King James Version

What Does Numbers 8:15 Mean?

Numbers 8:15 in the King James Version says “And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt cleanse t...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them for an offering.”

Numbers 8:15 · KJV

Context

13

And thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron, and before his sons, and offer them for an offering unto the LORD.

14

Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine.

15

And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them for an offering.

16

For they are wholly given unto me from among the children of Israel; instead of such as open every womb, even instead of the firstborn of all the children of Israel, have I taken them unto me.

17

For all the firstborn of the children of Israel are mine, both man and beast: on the day that I smote every firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified them for myself.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After that shall the Levites go in to do the service (אַחֲרֵי־כֵן יָבֹאוּ הַלְוִיִּם, acharei-khen yavo'u)—the temporal marker 'after that' is critical. Service follows consecration; work follows worship; ministry follows cleansing. The sequence is inviolable: thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them must precede tabernacle service. The verb טָהֵר (taher, 'to cleanse/purify') connects to the water of purification (v.7) and shaving ritual (v.7).

This principle extends beyond Levitical service to all Christian ministry: effective service flows from purified hearts. Jesus insisted his disciples needed washing (John 13:8) before they could serve. The order cannot be reversed—external religious activity without prior inward cleansing produces hypocrisy, not holiness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The cleansing ritual (described in Numbers 8:5-14) included sprinkling with 'sin water,' full-body shaving, and washing clothes—a thorough purification preparing the Levites for lifelong tabernacle service beginning at age 25 (8:24).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'cleansing' must precede your service to God, and how do you maintain spiritual purity?
  2. How does the principle 'cleansing before service' expose the danger of religious activity divorced from heart transformation?
  3. In what ways does your ministry flow from prior consecration rather than mere duty or obligation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְאַֽחֲרֵי1 of 13

“And after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כֵן֙2 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

יָבֹ֣אוּ3 of 13

“go in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם4 of 13

“that shall the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

לַֽעֲבֹ֖ד5 of 13

“to do the service”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

אֶת6 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֹ֣הֶל7 of 13

“of the tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

מוֹעֵ֑ד8 of 13

“of the congregation”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וְטִֽהַרְתָּ֣9 of 13

“and thou shalt cleanse”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

אֹתָ֔ם10 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וְהֵֽנַפְתָּ֥11 of 13

“them and offer”

H5130

to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad

אֹתָ֖ם12 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

תְּנוּפָֽה׃13 of 13

“them for an offering”

H8573

a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings

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 8:15 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 8:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 8:11Numbers 8:131 Chronicles 23:1-32Numbers 3:12Exodus 29:241 Chronicles 25:1-26

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