Numbers 3:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And these [are] the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

Complete Jewish Bible:

The names of the sons of Aharon are: Nadav the firstborn, Avihu, El'azar and Itamar.

Berean Standard Bible:

These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, then Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

American Standard Version:

And these are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the first-born, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And these are the names^{H8034} of the sons^{H1121} of Aaron^{H175}; Nadab^{H5070} the firstborn^{H1060}, and Abihu^{H30}, Eleazar^{H499}, and Ithamar^{H385}.

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Commentary for Numbers 3:2

**Themes:**
Numbers 3:2 introduces the reader to the sons of Aaron, who is the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. The verse is part of the larger narrative concerning the organization and duties of the Levites, the tribe from which priests were appointed to serve in the Tabernacle. The themes present in this verse include:

1. **Divine Order and Succession:** The listing of Aaron's sons establishes the priestly lineage, which is crucial for understanding the hereditary succession of the priesthood in Israel.
2. **Priestly Role and Responsibility:** The mention of Aaron's sons sets the stage for discussing the roles and responsibilities of the priests in the religious life of the Israelites, including worship, sacrifice, and adherence to ritual law.
3. **Tragedy and Redemption:** Later in the narrative (Leviticus 10), two of these sons, Nadab and Abihu, will die for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord, which underscores the seriousness of the priests' duties and the consequences of their actions.

**Historical Context:**
The book of Numbers is set in the wilderness of Sinai, where the Israelites are encamped after their exodus from Egypt. The events described in the book take place over a span of approximately 38 years, from the second month of the second year after the Exodus until the fortieth year. Numbers 3, in particular, outlines the census of the Levites, their duties, and their roles in relation to the Tabernacle, which was the portable dwelling place for God among the Israelites during their wanderings.

The mention of Aaron's sons is significant because it occurs just before the instructions for the Levites' service, including the transportation of the Tabernacle and its sacred objects. The historical context is one of establishing a structured religious system for the newly formed nation of Israel, with Aaron's descendants playing a central role in mediating between God and the people. This structure would later be adapted to the Temple in Jerusalem once the Israelites settled in the Promised Land.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H8034
   There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֵׁם
   Transliteration: shêm
   Pronunciation: shame
   Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
   
2. Strong's Number: H1121
   There are 3654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֵּן
   Transliteration: bên
   Pronunciation: bane
   Description: from בָּנָה; a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.); [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.
   
3. Strong's Number: H175
   There are 480 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַהֲרוֹן
   Transliteration: ʼAhărôwn
   Pronunciation: a-har-one'
   Description: of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses; Aaron.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5070
   There are 20 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָדָב
   Transliteration: Nâdâb
   Pronunciation: naw-dawb'
   Description: from נָדַב; liberal; Nadab, the name of four Israelites; Nadab.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1060
   There are 96 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בְּכוֹר
   Transliteration: bᵉkôwr
   Pronunciation: bek-ore'
   Description: from בָּכַר; firstborn; hence, chief; eldest (son), firstborn(-ling).
   
6. Strong's Number: H30
   There are 8610 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֲבִיהוּא
   Transliteration: ʼĂbîyhûwʼ
   Pronunciation: ab-ee-hoo'
   Description: from אָב and הוּא; father (i.e. worshipper) of Him (i.e. God); Abihu, a son of Aaron; Abihu.
   
7. Strong's Number: H499
   There are 123 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶלְעָזָר
   Transliteration: ʼElʻâzâr
   Pronunciation: el-aw-zawr'
   Description: from אֵל and עָזַר; God (is) helper; Elazar, the name of seven Israelites; Eleazar.
   
8. Strong's Number: H385
   There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִיתָמָר
   Transliteration: ʼÎythâmâr
   Pronunciation: eeth-aw-mawr'
   Description: from אִי and תָּמָר; coast of the palm-tree; Ithamar, a son of Aaron; Ithamar.