King James Version

What Does Numbers 20:25 Mean?

Numbers 20:25 in the King James Version says “Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:”

Numbers 20:25 · KJV

Context

23

And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of Edom, saying,

24

Aaron shall be gathered unto his people: for he shall not enter into the land which I have given unto the children of Israel, because ye rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah. word: Heb. mouth

25

Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:

26

And strip Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son: and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there.

27

And Moses did as the LORD commanded: and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.

Read Numbers 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God commands Moses to bring Aaron and his son Eleazar up Mount Hor for Aaron's transfer of priestly garments and subsequent death. This public, orderly succession demonstrated that priesthood was God's institution, not human office. The stripping of garments symbolized transfer of office and authority, prefiguring the 'crown of righteousness' believers receive from Christ (2 Timothy 4:8).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Mount Hor marked the border of Edom. Aaron's death at age 123 (33:39) came because he shared Moses' sin at Meribah (v.12, 24). His public death on the mountain allowed Israel to witness the transition of priesthood to Eleazar.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does orderly succession in spiritual leadership honor God and protect His people?
  2. What does the transfer of priestly garments teach about Christ's eternal priesthood that needs no successor?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
קַ֚ח1 of 10

“Take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶֽת2 of 10
H853

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

אַהֲרֹ֔ן3 of 10

“Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

וְאֶת4 of 10
H853

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

אֶלְעָזָ֖ר5 of 10

“and Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

בְּנ֑וֹ6 of 10

“his 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

וְהַ֥עַל7 of 10

“and bring them up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֹתָ֖ם8 of 10
H853

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

הֹ֥ר9 of 10

“Hor”

H2023

hor, the name of a peak in idumaea and of one in syria

הָהָֽר׃10 of 10

“unto mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

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 20:25 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 20:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 33:38-39

Places in This Verse

Mount Hor 1Mountain · Modern: Har Zin · 30.83°N, 35.06°E10 verses across 2 books
View all places in Numbers 20 →

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 20 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 20 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes