King James Version

What Does Numbers 16:37 Mean?

Numbers 16:37 in the King James Version says “Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fir...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed.”

Numbers 16:37 · KJV

Context

35

And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.

36

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

37

Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed.

38

The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.

39

And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest—significantly, God commands not Aaron himself but his son to retrieve the censers. Eleazar's involvement foreshadows his succession to the high priesthood (20:28) and demonstrates that priesthood continues through generations. The phrase "take up the censers out of the burning" required approaching still-smoldering remains of divine judgment—a task requiring both courage and holiness.

"For they are hallowed" (qadash, קָדַשׁ)—the censers became holy not through the sinners' worthiness but through being offered before Yahweh. This reveals a profound principle: objects consecrated to God cannot return to common use, even when offered by rebels. God's holiness is contagious in ways both gracious and dangerous.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Eleazar would later assist in the second census (Numbers 26), the division of Canaan (Joshua 14:1), and succeed Aaron as high priest. His faithful service here—handling the censers of judgment—prepared him for high priestly responsibilities. The brazen censers would become altar plating, a permanent reminder visible during every sacrifice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Eleazar's faithful handling of judgment's aftermath model servant leadership for future generations?
  2. What does the principle that objects offered to God become permanently holy teach about consecration and reverence?
  3. In what ways should churches memorialize both God's judgment and grace for future generations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
אֱמֹ֨ר1 of 17

“Speak”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל2 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֶלְעָזָ֜ר3 of 17

“unto Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

בֶּן4 of 17

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אַֽהֲרֹ֣ן5 of 17

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵ֗ן6 of 17

“the priest”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְיָרֵ֤ם7 of 17

“that he take up”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

אֶת8 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמַּחְתֹּת֙9 of 17

“the censers”

H4289

a pan for live coals

מִבֵּ֣ין10 of 17

“out”

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

הַשְּׂרֵפָ֔ה11 of 17

“of the burning”

H8316

cremation

וְאֶת12 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאֵ֖שׁ13 of 17

“thou the fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

זְרֵה14 of 17

“and scatter”

H2219

to toss about; by implication, to diffuse, winnow

הָ֑לְאָה15 of 17

“yonder”

H1973

to the distance, i.e., far away; also (of time) thus far

כִּ֖י16 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קָדֵֽשׁוּ׃17 of 17

“for they are hallowed”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 16:37 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 16:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 16:18Numbers 16:7Leviticus 27:28

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