Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Bring your fellow Levites from your ancestral tribe to join you and assist you when you and your sons minister before the tent of the covenant law. New Living Translation “Bring your relatives of the tribe of Levi—your ancestral tribe—to assist you and your sons as you perform the sacred duties in front of the Tabernacle of the Covenant. English Standard Version And with you bring your brothers also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and minister to you while you and your sons with you are before the tent of the testimony. Berean Standard Bible But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. Berean Literal Bible And bring your brothers of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, near with you, that they may be joined with you and serve you while you and your sons are with you before the Tent of the Testimony. King James Bible And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness. New King James Version Also bring with you your brethren of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may be joined with you and serve you while you and your sons are with you before the tabernacle of witness. New American Standard Bible But also bring your brothers with you, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, so that they may join you and serve you, while you and your sons with you are before the tent of the testimony. NASB 1995 “But bring with you also your brothers, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may be joined with you and serve you, while you and your sons with you are before the tent of the testimony. NASB 1977 “But bring with you also your brothers, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may be joined with you and serve you, while you and your sons with you are before the tent of the testimony. Legacy Standard Bible But bring near with you also your brothers, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may be joined with you and minister to you, while you and your sons with you are before the tent of the testimony. Amplified Bible But bring with you also your brothers, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father (ancestor), so that they may join with you and serve you [as assistants], while you and your sons with you are before the Tent of the Testimony [the Holy Place where only priests may go, and the Most Holy Place which only the high priest may enter]. Berean Annotated Bible But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi (joined to), the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. Christian Standard Bible But also bring your relatives with you from the tribe of Levi, your ancestral tribe, so they may join you and assist you and your sons in front of the tent of the testimony. Holman Christian Standard Bible But also bring your relatives with you from the tribe of Levi, your ancestral tribe, so they may join you and assist you and your sons in front of the tent of the testimony. American Standard Version And thy brethren also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou near with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall be before the tent of the testimony. Contemporary English Version The Levites are your relatives and are here to help you in your service at the tent. English Revised Version And thy brethren also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou near with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall be before the tent of the testimony. GOD'S WORD® Translation Bring the other Levites from your ancestor's tribe to join you and help you and your sons serve in front of the tent of the words of my promise. Good News Translation Bring in your relatives, the tribe of Levi, to work with you and help you while you and your sons are serving at the Tent. International Standard Version Moreover, bring your brothers from your father's tribe of Levi with you, so they may join you and minister to you while you and your sons with you stand in the presence of the Tent of Testimony. NET Bible "Bring with you your brothers, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, so that they may join with you and minister to you while you and your sons with you are before the tent of the testimony. New Heart English Bible Your brothers also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, bring near with you, that they may be joined to you, and minister to you: but you and your sons with you shall be before the tent of the testimony. Webster's Bible Translation And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined to thee, and minister to thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. World English Bible Bring your brothers also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, near with you, that they may be joined to you, and minister to you; but you and your sons with you shall be before the Tent of the Testimony. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand also your brothers, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, bring near with you, and they are joined to you, and serve you, even you and your sons with you, before the Tent of the Testimony. Berean Literal Bible And bring your brothers of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, near with you, that they may be joined with you and serve you while you and your sons are with you before the Tent of the Testimony. Young's Literal Translation and also thy brethren, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring near with thee, and they are joined unto thee, and serve thee, even thou and thy sons with thee, before the tent of the testimony. Smith's Literal Translation And also thy brethren, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou near with thee, and they shall be joined to thee, and they shall serve thee: and thou and thy sons with thee, before the tent of testimony. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd take with thee thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, and the sceptre of thy father, and let them be ready in hand, and minister to thee: but thou and thy sons shall minister in the tabernacle of the testimony. Catholic Public Domain Version But take to yourselves also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, and the scepter of your father, and may they be prepared, and may they minister to you. Then you and your sons shall minister in the tabernacle of the testimony. New American Bible You shall also present with you your kinsmen of the tribe of Levi, your ancestral tribe, that they may be joined to you and assist you, while you and your sons with you are in front of the tent of the covenant. New Revised Standard Version So bring with you also your brothers of the tribe of Levi, your ancestral tribe, in order that they may be joined to you, and serve you while you and your sons with you are in front of the tent of the covenant. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd your brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, you shall bring with you, that they may accompany you and minister to you; but you and your sons with you shall minister before the tabernacle of the testimony. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Also you shall bring your brethren, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father with you, and they shall accompany you and they shall minister to you, and you and your sons with you are before the Tabernacle of the Testimony. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And thy brethren also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou near with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee, thou and thy sons with thee being before the tent of the testimony. Brenton Septuagint Translation And take to thyself thy brethren the tribe of Levi, the family of thy father, and let them be joined to thee, and let them minister to thee; and thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Duties of Priests and Levites1So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. 2But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. 3And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die.… Cross References But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, Numbers 3:6-9 “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. / They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. … Deuteronomy 18:1 The Levitical priests—indeed the whole tribe of Levi—shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They are to eat the food offerings to the LORD; that is their inheritance. Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. the tribe of your father, Exodus 6:16-20 These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. / The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans. / The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years. … 1 Chronicles 6:1-3 The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. / The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Exodus 4:14 Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well, and he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. that they may join you and assist you Numbers 8:19 And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites, to perform the service for the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting and to make atonement on their behalf, so that no plague will come against the Israelites when they approach the sanctuary.” 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, / as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. / They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. … and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. Exodus 29:44-46 So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests. / Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. / And they will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God. Exodus 27:21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil that is in front of the Testimony, Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamps before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the Israelites for the generations to come. Exodus 28:1 “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. Exodus 29:9 Wrap the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way you are to ordain Aaron and his sons. Leviticus 8:2 “Take Aaron and his sons, their garments, the anointing oil, the bull of the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread, Leviticus 10:3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD meant when He said: ‘To those who come near Me I will show My holiness, and in the sight of all the people I will reveal My glory.’” But Aaron remained silent. 1 Chronicles 23:13 The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever. 2 Chronicles 29:11 Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.” Treasury of Scripture And your brothers also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, bring you with you, that they may be joined to you, and minister to you: but you and your sons with you shall minister before the tabernacle of witness. joined unto thee. Numbers 18:4 And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you. Genesis 29:34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. minister Numbers 3:6-9 Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him… Numbers 8:19,22 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… but thou Numbers 3:10 And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death. Numbers 4:15 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. Numbers 16:40 To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses. Jump to Previous Ancestral Assist Join Joined Levi Minister Servants Serve Tabernacle Tent Testimony Tribe WitnessJump to Next Ancestral Assist Join Joined Levi Minister Servants Serve Tabernacle Tent Testimony Tribe WitnessNumbers 18 1. The charge of the priests and Levites8. The priests, portion 21. The Levites, 25. The heave offering to the priests out of the Levites' portion But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi This phrase emphasizes the importance of the Levitical tribe in the service of the Tabernacle. The Levites were set apart by God for religious duties (Numbers 3:5-10). This calling highlights the principle of divine election and service, as the Levites were chosen to assist the priests, who were descendants of Aaron. The Levites' role was crucial in maintaining the sanctity and order of worship, reflecting the broader biblical theme of community and shared responsibility in serving God. the tribe of your father that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe high priest and brother of Moses, responsible for the priestly duties and the spiritual leadership of Israel. 2. The Levites Members of the tribe of Levi, set apart to assist the priests in their duties related to the Tabernacle. 3. The Tent of the Testimony Also known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. 4. Moses The leader of the Israelites, who received the law from God and communicated His instructions to the people. 5. The Tribe of Levi One of the twelve tribes of Israel, specifically chosen for religious duties and service to God. Teaching Points The Importance of Spiritual LeadershipGod appoints specific individuals for spiritual leadership, emphasizing the need for order and structure in worship and service. The Role of Assistance in Ministry The Levites were called to assist Aaron and his sons, illustrating the importance of support roles in ministry. Every role, whether prominent or supportive, is vital in God's work. Holiness and Responsibility Serving in the presence of God requires holiness and a sense of responsibility. The Levites were set apart for this purpose, reminding us of the call to live holy lives. Community and Cooperation The cooperation between Aaron, his sons, and the Levites underscores the necessity of unity and teamwork in fulfilling God's purposes. God's Provision for His Work God provides the necessary resources and people to accomplish His work, as seen in His provision of the Levites to assist in the Tabernacle. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 18:2?2. How can we apply the Levites' role to serving in our church today? 3. What does Numbers 18:2 teach about supporting spiritual leaders in their duties? 4. How does Numbers 18:2 connect with 1 Corinthians 12:28 on church roles? 5. Why is it important to "join you and serve you" in ministry? 6. How can we ensure our service aligns with God's design in Numbers 18:2? 7. What is the significance of the Levites' role in Numbers 18:2 for modern believers? 8. How does Numbers 18:2 reflect God's expectations for spiritual leadership? 9. Why were the Levites chosen to assist Aaron according to Numbers 18:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 18? 11. What does the Bible say about the caste system? 12. What did the Ark of the Covenant contain? 13. How do we reconcile the discrepant figures between 2 Samuel 10:18 and 1 Chronicles 19:18 regarding the number of charioteers and horsemen defeated by David? 14. How can the exclusive priestly role assigned to Aaron's descendants (Numbers 18:1-7) be historically verified given the sparse archaeological evidence for tribal lineages? What Does Numbers 18:2 Mean But bring with you also your brothersMoses records God telling Aaron to bring his fellow Levites alongside him. This command highlights the importance of shared ministry: no one, not even the high priest, was meant to serve alone. See how Exodus 17:12 shows Moses needing Aaron and Hur to steady his hands, and how Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 teaches that “two are better than one.” from the tribe of Levi The invitation is limited to those God had already set apart. In Numbers 3:6-10 the Levites are specifically given to Aaron for service, and Deuteronomy 10:8 repeats that the tribe “stood before the LORD to minister.” God’s calling is precise; only the Levites could draw near without incurring judgment (Numbers 1:51). the tribe of your father Aaron’s own lineage underlines continuity in worship. Just as Exodus 6:16-20 traces Levi’s line to Aaron, the priestly role is tied to family heritage. God’s faithfulness to generations is echoed in 2 Timothy 1:5 where a legacy of faith is praised. that they may join you “Join” speaks of close partnership, not casual help. Numbers 8:19 says God “given the Levites as gifts to Aaron,” illustrating teamwork. Likewise, Acts 6:3-4 shows the apostles appointing helpers so they could focus on prayer and the word. and assist you The Levites handled the practical tasks: carrying, guarding, and maintaining the tabernacle (Numbers 4:24-33). Their service freed Aaron to concentrate on sacrifices and intercession, paralleling how 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 describes varied gifts supporting one body. and your sons The priesthood was a family office. Aaron’s sons—Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar—shared responsibility (Exodus 28:1). This stresses discipleship within families, reflected later when Paul instructs fathers to bring children up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). before the Tent of the Testimony Location matters. Service happens directly “before” God’s dwelling, signifying reverence and accountability. Numbers 7:89 pictures Moses hearing God’s voice there, and Hebrews 9:1-5 explains how this earthly tent foreshadowed heaven’s true sanctuary. summary Numbers 18:2 calls Aaron to gather fellow Levites so ministry at the tabernacle is shared, orderly, and rooted in God-given roles. The verse teaches that service is communal, defined by God’s choice, passed through generations, and carried out in His presence. (2) That they may be joined unto thee.--There is an allusion here to the meaning of the name Levi, which was given to Leah's third son. (See Genesis 29:34.) The Hebrew verb is the same as that which occurs in the speech of Leah.And minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons . . . --Or, and they shall minister unto thee, both unto thee and to thy sons with thee, before the tent of witness. The service of the Levites was executed before the tent--i.e., in the court; that of the priests was in the holy place, as well as in the court (Numbers 18:7). Verse 2. - Thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi. The Levites generally, as distinguished from the Kohathites in particular (see on chapter 3). That they may be joined unto thee. וְילָּווּ, a play upon the name Levi (see on Genesis 29:34). But thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness. The Hebrew has only וְאַתָּה וּבָנֶי אִתָּך, which may be rendered, "And thou and thy sons with thee (shall be)," etc., or more naturally read with what goes before, "that they may minister unto thee; both thee and thy sons with thee," etc. The Septuagint and the Targums appear to favour the former rendering, but it is not evident what distinction could be drawn between priests and Levites as to the mere fact of being before the tabernacle.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But bringהַקְרֵ֣ב (haq·rêḇ) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7126: To come near, approach with you אִתָּ֔ךְ (’it·tāḵ) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among also וְגַ֣ם (wə·ḡam) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and your brothers אַחֶיךָ֩ (’a·ḥe·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) from the tribe מַטֵּ֨ה (maṭ·ṭêh) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4294: A staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe of Levi, לֵוִ֜י (lê·wî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3878: Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him the tribe שֵׁ֤בֶט (šê·ḇeṭ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe of your father, אָבִ֙יךָ֙ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father that they may join וְיִלָּו֥וּ (wə·yil·lā·wū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3867: To twine, to unite, to remain, to borrow, to lend you עָלֶ֖יךָ (‘ā·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against and assist וִֽישָׁרְת֑וּךָ (wî·šā·rə·ṯū·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural | second person masculine singular Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to you וְאַתָּה֙ (wə·’at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you and your sons וּבָנֶ֣יךָ (ū·ḇā·ne·ḵā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1121: A son before לִפְנֵ֖י (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the Tent אֹ֥הֶל (’ō·hel) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 168: A tent of the Testimony. הָעֵדֻֽת׃ (hā·‘ê·ḏuṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5715: Testimony Links Numbers 18:2 NIVNumbers 18:2 NLT Numbers 18:2 ESV Numbers 18:2 NASB Numbers 18:2 KJV Numbers 18:2 BibleApps.com Numbers 18:2 Biblia Paralela Numbers 18:2 Chinese Bible Numbers 18:2 French Bible Numbers 18:2 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 18:2 Your brothers also the tribe of Levi (Nu Num.) |
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