King James Version

What Does Numbers 26:60 Mean?

Numbers 26:60 in the King James Version says “And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.”

Numbers 26:60 · KJV

Context

58

These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begat Amram.

59

And the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt: and she bare unto Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister.

60

And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

61

And Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD.

62

And those that were numbered of them were twenty and three thousand, all males from a month old and upward: for they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel.

Read Numbers 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And unto Aaron was born Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar—four sons, two died in judgment (Leviticus 10:1-2), two inherited the priesthood. Aaron's family became Israel's perpetual high priestly line, despite tragedy. Nadab (נָדָב, "willing/generous") and Abihu (אֲבִיהוּא, "he is my father") had promising names but failed ministries. Eleazar (אֶלְעָזָר, "God has helped") and Ithamar (אִיתָמָר, "palm coast/land of palms") survived to serve.

The pairing is instructive: willingness without obedience kills (Nadab), claiming God as father without holiness destroys (Abihu). But trusting God's help (Eleazar) and remaining fruitful (Ithamar) preserves. Names prophesy; obedience fulfills or negates the prophecy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Eleazar succeeded Aaron as high priest and served alongside Joshua in the conquest (Numbers 20:25-28). Ithamar supervised tabernacle construction (Exodus 38:21). Both lines continued: Zadok (Solomon's priest) descended from Eleazar; Abiathar (David's priest) from Ithamar. This census recorded the generation from whom all subsequent high priests descended.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why would God include the sons who died in judgment (Nadab and Abihu) in this census alongside the faithful sons?
  2. How do the meanings of the four names (willing, God is father, God has helped, fruitful land) describe both faithful and unfaithful ministry?
  3. What warning does Aaron's mixed legacy—faithful sons and judged sons from the same family—offer to ministry families?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיִּוָּלֵ֣ד1 of 10

“was born”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

לְאַֽהֲרֹ֔ן2 of 10

“And unto Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

אֶת3 of 10
H853

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

נָדָ֖ב4 of 10

“Nadab”

H5070

nadab, the name of four israelites

וְאֶת5 of 10
H853

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

אֲבִיה֑וּא6 of 10

“and Abihu”

H30

abihu, a son of aaron

אֶת7 of 10
H853

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

אֶלְעָזָ֖ר8 of 10

“Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

וְאֶת9 of 10
H853

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

אִֽיתָמָֽר׃10 of 10

“and Ithamar”

H385

ithamar, a son of aaron

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 26:60 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 26:60 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 3:2Numbers 3:8

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 26 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes