King James Version

What Does Numbers 3:32 Mean?

Numbers 3:32 in the King James Version says “And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them tha...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.”

Numbers 3:32 · KJV

Context

30

And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.

31

And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.

32

And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.

33

Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari.

34

And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Eleazar's appointment as 'chief over the chief of the Levites' established a supervisory role overseeing all Levitical service. As Aaron's son and eventual successor as high priest, Eleazar represented the connection between priestly and Levitical offices, ensuring coordination between those who officiated at the altar and those who maintained the tabernacle. This hierarchical structure maintained order while preserving distinctions between offices.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Eleazar would succeed Aaron as high priest after Aaron's death (Numbers 20:28), providing continuity in leadership. His oversight of Levitical service during his father's lifetime prepared him for the high priestly office and ensured smooth coordination of all tabernacle-related activities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Eleazar's supervisory role over all Levites illustrate the importance of coordinating various ministry functions under unified leadership?
  2. What does his dual role (priest and Levitical overseer) teach us about the importance of coordination between different offices in the church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
נְשִׂיאֵ֣י1 of 11

“over the chief”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

נְשִׂיאֵ֣י2 of 11

“over the chief”

H5387

properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist

הַלֵּוִ֔י3 of 11

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

אֶלְעָזָ֖ר4 of 11

“And Eleazar”

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

בֶּן5 of 11

“the 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

אַֽהֲרֹ֣ן6 of 11

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵ֑ן7 of 11

“the priest”

H3548

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

פְּקֻדַּ֕ת8 of 11

“and have the oversight”

H6486

visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)

שֹֽׁמְרֵ֖י9 of 11

“of them that keep”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

מִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת10 of 11

“the charge”

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ׃11 of 11

“of the sanctuary”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

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 3:32 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 3:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 25:18Numbers 4:271 Chronicles 9:14-20Numbers 4:161 Chronicles 26:20-24Numbers 20:25-28

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