King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:3 Mean?

Numbers 3:3 in the King James Version says “These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Numbers 3:3 · KJV

Context

1

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

2

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

3

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

4

And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father.

5

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'the priests which were anointed' emphasizes that priestly authority derived from divine appointment and consecration, not from personal merit or self-appointment. The anointing oil symbolized the Holy Spirit's empowerment for sacred service, a pattern fulfilled in Christ (the 'Anointed One') and extended to all believers who are 'anointed' by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 2:27). Every Christian participates in the priesthood through union with Christ, our High Priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The elaborate anointing ceremony (Exodus 29; Leviticus 8) set Aaron and his sons apart for priestly service. The sacred anointing oil could not be used for common purposes or applied to outsiders (Exodus 30:32-33), emphasizing the holy distinction of priestly office.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the anointing of Aaron's sons prefigure the Holy Spirit's anointing of believers for service in God's kingdom?
  2. What does the restricted use of anointing oil teach us about the holiness and distinctiveness of service to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אֵ֗לֶּה1 of 10
H428

these or those

שְׁמוֹת֙2 of 10

“These are the names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 10

“of the sons”

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

אַֽהֲרֹ֔ן4 of 10

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים5 of 10

“the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַמְּשֻׁחִ֑ים6 of 10

“which were anointed”

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֲשֶׁר7 of 10
H834

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

מִלֵּ֥א8 of 10

“whom he consecrated”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

יָדָ֖ם9 of 10
H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

לְכַהֵֽן׃10 of 10

“to minister in the priest's office”

H3547

to officiate as a priest; figuratively, to put on regalia

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 3:3 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 3:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 28:41Leviticus 8:1-9Leviticus 8:30Leviticus 8:12Exodus 40:15Exodus 40:13

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