Numbers 4:16
New International Version
“Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest, is to have charge of the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the regular grain offering and the anointing oil. He is to be in charge of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including its holy furnishings and articles.”

New Living Translation
“Eleazar son of Aaron the priest will be responsible for the oil of the lampstand, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. In fact, Eleazar will be responsible for the entire Tabernacle and everything in it, including the sanctuary and its furnishings.”

English Standard Version
“And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall have charge of the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the regular grain offering, and the anointing oil, with the oversight of the whole tabernacle and all that is in it, of the sanctuary and its vessels.”

Berean Standard Bible
Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“The appointed duty of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest is the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the daily grain offering, the anointing oil, the oversight of all the tabernacle, of all that is in it, with the sanctuary and its furnishings.”

New American Standard Bible
“Now the responsibility of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest is the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the continual grain offering, and the anointing oil—the responsibility of all the tabernacle and everything that is in it, with the sanctuary and its furnishings.”

NASB 1995
“The responsibility of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest is the oil for the light and the fragrant incense and the continual grain offering and the anointing oil— the responsibility of all the tabernacle and of all that is in it, with the sanctuary and its furnishings.”

NASB 1977
“And the responsibility of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest is the oil for the light and the fragrant incense and the continual grain offering and the anointing oil—the responsibility of all the tabernacle and of all that is in it, with the sanctuary and its furnishings.”

Legacy Standard Bible
“And the assignment of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest is the oil for the light and the fragrant incense and the continual grain offering and the anointing oil—the assignment of all the tabernacle and of all that is in it, with the sanctuary and its furnishings.”

Amplified Bible
“The responsibility of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, is the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the continual grain offering, and the anointing oil—the responsibility of all the tabernacle and everything that is in it, with the sanctuary and its furnishings.”

Christian Standard Bible
“Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has oversight of the lamp oil, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, the holy objects and their utensils.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has oversight of the lamp oil, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, the holy objects and their utensils.”

American Standard Version
And the charge of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the continual meal-offering, and the anointing oil, the charge of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, the sanctuary, and the furniture thereof.

Contemporary English Version
Eleazar son of Aaron the priest will be in charge of the oil for the lamps, the sweet-smelling incense, the grain for the sacrifices, and the olive oil used for dedications and ordinations. Eleazar is responsible for seeing that the sacred tent, its furnishings, and the sacred objects are taken care of.

English Revised Version
And the charge of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the continual meal offering, and the anointing oil, the charge of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, the sanctuary, and the furniture thereof.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"Eleazar, son of the priest Aaron, will be in charge of the oil for the lamps, the sweet-smelling incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He is in charge of the whole tent and everything in it, the holy place and its contents."

Good News Translation
Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall be responsible for the whole Tent and for the oil for the lamps, the incense, the grain offerings, the anointing oil, and everything else in the Tent that has been consecrated to the LORD.

International Standard Version
"Now the duty of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest is to maintain the oil for the light, the spiced incense, the daily offerings, the oil for anointing, and to carry out all the duties of the tent and the sanctuary, and to maintain its utensils."

Majority Standard Bible
Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.?

NET Bible
"The appointed responsibility of Eleazar son of Aaron the priest is for the oil for the light, and the spiced incense, and the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil; he also has the appointed responsibility over all the tabernacle with all that is in it, over the sanctuary and over all its furnishings."

New Heart English Bible
"The duty of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the continual meal offering, and the anointing oil, the requirements of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it, the sanctuary, and its furnishings."

Webster's Bible Translation
And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertain 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 is in it, in the sanctuary, and in its vessels.

World English Bible
“The duty of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the continual meal offering, and the anointing oil, the requirements of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it, the sanctuary, and its furnishings.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the oversight of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, [is] the oil of the lamp, and the spice-incense, and the present of continuity, and the anointing oil, the oversight of all the Dwelling Place and of all that [is] in it, in the sanctuary and in its vessels.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the oversight of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, is the oil of the lamp, and the spice-perfume, and the present of continuity, and the anointing oil, the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it, in the sanctuary, and in its vessels.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the care of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, the oil of the light, and the incense of aromatics, and the continual gift, and the oil of anointing, and the care of all the dwelling and all which in it, in the holy place, and in its vessels.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And over them shall be Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, to whose charge pertaineth the oil to dress the lamps, and the sweet incense, and the sacrifice, that is always offered, and the oil of unction, and whatsoever pertaineth to the service of the tabernacle, and of all the vessels that are in the sanctuary.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Over them shall be Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, to whom belongs the care of the oil to prepare the lamps, and the incense compound, and the sacrifice, which is offered continually, and the oil of unction, and whatever pertains to the service of the tabernacle, and all the vessels that are in the Sanctuary.”

New American Bible
Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, shall be in charge of the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the established grain offering, and the anointing oil. He shall be in charge of the whole tabernacle with all the sacred objects and utensils that are in it.

New Revised Standard Version
Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall have charge of the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the regular grain offering, and the anointing oil, the oversight of all the tabernacle and all that is in it, in the sanctuary and in its utensils.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertains the charge of the oil for the light and the sweet incense and the daily meal offering and the anointing oil and the oversight of all the tabernacle and of all the things that are in it and of the sanctuary and its vessels.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the authority of Eliazar the son of Ahron the Priest of the oil of the lamps and incense of sweet spices and constant meal offering and oil of anointing; he is authorized over all the Tabernacle and over everything that is in it and in the Holy Place and with its implements.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the charge of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the continual meal-offering, and the anointing oil: he shall have the charge of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, whether it be the sanctuary, or the furniture thereof.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest is overseer - the oil of the light, and the incense of composition, and the daily meat-offering and the anointing oil, are his charge; even the oversight of the whole tabernacle, and all things that are in it in the holy place, in all the works.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Duties of the Kohathites
15When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their equipment, as soon as the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites shall come and do the carrying. But they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die. These are the transportation duties of the Kohathites regarding the Tent of Meeting. 16Eleazar son of Aaron the priest shall oversee the oil for the light, the fragrant incense, the daily grain offering, and the anointing oil. He has oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including the holy objects and their utensils.” 17Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,…

Cross References
Exodus 30:23-38
“Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, / 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. / Prepare from these a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil. ...

Leviticus 24:1-9
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. / Outside the veil of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps continually before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the generations to come. ...

Exodus 27:20-21
And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. / 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 25:6
olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense;

Exodus 37:29
He also made the sacred anointing oil and the pure, fragrant incense, the work of a perfumer.

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 10:1-2
Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command. / So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.

1 Chronicles 9:29-32
Others were put in charge of the furnishings and other articles of the sanctuary, as well as the fine flour, wine, oil, frankincense, and spices. / And some of the sons of the priests mixed the spices. / A Levite named Mattithiah, the firstborn son of Shallum the Korahite, was entrusted with baking the bread. ...

1 Samuel 2:28
And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites.

1 Kings 7:48-50
Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence; / the lampstands of pure gold in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right side and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs; / the pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (that is, the Most Holy Place) as well as for the doors of the main hall of the temple.

2 Chronicles 13:10-11
But as for us, the LORD is our God. We have not forsaken Him; the priests who minister to the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties. / Every morning and every evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the LORD. They set out the rows of showbread on the ceremonially clean table, and every evening they light the lamps of the gold lampstand. We are carrying out the requirements of the LORD our God, while you have forsaken Him.

Hebrews 9:2-4
A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place. / Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, / containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.

Revelation 8:3-5
Then another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. / And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel. / Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Luke 1:9-11
he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. / And at the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside. / Just then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.


Treasury of Scripture

And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertains 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.

the office.

Numbers 3:32
And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.

the oil

Exodus 25:6
Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,

Exodus 27:20,21
And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always…

Leviticus 24:2
Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.

the sweet

Exodus 30:34-38
And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight: …

the daily

Exodus 29:39-41
The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even: …

the anointing

Exodus 30:23-33
Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, …

the oversight

Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Acts 20:28
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

1 Corinthians 4:1
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Jump to Previous
Aaron Anointing Charge Continual Daily Eleazar Furnishings Incense Light Meal Meat Meat-Offering Offering Office Oil Oversight Pertain Pertaineth Priest Requirements Sanctuary Sweet Tabernacle Therein Thereof Vessels
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Aaron Anointing Charge Continual Daily Eleazar Furnishings Incense Light Meal Meat Meat-Offering Offering Office Oil Oversight Pertain Pertaineth Priest Requirements Sanctuary Sweet Tabernacle Therein Thereof Vessels
Numbers 4
1. The age at which the Levites were to serve, and the duration of the service
4. The duty of the Kohathites
16. The charge of Eleazar
17. The office of the priests
21. The duty of the Gershonites
29. Of the Merarites
34. The number of the Kohathites
38. Of the Gershonites
42. And of the Merarites














Eleazar son of Aaron the priest
Eleazar, whose name means "God has helped" in Hebrew, was the third son of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel. As a priest, Eleazar held a significant role in the spiritual leadership of the Israelites. His position as a son of Aaron underscores the hereditary nature of the priesthood, which was established by God to maintain the sanctity and order of worship. This lineage emphasizes the continuity and faithfulness of God's covenant with Israel, as the priesthood was a vital link between God and His people.

is to have oversight
The Hebrew word for "oversight" is "paqad," which implies a sense of responsibility, care, and authority. Eleazar's role was not merely administrative but deeply spiritual, as he was entrusted with the sacred duty of ensuring that the worship practices were conducted according to God's commands. This oversight reflects the importance of order and reverence in worship, highlighting the need for leaders who are both faithful and diligent in their service to God.

of the oil for the light
The oil for the light refers to the pure olive oil used in the golden lampstand (menorah) within the Tabernacle. This light symbolized God's presence and guidance among His people. The continuous burning of the lampstand was a reminder of the eternal nature of God's covenant and His unwavering presence. The oil's purity signifies the holiness required in approaching God, and Eleazar's responsibility for it underscores the need for purity and dedication in spiritual leadership.

the fragrant incense
Incense in the Tabernacle was a symbol of prayer and worship ascending to God. The specific blend of spices used for the incense was sacred and not to be replicated for personal use, highlighting the distinctiveness of worship. Eleazar's duty to oversee the incense signifies the importance of maintaining the sanctity and exclusivity of worship, ensuring that it remains a pleasing aroma to God, free from corruption or imitation.

the daily grain offering
The daily grain offering, or "minchah," was a regular sacrifice that represented the people's dedication and gratitude to God. It was a reminder of God's provision and the Israelites' dependence on Him. Eleazar's oversight of this offering emphasizes the need for consistency and faithfulness in worship, as well as the importance of acknowledging God's continual blessings in the lives of His people.

and the anointing oil
The anointing oil was used to consecrate priests, kings, and sacred objects, setting them apart for God's service. It symbolizes the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment. Eleazar's responsibility for the anointing oil highlights the necessity of divine empowerment and sanctification in leadership and service, reminding us that true service to God requires His anointing and blessing.

He is to have oversight of the entire tabernacle and everything in it
This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of Eleazar's responsibilities. The Tabernacle was the dwelling place of God among His people, and its maintenance was crucial for the Israelites' spiritual life. Eleazar's oversight of the entire Tabernacle signifies the holistic nature of spiritual leadership, which involves caring for both the physical and spiritual aspects of worship.

including its holy furnishings and articles
The holy furnishings and articles within the Tabernacle were not merely functional but symbolic of deeper spiritual truths. Each item pointed to aspects of God's character and His relationship with His people. Eleazar's duty to oversee these items highlights the importance of understanding and preserving the sacred symbols of faith, ensuring that they continue to point the people towards God and His holiness.

(16) The oil for the light.--Or, for the candlestick (Exodus 25:6).

The sweet incense.--Or, the incense of spices (Exodus 25:6).

The daily meat offering.--Better, the continual meat offering--i.e., the morning and evening minchah (Exodus 29:38-42).

The anointing oil.--i.e., "the oil of holy ointment" with which the tent of meeting, the vessels of the Sanctuary, and the priests were to be anointed (Exodus 30:23-31). . . .

Verse 16. - To the office of Eleazar,... oversight. Septuagint, ἐπίσκοπος Αλεάζαρ... :ἡ ἑπισκοπὴ. On him was laid the oversight of and the responsibility for all the material appliances of Divine worship, and in especial it devolved upon him to see to the oil, the incense, and the chrism, and the materials for the daily meat offering. No doubt it is intended, although not precisely expressed, that the Kohathites were specially under his orders.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Eleazar
אֶלְעָזָ֣ר ׀ (’el·‘ā·zār)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 499: Eleazar -- 'God has helped', six Israelites

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Aaron
אַהֲרֹ֣ן (’a·hă·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

the priest
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן (hak·kō·hên)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548: Priest

shall oversee
וּפְקֻדַּ֞ת (ū·p̄ə·qud·daṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6486: Oversight, mustering, visitation, store

the oil
שֶׁ֤מֶן (še·men)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

for the light,
הַמָּאוֹר֙ (ham·mā·’ō·wr)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3974: A luminous body, luminary, light, brightness, cheerfulness, a chandelier

the fragrant
הַסַּמִּ֔ים (has·sam·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5561: Spice (used in incense)

incense,
וּקְטֹ֣רֶת (ū·qə·ṭō·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7004: Smoke, odor of (burning) sacrifice, incense

the daily
הַתָּמִ֖יד (hat·tā·mîḏ)
Article | Adverb
Strong's 8548: Continuance, constant, ellipt, the regular, sacrifice

grain offering,
וּמִנְחַ֥ת (ū·min·ḥaṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering

and the anointing
הַמִּשְׁחָ֑ה (ham·miš·ḥāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4888: Unction, a consecratory gift

oil.
וְשֶׁ֣מֶן (wə·še·men)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

He has oversight
פְּקֻדַּ֗ת (pə·qud·daṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6486: Oversight, mustering, visitation, store

of the entire
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

tabernacle
הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ (ham·miš·kān)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908: A residence, the Tabernacle

and everything
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

in it,
בּ֔וֹ (bōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

including the holy objects
בְּקֹ֖דֶשׁ (bə·qō·ḏeš)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

and their utensils.?
וּבְכֵלָֽיו׃ (ū·ḇə·ḵê·lāw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus


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OT Law: Numbers 4:16 The duty of Eleazar the son (Nu Num.)
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