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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 3:3 These were Aaron's sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/3-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/04_Num_03_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 3:3 - The Sons of Aaron" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="These were Aaron's sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests." /><script type="application/javascript" 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href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Those were the names of Aaron&#8217s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />These sons of Aaron were anointed and ordained to minister as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he ordained to serve as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />These were Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />These <i>are</i> the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />These <i>are</i> the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he consecrated to minister as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he ordained to serve as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he ordained to serve as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he ordained to serve as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he ordained to minister as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests who were anointed, whom Aaron consecrated <i>and</i> ordained to minister in the priest’s office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />These are the names of Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />These are the names of Aaron&#8217s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests that were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />were the ones to be ordained as priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />These are the names of Aaron's sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They were anointed and ordained as priests, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />who were anointed priests and whom he consecrated as priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />These were Aaron?s sons, the anointed priests, who were ordained to serve as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he consecrated to minister as priests. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests who were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests who were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests who were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest’s office. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />these [are] the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whose hand he has consecrated for acting as priest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> these are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whose hand he hath consecrated for acting as priest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />These the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests being anointed, of whom he filled their hands to be priests.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />These the names of the sons of Aaron the priests that were anointed, and whose hands were filled and consecrated, to do the functions of priesthood. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />These the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests who were anointed and whose hands were filled and consecrated in order to exercise the priesthood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />These are the names of Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests whom he ordained to serve as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />these are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he ordained to minister as priests.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron the priest, who were anointed and consecrated to minister in the priest's office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Ahron the Priest who were anointed and they consecrated their hands to the Priesthood.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests that were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />These <i>are</i> the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests whom they consecrated to the priesthood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/3-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=658" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/3.htm">The Sons of Aaron</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, then Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: ’êl·leh (Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">These</a> <a href="/hebrew/175.htm" title="175: ’a·hă·rōn (N-proper-ms) -- An elder brother of Moses. Of uncertain derivation; Aharon, the brother of Moses.">were Aaron’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·mō·wṯ (N-mpc) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4886.htm" title="4886: ham·mə·šu·ḥîm (Art:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-mp) -- To smear, anoint. A primitive root; to rub with oil, i.e. To anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint.">the anointed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hă·nîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">priests,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/4390.htm" title="4390: mil·lê (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To be full, to fill. Or malae; a primitive root, to fill or be full of, in a wide application.">were ordained</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏām (N-fsc:: 3mp) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/3547.htm" title="3547: lə·ḵa·hên (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To act as a priest. ">to serve as priests.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/28-1.htm">Exodus 28:1</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/8-30.htm">Leviticus 8:30</a></span><br />Next, Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled them on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and their garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments, as well as Aaron’s sons and their garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/29-9.htm">Exodus 29:9</a></span><br />Wrap the sashes around Aaron and his sons and tie headbands on them. The priesthood shall be theirs by a permanent statute. In this way you are to ordain Aaron and his sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/8-12.htm">Leviticus 8:12</a></span><br />He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/40-13.htm">Exodus 40:13-15</a></span><br />And you are to clothe Aaron with the holy garments, anoint him, and consecrate him, so that he may serve Me as a priest. / Bring his sons forward and clothe them with tunics. / Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so that they may also serve Me as priests. Their anointing will qualify them for a permanent priesthood throughout their generations.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/10-1.htm">Leviticus 10:1-2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/24-1.htm">1 Chronicles 24:1-2</a></span><br />These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-4.htm">Hebrews 5:4</a></span><br />No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-28.htm">1 Samuel 2:28</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/28-41.htm">Exodus 28:41</a></span><br />After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them so that they may serve Me as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/21-10.htm">Leviticus 21:10</a></span><br />The priest who is highest among his brothers, who has had the anointing oil poured on his head and has been ordained to wear the priestly garments, must not let his hair hang loose or tear his garments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-28.htm">Hebrews 7:28</a></span><br />For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-49.htm">1 Chronicles 6:49</a></span><br />But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Hebrews 9:6-7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-27.htm">1 Kings 2:27</a></span><br />So Solomon banished Abiathar from the priesthood of the LORD and thus fulfilled the word that the LORD had spoken at Shiloh against the house of Eli.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.</p><p class="hdg">the priests</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/28-41.htm">Exodus 28:41</a></b></br> And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/40-13.htm">Exodus 40:13,15</a></b></br> And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/8-2.htm">Leviticus 8:2,12,30</a></b></br> Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread; … </p><p class="hdg">whom he consecrated.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/29-1.htm">Exodus 29:1-37</a></b></br> And this <i>is</i> the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/8-1.htm">Leviticus 8:1</a></b></br> And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/9-1.htm">Leviticus 9:1</a></b></br> And it came to pass on the eighth day, <i>that</i> Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/3-2.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-9.htm">Aaron's</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-41.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-32.htm">Anointed</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-10.htm">Consecrated</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-33.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-8.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-33.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/numbers/1-17.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/numbers/1-50.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-32.htm">Office</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-2.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-10.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-23.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/leviticus/16-32.htm">Priesthood</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-21.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-21.htm">Priest's</a> <a href="/numbers/1-45.htm">Serve</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/3-4.htm">Aaron</a> <a href="/numbers/17-3.htm">Aaron's</a> <a href="/numbers/5-6.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/numbers/6-15.htm">Anointed</a> <a href="/numbers/3-13.htm">Consecrated</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-7.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/numbers/4-28.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/numbers/3-13.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/numbers/17-5.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/numbers/3-6.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/numbers/3-4.htm">Office</a> <a href="/numbers/4-9.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/numbers/24-23.htm">Ordained</a> <a href="/numbers/3-6.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/numbers/3-10.htm">Priesthood</a> <a href="/numbers/3-4.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/numbers/3-4.htm">Priest's</a> <a href="/numbers/3-6.htm">Serve</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-1.htm">The sons of Aaron</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-5.htm">The Levites are given to the priests instead of the firstborn</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-14.htm">Are numbered by their families</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-21.htm">The families, number, and charge of the Gershonites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-27.htm">Of the Kohathites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-33.htm">Of the Merarites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">38. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-38.htm">The place and charge of Moses and Aaron</a></span><br><span class="reftext">40. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-40.htm">The firstborn are freed by the Levites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">44. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/3-44.htm">The balances are refunded</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>These were Aaron’s sons</b><br>Aaron, the brother of Moses, was appointed by God as the first high priest of Israel. His sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, were chosen to serve alongside him. This lineage is significant as it establishes the hereditary priesthood in Israel, a role that would be passed down through Aaron's descendants. The priesthood was a central institution in Israelite religion, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle. The mention of Aaron's sons highlights the importance of family lineage in the priestly duties, as seen in <a href="/exodus/28.htm">Exodus 28:1</a>, where God commands Moses to bring Aaron and his sons to serve as priests.<p><b>the anointed priests</b><br>Anointing with oil was a symbolic act signifying consecration and setting apart for a holy purpose. In the case of Aaron's sons, it marked their official induction into the priesthood. This practice of anointing is seen throughout the Old Testament, often associated with kings and prophets, indicating divine selection and empowerment. The anointing of priests is detailed in <a href="/exodus/29-7.htm">Exodus 29:7</a> and <a href="/leviticus/8-12.htm">Leviticus 8:12</a>, where Moses anoints Aaron and his sons, signifying their sanctification for service in the tabernacle. This act foreshadows the anointing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest, as described in <a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14-16</a>.<p><b>who were ordained to serve as priests</b><br>The ordination of Aaron's sons involved a series of rituals, including sacrifices and the wearing of specific garments, as outlined in <a href="/leviticus/8.htm">Leviticus 8</a>. This ordination was not merely a ceremonial act but a divine appointment, emphasizing the sacred nature of their duties. The priests served as mediators between God and the people, offering sacrifices and maintaining the holiness of the tabernacle. This role is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as the mediator of a new covenant, as seen in <a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a>. The ordination underscores the continuity of God's plan for redemption, with the priesthood serving as a type of Christ's ultimate priestly ministry.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/aaron.htm">Aaron</a></b><br>The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He was chosen by God to lead the priesthood and serve as a mediator between God and the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sons_of_aaron.htm">Sons of Aaron</a></b><br>The verse specifically refers to Aaron's sons who were anointed and ordained as priests. This includes Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, though Nadab and Abihu later died due to offering unauthorized fire before the Lord.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/anointed_priests.htm">Anointed Priests</a></b><br>This refers to the special consecration and setting apart of Aaron's sons for the priestly duties. Anointing with oil was a significant ritual symbolizing the Holy Spirit's empowerment and God's selection.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/o/ordination.htm">Ordination</a></b><br>The process by which Aaron's sons were officially appointed to serve as priests. This involved specific rituals and sacrifices as outlined in the Mosaic Law.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/priestly_service.htm">Priestly Service</a></b><br>The duties and responsibilities assigned to the priests, including offering sacrifices, maintaining the tabernacle, and teaching the Israelites God's laws.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_divine_calling.htm">The Importance of Divine Calling</a></b><br>Just as Aaron's sons were specifically chosen and anointed for their roles, believers today are called to recognize and honor God's calling in their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_in_service.htm">Holiness in Service</a></b><br>The anointing and ordination of Aaron's sons remind us of the need for holiness and reverence in serving God. Our service should be marked by obedience and respect for God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_spiritual_leadership.htm">The Role of Spiritual Leadership</a></b><br>Aaron and his sons were spiritual leaders for Israel. This underscores the responsibility of leaders today to guide others in truth and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>The account of Nadab and Abihu serves as a warning about the seriousness of disobedience and the need to approach God with reverence and respect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_our_high_priest.htm">Christ as Our High Priest</a></b><br>The priesthood of Aaron points forward to Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes for us and provides a way to approach God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_lev._8's_7-day_ordination.htm">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?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_differing_census_counts.htm">Numbers 3 - How do we reconcile these population figures with other biblical passages that present different census counts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_levite_genealogies_match_history.htm">Numbers 3 - Do the Levite genealogies align with any known historical or archaeological evidence outside the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_herod_the_great.htm">Who was Ithamar in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Whom he consecrated . . . --</span>Literally, <span class= "ital">filled their hand. </span>The rites of consecration are described at length in <a href="/context/exodus/29-1.htm" title="And this is the thing that you shall do to them to hallow them, to minister to me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,">Exodus 29:1-37</a>, where the command given to Moses is related. and in <a href="/context/leviticus/8-1.htm" title="And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,">Leviticus 8:1-13</a>, where the account is given of the actual consecration, on which occasion the appointed sacrificial offerings were placed by Moses in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons. The act of consecration was performed by Moses in the case of Aaron's sons, as well as in that of Aaron himself.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/numbers/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Whom</span> <span class="cmt_word">he consecrated.</span> The "he" is impersonal; the Septuagint has, "whose hands <span class="accented">they</span> filled." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/3-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">These</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֗לֶּה</span> <span class="translit">(’êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[were] Aaron’s</span><br /><span class="heb">אַהֲרֹ֔ן</span> <span class="translit">(’a·hă·rōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_175.htm">Strong's 175: </a> </span><span class="str2">Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sons,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the anointed</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמְּשֻׁחִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mə·šu·ḥîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4886.htm">Strong's 4886: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rub with oil, to anoint, to consecrate, to paint</span><br /><br /><span class="word">priests,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kō·hă·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were ordained</span><br /><span class="heb">מִלֵּ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(mil·lê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4390.htm">Strong's 4390: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fill, be full of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to serve as priests.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְכַהֵֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵa·hên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3547.htm">Strong's 3547: </a> </span><span class="str2">To officiate as a, priest, to put on regalia</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/3-3.htm">Numbers 3:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/3-3.htm">Numbers 3:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/3-3.htm">Numbers 3:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/3-3.htm">Numbers 3:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/3-3.htm">Numbers 3:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/3-3.htm">Numbers 3:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/3-3.htm">Numbers 3:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/3-3.htm">Numbers 3:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/3-3.htm">Numbers 3:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/3-3.htm">Numbers 3:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/3-3.htm">OT Law: Numbers 3:3 These are the names of the sons (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/3-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 3:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 3:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/3-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 3:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 3:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>