King James Version

What Does Numbers 25:13 Mean?

Numbers 25:13 in the King James Version says “And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

Numbers 25:13 · KJV


Context

11

Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. for: Heb. with my zeal

12

Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace:

13

And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

14

Now the name of the Israelite that was slain, even that was slain with the Midianitish woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites. chief: Heb. house of a father

15

And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The covenant gave Phinehas and his descendants 'an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.' His action secured atonement—removing wrath through judgment of sin. This anticipates Christ's atoning work that satisfies divine justice. Phinehas's priesthood foreshadows Christ's eternal priesthood that truly turns away wrath forever.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Zadokite line of priests descended from Phinehas (1 Chronicles 6:4-8), serving prominently throughout Israel's history. Ezekiel's temple vision reserves priestly service for Zadok's sons because of their faithfulness (Ezekiel 44:15). Faithfulness in crisis secured blessing for generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Phinehas's action illuminate aspects of Christ's atoning work?
  2. What faithfulness in crisis might secure blessing not just for you but for your descendants?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְהָ֤יְתָה1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לּוֹ֙2 of 15
H0
וּלְזַרְע֣וֹ3 of 15

And he shall have it and his seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

אַֽחֲרָ֔יו4 of 15

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

בְּרִ֖ית5 of 15

him even the covenant

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

כְּהֻנַּ֣ת6 of 15

priesthood

H3550

priesthood

עוֹלָ֑ם7 of 15

of an everlasting

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

תַּ֗חַת8 of 15
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

אֲשֶׁ֤ר9 of 15

because

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

קִנֵּא֙10 of 15

he was zealous

H7065

to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious

לֵֽאלֹהָ֔יו11 of 15

for his God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וַיְכַפֵּ֖ר12 of 15

and made an atonement

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עַל13 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּנֵ֥י14 of 15

for the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃15 of 15

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 25:13 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 25:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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