Numbers 8:6
Numbers 8:6 in Multiple Translations
“Take the Levites from among the Israelites and make them ceremonially clean.
Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.
Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.
Take the Levites out from among the children of Israel and make them clean.
“Separate the Levites from the other Israelites and purify them.
Take the Leuites from among the children of Israel, and purifie them.
'Take the Levites from the midst of the sons of Israel, and thou hast cleansed them.
“Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.
Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.
Take the Levites out of the midst of the children of Israel, and thou shalt purify them,
“You must cause the descendants of Levi to be acceptable to me by setting them apart from the other Israeli people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 8:6
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 8:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קַ֚ח
אֶת
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
מִ/תּ֖וֹךְ
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
וְ/טִהַרְתָּ֖
אֹתָֽ/ם
קַ֚ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
מִ/תּ֖וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
midst
Prep | N-ms
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/טִהַרְתָּ֖
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
אֹתָֽ/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 8:6
קַ֚ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
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/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmpa
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.
מִ/תּ֖וֹךְ
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
בְּנֵ֣י
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
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.
וְ/טִהַרְתָּ֖
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
Conj | V-Piel-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.
אֹתָֽ/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Numbers 8:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Cleansing the Levites
4This is how the lampstand was constructed: it was made of hammered gold from its base to its blossoms, fashioned according to the pattern the LORD had shown Moses.
5Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
6“Take the Levites from among the Israelites and make them ceremonially clean.
7This is what you must do to cleanse them: Sprinkle them with the water of purification. Have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves. 8Then have them take a young bull with its grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil, and you are to take a second young bull for a sin offering.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 7:1 | Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. |
| 2 | James 4:8 | Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. |
| 3 | Exodus 19:15 | “Be prepared for the third day,” he said to the people. “Do not draw near to a woman.” |
| 4 | Isaiah 52:11 | Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. |
Numbers 8:6 Summary
In Numbers 8:6, God instructs Moses to take the Levites from among the Israelites and make them ceremonially clean. This means that the Levites were to be set apart from the rest of the people and purified for God's service. Just like the Levites, we are called to be holy and set apart for God (Leviticus 11:44-45), and we can do this by following God's commands and living a life that honors Him (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). By being set apart for God, we can reflect His character to those around us and be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God require the Levites to be set apart from the rest of the Israelites?
God required the Levites to be set apart because they were chosen to serve Him in a special way, as seen in Numbers 8:6, and this separation was necessary for their ceremonial cleanliness, as also mentioned in Exodus 19:6, where the Israelites were called to be a holy nation.
What does it mean to be ceremonially clean?
To be ceremonially clean means to be purified and set apart for God's service, as seen in Numbers 8:6, and this involves following specific rituals and practices, such as those outlined in Leviticus 11:44-45, where God commands the Israelites to be holy because He is holy.
How does the concept of ceremonial cleanliness apply to believers today?
While the specific rituals and practices of the Old Testament are not directly applicable to believers today, the principle of being set apart for God's service remains, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, where believers are called to be separate from the world and to be holy.
What is the significance of the Levites being taken from among the Israelites?
The significance of the Levites being taken from among the Israelites, as seen in Numbers 8:6, is that they were chosen by God to serve as a representative group, and their selection and purification were a picture of God's desire to have a people set apart for Himself, as also seen in Deuteronomy 7:6, where the Israelites are called a holy people.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to be set apart for God's service in my daily life?
- How can I apply the principle of ceremonial cleanliness to my own life, and what practices can I adopt to help me stay focused on God?
- What are some ways that I can be a representative of God's holiness in my community, and how can I reflect His character to those around me?
- How can I balance the idea of being separate from the world with the command to be a light to those around me, as seen in Matthew 5:14-16?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 8:6
Take the Levites from among the children of Israel,.... Among whom they were mixed, as were all the tribes mixed together as Aben Ezra says, before they took their journey from Mount Sinai; however,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 8:6
Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them. Take the Levites ... and cleanse them. This passage describes the consecration of the Levites.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 8:6
Or, wash or purify them, which was also done with the priests and others when they were to approach to God and his service. See ,14 Leviticus 14:9.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 8:6
5–26. The Levites Numbers 8:5-22. Their purification and dedication, Numbers 8:23-26. The age of service. The passage is an expansion of Num 3:5-13, with the addition of the rite of purification. The Levites are inferior to the priests, and are therefore merely cleansed from the ceremonial pollution of ordinary life, while the priests receive something higher, an actual quality which the Hebrews called ‘holiness,’ i.e. not moral excellence, but separation, exclusiveness (Exodus 29, Leviticus 8).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 8:6
6. Take the Levites — Separation must precede consecration. Exodus 33:16; 2 Corinthians 6:17. Cleanse them — This was done by three rites — sprinkling, shaving, and washing the clothes.
Sermons on Numbers 8:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes four important steps for spiritual growth. First, he urges the audience to put away any doubtful habits from their lives. Second, he emphasize |
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(Fury of Fire) 04 - Shrinking Back to Destruction by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation in the Word of God and being willing to challenge old traditions and wrong teachings. The speaker enco |
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The Door Is Open and Nobody Can Shut It by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the open door that God provides. He highlights the need for a remnant of believers who are willing to walk the narrow path |
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Apostle's Doctrine - Part 2 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the redemption of the body and the anticipation of the trumpet blowing while believers are still on earth. The speaker emphasiz |
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A Reverential Fear of God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of reverent fear of God in our lives, highlighting the need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, to live in obedience and holine |
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Sanctification: 1. a Pure Spirit by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the significance of sanctification, particularly the need for a pure spirit in our relationship with God. He highlights that true worship must come from the s |
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A Concern for Holiness and Its Cost by Ernest C. Reisinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness in the life of a Christian. He states that without holiness, no one can see the Lord. The speaker highlights that |