Numbers 8:21 — Word Study
WLCוַיִּֽתְחַטְּא֣וּ הַלְוִיִּ֗ם וַֽיְכַבְּסוּ֙ בִּגְדֵיהֶ֔ם וַיָּ֨נֶף אַהֲרֹ֥ן אֹתָ֛ם תְּנוּפָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַיְכַפֵּ֧ר עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם אַהֲרֹ֖ן לְטַהֲרָֽם׃
BSAThe LevitesLêvîyîy [as a tribe, descendants of Levi] purifiedchâṭâʼ▸ [made clean, cleansed from sin] themselves and washedkâbaç▸ [trampled or stamped on] their clothesbeged [garments, robes] and AaronʼAhărôwn [the first high priest] presentednûwph▸ [offered, gave] themʼêth as a wave offeringtᵉnûwphâh [a shaken or lifted offering] beforepânîym the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, the supreme God] AaronʼAhărôwn also made atonementkâphar▸ [covered, reconciled] for themʻal to cleanse themṭâhêr [purify, make holy]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיִּֽתְחַטְּא֣וּ | and they purified themselves | Verb, Hithpael, sequential imperfect third person masculine plural |
| הַלְוִיִּ֗ם | the Levites | Particle, noun gentilic masculine plural absolute |
| וַֽיְכַבְּסוּ֙ | and they washed | Verb, Piel, sequential imperfect third person masculine plural |
| בִּגְדֵיהֶ֔ם | clothes their | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| וַיָּ֨נֶף | and he waved | Verb, Hiphil, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| אַהֲרֹ֥ן | Aaron | Noun proper masculine |
| אֹתָ֛ם | the object marker them | Particle, suffix |
| תְּנוּפָ֖ה | a wave-offering | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| לִפְנֵ֣י | before | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct |
| יְהוָ֑ה | Yahweh | Noun proper |
| וַיְכַפֵּ֧ר | and he made atonement | Verb, Piel, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם | on them | Preposition, suffix |
| אַהֲרֹ֖ן | Aaron | Noun proper masculine |
| לְטַהֲרָֽם׃ | to purify them | Preposition, verb piel infinitive construct common, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes, and Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the LORD. Aaron also made atonement for them to cleanse them. |
| KJV | And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them. |
| ASV | And the Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes: and Aaron offered them for a wave-offering before Jehovah; and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them. |
| YLT | And the Levites cleanse themselves, and wash their garments, and Aaron waveth them a wave-offering before Jehovah, and Aaron maketh atonement for them to cleanse them, |
| WEB | The Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them for a wave offering before Yahweh and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them. |
| BBE | And the Levites were made clean from sin, and their clothing was washed, and Aaron gave them for a wave offering before the Lord; and Aaron took away their sin and made them clean. |
Where they part company is תְּנוּפָ֖ה — see How Translations Differ.
The main action leads to a sequence of related actions, showing the process of purification and offering.





6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, AdamClarke & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאַהֲרֹן
verbחָטָא
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Numbers 8:21
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Consecration of the Levitesgenerated
Numbers 8:21 describes the purification process for the Levites, who are set apart for their sacred duties. This purification involved washing and presenting themselves before the LORD, ensuring they were ceremonially clean to serve in the Tent of Meeting. This act reflects the importance of holiness in worship and service, as seen throughout the Torah.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 8:7 | This 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. |
| 2 | Numbers 19:12–19 | He must purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean. |
| 3 | Numbers 8:11–13 | Aaron is to present the Levites before the LORD as a wave offering from the sons of Israel, so that they may perform the service of the LORD. |
| 4 | 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, |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — חָטָא, vai.yit.cha.te.'Ugenerated
The verb חָטָא (chata') is a Hithpael form, indicating a reflexive action where the subject purifies themselves. It carries the meaning of making amends or cleansing from sin, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility in achieving purity.
This word is commonly translated as 'to sin,' but in this context, it highlights the process of repentance and restoration, showing that the Levites took active steps to cleanse themselves before their service.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses purified and wash consistently with the KJV and ASV, emphasizing the actions of the Levites.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb is וַיִּֽתְחַטְּא֣וּ, and they purified themselves, governing the actions of washing and presenting. The structure shows a sequence of actions taken by the Levites, culminating in Aaron's presentation of them as an offering.
The sentence flows with a series of verbs and noun phrases, creating a clear picture of the purification process and the subsequent offering, reflecting the ritualistic nature of their service.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, חָטָא is rendered as ἡγνίσαντο, which emphasizes the aspect of cleansing or purifying, aligning with the Hebrew meaning but focusing more on the ritual purity required for service.
This choice reflects an understanding of the importance of purity in worship, consistent with the broader themes found in the Septuagint.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Numbers 8:21 tells us that the Levites purified themselves by washing their clothes, and Aaron presented them as a wave offering to the LORD. This process was essential for their service in the Tent of Meeting, showing the importance of being clean and holy when approaching God.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Purifying themselves involved a physical act of washing and a spiritual act of repentance, ensuring they were clean to serve God.
Aaron, as the high priest, plays a crucial role in mediating between the people and God, ensuring that the Levites are properly consecrated for their duties.
A wave offering is a specific type of sacrifice where the offering is waved before God, symbolizing dedication and acceptance of the offering.
The concept of purification remains significant in many religious practices today, emphasizing the need for holiness and preparation before engaging in spiritual service.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What steps can I take to prepare myself spiritually for service?
- How does the idea of purification apply to my daily life?
- In what ways can I help others understand the importance of being clean before God?
- What does it mean to me to present my life as an offering to God?
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Numbers 8:21 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd the Levites were purified,.... From sin, by the sprinkling of the sin water, or water of purification on them, Numbers 8:7; and they washed their clothes; that they might have no defilement about
Read John Gill on Numbers 8 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel, did to the Levites according unto all that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so did the children of Israel unto them.
Read Robert Jamieson on Numbers 8 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe Levites were purified by washing and sprinkling and sacrifices. See , &c.
Read Matthew Poole on Numbers 8 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 21. And Aaron made an atonement for them] Though the Levites had been most solemnly consecrated to the Lord's service, and though all legal washings and purifications were duly performed on the occasion, yet they could not approach God till an atonement had been made for them. How strange is it, after all these significations, of the will and purpose of God relative to man, that any priest or any people will attempt to draw nigh to God without an atonement! As sure as God hath spoken it, there is no entrance into the holiest but through the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:19-20.
Read AdamClarke on Numbers 8 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges21. purified themselves from sin] lit. ‘unsinned themselves.’ See on Numbers 31:19.
Read Cambridge on Numbers 8 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible21. Aaron offered them — As a wave offering, by marching them to and fro before the altar.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Numbers 8 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes, and Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the LORD. Aaron also made atonement for them to cleanse them.
The Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them for a wave offering before Yahweh and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them.
The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes, and Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the LORD. Aaron also made atonement for them to cleanse them.
The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothing; then Aaron presented them like a wave offering before the Lord, and Aaron made atonement for them to purify them.
Tyndale line
And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them.
And the Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes: and Aaron offered them for a wave-offering before Jehovah; and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them.
And the Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them for a wave offering before the LORD; and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them.
And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them as an offering before the LORD; and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them.
So the Leuites were purified, and washed their clothes, and Aaron offred them as a shake offring before the Lord, and Aaron made an atonement for them, to purifie them.
Strictly literal
And the Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their garments; and Aaron offered them as a wave-offering before Jehovah; and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them.
And the Levites cleanse themselves, and wash their garments, and Aaron waveth them a wave-offering before Jehovah, and Aaron maketh atonement for them to cleanse them,
And the Levites cleanse themselves, and wash their garments, and Aaron waves them [as] a wave-offering before YHWH, and Aaron makes atonement for them to cleanse them,
And the Levites purified themselves, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron made with them a waving before the Lord: and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse them.
The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothing, and Aaron presented them as a wave offering to Yahweh and he made atonement for them to cleanse them.
From the Latin
And they were purified, and washed their garments. And Aaron lifted them up in the sight of the Lard, and prayed for them,
Simplified
The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes. Then Aaron presented them as a wave offering to the Lord. Aaron also presented the sacrifice to make them right with the Lord so they would be clean.
And the Levites were made clean from sin, and their clothing was washed, and Aaron gave them for a wave offering before the Lord; and Aaron took away their sin and made them clean.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text is supported by the Samaritan Pentateuch, which agrees word for word. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some restoration, but the core text aligns with the Masoretic reading, affirming the consistency of this verse across different traditions.
וַיִּֽתְחַטְּא֣וּ הַלְוִיִּ֗ם וַֽיְכַבְּסוּ֙ בִּגְדֵיהֶ֔ם וַיָּ֨נֶף אַהֲרֹ֥ן אֹתָ֛ם תְּנוּפָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַיְכַפֵּ֧ר עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם אַהֲרֹ֖ן לְטַהֲרָֽם׃
13 of the 14 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ויתחטאו הלוים ויכבסו בגדיהם וינף אהרן אתם תנופה לפני יהוה ויכפר עליהם אהרן לטהרם
Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.
[ויתחטאו] [הלוים] [ויכבסו] [בגדי׳הם] [וינף] [אהרן] [את׳ם] [תנופה] [לפני] [יהוה] [ויכפר] עלי׳הם [אהרן] [לטהר׳ם]
nothing on the leather here — 1 partly restored, 13 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Numbers 8:21
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
חָטָא (chata') means to miss a goal or way, and is commonly translated as 'to sin.' It encompasses a range of meanings including incurring guilt, making a sin offering, and purifying from uncleanness. The word can also imply leading others to sin or causing oneself to lose one's way. It appears in various forms, such as Qal, Piel, Hiphil, and Hithpael, indicating different nuances of the concept of sin.
חָטָא 238 vb. miss (a goal or way), go wrong, sin
Qal
miss
sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty
incur guilt, penalty by sin, forfeit
Pi.
bear loss
make a sin offering
purify from sin
purify from uncleanness
Hiph.
miss the mark
induce or cause to sin
bring into guilt, condemnation, punishment
Hithp.
miss oneself, lose oneself, fig. for be bewildered, beside oneself
purify oneself from uncleanness
base
H2398 חָטָא miss (a goal or way), go wrong, sin .. miss
. sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty
. incur guilt, penalty by sin, forfeit
. . bear loss
. make a sin offering
. purify from sin
. purify from uncleanness
. . miss the mark
. induce or cause to sin
. bring into guilt, condemnation, punishment
. . miss oneself, lose oneself, fig. for be bewildered, beside oneself
. purify oneself from uncleanness
2398 chata' khaw-taw'
a primitive root; properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and
generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate,
repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn:--bear the blame,
cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss,
miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self),
make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass.
חָטָא (cha.ta) — to sin.
1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to miss
1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty
1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to bear loss
1b2) to make a sin-offering
1b3) to purify from sin
1b4) to purify from uncleanness
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to miss the mark
1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin
1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment
1d) (Hithpael)
1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way
1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Hithpael · sequential imperfect third person masculine pluralHc/Vtw3mp
לֵוִי (Leviy) refers to a Levite, a member of the tribe of Levi, which is the third son of Jacob and Leah. This term encompasses the descendants of Levi, who were set apart for religious duties. The word is linked to the Hebrew root for 'joining,' reflecting the tribe's special role in service to God. It first appears in Genesis 29:34.
לֵוִי 291 adj.gent. Levite
base
H3881 לֵוִי Levite
3881 Leviyiy lay-vee-ee'
or Leviy {lay-vee'}; patronymically from 3878; a Levite or
descendant of Levi:--Leviite.
see HEBREW for 03878
לֵוִי (le.viy.yi) — Levi.
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
Art | Ngmpa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine plural absoluteHTd/Ngmpa
le'-vits.
See PRIESTS AND LEVITES.
(descendants of Levi). Sometimes the name extends to the whole tribe, the priests included, (Exodus 6:25; Leviticus 25:32; Numbers 35:2; Joshua 21:3,41) etc; sometimes only to those members of the tribe who were not priests, and as distinguished from them. Sometimes again it is added as an epithet of the smaller portion of the tribe, and we read of "the priests the Levites." (Joshua 3:3; Ezekiel 44:15) The history of the tribe and of the functions attached to its several orders is essential to any right apprehension of the history of Israel as a people. It will fall…
All the descendants of Levi may be comprised under this name, Ex 6:16,25 Jos 3:3, (see LEVI;) but chiefly those who were employed in the lower services in the temple, by which they were distinguished from the priests, who were of the race of Levi by Aaron, and were employed in higher offices, Nu 3:6-10 18:2-7. God chose the Levites for the service of his tabernacle and temple, instead of the firstborn of all Israel, to whom such duties naturally belonged, and who were already sacred to God in memory of the great deliverance in Egypt. Ex 13:1-22 Nu 3:12,13,39-51. In the wilderness, the Levites took charge of the tabernacle…
→ (The descendants of Levi)
→ Set apart as ministers of religion Nu 1:47-54; 3:6-16; 16:9; 26:57-62; De 10:8; 1Ch 15:2
→ Substituted in the place of the firstborn children Nu 3:12,41-45; 8:14,16-18; 18:6
→ Religious zeal of Ex 32:26-28; De 33:9,10; Mal 2:4,5
→ Consecration of Nu 8:6-21
→ Sedition among, led by Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and On, on account of jealousy toward Moses and Aaron Nu 16; with 4:19,20
כָּבַס (kabac) means to wash, specifically by treading, and is associated with the work of a fuller. It can refer to both literal washing of garments or people and figurative uses. The entries note various forms, including participles and different verb stems, indicating actions like washing and being washed.
[כָּבַס] 51 vb. (tread), wash
Qal highway of fuller’s (= treader’s, washer’s) field
Pi.
wash garments (i.e. by treading)
wash person
Pu. be washed, of garment
Hothp. after the plague is washed out
base
H3526 כָּבַס (tread), wash
3526 kabac kaw-bas'
a primitive root; to trample; hence, to wash (properly, by
stamping with the feet), whether literal (including the
fulling process) or figurative:--fuller, wash(-ing).
כָּבַס (ka.vas) — Washer's.
This name means to wash (by treading)
כָּבַס (ka.vas) — to wash.
1) to wash (by treading), be washed, perform the work of a fuller
1a) (Qal) washer, fuller, treader (participle)
1b) (Piel) to wash (garments, person)
1c) (Pual) to be washed
1d) (Hothpael) to be washed out
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp — Verb · Piel · sequential imperfect third person masculine pluralHc/Vpw3mp
בֶּ֫גֶד (beged) has meanings related to both clothing and treachery. It can refer to a garment or covering, as well as deceit or betrayal. The word is built from a root that suggests a duality in its usage, appearing in contexts that range from apparel to treacherous actions, notably in Isaiah 24:16 and Jeremiah 12:1.
H899a בֶּ֫גֶד treachery H899b בֶּ֫גֶד garment, covering
899 beged behg'-ed
from 898; a covering, i.e. clothing; also treachery or
pillage:--apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag,
raiment, robe, X very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe.
see HEBREW for 0898
בֶּ֫גֶד (be.ged) — treachery.
treachery, deceit
בֶּ֫גֶד (be.ged) — garment.
(CLBL) garment, clothing (used indiscriminately)
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp3mp
נוּף (nuwph) is a Hebrew verb that encompasses a range of actions including to sprinkle, wave, and move to and fro. It can refer to various movements such as shaking a hand or waving an offering, often in a ritual context. The term has applications in both everyday actions and religious rites, particularly those involving offerings to God.
[נוּף] vb. move to and fro, wave, besprinkle
Qal I have besprinkled my couch with myrrh
Po‛lel he brandisheth his hand toward the mt.
Hiph.
wield, move to and fro in using it
Shake or wave the hand
swing to and fro, as a signal
Oft. term. techn. in P (H), of rite in which originally the priest lifted his share of offering and waved it, i.e. moved it toward altar and back, in token of its presentation to God and its return by him to priest
Shed abroad
Hoph. be waved
base
H5130a נוּף besprinkle H5130b נוּף move to and fro, wave, besprinkle .I have besprinkled my couch with myrrh
.he brandisheth his hand toward the mt.
. . wield, move to and fro in using it
. Shake or wave the hand
. swing to and fro, as a signal
. Oft. term. techn. in P (H), of rite in which originally the priest lifted his share of offering and waved it, i.e. moved it toward altar and back, in token of its presentation to God and its return by him to priest
. Shed abroad
. be waved
5130 nuwph noof
a primitive root; to quiver (i.e. vibrate up and down, or
rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications
(including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinadoing,
sawing, waving, etc.):--lift up, move, offer, perfume, send,
shake, sift, strike, wave.
נוּף (nuph) — to sprinkle.
1) to sprinkle
1a) (Qal) to besprinkle, sprinkle
נוּף (nuph) — to wave.
1) to move to and fro, wave
1a) (Qal) to move
1b) (Polel) to wave, brandish (in threat)
1c) (Hiphil) to swing, wield, wave
1c1) to wield
1c2) to wave or shake (the hand)
1c2a) to wave (hand)
1c2b) to shake or brandish against
1c2c) to swing to and fro
1c3) to wave (an offering), offer
1c4) to shed abroad
1d) (Hophal) to be waved
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Hiphil · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vhw3ms
אַהֲרֹן (Aharon) refers to Aaron, the elder brother of Moses, from the tribe of Levi. He is first mentioned in Exodus 4:14 and is known as the first high priest. Aaron is the son of Amram and Jochebed, and he had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. The name is of uncertain derivation but is associated with the meaning 'light bringer.'
אַהֲרֹן 346 n.pr.m. Aaron, elder brother of Moses
base
H175 אַהֲרֹן Aaron, elder brother of Moses
175 'Aharown a-har-one'
of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of
Moses:--Aaron.
אַהֲרֹן (a.ha.ron) — Aaron.
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
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
ar'-un, sometimes pronounced ar'on ('aharon--Septuagint Aaron, meaning uncertain: Gesenius suggests "mountaineer"; Furst, "enlightened"; others give "rich," "fluent." Cheyne mentions Redslob's "ingenious conjecture" of ha-'aron--"the ark"--with its mythical, priestly significance, Encyclopedia Biblica under the word):
1. Family:
Probably eldest son of Amram (Ex 6:20), and according to the uniform genealogical lists (Ex 6:16-20; 1Ch 6:1-3), the fourth from Levi. This however is not certainly fixed, since there are frequent omissions from the Hebrew lists of names which are not prominent in the line of descent. For the corresponding period from Levi to Aaron the Judah list has six names (
Aaron
The eldest son of Amram and Jochebed, a daughter of Levi (Ex. 6:20). Some explain the name as meaning mountaineer, others mountain of strength, illuminator. He was born in Egypt three years before his brother Moses, and a number of years after his sister Miriam (2:1,4; 7:7). He married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab of the house of Judah (6:23; 1 Chr. 2:10), by whom he had four sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. When the time for the deliverance of Isarael out of Egypt drew nigh, he was sent by God (Ex. 4:14,27-30) to meet his long-absent brother, that he might co-operate with him in all that they were required to do in bringing about the Exodus. He was to be the “mouth” or “prophet” of Moses, i.e., was to…
(a teacher, or lofty), the son of Amram and Jochebed, and the older brother of Moses and Miriam. (Numbers 26:59; 33:39) (B.C. 1573.) He was a Levite, and is first mentioned in (Exodus 4:14) He was appointed by Jehovah to be the interpreter, (Exodus 4:16) of his brother Moses, who was "slow of speech;" and accordingly he was not only the organ of communication with the Israelites and with Pharaoh, (Exodus 4:30; 7:2) but also the actual instrument of working most of the miracles of the Exodus. (Exodus 7:19) etc. On the way to Mount Sinai, during the battle with Amalek, Aaron with Hur stayed up the weary hands of Moses when…
The son of Amram and Jochabed, of the tribe of Levi, and brother of Moses and Miriam, Ex 6:20; born about the year B. C. 1574. He was three years older than Moses, Ex 7:7 and was the spokesman and assistant of the latter in bringing Israel out of Egypt, Ex 4:16. His wife was Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab; and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. He was 83 years old when God summoned him to join Moses in the desert near Horeb. Cooperating with his brother in the exodus from Egypt, Ex 4:1-16:36, he held up his hands in the battle with Amalek, Ex 17:1-16; and ascended Mount Sinai with him to see the glory of God,
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
DirObjM | Suff — Particle · suffixHTo/Sp3mp
תְּנוּפָה (tnuwphah) refers to a swinging or waving motion, specifically in the context of a wave offering in sacrificial practices. It is derived from a root meaning to brandish or shake, and encompasses both the act of waving and the offerings associated with it, including those of gold or brass.
תְּנוּפָה 30 n.f. a swinging, waving, wave-offering, offering
base
H8573 תְּנוּפָה a swinging, waving, wave-offering, offering
8573 tnuwphah ten-oo-faw'
from 5130; a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult;
specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial
offerings:--offering, shaking, wave (offering).
see HEBREW for 05130
תְּנוּפָה (te.nu.phah) — wave offering.
1) swinging, waving, wave offering, offering
1a) a swinging, brandishing
1a1) of God's hand, weapons
1b) waving, wave-offering (technical term of sacrifice)
1c) offering (of gold or brass)
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
- Placed in the hand of the priest and waved before the Lord
- CONSISTED OF
. The fat, right shoulder, &c of the priest's consecration
ram
. The breast of the priest's consecration ram
The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.
[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces
face, faces
presence, person
technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
face of seraphim
face of animals
face (= surface) of ground
as adv.loc. before
for other phrases
with prepositions
base
H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces
. . presence, person
. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
. face of seraphim
. face of animals
. face (= surface) of ground
. as adv. loc. before
. for other phrases
. with prepositions
6440 paniym paw-neem'
plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh
{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);
used in a great variety of applications (literally and
figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a
preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),
against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),
+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,
face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er
time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +
honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +
meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,
open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,
presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right
forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,
X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.
: before/to/front
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.
: face
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…
Prep | N-cp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural constructHR/Ncmpc
be-for': The translation of a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words. "Haran died before (the English Revised Version "in the presence of," literally "before the face of") his father Terah" (Ge 11:28). To be "before" God is to enjoy His favor (Ps 31:22). "The Syrians before" (Isa 9:12 the Revised Version, margin "on the east," as "behind," owing to the position of Canaan, relative to Syria, implies the west).
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
N-proper — Noun properHNpt
The Hebrew word כִּפֶּר (kaphar) is built from a root meaning 'to cover.' It encompasses a range of meanings including to atone, pacify, and make propitiation, often in a legal or ritual context. The word also appears in a more literal sense, such as covering with pitch. There is a distinction between its uses in different grammatical forms, indicating various nuances in meaning.
כִּפֶּר vb. Pi. etc. denom. cover over (fig.), pacify, make propitiation
Pi.
cover over, pacify, propitiate
cover over, atone for sin, without sacrifice
cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites
Pu. be covered over, atoned for
Hithp. the iniquity of the house of Eli shall not be covered by peace-offering or minchah
Niph. and the blood shall be covered for them
base
כָּפַר vb. denom. Gn 6:14 and thou shalt pitch it with pitch (P).
ref
H3722a כִּפֶּר vb. denom. cover over (fig.), pacify, make propitiation H3722b כָּפַר vb. denom. and thou shalt pitch it with pitch
3722 kaphar kaw-far'
a primitive root; to cover (specifically with bitumen);
figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel:--
appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be
merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make)
reconcile(-liation).
כִּפֶּר (ki.pher) — to atone.
1) to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation
1a) (Piel)
1a1) to cover over, pacify, propitiate
1a2) to cover over, atone for sin, make atonement for
1a3) to cover over, atone for sin and persons by legal rites
1b) (Pual)
1b1) to be covered over
1b2) to be atoned for
1c) (Hithpael) to be covered
כָּפַר (ka.phar) — to cover.
(Qal) to coat or cover with pitch
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Piel · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vpw3ms
a-ton'-ment: Translates kaphar; chaTa'; ratsah, the last employed only of human relations (1Sa 29:4); translates the following Greek stems hilas-, simple and compounded with various prepositions; allag- in composition only, but with numerous prepositions and even two at a time, e. g. Mt 5:24; lip- rarely (Da 9:24).
I. Terms Employed.
1. Hebrew and Greek Words:
The root meanings of the Hebrew words, taking them in the order cited above, are, to "cover," hence expiate, condone, cancel, placate; to "offer," or "receive a sin offering," hence, make atonement, appease, propitiate; "effect reconciliation," i. e. by some conduct, or course of action. Of the Greek words the meanings, in order, are "to be," or "cause to be, friendly"; "to…
Atonement
This word does not occur in the Authorized Version of the New Testament except in Rom. 5:11, where in the Revised Version the word “reconciliation” is used. In the Old Testament it is of frequent occurrence.
The meaning of the word is simply at-one-ment, i.e., the state of being at one or being reconciled, so that atonement is reconciliation. Thus it is used to denote the effect which flows from the death of Christ.
The satisfaction offered to divine justice for the sins of mankind by the death of Jesus Christ; by virtue of which all true penitents believing in Christ are reconciled to God, are freed from the penalty of their sins, and entitled to eternal life. The atonement by Jesus Christ is the great distinguishing peculiarity of the gospel, and is presented in a great variety of terms and illustrations in both the Old Testament and the New. See REDEMPTION, SACRIFICES.
The English word atonement originally denoted the reconciliation of parties previously at variance. It is used in the Old Testament to translate a Hebrew word which means a covering; implying that by a Divine propitiation the sinner is covered from the just anger of God. This is actually effected by the death of Christ; while the ceremonial offerings of the Jewish church only secured from impending temporal judgments, and typified…
→ For tabernacle and furniture Le 16:15-20,33
→ In consummation of the Levites Nu 8:21
→ For those defiled by the dead Nu 6:11
→ Made for houses Le 14:53
→ For sin, see below
→ By meat offerings Le 5:11-13
→ By jewels Nu 31:50
→ By money Ex 30:12-16; Le 5:15,16; 2Ki 12:16
→ By incense Nu 16:46-50
→ By animals, see below
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence 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
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence 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 . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
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)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp3mp
אַהֲרֹן (Aharon) refers to Aaron, the elder brother of Moses, from the tribe of Levi. He is first mentioned in Exodus 4:14 and is known as the first high priest. Aaron is the son of Amram and Jochebed, and he had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. The name is of uncertain derivation but is associated with the meaning 'light bringer.'
אַהֲרֹן 346 n.pr.m. Aaron, elder brother of Moses
base
H175 אַהֲרֹן Aaron, elder brother of Moses
175 'Aharown a-har-one'
of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of
Moses:--Aaron.
אַהֲרֹן (a.ha.ron) — Aaron.
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
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
ar'-un, sometimes pronounced ar'on ('aharon--Septuagint Aaron, meaning uncertain: Gesenius suggests "mountaineer"; Furst, "enlightened"; others give "rich," "fluent." Cheyne mentions Redslob's "ingenious conjecture" of ha-'aron--"the ark"--with its mythical, priestly significance, Encyclopedia Biblica under the word):
1. Family:
Probably eldest son of Amram (Ex 6:20), and according to the uniform genealogical lists (Ex 6:16-20; 1Ch 6:1-3), the fourth from Levi. This however is not certainly fixed, since there are frequent omissions from the Hebrew lists of names which are not prominent in the line of descent. For the corresponding period from Levi to Aaron the Judah list has six names (
Aaron
The eldest son of Amram and Jochebed, a daughter of Levi (Ex. 6:20). Some explain the name as meaning mountaineer, others mountain of strength, illuminator. He was born in Egypt three years before his brother Moses, and a number of years after his sister Miriam (2:1,4; 7:7). He married Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab of the house of Judah (6:23; 1 Chr. 2:10), by whom he had four sons, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. When the time for the deliverance of Isarael out of Egypt drew nigh, he was sent by God (Ex. 4:14,27-30) to meet his long-absent brother, that he might co-operate with him in all that they were required to do in bringing about the Exodus. He was to be the “mouth” or “prophet” of Moses, i.e., was to…
(a teacher, or lofty), the son of Amram and Jochebed, and the older brother of Moses and Miriam. (Numbers 26:59; 33:39) (B.C. 1573.) He was a Levite, and is first mentioned in (Exodus 4:14) He was appointed by Jehovah to be the interpreter, (Exodus 4:16) of his brother Moses, who was "slow of speech;" and accordingly he was not only the organ of communication with the Israelites and with Pharaoh, (Exodus 4:30; 7:2) but also the actual instrument of working most of the miracles of the Exodus. (Exodus 7:19) etc. On the way to Mount Sinai, during the battle with Amalek, Aaron with Hur stayed up the weary hands of Moses when…
The son of Amram and Jochabed, of the tribe of Levi, and brother of Moses and Miriam, Ex 6:20; born about the year B. C. 1574. He was three years older than Moses, Ex 7:7 and was the spokesman and assistant of the latter in bringing Israel out of Egypt, Ex 4:16. His wife was Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab; and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. He was 83 years old when God summoned him to join Moses in the desert near Horeb. Cooperating with his brother in the exodus from Egypt, Ex 4:1-16:36, he held up his hands in the battle with Amalek, Ex 17:1-16; and ascended Mount Sinai with him to see the glory of God,
טָהֵר (taher) means to be clean or pure, covering physical, ceremonial, and moral aspects of purity. It can refer to being free from disease, ceremonially clean, or morally innocent. The verb has various forms, including Qal (to be clean), Piel (to cleanse), and Hithpael (to purify oneself). Brown-Driver-Briggs notes a specific instance of miraculous cleansing related to leprosy.
טָהֵר vb. be clean, pure
Qal
be clean, i.e. (miraculously) freed from leprosy by washing in the Jordan
be clean ceremonially
be clean morally
Pi.
cleanse, purify
pronounce clean, ceremonially
perform the ceremony of cleansing
Pu. a land not cleansed
Hithp.
purify oneself
present oneself for purification
base
H2891 טָהֵר be clean, pure
2891 taher taw-hare'
a primitive root; properly, to be bright; i.e. (by
implication) to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated;
Levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy):--be
(make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge,
purify(-ier, self).
טָהֵר (ta.her) — be pure.
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
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff — Preposition · verb piel infinitive construct common · suffixHR/Vpcc/Sp3mp
