King James Version
Numbers 8:18 in the King James Version says “And I have taken the Levites for all the firstborn of the children of Israel.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And I have taken the Levites for all the firstborn of the children of Israel.”
Numbers 8:18 · KJV
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.
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.
And I have taken the Levites for all the firstborn of the children of Israel.
And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make an atonement for the children of Israel: that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come nigh unto the sanctuary. a gift: Heb. given
And Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel, did to the Levites according unto all that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so did the children of Israel unto them.
KJV Study — Public Domain
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“of the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
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.
Numbers 8:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.