King James Version
What Does Numbers 33:39 Mean?
“And Aaron was an hundred and twenty and three years old when he died in mount Hor.”
Numbers 33:39 · KJV
Context
37
And they removed from Kadesh, and pitched in mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom.
38
And Aaron the priest went up into mount Hor at the commandment of the LORD, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the first day of the fifth month.
39
And Aaron was an hundred and twenty and three years old when he died in mount Hor.
40
And king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.
41
And they departed from mount Hor, and pitched in Zalmonah.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAaron was an hundred and twenty and three years old when he died in mount Hor—The specific age (123) emphasizes the completion of Aaron's life and ministry. He had lived long enough to see God's faithfulness through the Exodus, Sinai covenant, tabernacle construction, and wilderness trials, yet not long enough to enter rest.
The number resonates with symbolism: Aaron was three years older than Moses (Exodus 7:7), who died at 120 (Deuteronomy 34:7). Both men lived extraordinary lifespans, yet both fell short of Canaan. This teaches that even the most privileged service to God doesn't exempt us from mortality or consequences. Yet Hebrews 9:11-12 shows Christ's high priesthood surpasses Aaron's—Jesus entered not an earthly promised land but heaven itself.
The number resonates with symbolism: Aaron was three years older than Moses (Exodus 7:7), who died at 120 (Deuteronomy 34:7). Both men lived extraordinary lifespans, yet both fell short of Canaan. This teaches that even the most privileged service to God doesn't exempt us from mortality or consequences. Yet Hebrews 9:11-12 shows Christ's high priesthood surpasses Aaron's—Jesus entered not an earthly promised land but heaven itself.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Aaron's tenure as high priest (approximately 40 years) established the Levitical priesthood that would serve Israel for 1,500 years until Christ. His sons and descendants maintained the sacrificial system, making Aaron's legacy one of the most enduring in biblical history.
Reflection Questions
- What does Aaron's long life but ultimate exclusion from Canaan teach about the relationship between faithful service and personal holiness?
- How does Aaron's incomplete journey point forward to Christ, the high priest who did enter God's rest on our behalf?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsבֶּן2 of 9
“old”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בְּמֹת֖וֹ7 of 9
“when he died”
H4194death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
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 33:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.