Keraia
Numbers 3

Numbers 3:4

The Sons of Aaron · Numbers 3:1–4
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Translations

Modern
Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.
Traditional
And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered strange fire before the Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the sight of Aaron their father.
Literal
And Nadab and Abihu died before the face of YHWH, when they offered strange fire before the face of YHWH in the Wilderness of Sinai, and they had no sons. And Eleazar and Ithamar ministered as priests before the face of Aaron their father.
Latin
Mortui sunt enim Nadab et Abiu cum offerrent ignem alienum in conspectu Domini in deserto Sinai, absque liberis: functique sunt sacerdotio Eleazar et Ithamar coram Aaron patre suo.

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
Nadab and Abihu, however, died in the presence of the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the Wilderness of Sinai. And since they had no sons, only Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.

Notes

Numbers 3:4
Numbers 3:1–4

Aaron's family line provided the priests who led Israel's worship. Aaron's four sons were the core of Israel's priesthood. They served in God's presence on behalf of the people. God chose (ordained) them to lead and serve as ministers in the Tent of Meeting. They also acted as guardians of God's covenant with his people.

Numbers 3:1–4:49

Israel's priests and Levites had duties like moving, assembling, protecting, and maintaining the Tent of Meeting. The way God organized the tribes highlighted his concern for these priestly tasks.

Theme notes and profiles

Eleazar

Parallels

Leviticus 10:1–7

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Abihu: Son of Aaron Eleazar: Son of Aaron, high priest after his father Ithamar: Youngest son of Aaron; served as priest Nadab: Son of Aaron, consumed by fire for offering incense

Places

Wilderness of Sinai: Wilderness where Israel camped after leaving Egypt

Glossary

Abihu Biblical Concept of Law Deuteronomy, Book of Eleazar Genealogy Ithamar Nadab Numbers, Book of

Topics

Abihu: Died Childless Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Mount Sinai: Nadab and Abihu Destroyed for offering Strange Fire Nadab: Son of Aaron: Offers |Strange| (Unauthorized) Fire to God, and is Destroyed Sacrilege: Nadab and Abihu offer |Strange| (Unauthorized) Fire