King James Version

What Does Numbers 18:1 Mean?

Numbers 18:1 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuar...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.”

Numbers 18:1 · KJV

Context

1

And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.

2

And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness.

3

And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that neither they, nor ye also, die.

Read Numbers 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After Aaron's rod budded confirming his priesthood, God detailed priestly responsibilities: 'Thou and thy sons... shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary.' This sobering charge meant priests bore responsibility for any failure in maintaining proper worship. Privilege and authority always come with proportional accountability. Those closest to God's holiness bear greatest responsibility for its proper representation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'bear iniquity' appears throughout Leviticus (e.g., 10:17, 22:9), indicating that priests served as mediators absorbing the consequences of Israel's sin. This anticipates Christ as ultimate High Priest who bore humanity's iniquity completely (Isaiah 53:11, Hebrews 9:28).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does spiritual privilege increase rather than decrease your accountability?
  2. In what ways do you 'bear iniquity' through intercessory or mediatorial service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 20

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙2 of 20

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶֽל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲרֹ֔ן4 of 20

“unto Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אַתָּ֗ה5 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וּבָנֶ֣יךָ6 of 20

“Thou and thy sons”

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

וּבֵית7 of 20

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִ֙יךָ֙8 of 20

“and thy father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

אִתָּ֔ךְ9 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

תִּשְׂא֖וּ10 of 20

“with thee shall bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת11 of 20
H853

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

עֲוֹ֥ן12 of 20

“the iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

הַמִּקְדָּ֑שׁ13 of 20

“of the sanctuary”

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

וְאַתָּה֙14 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וּבָנֶ֣יךָ15 of 20

“Thou and thy sons”

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

אִתָּ֔ךְ16 of 20
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

תִּשְׂא֖וּ17 of 20

“with thee shall bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת18 of 20
H853

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

עֲוֹ֥ן19 of 20

“the iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

כְּהֻנַּתְכֶֽם׃20 of 20

“of your priesthood”

H3550

priesthood

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 18:1 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 18:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 28:38Hebrews 13:17Hebrews 4:15Ezekiel 3:18-19Acts 20:26-271 Peter 2:24

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 18 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes