King James Version

What Does Numbers 4:16 Mean?

Numbers 4:16 in the King James Version says “And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and th... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

Numbers 4:16 · KJV


Context

14

And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it. basons: or, bowls

15

And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.

16

And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.

17

And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

18

Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Eleazar's oversight of the oil, incense, meal offering, and anointing oil placed him in charge of the most essential elements of worship—light, prayer, grain offering, and consecration. These four elements together represent the fullness of Israel's approach to God. The oil for light sustained the golden lampstand's continual flame, symbolizing God's presence and the illumination of His word. This verse demonstrates the principle that worship leadership requires both divine appointment and faithful stewardship of sacred things.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Eleazar, Aaron's third son, would eventually succeed his father as high priest. His specific responsibility for these particular elements prepared him for this role. The items under his care were used daily in the tabernacle service and were essential for maintaining proper worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Eleazar's faithful stewardship of worship elements challenge modern church leaders?
  2. What do the four elements—oil, incense, grain, and anointing oil—teach us about comprehensive worship?
  3. In what ways does the anointing oil prefigure the Holy Spirit's work in consecrating believers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
פְּקֻדַּ֗ת1 of 21

And to the office

H6486

visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)

אֶלְעָזָ֣ר׀2 of 21

of Eleazar

H499

elazar, the name of seven israelites

בֶּן3 of 21

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

אַֽהֲרֹ֣ן4 of 21

of Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

הַכֹּהֵ֗ן5 of 21

the priest

H3548

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

וְשֶׁ֣מֶן6 of 21

oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

הַמָּאוֹר֙7 of 21

for the light

H3974

properly, a luminous body or luminary, i.e., (abstractly) light (as an element); figuratively, brightness, i.e.,cheerfulness; specifically, a chandeli

וּקְטֹ֣רֶת8 of 21

incense

H7004

a fumigation

הַסַּמִּ֔ים9 of 21

and the sweet

H5561

an aroma

וּמִנְחַ֥ת10 of 21

meat offering

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

הַתָּמִ֖יד11 of 21

and the daily

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

וְשֶׁ֣מֶן12 of 21

oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

הַמִּשְׁחָ֑ה13 of 21

and the anointing

H4888

unction (the act); by implication, a consecratory gift

פְּקֻדַּ֗ת14 of 21

And to the office

H6486

visitation (in many senses, chiefly official)

כָּל15 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙16 of 21

of all the tabernacle

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

וְכָל17 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר18 of 21
H834

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

בּ֔וֹ19 of 21
H0
בְּקֹ֖דֶשׁ20 of 21

and of all that therein is in the sanctuary

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וּבְכֵלָֽיו׃21 of 21

and in the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)


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 4:16 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 4:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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