King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"Take the L'vi'im from among the people of Isra'el and cleanse them.
Berean Standard Bible:
“Take the Levites from among the Israelites and make them ceremonially clean.
American Standard Version:
Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Take{H3947} the Levites{H3881} from among{H8432} the children{H1121} of Israel{H3478}, and cleanse{H2891} them.
Cross-References (KJV):
2 Corinthians 7:1
- ¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
James 4:8
- Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.
Exodus 19:15
- And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at [your] wives.
Isaiah 52:11
- Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean [thing]; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Numbers 8:6
Numbers 8:6 is a verse that falls within the context of the instructions given to Moses regarding the Levites, who were one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The verse specifically states, "Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them." This command is part of the broader narrative concerning the consecration of the Levites for service in the Tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness.
The historical context of this verse is rooted in the establishment of the Levites' role as caretakers of the sanctuary and assistants to the Aaronic priests in the religious life of the Israelite community. This role was a unique privilege and responsibility, as the Levites were chosen to replace the firstborn of Israel, who had been dedicated to God after the incident of the golden calf (Exodus 32:26-29). The Levites were to be set apart from other Israelites, symbolizing their dedication to God's service.
The themes present in Numbers 8:6 include purification, consecration, and divine service. The act of cleansing the Levites was a ceremonial purification, which would have involved rituals such as washing with water, sacrifices, and the laying on of hands, as described in the subsequent verses (Numbers 8:7-22). This cleansing process was essential for the Levites to be ritually pure and prepared to perform their sacred duties.
In summary, Numbers 8:6 reflects the special status of the Levites within the Israelite community. It emphasizes the necessity of ritual purity and consecration for those who serve in the presence of God. This verse underscores the importance of setting aside individuals for religious duties and the ceremonial procedures that were central to the faith and practice of ancient Israel.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3947
There are 909 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לָקַח
Transliteration: lâqach
Pronunciation: law-kakh'
Description: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); 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. - Strong's Number: H3881
There are 258 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לֵוִיִּי
Transliteration: Lêvîyîy
Pronunciation: lay-vee-ee'
Description: or לֵוִי; patronymically from לֵוִי; a Levite or descendant of Levi; Leviite. - Strong's Number: H8432
There are 390 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: תָּוֶךְ
Transliteration: tâvek
Pronunciation: taw'-vek
Description: from an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. (by implication) the centre; among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). - 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. - Strong's Number: H3478
There are 2229 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יִשְׂרָאֵל
Transliteration: Yisrâʼêl
Pronunciation: yis-raw-ale'
Description: from שָׂרָה and אֵל; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity; Israel. - Strong's Number: H2891
There are 79 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טָהֵר
Transliteration: ṭâhêr
Pronunciation: taw-hare'
Description: 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).