Numbers 6:22

New English Translation

²²^[a] The Lord spoke to Moses:

Numbers 6:22 sn This brief section records the blessing of the priest, especially the high priest after he emerges from the holy of holies to bless the people (see Lev 9:22). The two main elements in the oracle are “grace and peace.” It is probable that the Apostle Paul based his salutations on this oracle. For additional information, see L. J. Liebreich, “The Songs of Ascent and the Priestly Blessing,” JBL 74 (1955): 33-36; P. D. Miller, “The Blessing of God: An Interpretation of Num 6:22-27, ” Int 29 (1975): 240-51; and A. Murtonen, “The Use and Meaning of the Words l^ebarek and b^erakah in the Old Testament,” VT 9 (1959): 158-77.

Numbers 6:23

New English Translation

²³“Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is the way^[a] you are to bless^[b] the Israelites. Say^[c] to them:

Numbers 6:23 tn Or “thus.”
Numbers 6:23 tn The Piel imperfect has the nuance of instruction. The particle “thus” explains that the following oracle is the form to use.
Numbers 6:23 tn Here is the only use of the verb אָמַר (ʾamar) as an infinitive absolute; it functions as a verb form, an imperative or an imperfect of instruction. Several commentators have attempted to emend the text to get around the difficulty, but such emendations are unnecessary.

New English Translation (NET)