Numbers 18:6 Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting.

◄ Numbers 18:6 ►

New International Version
I myself have selected your fellow Levites from among the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to do the work at the tent of meeting.

New Living Translation
I myself have chosen your fellow Levites from among the Israelites to be your special assistants. They are a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD for service in the Tabernacle.

English Standard Version
And behold, I have taken your brothers the Levites from among the people of Israel. They are a gift to you, given to the LORD, to do the service of the tent of meeting.

Berean Standard Bible
Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting.

King James Bible
And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

New King James Version
Behold, I Myself have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel; they are a gift to you, given by the LORD, to do the work of the tabernacle of meeting.

New American Standard Bible
Behold, I Myself have taken your fellow Levites from among the sons of Israel; they are a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD, to perform the service for the tent of meeting.

NASB 1995
“Behold, I Myself have taken your fellow Levites from among the sons of Israel; they are a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD, to perform the service for the tent of meeting.

NASB 1977
“And behold, I Myself have taken your fellow Levites from among the sons of Israel; they are a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD, to perform the service for the tent of meeting.

Legacy Standard Bible
And behold, I Myself have taken your brothers the Levites from among the sons of Israel; they are a gift to you, given to Yahweh, to perform the service for the tent of meeting.

Amplified Bible
Behold, I Myself have taken your fellow Levites from among the sons of Israel; they are a gift to you, given (dedicated) to the LORD, to do the service for the Tent of Meeting (tabernacle).

Christian Standard Bible
Look, I have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift for you, assigned by the LORD to work at the tent of meeting.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Look, I have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift for you, assigned by the LORD to work at the tent of meeting.

American Standard Version
And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are a gift, given unto Jehovah, to do the service of the tent of meeting.

Contemporary English Version
I alone chose the Levites from all the other tribes to belong to me, and I have given them to you as your helpers.

English Revised Version
And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are a gift, given unto the LORD, to do the service of the tent of meeting.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I have chosen the other Levites from among the Israelites to help you. They are a gift given to the LORD to do whatever work is necessary at the tent of meeting.

Good News Translation
I am the one who has chosen your relatives the Levites from among the Israelites as a gift to you. They are dedicated to me, so that they can carry out their duties in the Tent.

International Standard Version
Notice that I've taken your brothers, the descendants of Levi, from among the Israelis, giving them to you as a gift from the LORD to perform the service of the Tent of Meeting.

Majority Standard Bible
Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting.

NET Bible
I myself have chosen your brothers the Levites from among the Israelites. They are given to you as a gift from the LORD, to perform the duties of the tent of meeting.

New Heart English Bible
And as for me, look, I have taken your brothers the Levites from among the children of Israel; they are a gift to you, given to the LORD, to do the service of the Tent of Meeting.

Webster's Bible Translation
And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

World English Bible
Behold, I myself have taken your brothers the Levites from among the children of Israel. They are a gift to you, dedicated to Yahweh, to do the service of the Tent of Meeting.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I, behold, have taken your brothers the Levites from the midst of the sons of Israel; they are a gift given to you by YHWH to do the service of the Tent of Meeting;

Young's Literal Translation
'And I, lo, I have taken your brethren the Levites from the midst of the sons of Israel; to you a gift they are given by Jehovah, to do the service of the tent of meeting;

Smith's Literal Translation
And I, behold, I took your brethren the Levites from the midst of the sons of Israel: to you being given a gift to Jehovah to serve the services of the tent of appointment.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
I have given you your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel, and have delivered them for a gift to the Lord, to serve in the ministries of the tabernacle.

Catholic Public Domain Version
I have given your brothers, the Levites, to you from the midst of the sons of Israel, and I have delivered them as a gift to the Lord, in order to serve in the ministries of his tabernacle.

New American Bible
I hereby take your kinsmen, the Levites, from among the Israelites; they are a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD for the labor they perform for the tent of meeting.

New Revised Standard Version
It is I who now take your brother Levites from among the Israelites; they are now yours as a gift, dedicated to the LORD, to perform the service of the tent of meeting.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel; they are given as a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I, behold, I have brought your brothers the Levites from within the sons of Israel; they are given as a gift to LORD JEHOVAH to do the service of the Time Tabernacle.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel; for you they are given as a gift unto the LORD, to do the service of the tent of meeting.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I have taken your brethren the Levites out of the midst of the children of Israel, a present given to the Lord, to minister in the services of the tabernacle of witness.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Duties of Priests and Levites
…5And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that wrath may not fall on the Israelites again. 6Behold, I Myself have selected your fellow Levites from the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the LORD to perform the service for the Tent of Meeting. 7But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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.

Leviticus 8:6-13
Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. / He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. / Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. ...

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.

Hebrews 5:1-4
Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. / He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness. / That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. ...

1 Peter 2:5
you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

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.

1 Chronicles 15:2
Then David said, “No one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, because the LORD has chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister before Him 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.”

Hebrews 7:11-12
Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? / For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well.

1 Corinthians 9:13
Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings?

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.

Malachi 2:4-7
Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts. / “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. / True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. ...

Hebrews 9:6-7
When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties. / 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.

2 Chronicles 31:2
Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.

Nehemiah 12:44-47
And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving. / They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. ...

Treasury of Scripture

And I, behold, I have taken your brothers the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the LORD, to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

and I.

Genesis 6:17
And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.

Genesis 9:9
And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;

Exodus 14:17
And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

I have

Numbers 3:12,45
And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that openeth the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine; …

given

Numbers 3:9
And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel.

Numbers 8:16-19
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…

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Numbers 18

1. The charge of the priests and Levites
8. The priests, portion
21. The Levites,
25. The heave offering to the priests out of the Levites' portion

Berean Study Bible

Behold
The word "Behold" is a call to attention, urging the listener or reader to focus on what follows. In Hebrew, this is often translated from "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an imperative to observe or consider something significant. In the context of Numbers 18:6, it emphasizes the importance of the message God is delivering to Aaron regarding the Levites. This divine directive is not to be taken lightly, as it pertains to the sacred duties and responsibilities within the tabernacle.

I Myself
This phrase underscores the personal involvement of God in the matter at hand. The Hebrew text uses "אָנֹכִי" (anokhi), which is a strong, emphatic form of "I." It highlights God's direct action and authority in appointing the Levites. This personal involvement signifies the importance of the Levites' role and the divine origin of their appointment, reinforcing that their service is not a human decision but a divine mandate.

have taken
The phrase "have taken" indicates a deliberate action by God. The Hebrew root "לָקַח" (laqach) means to take, seize, or acquire. This conveys that God has actively chosen the Levites for a specific purpose. It is not a passive selection but an intentional act of setting apart a group for His service, emphasizing the sovereignty and intentionality of God in His divine plan.

your brothers the Levites
Here, "your brothers the Levites" refers to the tribe of Levi, who are kin to Aaron and his descendants. The Levites are set apart from the other tribes of Israel for special service to God. Historically, the Levites were chosen for their loyalty during the incident of the golden calf (Exodus 32:26-29). This familial term "brothers" underscores the close relationship and shared heritage between Aaron's priestly line and the broader Levitical tribe, highlighting unity in their divine service.

from among the Israelites
This phrase indicates the selection of the Levites from the larger community of the Israelites. The Levites are distinguished from the other tribes, set apart for a unique role. This separation is not for privilege but for service, emphasizing their dedication to God and the community. It reflects the biblical theme of being in the world but set apart for God's purposes, a concept that resonates throughout Scripture.

as a gift
The term "as a gift" signifies the Levites' role as a divine provision for the priesthood and the people of Israel. The Hebrew word "מַתָּנָה" (mattanah) implies a present or offering. This portrays the Levites as a gracious gift from God to assist Aaron and his sons in their priestly duties. It highlights the generosity of God in providing for the needs of His people and ensuring the proper worship and service within the tabernacle.

to you
The phrase "to you" is directed towards Aaron, indicating that the Levites are given to him and his descendants to aid in their priestly responsibilities. This personalizes the gift, showing that God is providing for Aaron's needs in fulfilling his divine calling. It underscores the partnership between the priests and the Levites in maintaining the sanctity and order of worship.

dedicated to the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the consecration of the Levites to God's service. The Hebrew root "נָתַן" (nathan) in this context implies being given or devoted. The Levites are not merely assistants but are wholly dedicated to the LORD, serving as His representatives. This dedication is a reminder of the holiness required in serving God and the need for purity and devotion in all aspects of worship and service.

to perform the work at the Tent of Meeting
The "work at the Tent of Meeting" refers to the various duties the Levites are to perform in the tabernacle, the central place of worship for the Israelites. This includes tasks such as setting up and taking down the tabernacle, transporting it, and assisting the priests in sacrifices and rituals. The Tent of Meeting, or "אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד" (Ohel Moed), is where God met with Moses and the priests, symbolizing His presence among His people. The Levites' work is crucial in maintaining the tabernacle's function as a place of divine encounter, underscoring the importance of their role in facilitating the worship and spiritual life of Israel.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 6. - I have taken your brethren the Levites. See on chapter Numbers 3:9; 8:19.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Behold,
הִנֵּ֤ה (hin·nêh)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

I Myself
וַאֲנִ֗י (wa·’ă·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

have selected
לָקַ֙חְתִּי֙ (lā·qaḥ·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3947: To take

your fellow
אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם (’ă·ḥê·ḵem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Levites
הַלְוִיִּ֔ם (hal·wî·yim)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

from
מִתּ֖וֹךְ (mit·tō·wḵ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

the Israelites
בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

as a gift
מַתָּנָ֤ה (mat·tā·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4979: A present, a sacrificial offering, a bribe

to you,
לָכֶ֞ם (lā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

dedicated
נְתֻנִים֙ (nə·ṯu·nîm)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

to the LORD
לַֽיהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

to perform
לַעֲבֹ֕ד (la·‘ă·ḇōḏ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave

the service
עֲבֹדַ֖ת (‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5656: Work of any kind

for the Tent
אֹ֥הֶל (’ō·hel)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 168: A tent

of Meeting.
מוֹעֵֽד׃ (mō·w·‘êḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150: Appointed time, place, or meeting

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OT Law: Numbers 18:6 I behold I have taken your brothers (Nu Num.)