King James Version

What Does Numbers 18:3 Mean?

Numbers 18:3 in the King James Version says “And they shall keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the s... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Numbers 18:3 · 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.

4

And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you.

5

And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Levites were to 'keep thy charge, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only they shall not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar.' Clear boundaries protected both the Levites and the sanctuary's holiness. God establishes limits not arbitrarily but to preserve life. Respecting divine boundaries demonstrates wisdom; transgressing them invites judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prohibition recalled Nadab and Abihu's fatal error (Leviticus 10:1-2) and reinforced the lesson from Korah's rebellion. The tabernacle vessels were so holy that even seeing them improperly caused death (4:20). These regulations weren't arbitrary restrictions but necessary protections.

Reflection Questions

  1. What boundaries has God established that you're tempted to cross or resent?
  2. How do divine limitations actually serve your good rather than restrict your freedom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְשָֽׁמְרוּ֙1 of 19

And they shall keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

וּמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת2 of 19

and the charge

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

וּמִשְׁמֶ֖רֶת3 of 19

and the charge

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

כָּל4 of 19
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאֹ֑הֶל5 of 19

of all the tabernacle

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

אַךְ֩6 of 19
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֶל7 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כְּלֵ֨י8 of 19

the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הַקֹּ֤דֶשׁ9 of 19

of the sanctuary

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְאֶל10 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמִּזְבֵּ֙חַ֙11 of 19

and the altar

H4196

an altar

לֹ֣א12 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִקְרָ֔בוּ13 of 19

only they shall not come nigh

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

וְלֹֽא14 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָמֻ֥תוּ15 of 19

that neither they nor ye also die

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

גַם16 of 19
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הֵ֖ם17 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

גַּם18 of 19
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַתֶּֽם׃19 of 19
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you


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 18:3 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 18:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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