Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Then the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, using one for a sin offering to the LORD and the other for a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites. New Living Translation “Next the Levites will lay their hands on the heads of the young bulls. Present one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to the LORD, to purify the Levites and make them right with the LORD. English Standard Version Then the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to the LORD to make atonement for the Levites. Berean Standard Bible And the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and offer to the LORD one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites. Berean Literal Bible And the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the young bulls, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering and the one for a burnt offering to YHWH, to make atonement upon the Levites. King James Bible And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites. New King James Version Then the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the young bulls, and you shall offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites. New American Standard Bible Now the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls; then you are to offer the one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites. NASB 1995 “Now the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls; then offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites. NASB 1977 “Now the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls; then offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites. Legacy Standard Bible Now the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls; then offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to Yahweh, to make atonement for the Levites. Amplified Bible Then the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, then you are to offer the one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites. Berean Annotated Bible And the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and offer to the LORD {YHWH} one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites. Christian Standard Bible Next the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls. Sacrifice one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites. Holman Christian Standard Bible Next the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls. Sacrifice one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites.” American Standard Version And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and offer thou the one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, unto Jehovah, to make atonement for the Levites. Contemporary English Version After this, the Levites are to place their hands on the heads of the bulls. Sacrifice one of the bulls for the forgiveness of sin, and the other to make sure that I am pleased. Then the Levites will be acceptable to me. English Revised Version And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and offer thou the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites. GOD'S WORD® Translation "The Levites will place their hands on the heads of the young bulls. Sacrifice one of them as an offering for sin and the other one as a burnt offering to the LORD. These sacrifices will make peace with the LORD for the Levites. Good News Translation The Levites shall then put their hands on the heads of the two bulls; one is to be offered as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, in order to perform the ritual of purification for the Levites. International Standard Version The descendants of Levi are then to lay their hands on the head of the bulls, offering one for a sin offering and the other one for a burnt offering to the LORD to atone for the descendants of Levi. NET Bible When the Levites lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, offer the one for a purification offering and the other for a whole burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites. New Heart English Bible The Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites. Webster's Bible Translation And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, to the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and offer to the LORD one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites. World English Bible “The Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to Yahweh, to make atonement for the Levites. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the Levites lay their hands on the head of the bullocks, and make one a sin-offering and one a burnt-offering to YHWH, to atone for the Levites. Berean Literal Bible And the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the young bulls, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering and the one for a burnt offering to YHWH, to make atonement upon the Levites. Young's Literal Translation 'And the Levites lay their hands on the head of the bullocks, and make thou the one a sin-offering, and the one a burnt-offering to Jehovah, to atone for the Levites, Smith's Literal Translation And the Levites shall place their hands upon the head of the bullocks: and they did the one a sin, and the one a burnt-offering to Jehovah, to expiate for the Levites. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe Levites also shall put their hands upon the heads of the oxen, of which thou shalt sacrifice one for sin, and the other for a holocaust to the Lord, to pray for them. Catholic Public Domain Version Likewise, the Levites shall place their hands upon the heads of the oxen; you shall make use of one of these for sin, and the other as a holocaust to the Lord, so that you may intercede for them. New American Bible The Levites in turn shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, offering one as a purification offering and the other as a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites. New Revised Standard Version The Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and he shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Levites shall put their hands on the head of the bull and make one for sin and one for a burnt offering to LORD JEHOVAH that he would be atoned for the Levites. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks; and offer thou the one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, unto the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the calves; and thou shalt offer one for a sin-offering, and the other for a whole-burnt-offering to the Lord, to make atonement for them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Cleansing the Levites…11Aaron is to present the Levites before the LORD as a wave offering from the sons of Israel, so that they may perform the service of the LORD. 12And the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and offer to the LORD one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites. 13You are to have the Levites stand before Aaron and his sons and then present them before the LORD as a wave offering.… Cross References And the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, Exodus 29:10 You are to present the bull at the front of the Tent of Meeting, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head. Leviticus 4:4 He must bring the bull to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting before the LORD, lay his hand on the bull’s head, and slaughter it before the LORD. Leviticus 1:4 He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so it can be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him. and offer to the LORD one as a sin offering Leviticus 8:14 Moses then brought the bull near for the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. Leviticus 4:3 If the anointed priest sins, bringing guilt on the people, he must bring to the LORD a young bull without blemish as a sin offering for the sin he has committed. Leviticus 16:6 Aaron is to present the bull for his sin offering and make atonement for himself and his household. and the other as a burnt offering, Exodus 29:18 Then burn the entire ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the LORD, a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD. Leviticus 8:18 Then Moses presented the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head. Leviticus 1:9 The entrails and legs must be washed with water, and the priest shall burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. to make atonement for the Levites. Leviticus 16:30 because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD. Exodus 30:16 Take the atonement money from the Israelites and use it for the service of the Tent of Meeting. It will serve as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD to make atonement for your lives.” Numbers 31:50 So we have brought to the LORD an offering of the gold articles each man acquired—armlets, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD.” Leviticus 4:15 The elders of the congregation are to lay their hands on the bull’s head before the LORD, and it shall be slaughtered before the LORD. Leviticus 16:21 Then he is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man appointed for the task. Exodus 29:15 Take one of the rams, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on its head. Exodus 29:19 Take the second ram, and Aaron and his sons are to lay their hands on its head. Treasury of Scripture And the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bullocks: and you shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, to the LORD, to make an atonement for the Levites. levites Exodus 29:10 And thou shalt cause a bullock to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the head of the bullock. Leviticus 1:4 And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. Leviticus 8:14 And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering. the one Numbers 8:8 Then let them take a young bullock with his meat offering, even fine flour mingled with oil, and another young bullock shalt thou take for a sin offering. Numbers 6:14,16 And he shall offer his offering unto the LORD, one he lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings, … Leviticus 5:7,9,10 And if he be not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring for his trespass, which he hath committed, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, unto the LORD; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering… atonement Leviticus 1:4 And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. Leviticus 4:20,35 And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them… Leviticus 8:34 As he hath done this day, so the LORD hath commanded to do, to make an atonement for you. Jump to Previous Atone Atonement Bullocks Bulls Burned Burnt Burnt-Offering Hands Head Heads Lay Offer Offered Offering Oxen Sin Sin-Offering UseJump to Next Atone Atonement Bullocks Bulls Burned Burnt Burnt-Offering Hands Head Heads Lay Offer Offered Offering Oxen Sin Sin-Offering UseNumbers 8 1. How the lamps are to be lighted5. The consecration of the Levites 23. The age and time of their service And the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls This act of laying hands symbolizes the transfer of sin and identification with the sacrifice. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this was a common practice to signify the transference of guilt or responsibility. The Levites, chosen as a special tribe to serve in the tabernacle, needed purification and consecration for their service. This act parallels the Day of Atonement rituals in Leviticus 16, where the high priest lays hands on the scapegoat. It also foreshadows the laying on of hands in the New Testament, such as in Acts 6:6, where it signifies blessing and commissioning. and offer to the LORD one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to make atonement for the Levites Persons / Places / Events 1. LevitesA tribe set apart for religious duties and service in the Tabernacle. They were chosen by God to assist the priests and perform various tasks related to worship and sacrifices. 2. Bulls Animals used in sacrificial offerings. In this context, one bull is used for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. 3. Sin Offering A sacrifice made to atone for unintentional sins, emphasizing purification and reconciliation with God. 4. Burnt Offering A sacrifice that is completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication and surrender to God. 5. Atonement The process of making amends or reparation for sin, restoring the relationship between God and His people. Teaching Points The Role of the LevitesThe Levites were set apart for service, reminding us of our own calling to serve God and others in our unique capacities. Symbolism of Sacrifices The sin and burnt offerings symbolize atonement and dedication. As Christians, we are called to seek forgiveness and live lives fully dedicated to God. Atonement and Reconciliation The sacrificial system points to the need for atonement, ultimately fulfilled in Christ. We are reconciled to God through Jesus, who is our perfect sacrifice. Living Sacrifices Just as the burnt offering was wholly consumed, we are called to offer our lives completely to God, living in obedience and service. Holiness and Service The purification of the Levites before service underscores the importance of holiness in our own lives as we serve God and others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 8:12?2. How does Numbers 8:12 illustrate the importance of purification before serving God? 3. What role do offerings play in the Levites' consecration in Numbers 8:12? 4. How can we apply the concept of purification in our daily spiritual lives? 5. How does Numbers 8:12 connect to New Testament teachings on spiritual cleansing? 6. What does Numbers 8:12 teach about the relationship between sacrifice and service? 7. What is the significance of the Levites laying hands on the bulls in Numbers 8:12? 8. How does Numbers 8:12 reflect the concept of substitutionary atonement? 9. Why were two bulls required for the Levites' purification in Numbers 8:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 8? 11. How can Leviticus 8's insistence on a seven-day ordination period be reconciled with other references in the Old Testament that imply different consecration timelines? 12. Why does Numbers 8:24-25 state Levites begin serving at age 25, while Numbers 4:3 says they start at age 30? 13. Numbers 23:1-2: Is there any archaeological evidence supporting Balaam's elaborate sacrifices on seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams? 14. If the Levites replaced all Israel's firstborn in worship (Numbers 8:16-18), how does this reconcile with earlier promises safeguarding the special status of firstborns? What Does Numbers 8:12 Mean And the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls• Laying hands signals personal identification with the sacrifice (Leviticus 1:4; 4:4). • The entire tribe places its guilt and need for cleansing onto the bulls, acknowledging dependence on God’s ordained substitute (Exodus 29:10). • This public act reminds Israel that even ministers must first be cleansed before they serve (Hebrews 5:1-3). and offer to the LORD one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering • Two distinct sacrifices highlight two facets of fellowship with God: – Sin offering removes specific guilt (Leviticus 4:20). – Burnt offering expresses total consecration and surrender (Leviticus 1:9). • Presenting both offerings “to the LORD” underscores that all atonement originates with Him, not human merit (Romans 3:25). • Using bulls—a costly, valuable animal—shows the weight of sin and the value God places on holy service (2 Samuel 24:24). to make atonement for the Levites • Atonement literally “covers” (Leviticus 17:11), wiping the slate clean so the Levites can draw near without condemnation (Hebrews 9:22). • Although the Levites replace Israel’s firstborn (Numbers 3:12-13), they still require the same grace every sinner needs (Romans 3:23-24). • God thus establishes a principle: ministry flows from forgiven hearts, not flawless people (Isaiah 6:6-8; 1 Timothy 1:12-13). summary Numbers 8:12 depicts the Levites’ hands-on transfer of sin to costly sacrifices, followed by dual offerings that both cleanse and consecrate. God graciously provides atonement so His chosen servants can serve in purity and devotion—an enduring reminder that effective ministry begins with personal forgiveness and wholehearted surrender to the Lord. Verse 12. - Shall lay their hands upon the beads of the bullocks. In token that they constituted these victims the ritual representatives and embodiments, the one of their sin, to be consumed and done away as by fire, the other of their life and strength, to be wholly offered unto God and accepted as by fire.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And the Levitesוְהַלְוִיִּם֙ (wə·hal·wî·yim) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi are to lay יִסְמְכ֣וּ (yis·mə·ḵū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5564: To prop, to lean upon, take hold of their hands יְדֵיהֶ֔ם (yə·ḏê·hem) Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural Strong's 3027: A hand on עַ֖ל (‘al) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the heads רֹ֣אשׁ (rōš) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7218: The head of the bulls, הַפָּרִ֑ים (hap·pā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6499: Young bull, steer and offer וַ֠עֲשֵׂה (wa·‘ă·śêh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make to the LORD לַֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel one הָאֶחָ֨ד (hā·’e·ḥāḏ) Article | Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first as a sin offering חַטָּ֜את (ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender and the other הָאֶחָ֤ד (hā·’e·ḥāḏ) Article | Number - masculine singular Strong's 259: United, one, first as a burnt offering, עֹלָה֙ (‘ō·lāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5930: Whole burnt offering to make atonement לְכַפֵּ֖ר (lə·ḵap·pêr) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 3722: To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancel for עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the Levites. הַלְוִיִּֽם׃ (hal·wî·yim) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi Links Numbers 8:12 NIVNumbers 8:12 NLT Numbers 8:12 ESV Numbers 8:12 NASB Numbers 8:12 KJV Numbers 8:12 BibleApps.com Numbers 8:12 Biblia Paralela Numbers 8:12 Chinese Bible Numbers 8:12 French Bible Numbers 8:12 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 8:12 The Levites shall lay their hands (Nu Num.) |
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