Numbers 8:12
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.

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.

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.

Majority 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.

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.

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 Version
And 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.

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 Bible
The 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 Bible
And 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 1917
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.

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
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.

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 8:14
Moses then brought the bull near for the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on its head.

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 29:10
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.

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.

Leviticus 9:8
So Aaron approached the altar and slaughtered the calf as a sin offering for himself.

Leviticus 14:19-20
Then the priest is to sacrifice the sin offering and make atonement for the one to be cleansed from his uncleanness. After that, the priest shall slaughter the burnt offering / and offer it on the altar, with the grain offering, to make atonement for him, and he will be clean.

Leviticus 16:9
he shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering.

Hebrews 9:7
But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.

Hebrews 9:14
how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!

Hebrews 10:10
And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:14
because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.

Romans 12:1
Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.


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.

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Atone Atonement Bullocks Bulls Burned Burnt Burnt-Offering Hands Head Heads Lay Offer Offered Offering Oxen Sin Sin-Offering Use
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Atone Atonement Bullocks Bulls Burned Burnt Burnt-Offering Hands Head Heads Lay Offer Offered Offering Oxen Sin Sin-Offering Use
Numbers 8
1. How the lamps are to be lighted
5. The consecration of the Levites
23. The age and time of their service














And the Levites
The Levites were a distinct tribe in Israel, set apart for religious duties and service to the tabernacle. Their role was crucial in maintaining the spiritual life of the nation. The Hebrew root for Levites, "לֵוִי" (Levi), means "joined" or "attached," signifying their special attachment to God’s service. Historically, the Levites were chosen after the incident of the golden calf, where they stood with Moses (Exodus 32:26). This dedication set them apart for divine service, emphasizing the importance of holiness and obedience.

are to lay their hands
The act of laying hands is a significant ritual in the Hebrew tradition, symbolizing the transfer of sin, blessing, or authority. The Hebrew word "סָמַךְ" (samak) means to support or lean upon. In this context, it represents the Levites identifying with the sacrifice, acknowledging their need for atonement. This act of laying hands is a precursor to the New Testament practice of laying on of hands for blessing and commissioning, showing continuity in the biblical narrative.

on the heads of the bulls
The bull, or "פַּר" (par) in Hebrew, was a common sacrificial animal, symbolizing strength and service. The head represents leadership and identity, and by laying hands on the head, the Levites symbolically transferred their sins and responsibilities onto the animal. This act foreshadows Christ, the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, who bore the sins of humanity.

Then present one as a sin offering
The sin offering, "חַטָּאת" (chatat) in Hebrew, was a sacrifice for atonement of unintentional sins. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for purification. The offering underscores the holiness of God and the necessity of being cleansed to serve Him. This offering points to Jesus Christ, who became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

and the other as a burnt offering
The burnt offering, "עֹלָה" (olah) in Hebrew, signifies complete surrender to God, as the entire animal was consumed by fire. It represents total dedication and consecration. This offering is a reminder of the call to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). The burnt offering illustrates the believer’s call to wholehearted devotion.

to the LORD
The phrase "to the LORD" emphasizes that the offerings were directed to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. The Hebrew name "יְהוָה" (YHWH) is the sacred, personal name of God, denoting His eternal presence and faithfulness. This reminds believers of the personal relationship God desires with His people and His unchanging nature.

to make atonement for the Levites
Atonement, "כִּפֶּר" (kaphar) in Hebrew, means to cover or reconcile. It signifies the removal of sin and restoration of fellowship with God. The Levites, though set apart, needed atonement, highlighting that all have sinned and require God’s grace. This act prefigures the ultimate atonement made by Christ, who reconciled us to God through His sacrifice on the cross. The Levites’ atonement underscores the necessity of purity and holiness in service to God.

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 Levites
וְהַלְוִיִּם֙ (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


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OT Law: Numbers 8:12 The Levites shall lay their hands (Nu Num.)
Numbers 8:11
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