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Numeri 3-4
Conferenza Episcopale Italiana
Numeri 3-4
Conferenza Episcopale Italiana
La tribù di Levi:
A. I sacerdoti
3 Questi sono i discendenti di Aronne e di Mosè quando il Signore parlò a Mosè sul monte Sinai. 2 Questi sono i nomi dei figli di Aronne: Nadab il primogenito, Abiu, Eleazaro e Itamar. 3 Tali i nomi dei figli di Aronne che ricevettero l'unzione come sacerdoti e furono consacrati per esercitare il sacerdozio. 4 Nadab e Abiu morirono davanti al Signore, quando offrirono fuoco profano davanti al Signore, nel deserto del Sinai. Essi non avevano figli ed Eleazaro e Itamar esercitarono il sacerdozio in presenza di Aronne, loro padre.
B. I leviti. Le loro funzioni
5 Il Signore disse a Mosè: 6 «Fà avvicinare la tribù dei leviti e presentala al sacerdote Aronne, perché sia al suo servizio. 7 Essi custodiranno quanto è affidato a lui e a tutta la comunità davanti alla tenda del convegno e presteranno servizio alla Dimora. 8 Avranno in custodia tutti gli arredi della tenda del convegno e di quanto è affidato agli Israeliti e presteranno servizio alla Dimora. 9 Assegnerai i leviti ad Aronne e ai suoi figli; essi gli sono dati tutti tra gli Israeliti. 10 Tu stabilirai Aronne e i suoi figli, perché custodiscano le funzioni del loro sacerdozio; l'estraneo che vi si accosterà sarà messo a morte».
C. La loro scelta
11 Il Signore disse a Mosè: 12 «Ecco, io ho scelto i leviti tra gli Israeliti al posto di ogni primogenito che nasce per primo dal seno materno tra gli Israeliti; i leviti saranno miei, 13 perché ogni primogenito è mio. Quando io colpii tutti i primogeniti nel paese d'Egitto, io mi riservai in Israele tutti i primogeniti degli uomini e degli animali; essi saranno miei. Io sono il Signore».
D. Il loro censimento
14 Il Signore disse a Mosè nel deserto del Sinai: 15 «Fà il censimento dei figli di Levi, secondo i casati dei loro padri e le loro famiglie; farai il censimento di tutti i maschi dall'età di un mese in su». 16 Mosè ne fece il censimento secondo l'ordine del Signore, come gli era stato comandato di fare.
17 Questi sono i figli di Levi secondo i loro nomi: Gherson, Keat e Merari. 18 Questi i nomi dei figli di Gherson, secondo le loro famiglie: Libni e Simei. 19 I figli di Keat secondo le loro famiglie: Amram, Isear, Ebron e Uzziel. 20 I figli di Merari secondo le loro famiglie: Macli e Musi. Queste sono le famiglie dei leviti secondo i loro casati paterni.
21 Da Gherson discendono la famiglia dei Libniti e la famiglia dei Simeiti, che formano le famiglie dei Ghersoniti. 22 Coloro che furono registrati, contando tutti i maschi dall'età di un mese in su, erano settemilacinquecento. 23 Le famiglie dei Ghersoniti avevano il campo dietro la Dimora, a occidente. 24 Il capo del casato paterno per i Ghersoniti era Eliasaf, figlio di Lael. 25 Per quello che riguarda la tenda del convegno i figli di Gherson avevano la custodia della Dimora e della tenda, della sua coperta, della cortina all'ingresso della tenda del convegno, 26 dei tendaggi del recinto e della cortina alla porta del recinto intorno alla Dimora e all'altare e delle corde per tutto il suo impianto.
27 Da Keat discendono la famiglia degli Amramiti, la famiglia degli Iseariti, la famiglia degli Ebroniti e la famiglia degli Uzzieliti, che formano le famiglie dei Keatiti. 28 Contando tutti i maschi dall'età di un mese in su, erano ottomilaseicento, che avevano la custodia del santuario. 29 Le famiglie dei figli di Keat avevano il campo al lato meridionale della Dimora. 30 Il capo del casato paterno per i Keatiti era Elisafan, figlio di Uzziel. 31 Alla loro custodia erano affidati l'arca, la tavola, il candelabro, gli altari e gli arredi del santuario con cui si esercita il ministero, il velo e quanto si riferisce al suo impianto. 32 Il capo supremo dei leviti era Eleazaro, figlio del sacerdote Aronne; egli aveva la sorveglianza di quelli che attendevano alla custodia del santuario.
33 Da Merari discendono la famiglia dei Macliti e la famiglia dei Musiti che formano le famiglie di Merari. 34 Coloro che furono registrati, contando tutti i maschi dall'età di un mese in su, erano seimiladuecento. 35 Il capo del casato paterno per le famiglie di Merari era Suriel, figlio di Abicail. Essi avevano il campo dal lato settentrionale della Dimora. 36 Alla custodia dei figli di Merari furono affidati le tavole della Dimora, le sue stanghe, le sue colonne e le loro basi, tutti i suoi arredi e quanto si riferisce al suo impianto, 37 le colonne del recinto tutto intorno, le loro basi, i loro picchetti e le loro corde. 38 Sul davanti della Dimora a oriente, di fronte alla tenda del convegno, verso levante, avevano il campo Mosè, Aronne e i suoi figli; essi avevano la custodia del santuario invece degli Israeliti; l'estraneo che vi si avvicinava sarebbe stato messo a morte.
39 Tutti i leviti di cui Mosè e Aronne fecero il censimento secondo le loro famiglie per ordine del Signore, tutti i maschi dall'età di un mese in su, erano ventiduemila.
E. I leviti e il riscatto dei primogeniti
40 Il Signore disse a Mosè: «Fà il censimento di tutti i primogeniti maschi tra gli Israeliti dall'età di un mese in su e fà il censimento dei loro nomi. 41 Prenderai i leviti per me - Io sono il Signore - invece di tutti i primogeniti degli Israeliti e il bestiame dei leviti invece dei primi parti del bestiame degli Israeliti».
42 Mosè fece il censimento di tutti i primogeniti tra gli Israeliti, secondo l'ordine che il Signore gli aveva dato. 43 Tutti i primogeniti maschi che furono registrati, contando i nomi dall'età di un mese in su, furono ventiduemiladuecentosettantatrè.
44 Il Signore parlò a Mosè: 45 «Prendi i leviti invece di tutti i primogeniti degli Israeliti e il bestiame dei leviti invece del loro bestiame; i leviti saranno miei. Io sono il Signore. 46 Per il riscatto dei duecentosettantatrè primogeniti degli Israeliti che oltrepassano il numero dei leviti, 47 prenderai cinque sicli a testa; li prenderai secondo il siclo del santuario, che è di venti ghera. 48 Darai il denaro ad Aronne e ai suoi figli per il riscatto di quelli che oltrepassano il numero dei leviti». 49 Mosè prese il denaro per il riscatto di quelli che oltrepassavano il numero dei primogeniti riscattati dai leviti; 50 prese il denaro dai primogeniti degli Israeliti: milletrecentosessantacinque sicli, secondo il siclo del santuario. 51 Mosè diede il denaro del riscatto ad Aronne e ai suoi figli, secondo l'ordine del Signore, come il Signore aveva ordinato a Mosè.
I gruppi dei leviti:
A. I Keatiti
4 Il Signore disse ancora a Mosè e ad Aronne: 2 «Fate il censimento dei figli di Keat, tra i figli di Levi, secondo le loro famiglie e secondo i loro casati paterni, 3 dall'età di trent'anni fino all'età di cinquant'anni, di quanti fanno parte di una schiera e prestano la loro opera nella tenda del convegno. 4 Questo è il servizio che i figli di Keat dovranno fare nella tenda del convegno e che riguarda le cose santissime. 5 Quando il campo si dovrà muovere, Aronne e i suoi figli verranno a smontare il velo della cortina e copriranno con esso l'arca della testimonianza; 6 poi porranno sull'arca una coperta di pelli di tasso, vi stenderanno sopra un drappo tutto di porpora viola e metteranno a posto le stanghe. 7 Poi stenderanno un drappo di porpora viola sulla tavola dell'offerta e vi metteranno sopra i piatti, le coppe, le anfore, le tazze per le libazioni; vi sarà sopra anche il pane perenne; 8 su queste cose stenderanno un drappo scarlatto e sopra questo una coperta di pelli di tasso e metteranno le stanghe alla tavola. 9 Poi prenderanno un drappo di porpora viola, con cui copriranno il candelabro della luce, le sue lampade, i suoi smoccolatoi, i suoi portacenere e tutti i vasi per l'olio destinati al suo servizio; 10 metteranno il candelabro con tutti i suoi accessori in una coperta di pelli di tasso e lo metteranno sopra la portantina. 11 Poi stenderanno sull'altare d'oro un drappo di porpora viola e sopra questo una coperta di pelli di tasso e metteranno le stanghe all'altare. 12 Prenderanno tutti gli arredi che si usano per il servizio nel santuario, li metteranno in un drappo di porpora viola, li avvolgeranno in una coperta di pelli di tasso e li metteranno sopra la portantina. 13 Poi toglieranno le ceneri dall'altare e stenderanno sull'altare un drappo scarlatto; 14 vi metteranno sopra tutti gli arredi che si usano nel suo servizio, i bracieri, le forchette, le pale, i vasi per l'aspersione, tutti gli accessori dell'altare e vi stenderanno sopra una coperta di pelli di tasso, poi porranno le stanghe all'altare. 15 Quando Aronne e i suoi figli avranno finito di coprire il santuario e tutti gli arredi del santuario, al momento di muovere il campo, i figli di Keat verranno per trasportare quelle cose; ma non toccheranno le cose sante, perché non muoiano. Questo è l'incarico dei figli di Keat nella tenda del convegno.
16 Eleazaro, figlio del sacerdote Aronne, avrà la sorveglianza dell'olio per il candelabro, del profumo aromatico dell'offerta perenne e dell'olio dell'unzione e la sorveglianza di tutta la Dimora e di quanto contiene, del santuario e dei suoi arredi».
17 Il Signore parlò a Mosè e ad Aronne: 18 «Badate che la tribù delle famiglie dei Keatiti non venga eliminata dai leviti; 19 ma fate questo per loro, perché vivano e non muoiano quando si accostano al luogo santissimo: Aronne e i suoi figli vengano e assegnino a ciascuno di essi il proprio servizio e il proprio incarico. 20 Non entrino essi a guardare neanche per un istante le cose sante, perché morirebbero».
B. I Ghersoniti
21 Il Signore disse a Mosè: 22 «Fà il censimento anche dei figli di Gherson, secondo i loro casati paterni e secondo le loro famiglie. 23 Farai il censimento dall'età di trent'anni fino all'età di cinquant'anni di quanti fanno parte di una schiera e prestano servizio nella tenda del convegno. 24 Questo è il servizio delle famiglie dei Ghersoniti, quel che dovranno fare e quello che dovranno portare. 25 Essi porteranno i teli della Dimora e la tenda del convegno, la sua copertura, la copertura di pelli di tasso che vi è sopra e la cortina all'ingresso della tenda del convegno; 26 i tendaggi del recinto con la cortina all'ingresso del recinto, i tendaggi che stanno intorno alla Dimora e all'altare; le loro corde e tutti gli arredi necessari al loro impianto; faranno tutto il servizio che si riferisce a queste cose. 27 Tutto il servizio dei figli dei Ghersoniti sarà sotto gli ordini di Aronne e dei suoi figli per quanto dovranno portare e per quanto dovranno fare; voi affiderete alla loro custodia quanto dovranno portare. 28 Tale è il servizio delle famiglie dei figli dei Ghersoniti nella tenda del convegno; la loro sorveglianza sarà affidata a Itamar, figlio del sacerdote Aronne.
C. I Merariti
29 Farai il censimento dei figli di Merari secondo le loro famiglie e secondo i loro casati paterni; 30 farai il censimento, dall'età di trent'anni fino all'età di cinquant'anni, di quanti fanno parte di una schiera e prestano servizio nella tenda del convegno. 31 Ciò è quanto è affidato alla loro custodia e quello che dovranno portare come loro servizio nella tenda del convegno: le assi della Dimora, le sue stanghe, le sue colonne, le sue basi, 32 le colonne che sono intorno al recinto, le loro basi, i loro picchetti, le loro corde, tutti i loro arredi e tutto il loro impianto. Elencherete per nome gli oggetti affidati alla loro custodia e che essi dovranno portare. 33 Tale è il servizio delle famiglie dei figli di Merari, tutto il loro servizio nella tenda del convegno, sotto gli ordini di Itamar, figlio del sacerdote Aronne».
Censimento dei leviti
34 Mosè, Aronne e i capi della comunità fecero dunque il censimento dei figli dei Keatiti secondo le loro famiglie e secondo i loro casati paterni, 35 di quanti dall'età di trent'anni fino all'età di cinquant'anni potevano far parte di una schiera e prestar servizio nella tenda del convegno. 36 Quelli di cui si fece il censimento secondo le loro famiglie furono duemilasettecentocinquanta. 37 Questi appartengono alle famiglie dei Keatiti dei quali si fece il censimento: quanti prestavano servizio nella tenda del convegno; Mosè e Aronne ne fecero il censimento secondo l'ordine che il Signore aveva dato per mezzo di Mosè.
38 I figli di Gherson, di cui si fece il censimento secondo le loro famiglie e secondo i loro casati paterni, 39 dall'età di trent'anni fino all'età di cinquant'anni, quanti potevano far parte di una schiera e prestar servizio nella tenda del convegno, 40 quelli di cui si fece il censimento secondo le loro famiglie e secondo i loro casati paterni, furono duemilaseicentotrenta. 41 Questi appartengono alle famiglie dei figli di Gherson, di cui si fece il censimento: quanti prestavano servizio nella tenda del convegno; Mosè e Aronne ne fecero il censimento secondo l'ordine del Signore.
42 Quelli delle famiglie dei figli di Merari dei quali si fece il censimento secondo le loro famiglie e i loro casati paterni, 43 dall'età di trent'anni fino all'età di cinquant'anni, quanti potevano far parte di una schiera e prestar servizio nella tenda del convegno, 44 quelli di cui si fece il censimento, secondo le loro famiglie, furono tremiladuecento. 45 Questi appartengono alle famiglie dei figli di Merari, di cui si fece il censimento; Mosè e Aronne ne fecero il censimento secondo l'ordine che il Signore aveva dato per mezzo di Mosè.
46 Tutti i leviti dei quali Mosè, Aronne e i capi d'Israele fecero il censimento secondo le loro famiglie e secondo i loro casati paterni, 47 dall'età di trent'anni fino all'età di cinquant'anni, quanti potevano far parte di una schiera e prestar servizio e portare pesi nella tenda del convegno, 48 tutti quelli di cui si fece il censimento, furono ottomilacinquecentottanta. 49 Ne fu fatto il censimento secondo l'ordine che il Signore aveva dato per mezzo di Mosè, assegnando a ciascuno il servizio che doveva fare e ciò che doveva portare. Così ne fu fatto il censimento come il Signore aveva ordinato a Mosè.
民数记 3-4
Chinese Contemporary Bible (Simplified)
民数记 3-4
Chinese Contemporary Bible (Simplified)
利未人的职分
3 以下是耶和华在西奈山与摩西说话期间亚伦和摩西的后代。
2 亚伦的长子是拿答，其他儿子还有亚比户、以利亚撒和以他玛。 3 亚伦的儿子都是受膏的祭司，从摩西那里承受圣职做祭司。 4 拿答和亚比户在西奈旷野用凡火向耶和华献祭，因而被击杀。他们没有后裔，因此只剩下以利亚撒和以他玛在父亲亚伦身边担任祭司。
5 耶和华对摩西说： 6 “你去叫利未支派来协助亚伦祭司。 7 他们要为亚伦和全体会众在会幕司职，办理圣幕的事务， 8 也要负责看守会幕里面的器具，为以色列人办理圣幕的事务。 9 你要把利未人交给亚伦父子们，因为他们是从以色列人中选出来协助亚伦的。 10 你要指派亚伦父子们尽祭司的职分，其他人若走近圣幕，必被处死。” 11 耶和华又对摩西说： 12 “我从以色列人中拣选利未人代替以色列人所有的长子。利未人要属于我， 13 因为所有头生的都属于我。我杀死埃及人所有的长子和头生的牲畜那天，已把以色列人所有的长子和头生的牲畜都分别出来，使之圣洁，归给我，我是耶和华。”
14 耶和华在西奈旷野对摩西说： 15 “你要按利未人的宗族和家系统计他们的人口，登记所有年龄在一个月以上的男性。” 16 于是，摩西照耶和华的吩咐统计利未人。 17 利未的儿子是革顺、哥辖和米拉利。 18 革顺的儿子依次是立尼和示每。 19 哥辖的儿子依次是暗兰、以斯哈、希伯仑和乌薛。 20 米拉利的儿子依次是抹利和姆示。他们按家系都属于利未人的宗族。
21 革顺宗族有立尼和示每两个家族， 22 其中年龄在一个月以上的男性共七千五百人。 23 革顺宗族的人要在圣幕的后面，即西面安营， 24 拉伊勒的儿子以利雅萨做首领。 25 他们负责看守会幕，即圣幕、圣幕的罩棚、顶盖和门帘、 26 围绕圣幕和祭坛的院子的帷幔、门帘、绳索及一切相关的物品。
27 哥辖宗族有暗兰家族、以斯哈家族、希伯仑家族和乌薛家族， 28 其中年龄在一个月以上的男性共有八千六百人，他们负责看守圣所。 29 哥辖宗族的人要在圣幕南面安营， 30 乌薛的儿子以利撒反做首领。 31 他们负责照管约柜、桌子、灯台、两座坛、圣所里面的器具、幔子等一切物品。 32 亚伦祭司的儿子以利亚撒是利未人的最高首领，负责监督在圣所工作的人。
33 米拉利宗族有抹利和姆示两个家族， 34 其中年龄在一个月以上的男性共六千二百人， 35 亚比亥的儿子苏列做首领。他们要在圣幕的北面安营， 36 负责照管圣幕的木板、横闩、柱子、带凹槽的底座和圣幕的一切器具， 37 以及院子四周的柱子、带凹槽的底座、橛子和绳索。
38 摩西、亚伦和亚伦的儿子们要在圣幕东面、朝日出的方向安营，为以色列人在圣所司职。凡擅自走近圣所的人，都要被处死。 39 摩西和亚伦照耶和华的吩咐，按宗族统计利未人，年龄在一个月以上的男性共两万二千人。
利未人代替长子的地位
40 耶和华对摩西说：“你要统计以色列人中年龄在一个月以上的长子，登记他们的姓名。 41 我是耶和华，你要把利未人归给我，代替以色列人所有的长子，也要把利未人的牲畜献给我，代替以色列人所有头生的牲畜。” 42 摩西就照耶和华的吩咐统计了以色列人的长子， 43 年龄在一个月以上的共两万二千二百七十三人。 44 耶和华又对摩西说： 45 “你要用利未人代替以色列人所有的长子，用利未人的牲畜代替以色列人所有头生的牲畜。利未人是属于我的，我是耶和华。 46 以色列人所有长子的人数比利未人总数多二百七十三人，这些多出来的人需要被赎回， 47 每人折合五十五克银子，要以圣所的秤为准，即一舍客勒[a]是二十季拉。 48 要把赎银交给亚伦父子们。” 49 摩西就收取了那二百七十三人的赎银， 50 以圣所的秤计算，共十五公斤银子， 51 照耶和华的吩咐，将赎银交给亚伦父子们。
哥辖子孙的职责
4 耶和华对摩西和亚伦说： 2 “你要按宗族和家系统计利未人中哥辖子孙的人数， 3 登记三十岁到五十岁、可在会幕司职的男子。 4 他们在会幕里管理至圣之物。
5 “拔营出发的时候，亚伦父子们要进会幕解下圣所和至圣所之间的幔子，用它遮盖约柜， 6 再在上面依次盖上海狗皮和纯蓝色的布，然后穿上抬约柜的横杠。
7 “要在摆放供饼的桌子上铺一块蓝布，把盘、碟、杯和献酒用的瓶子摆在上面。桌上要有供饼。 8 这些东西上面要盖朱红色的布，再盖上海狗皮，然后穿上抬桌子的横杠。
9 “要用蓝布把灯台、灯盏、蜡剪、蜡盘和盛油的器皿全遮盖起来， 10 再在上面盖上海狗皮，然后放在抬架上。
11 “金香坛上面要盖蓝色布，再盖上海狗皮，穿上抬金香坛的横杠。
12 “圣所里面一切器皿都要用蓝色布包好，盖上海狗皮，放在抬架上。
13 “要清除祭坛上的灰烬，铺上紫色布， 14 然后把火鼎、肉叉、铲、碗等祭坛的器具放在上面，再盖上海狗皮，穿上抬祭坛的横杠。
15 “拔营出发时，哥辖的子孙要等到亚伦父子们把圣所和圣所的器具都盖好后，才可以来抬。他们负责抬这些会幕的器具，但不可触摸这些圣物，免得死亡。 16 亚伦祭司的儿子以利亚撒负责管理整个圣幕及里面的灯油、香料、素祭、膏油等一切物品。”
17 耶和华对摩西和亚伦说： 18 “不要让哥辖宗族在利未人中灭绝。 19 他们走近至圣之物以前，亚伦父子们要先进去指派他们做什么、抬什么，以免他们死亡。 20 他们不可进去看圣物，一刻都不可，免得死亡。”
革顺子孙的职责
21 耶和华对摩西说： 22 “你要按宗族和家系统计革顺子孙的人数， 23 登记三十岁到五十岁、可在会幕司职的男子。 24 以下是他们负责的事务。
25 “他们要抬圣幕的幔子、会幕、会幕顶盖、顶盖上的海狗皮、会幕门帘、 26 围绕圣幕和祭坛的院子的帷幔、院门门帘、绳索等器具，还负责其他相关事务。 27 你们要把任务分配给革顺的子孙，他们要遵照亚伦父子们的吩咐司职。 28 这是革顺宗族的人在会幕里的职责，他们要按祭司亚伦的儿子以他玛的吩咐司职。
米拉利子孙的职责
29 “你要按宗族和家系统计米拉利子孙的人数， 30 登记三十岁到五十岁、可在会幕司职的男子。 31 他们在会幕里负责抬圣幕的木板、横闩、柱子、带凹槽的底座， 32 院子四周的柱子及其带凹槽的底座、橛子、绳索和其他相关器具。你们要把当抬的物件一一指派给他们。 33 这是米拉利宗族的人在会幕的职责，由祭司亚伦的儿子以他玛监督。”
34 于是，摩西、亚伦和会众的首领按宗族和家系统计哥辖的子孙， 35 登记了三十岁到五十岁、可在会幕司职的男子， 36 共两千七百五十人。 37 这是哥辖宗族在会幕司职的人数，是摩西和亚伦照耶和华的吩咐统计的。
38-40 按宗族和家系统计，革顺的子孙中三十岁到五十岁、可在会幕司职的共两千六百三十人。 41 这是革顺宗族在会幕司职的人数，是摩西和亚伦照耶和华的吩咐统计的。
42-44 按宗族和家系统计，米拉利的子孙中三十岁到五十岁、可在会幕司职的共三千二百人。 45 这是米拉利宗族的人数，是摩西和亚伦照耶和华的吩咐统计的。
46 摩西、亚伦和以色列人的首领按宗族和家系统计了利未人的人数， 47-48 三十岁到五十岁可司职、搬运会幕器具的利未人共八千五百八十人。 49 照耶和华对摩西的吩咐，每个人都被统计在内，都有指定的职责和当抬的器具。这样，照耶和华对摩西的吩咐，人口统计完毕。
Footnotes
- 3:47 一舍客勒约合十一克。
Numbers 3-4
New International Version
Numbers 3-4
New International Version
The Levites
3 This is the account of the family of Aaron and Moses(A) at the time the Lord spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai.(B)
2 The names of the sons of Aaron were Nadab the firstborn(C) and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.(D) 3 Those were the names of Aaron’s sons, the anointed priests,(E) who were ordained to serve as priests. 4 Nadab and Abihu, however, died before the Lord(F) when they made an offering with unauthorized fire before him in the Desert of Sinai.(G) They had no sons, so Eleazar and Ithamar(H) served as priests during the lifetime of their father Aaron.(I)
5 The Lord said to Moses, 6 “Bring the tribe of Levi(J) and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.(K) 7 They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community(L) at the tent of meeting by doing the work(M) of the tabernacle. 8 They are to take care of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle. 9 Give the Levites to Aaron and his sons;(N) they are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to him.[a] 10 Appoint Aaron(O) and his sons to serve as priests;(P) anyone else who approaches the sanctuary is to be put to death.”(Q)
11 The Lord also said to Moses, 12 “I have taken the Levites(R) from among the Israelites in place of the first male offspring(S) of every Israelite woman. The Levites are mine,(T) 13 for all the firstborn are mine.(U) When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set apart for myself every firstborn in Israel, whether human or animal. They are to be mine. I am the Lord.”(V)
14 The Lord said to Moses in the Desert of Sinai,(W) 15 “Count(X) the Levites by their families and clans. Count every male a month old or more.”(Y) 16 So Moses counted them, as he was commanded by the word of the Lord.
17 These were the names of the sons of Levi:(Z)
Gershon,(AA) Kohath(AB) and Merari.(AC)
18 These were the names of the Gershonite clans:
Libni and Shimei.(AD)
19 The Kohathite clans:
Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel.(AE)
20 The Merarite clans:(AF)
Mahli and Mushi.(AG)
These were the Levite clans, according to their families.
21 To Gershon(AH) belonged the clans of the Libnites and Shimeites;(AI) these were the Gershonite clans. 22 The number of all the males a month old or more who were counted was 7,500. 23 The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle.(AJ) 24 The leader of the families of the Gershonites was Eliasaph son of Lael. 25 At the tent of meeting the Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle(AK) and tent, its coverings,(AL) the curtain at the entrance(AM) to the tent of meeting,(AN) 26 the curtains of the courtyard(AO), the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar,(AP) and the ropes(AQ)—and everything(AR) related to their use.
27 To Kohath(AS) belonged the clans of the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites and Uzzielites;(AT) these were the Kohathite(AU) clans. 28 The number of all the males a month old or more(AV) was 8,600.[b] The Kohathites were responsible(AW) for the care of the sanctuary.(AX) 29 The Kohathite clans were to camp on the south side(AY) of the tabernacle. 30 The leader of the families of the Kohathite clans was Elizaphan(AZ) son of Uzziel. 31 They were responsible for the care of the ark,(BA) the table,(BB) the lampstand,(BC) the altars,(BD) the articles(BE) of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain,(BF) and everything related to their use.(BG) 32 The chief leader of the Levites was Eleazar(BH) son of Aaron, the priest. He was appointed over those who were responsible(BI) for the care of the sanctuary.(BJ)
33 To Merari belonged the clans of the Mahlites and the Mushites;(BK) these were the Merarite clans.(BL) 34 The number of all the males a month old or more(BM) who were counted was 6,200. 35 The leader of the families of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.(BN) 36 The Merarites were appointed(BO) to take care of the frames of the tabernacle,(BP) its crossbars,(BQ) posts,(BR) bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use,(BS) 37 as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard(BT) with their bases, tent pegs(BU) and ropes.
38 Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp to the east(BV) of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, in front of the tent of meeting.(BW) They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary(BX) on behalf of the Israelites. Anyone else who approached the sanctuary was to be put to death.(BY)
39 The total number of Levites counted(BZ) at the Lord’s command by Moses and Aaron according to their clans, including every male a month old or more, was 22,000.(CA)
40 The Lord said to Moses, “Count all the firstborn Israelite males who are a month old or more(CB) and make a list of their names.(CC) 41 Take the Levites for me in place of all the firstborn of the Israelites,(CD) and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites. I am the Lord.”(CE)
42 So Moses counted all the firstborn of the Israelites, as the Lord commanded him. 43 The total number of firstborn males a month old or more,(CF) listed by name, was 22,273.(CG)
44 The Lord also said to Moses, 45 “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites are to be mine.(CH) I am the Lord.(CI) 46 To redeem(CJ) the 273 firstborn Israelites who exceed the number of the Levites, 47 collect five shekels[c](CK) for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel,(CL) which weighs twenty gerahs.(CM) 48 Give the money for the redemption(CN) of the additional Israelites to Aaron and his sons.”(CO)
49 So Moses collected the redemption money(CP) from those who exceeded the number redeemed by the Levites. 50 From the firstborn of the Israelites(CQ) he collected silver weighing 1,365 shekels,[d](CR) according to the sanctuary shekel. 51 Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, as he was commanded by the word of the Lord.
The Kohathites
4 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 2 “Take a census(CS) of the Kohathite branch of the Levites by their clans and families. 3 Count(CT) all the men from thirty to fifty years of age(CU) who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting.
4 “This is the work(CV) of the Kohathites(CW) at the tent of meeting: the care of the most holy things.(CX) 5 When the camp is to move,(CY) Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the shielding curtain(CZ) and put it over the ark of the covenant law.(DA) 6 Then they are to cover the curtain with a durable leather,[e](DB) spread a cloth of solid blue over that and put the poles(DC) in place.
7 “Over the table of the Presence(DD) they are to spread a blue cloth and put on it the plates, dishes and bowls, and the jars for drink offerings;(DE) the bread that is continually there(DF) is to remain on it. 8 They are to spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover that with the durable leather and put the poles(DG) in place.
9 “They are to take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand that is for light, together with its lamps, its wick trimmers and trays,(DH) and all its jars for the olive oil used to supply it. 10 Then they are to wrap it and all its accessories in a covering of the durable leather and put it on a carrying frame.(DI)
11 “Over the gold altar(DJ) they are to spread a blue cloth and cover that with the durable leather and put the poles(DK) in place.
12 “They are to take all the articles(DL) used for ministering in the sanctuary, wrap them in a blue cloth, cover that with the durable leather and put them on a carrying frame.(DM)
13 “They are to remove the ashes(DN) from the bronze altar(DO) and spread a purple cloth over it. 14 Then they are to place on it all the utensils(DP) used for ministering at the altar, including the firepans,(DQ) meat forks,(DR) shovels(DS) and sprinkling bowls.(DT) Over it they are to spread a covering of the durable leather and put the poles(DU) in place.
15 “After Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy furnishings and all the holy articles, and when the camp is ready to move,(DV) only then are the Kohathites(DW) to come and do the carrying.(DX) But they must not touch the holy things(DY) or they will die.(DZ) The Kohathites are to carry those things that are in the tent of meeting.
16 “Eleazar(EA) son of Aaron, the priest, is to have charge of the oil for the light,(EB) the fragrant incense,(EC) the regular grain offering(ED) and the anointing oil. He is to be in charge of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including its holy furnishings and articles.”
17 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 18 “See that the Kohathite tribal clans are not destroyed from among the Levites. 19 So that they may live and not die when they come near the most holy things,(EE) do this for them: Aaron and his sons(EF) are to go into the sanctuary and assign to each man his work and what he is to carry.(EG) 20 But the Kohathites must not go in to look(EH) at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die.”
The Gershonites
21 The Lord said to Moses, 22 “Take a census also of the Gershonites by their families and clans. 23 Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age(EI) who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting.
24 “This is the service of the Gershonite clans in their carrying and their other work: 25 They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle,(EJ) that is, the tent of meeting,(EK) its covering(EL) and its outer covering of durable leather, the curtains for the entrance to the tent of meeting, 26 the curtains of the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar,(EM) the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard,(EN) the ropes and all the equipment(EO) used in the service of the tent. The Gershonites are to do all that needs to be done with these things. 27 All their service, whether carrying or doing other work, is to be done under the direction of Aaron and his sons.(EP) You shall assign to them as their responsibility(EQ) all they are to carry. 28 This is the service of the Gershonite clans(ER) at the tent of meeting. Their duties are to be under the direction of Ithamar(ES) son of Aaron, the priest.
The Merarites
29 “Count(ET) the Merarites by their clans and families.(EU) 30 Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting. 31 As part of all their service at the tent, they are to carry the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts and bases,(EV) 32 as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, ropes,(EW) all their equipment and everything related to their use. Assign to each man the specific things he is to carry. 33 This is the service of the Merarite clans as they work at the tent of meeting under the direction of Ithamar(EX) son of Aaron, the priest.”
The Numbering of the Levite Clans
34 Moses, Aaron and the leaders of the community counted the Kohathites(EY) by their clans and families. 35 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age(EZ) who came to serve in the work at the tent of meeting, 36 counted by clans, were 2,750. 37 This was the total of all those in the Kohathite clans(FA) who served at the tent of meeting. Moses and Aaron counted them according to the Lord’s command through Moses.
38 The Gershonites(FB) were counted by their clans and families. 39 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to serve in the work at the tent of meeting, 40 counted by their clans and families, were 2,630. 41 This was the total of those in the Gershonite clans who served at the tent of meeting. Moses and Aaron counted them according to the Lord’s command.
42 The Merarites were counted by their clans and families. 43 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age(FC) who came to serve in the work at the tent of meeting, 44 counted by their clans, were 3,200. 45 This was the total of those in the Merarite clans.(FD) Moses and Aaron counted them according to the Lord’s command through Moses.
46 So Moses, Aaron and the leaders of Israel counted(FE) all the Levites by their clans and families. 47 All the men from thirty to fifty years of age(FF) who came to do the work of serving and carrying the tent of meeting 48 numbered 8,580.(FG) 49 At the Lord’s command through Moses, each was assigned his work and told what to carry.
Thus they were counted,(FH) as the Lord commanded Moses.
Footnotes
- Numbers 3:9 Most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text; some manuscripts of the Masoretic Text, Samaritan Pentateuch and Septuagint (see also 8:16) to me
- Numbers 3:28 Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts 8,300
- Numbers 3:47 That is, about 2 ounces or about 58 grams
- Numbers 3:50 That is, about 35 pounds or about 16 kilograms
- Numbers 4:6 Possibly the hides of large aquatic mammals; also in verses 8, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 25
Numbers 3-4
King James Version
Numbers 3-4
King James Version
3 These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the Lord spake with Moses in mount Sinai.
2 And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
3 These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office.
4 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.
5 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
6 Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.
7 And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle.
8 And they shall keep all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.
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.
10 And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
11 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
12 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;
13 Because all the firstborn are mine; for on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast: mine shall they be: I am the Lord.
14 And the Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,
15 Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them.
16 And Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord, as he was commanded.
17 And these were the sons of Levi by their names; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.
18 And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families; Libni, and Shimei.
19 And the sons of Kohath by their families; Amram, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel.
20 And the sons of Merari by their families; Mahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers.
21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimites: these are the families of the Gershonites.
22 Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand and five hundred.
23 The families of the Gershonites shall pitch behind the tabernacle westward.
24 And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael.
25 And the charge of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,
26 And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.
27 And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
28 In the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were eight thousand and six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.
29 The families of the sons of Kohath shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle southward.
30 And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel.
31 And their charge shall be the ark, and the table, and the candlestick, and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they minister, and the hanging, and all the service thereof.
32 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and have the oversight of them that keep the charge of the sanctuary.
33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari.
34 And those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, were six thousand and two hundred.
35 And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.
36 And under the custody and charge of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto,
37 And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords.
38 But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
39 All that were numbered of the Levites, which Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the Lord, throughout their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty and two thousand.
40 And the Lord said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.
41 And thou shalt take the Levites for me (I am the Lord) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstlings among the cattle of the children of Israel.
42 And Moses numbered, as the Lord commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel.
43 And all the firstborn males by the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those that were numbered of them, were twenty and two thousand two hundred and threescore and thirteen.
44 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
45 Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle; and the Levites shall be mine: I am the Lord.
46 And for those that are to be redeemed of the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of the firstborn of the children of Israel, which are more than the Levites;
47 Thou shalt even take five shekels apiece by the poll, after the shekel of the sanctuary shalt thou take them: (the shekel is twenty gerahs:)
48 And thou shalt give the money, wherewith the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons.
49 And Moses took the redemption money of them that were over and above them that were redeemed by the Levites:
50 Of the firstborn of the children of Israel took he the money; a thousand three hundred and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:
51 And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed unto Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses.
4 And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
2 Take the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the sons of Levi, after their families, by the house of their fathers,
3 From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
4 This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things:
5 And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it:
6 And shall put thereon the covering of badgers' skins, and shall spread over it a cloth wholly of blue, and shall put in the staves thereof.
7 And upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to cover withal: and the continual bread shall be thereon:
8 And they shall spread upon them a cloth of scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put in the staves thereof.
9 And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover the candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and his tongs, and his snuffdishes, and all the oil vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it:
10 And they shall put it and all the vessels thereof within a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put it upon a bar.
11 And upon the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:
12 And they shall take all the instruments of ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put them on a bar:
13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth thereon:
14 And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.
15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it: but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.
16 And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.
17 And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron saying,
18 Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites:
19 But thus do unto them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach unto the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in, and appoint them every one to his service and to his burden:
20 But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.
21 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
22 Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families;
23 From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens:
25 And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation,
26 And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve.
27 At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens.
28 This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
29 As for the sons of Merari, thou shalt number them after their families, by the house of their fathers;
30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
32 And the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name ye shall reckon the instruments of the charge of their burden.
33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service, in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
34 And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites after their families, and after the house of their fathers,
35 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation:
36 And those that were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty.
37 These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
38 And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,
39 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation,
40 Even those that were numbered of them, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, were two thousand and six hundred and thirty.
41 These are they that were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all that might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, whom Moses and Aaron did number according to the commandment of the Lord.
42 And those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers,
43 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation,
44 Even those that were numbered of them after their families, were three thousand and two hundred.
45 These be those that were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
46 All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chief of Israel numbered, after their families, and after the house of their fathers,
47 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation.
48 Even those that were numbered of them, were eight thousand and five hundred and fourscore,
49 According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as the Lord commanded Moses.
Chinese Contemporary Bible (Simplified) (CCB)
Chinese Contemporary Bible Copyright © 1979, 2005, 2007, 2011 by Biblica® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
New International Version (NIV) 
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.