King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:1 Mean?

“These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai.”

Context

These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai.

And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office. whom: Heb. whose hand he filled

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

III. (1) **These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses . . . —**The name of Aaron is placed first, not only because he was the elder brother, but also because the ministry of Moses was restricted to his own person, and his sons are merely classed amongst the rest of the Levitical families in 1Chronicles 23:14; whereas the office of Aaron was perpetuated in the persons of his descendants. Hence we find no mention made in this place of the sons of Moses, but only of those of Aaron. The word *generations *here, as in the book of Genesis (*e.g., *Genesis 6:9; Genesis 25:19) and elsewhere, is used to denote the *history; *and in this sense the present and the following chapters pertain as much to Moses as to Aaron. Or the reference may be to the fact that Moses and Aaron were made the heads of the whole tribe of Levi, and therefore that the Levitical families generally are traced up equally to both.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 3:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.