ashes from the brazen altar, and also to make all the brazen vessels mentioned in the next verse.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 4:13

1–20. The Kohathites and their duties.

Sermons on Numbers 4:13

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (The Power of the Holy Spirit - 3) the Fire of God by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a witness for Christ in our daily lives. He compares the church to a small sample of God's kingdom and encourages bel
Shane Idleman Identify Strongholds and Clean House by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman emphasizes the necessity of identifying strongholds in our lives and cleaning house spiritually. He draws parallels between the fire on the altar in Leviticus, which
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 39 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to study and teach the word of God. He explains that studying the Bible has been a rewarding expe
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 39:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being able to hear the bells of worship on Sunday morning. He criticizes the use of gimmicks and protests in churches and
Flavius Josephus From the Exodus Out of Egypt to the Rejection of the Generation by Flavius Josephus Flavius Josephus describes the construction of the tabernacle and the garments of the priests, highlighting the intricate details and symbolic meanings behind each element. The tab
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 27:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the way of the cross as the only path to God. The brazen altar is highlighted as the place where access to God is made p
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 25:23-28 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of settling the sin question before being able to worship God. He explains that in the tabernacle, there are two articles of f
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