Numbers 6:24

KJV

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} bless {H1288} thee, and keep {H8104} thee:

Complete Jewish Bible

'Y'varekh'kha ADONAI v'yishmerekha. [May ADONAI bless you and keep you.]

Berean Standard Bible

‘May the LORD bless you and keep you;

American Standard Version

Jehovah bless thee, and keep thee:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:24, the opening line of the profound Priestly Blessing, encapsulates God's foundational desire to bestow comprehensive favor and vigilant protection upon His people. Delivered through the priestly lineage of Aaron, this declaration is not a mere wish but a divine promise, revealing the Lord's active benevolence and unwavering commitment to His covenant community, ensuring their flourishing and security in every aspect of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound blessing (Numbers 6:24-26) is strategically placed within the Book of Numbers. It immediately follows the detailed instructions regarding the Nazarite vow (Numbers 6:1-21), which outlines human efforts at consecration and devotion to God. The juxtaposition is significant: after detailing how individuals might consecrate themselves to the Lord, God reveals His divine initiative to bless and preserve His chosen people. The blessing is given as a direct command from the Lord to Moses, instructing Aaron and his sons on the precise words they were to use when blessing the Israelites. This emphasizes that the blessing's power and efficacy derive solely from God's command and character, not from the merit of the priests or the people. It serves as a divine assurance of God's active presence and benevolent action amidst the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Numbers chronicles Israel's journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This period was marked by challenges, trials, and the establishment of the covenant community's laws and practices. In this setting, the Priestly Blessing served as a vital declaration of divine assurance and protection for a people constantly facing physical dangers, spiritual temptations, and the uncertainties of their nomadic existence. The role of the priests, as mediators between God and His people, was crucial in ancient Israel. Their pronouncements carried divine authority, and a blessing from the priest was understood as a direct impartation of God's favor. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, blessings were not merely well-wishes but powerful, often performative, declarations intended to bring about the stated outcome. The specific phrasing of this blessing would have resonated deeply with a people dependent on divine provision and protection for their very survival and success in fulfilling their covenant destiny, as seen in the broader promises of blessing for obedience found in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses").
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 6:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Initiative and Grace**, highlighting that God's blessings are not earned but freely given out of His benevolent nature. This contrasts with the human efforts of the Nazarite vow, emphasizing God's prior and superior action. The verse also underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, as YHWH, the covenant God, is the one who promises to bless and keep His people, fulfilling His promises made to Abraham and his descendants (e.g., [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - The Abrahamic Blessing")). Furthermore, it establishes the theme of **Priestly Mediation**, where Aaron and his sons serve as God's appointed channels for conveying divine favor, a role that foreshadows the ultimate High Priesthood of Christ. Finally, the blessing speaks to **Holistic Well-being and Divine Protection**, assuring Israel of God's comprehensive care for their physical, spiritual, and communal flourishing, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 121](/psalms/121 "Psalm 121 - The Lord, Your Keeper").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This term, H3068, refers to the proper name of God, YHWH (the Tetragrammaton), derived from the root "to be." It signifies "the Self-Existent" or "Eternal One," the personal, relational, and unchanging God who revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM"). Its use here emphasizes that the blessing originates not from a generic deity but from the specific, faithful, and powerful God who has entered into an unbreakable covenant relationship with Israel, underscoring His sovereignty and unwavering commitment to His promises.
* **bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** The Hebrew verb H1288, _bârak_, literally means "to kneel," and by implication, to bestow or receive favor. When God blesses, it signifies His active impartation of divine favor, empowerment for prosperity, and holistic well-being in every aspect of life—spiritual, physical, relational, and vocational. It is a declaration of God's benevolent action in a person's life, leading to flourishing, fruitfulness, and success according to His divine purposes, extending far beyond mere material gain.
* **keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** The Hebrew verb H8104, _shâmar_, means "to hedge about (as with thorns)," and thus to guard, watch over, preserve, or protect. This is not passive observation but active, vigilant care. It reassures the recipient that God is a faithful guardian against all forms of harm, whether physical dangers, spiritual attacks, moral pitfalls, or the perils of life's journey. It speaks of God's constant watchfulness and His commitment to maintaining the well-being, integrity, and security of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD bless thee":** This opening clause establishes the singular and divine source of all true blessing: YHWH, the covenant God. The blessing is not earned by human merit but flows solely from His gracious character and covenant faithfulness. It is a powerful declaration of God's active desire to pour out His favor, resulting in holistic flourishing for the individual. This encompasses spiritual vitality, physical health, relational harmony, and material provision, all rooted in God's benevolent disposition and active engagement.
* **"and keep thee":** Following the bestowal of blessing, this clause declares God's commitment to active preservation and vigilant protection. The same God who bestows favor also vigilantly guards His people. This "keeping" extends to safeguarding against evil, preserving one's life and soul, and guiding through dangers and temptations. It speaks to God's constant watchfulness, His power to maintain the integrity and security of those upon whom His blessing rests, and His commitment to ensure their safe passage through life's challenges.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 6:24, as the opening line of the Priestly Blessing, employs several powerful literary devices. **Repetition**, specifically **anaphora**, is central to the full blessing (Numbers 6:24-26), where "The LORD" begins each of the three clauses, emphasizing God as the singular, sovereign, and unchanging source of all these benefits. This repetition powerfully reinforces divine initiative and authority. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses of this verse ("The LORD bless thee, and keep thee"), where the concepts of blessing and keeping are presented in a balanced, complementary structure, highlighting the dual and comprehensive aspects of God's benevolent action towards His people. The Hebrew verbs used in the blessing are in the **jussive mood**, which, when spoken by God through His priests, functions as a divine declaration or performative utterance rather than a mere wish. This imbues the words with inherent power, indicating that what is declared will indeed come to pass. Finally, the **conciseness** of the KJV translation, while brief, is packed with profound theological meaning, relying on the rich connotations of the underlying Hebrew terms to convey immense depth of divine care.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:24 powerfully articulates God's covenant faithfulness and His unwavering desire for the flourishing and security of His people. It underscores the theological truth that all true blessing and protection originate solely from God's gracious character, not from human effort or merit. This verse reveals a God who is actively engaged in the lives of His people, not as a distant observer, but as a benevolent Father and vigilant Guardian. It establishes a foundational theme of divine initiative in salvation and sustenance, setting the stage for understanding God's ongoing relationship with humanity, culminating in the ultimate blessing found in Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-6](/deuteronomy/28-1-6 "Deuteronomy 28:1-6 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Psalm 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7-8 "Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord is Your Keeper")
* [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 6:24 remains a timeless declaration of God's enduring character and His benevolent disposition towards humanity. For believers today, this verse serves as a profound source of comfort, assurance, and inspiration. It reminds us that God desires to bless us comprehensively—spiritually, emotionally, physically, and relationally—and to actively watch over and protect us from all harm. In a world fraught with uncertainty, fear, and challenges, the promise that "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee" offers a steadfast anchor for our souls. It encourages us to live in the daily reality of His divine favor and protective hand, trusting that He is always at work for our good, even when circumstances seem dire. We can embrace this verse not only as a comforting truth but also as a powerful prayer for ourselves and for those we love, confident that the God who spoke these words through Aaron is the same God who hears and answers our prayers today, continually pouring out His grace and guarding His own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as the singular source of all blessing and protection impact your daily trust in Him amidst life's uncertainties?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most deeply sense a need for God's blessing and keeping today?**
* **How can you actively live in the assurance of God's benevolent care as declared in this verse, allowing it to shape your perspective and actions?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "LORD" (YHWH) in this blessing?**

Answer: The use of "The LORD" (YHWH, the covenant name of God) is crucial because it identifies the specific, personal, and unchanging God of Israel as the sole source of the blessing. This is not a generic deity but the God who revealed Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM"). It emphasizes His covenant faithfulness, His active presence, and His sovereign power to fulfill the promises embedded in the blessing. It assures the recipient that the blessing comes from a God who is intimately involved and committed to His people.

**Is this blessing only for ancient Israel, or does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the Priestly Blessing was originally given to ancient Israel through Aaron and his sons, its underlying principles and the character of God it reveals are timeless and universal. God's desire to bless and keep His people extends to all who are in covenant with Him. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are grafted into God's covenant family, becoming spiritual heirs to the promises of God ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Therefore, while the historical context is specific, the theological truths about God's benevolent nature, His desire to bless, and His power to protect are profoundly relevant and applicable to Christians today. We receive these blessings through Christ, our ultimate High Priest.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:24 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment and mediator of God's perfect blessing and keeping. The Aaronic blessing, delivered by earthly priests, foreshadowed the coming of the Great High Priest, Jesus, who perfectly intercedes for His people and perfectly imparts God's favor. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Jesus secured for us the fullest measure of divine blessing, enabling us to be "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). Furthermore, Jesus is our ultimate "keeper." He Himself declared, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). His High Priestly prayer in [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer") echoes the very essence of the Aaronic blessing, as He prays for His disciples to be kept from the evil one and sanctified in truth. Thus, Numbers 6:24 points forward to the person and work of Christ, through whom God's desire to bless and keep His people is perfectly and eternally realized, ensuring our eternal security and flourishing in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 5:23

¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalms 121:4

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalms 121:7

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Isaiah 42:6

I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

John 17:11

¶ And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].