Numbers 6:27

KJV

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they shall put {H7760} my name {H8034} upon the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}; and I will bless {H1288} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

"In this way they are to put my name on the people of Isra'el, so that I will bless them."

Berean Standard Bible

So they shall put My name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

American Standard Version

So shall they put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 6:27 serves as the climactic declaration of the Aaronic Blessing, a divinely ordained benediction pronounced by the priests over the children of Israel. This verse transcends the mere priestly utterance, revealing that the true efficacy and ultimate source of the blessing reside in God Himself. It encapsulates the profound theological truth that when God's name is invoked upon His people, He actively commits to bestowing His favor, protection, and peace, thereby affirming their unique identity as His own treasured possession and His unwavering desire to bless them comprehensively.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 6:27 is the powerful culmination of the Priestly Blessing, found in [Numbers 6:22-26](/numbers/6-22-26 "Numbers 6:22-26 - The Aaronic Blessing"). This blessing follows a section detailing the laws of the Nazirite vow, which emphasizes separation and consecration to the Lord, setting a thematic stage for God's special relationship with His people. The preceding verses meticulously outline the blessing's structure, beginning with "The Lord bless you and keep you" and culminating in "The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." While these verses articulate the content of the blessing to be spoken by Aaron and his sons, verse 27 shifts the focus dramatically from the human act of pronouncement to the divine act of fulfillment. It clarifies that the priests are not merely uttering well-wishes, but are acting as divinely appointed conduits through whom God Himself identifies with and guarantees blessing for His covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concept of a "name" (שם, _shem_) was profoundly significant, embodying one's character, authority, and very essence. To "put God's name upon" someone or something meant to identify it as belonging to Him, to consecrate it, and to invoke His presence, protection, and ownership over it. This act of naming was a powerful declaration of divine covenant relationship, marking Israel as a people set apart by Yahweh, distinct from the surrounding nations. The priesthood, established by God (as detailed in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - The Priestly Garments and Consecration")), played a crucial mediating role between God and His people, performing rituals and speaking divine words. The blessing was not a magical incantation but a solemn, divinely authorized pronouncement that assured God's active involvement in the lives of His people. This understanding of divine identification and blessing was foundational to Israel's identity as God's chosen nation, as frequently emphasized in the Pentateuch, for instance, in [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - Israel, a Holy People to the Lord").
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 6:27 contributes significantly to several major theological themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch as a whole. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate source of all blessing, actively willing and providing for His people. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Relationship and Divine Identification**, emphasizing God's desire to claim a people for Himself, marking them with His name as a sign of His ownership and special favor. This is intricately linked to the theme of **Mediatorial Priesthood**, where the priests act as God's appointed agents to pronounce His blessing, yet the power to actualize that blessing rests solely with God. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Faithfulness**, assuring Israel that His promises of protection, grace, and peace, articulated in the preceding verses, are guaranteed by His own divine commitment. This assurance of God's active presence and blessing is a recurring motif, also seen in the wilderness narratives where God guides and sustains His people (e.g., [Numbers 9:15-23](/numbers/9-15-23 "Numbers 9:15-23 - The Cloud and Fire Guiding Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Put (Hebrew, _sûwm'_):** This verb (H7760) means "to place," "to set," or "to appoint." Its usage here implies a deliberate, authoritative act of designation. The priests are not merely speaking a name; they are, by divine command, formally designating the children of Israel as Yahweh's own, thereby invoking His authority and presence over them. It's a declarative act with tangible spiritual consequences, establishing a unique relationship.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** In biblical thought, a name (H8034) is not merely an identifier but embodies the essence, character, authority, and presence of the person. To "put my name upon" the children of Israel signifies God's ownership, His covenant relationship, and His active presence among them. It means that Israel is identified as belonging to Yahweh, consecrated to Him, and under His divine protection and care. This concept is foundational to understanding Israel's unique status among nations, as they bear the very mark of God's identity.
* **Bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This verb (H1288) carries the sense of imparting favor, prosperity, well-being, and fruitfulness. It often implies a divine bestowal of good. When God declares "I will bless them," it is a direct, sovereign promise of active beneficence, ensuring that the favor pronounced by the priests will be divinely actualized in the lives of the people. It encompasses not only material prosperity but also spiritual flourishing, peace, and divine protection, demonstrating God's comprehensive goodness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel":** This clause highlights the priestly function as the divinely appointed agents. By speaking the words of the Aaronic Blessing, the priests are performing a sacred act of identification. They are, in essence, marking the people with God's very essence and authority. This act signifies that Israel is Yahweh's treasured possession, set apart and consecrated for His purposes. It's a public declaration of divine ownership and a formal acknowledgment of their covenant relationship, establishing their unique status before God and the nations.
* **"and I will bless them":** This is the divine assurance and the ultimate promise that undergirds the entire blessing. The efficacy of the blessing does not rest solely on the priests' utterance, nor on human merit, but entirely on God's sovereign will and unwavering faithfulness. God Himself, Yahweh, pledges to actively bestow His favor, protection, and peace upon the people. This clause transforms the priestly pronouncement from a human wish or ritual into a divine guarantee, underscoring God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His desire to pour out His goodness upon them in a tangible, experiential way.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 6:27, as the capstone of the Aaronic Blessing, employs several powerful literary devices. The entire blessing (vv. 24-26) exhibits a clear **Parallelism** and **Repetition** of the divine name "The Lord" (Yahweh), emphasizing God as the singular source of all blessing. Verse 27 functions as a **Divine Fiat** or **Divine Declaration**, where God Himself directly intervenes to confirm and guarantee the blessing. This shifts the focus from the human act of pronouncement to the divine act of fulfillment, creating a dramatic and reassuring climax. The phrase "put my name upon" serves as potent **Symbolism**, where the "name" represents God's very presence, character, and authority. This symbolic act signifies divine ownership and identification. The structure of the blessing, moving from general blessing to specific favor and then to peace, culminating in God's personal promise, builds a sense of crescendo, making the final declaration of divine blessing profoundly impactful and assuring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 6:27 profoundly emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and unwavering faithfulness within His covenant relationship with Israel. It reveals that true blessing flows directly from God's character and His active will, not merely from human ritual. The priestly role is crucial, but it is ultimately a mediatorial one, facilitating God's intended bestowal of favor. This verse underscores the theme of divine identification – that God desires to claim a people for Himself, to put His very name upon them, signifying His ownership, protection, and presence. It highlights that God's blessing is comprehensive, encompassing protection, grace, and peace, and is a direct result of His covenant commitment, demonstrating His enduring love and care for His chosen people.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1-14 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")
* [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 6:27 resonates deeply with believers today, offering profound assurance and shaping our understanding of God's character and our identity in Him. Just as ancient Israel was identified by God's name and assured of His blessing, so too are believers in the New Covenant identified "in Christ," bearing His name and Spirit. This spiritual identification means we are owned by God, under His divine protection, and recipients of His boundless favor. This verse reminds us that God's desire to bless His people is an enduring aspect of His nature, and His promises are steadfast. When we confess Jesus as Lord, we are not merely uttering words, but aligning ourselves with the One in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen." We are called by His name, living under His divine favor and protection, and assured that He actively works for our good and His glory. This truth should instill confidence, peace, and a deep sense of belonging, empowering us to live lives that reflect the name by which we are called, demonstrating His character to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's desire to "put His name upon us" deepen your sense of identity and belonging in Christ?**
* **In what specific ways do you experience God's active blessing in your life today, beyond material prosperity?**
* **How does the priestly role of mediation in Numbers 6:27 inform your understanding of Christ's high priestly ministry and our access to God through Him?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to "put His name upon" the children of Israel?**

Answer: To "put God's name upon" someone or something signifies a profound act of identification, ownership, and consecration. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a name represented the very essence, character, and authority of an individual. Therefore, for God to put His name upon Israel meant that He was claiming them as His own special possession, setting them apart from all other peoples. It implied His active presence among them, His protection over them, and His covenant commitment to them. It marked them as the people through whom He would reveal His character and purposes to the world, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 14:2](/deuteronomy/14-2 "Deuteronomy 14:2 - Israel, a Holy People to the Lord"), which describes Israel as a "holy people to the Lord your God."

**Is the Aaronic Blessing still relevant for believers today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While the Aaronic Blessing was given specifically to the priests of Israel for a particular covenant context, its theological truths remain eternally relevant. It reveals God's unchanging character as a God who desires to bless, protect, and grant peace to His people. For New Covenant believers, the ultimate fulfillment of this blessing is found in Jesus Christ. He is our great High Priest, through whom we receive every spiritual blessing (as taught in [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")). The promise "I will bless them" is realized in Christ, who has secured for us not only material provisions but also spiritual redemption, reconciliation with God, and eternal life. Thus, the Aaronic Blessing serves as a beautiful prophetic foreshadowing of the comprehensive blessings we enjoy in Christ, reminding us of God's enduring commitment to His people across all generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 6:27 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The priestly act of "putting God's name upon" Israel foreshadows Christ's divine work of identifying humanity with God. As the true and perfect High Priest, Jesus not only mediates God's blessing but embodies it. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, believers are no longer merely identified by God's name through a priestly pronouncement, but are spiritually united with Christ, becoming "in Christ" (a profound theological concept found throughout Paul's epistles, such as [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). We bear His name, Christian, and are called children of God, having received the Spirit of adoption ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). The divine promise "and I will bless them" is unequivocally realized in Jesus, for "all the promises of God find their 'Yes' and 'Amen' in Him" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through Him, we receive not only peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")) but also every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ")). Thus, Numbers 6:27 points directly to Christ as the source and sum of all divine blessing, the one in whom God's name is perfectly manifested and His people are eternally blessed.

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

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Deuteronomy 28:10

And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee.

Daniel 9:18

O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.

Daniel 9:19

O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.

Isaiah 43:7

[Even] every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Jeremiah 14:9

Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man [that] cannot save? yet thou, O LORD, [art] in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.

Psalms 115:12

The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless [us]; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.